Category Archives: Behavior and Psychology

Saturday Survey: Signs of Aggression

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Earlier in the week, I posted a graphic showing the Canine Ladder of Aggression. Some of the signs are pretty subtle, until you know what you’re looking for. The lowest level signs, blinking / yawning / licking the nose, can also be signs of anxiety, so it doesn’t necessarily mean you have an aggressive dog. The problem is that some dogs become aggressive when they are nervous.

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Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!

How Uncomfortable Is Your Dog?

From the Twitter feed of the League for Animal Welfare:

League for Animal Welfare
League for Animal Welfare

Dogs are typically excellent communicators – and it’s our job to pay attention to what they are saying!

They will give you lots of signs that they’re feeling uncomfortable. If you ignore their first signs, dogs may have to increase their level of communication until you hear them.

It is incredibly rare that a dog bites before giving you about 10 other signs that they’re in a situation that makes them scared or frustrated.

For your safety and theirs – learn those signs, and pay attention when they communicate them to you!

#dogbehavior #learntocommunicate

Good advice and a great graphic to help you remember.

Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!

Saturday Survey: Euthanasia

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Earlier this week, I posted about the decline in euthanasia in pet shelters, but I want to ask today about the broader question of euthanasia. I have a relative who is absolutely against it under any circumstances, while I tend to think it can be a humane solution when a dog is suffering. My son, who works in a nursing home asked me the other day why we can’t euthanize old, suffering people. I tried to explain how that’s a slippery slope, but I’m not sure he heard me.

How do you feel about the practice for dogs?

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Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!