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Dog Behavior

Why dogs bark, bite, jump, chew, dig and whine, and simple step-by-step, reward-based training plans to change each behavior for good.

Two dogs looking up attentively at their owner
Dog Behavior5 min read

Dog Body Language: How to Read Your Dog (Chart and Guide)

How to read dog body language: what tail wags, ears, eyes, mouth and posture mean, signs of a relaxed, anxious or fearful dog, and warning signals.

Wary dog lying on the floor and looking up with worried eyes
Dog Behavior4 min read

Sounds Dogs Hate (and Why): 12 Noises That Stress Dogs Out

The sounds dogs hate most, from fireworks and vacuums to smoke alarms and high-pitched beeps, why they bother dogs, the signs to watch for, and how to help.

German Shepherd leaping over an agility jump at sunset
Dog Behavior4 min read

Dog Zoomies: Why Dogs Get Them and When to Worry

Why do dogs get the zoomies? What these sudden bursts of running mean, why they happen after baths and pooping, how to keep zoomies safe, and when to worry.

Chocolate Labrador walking happily on a loose leash beside its owner
Dog Behavior6 min read

Positive Reinforcement Dog Training: How It Works and How Other Methods Compare

What positive reinforcement dog training is, how to use it step by step, and how it compares with balanced, dominance and aversive training methods.

Black dog jumping through a colorful hoop held by its owner
Dog Sports and Activities7 min read

25 Easy Tricks to Teach Your Dog (Step by Step)

Easy tricks to teach your dog, from shake, spin and high five to roll over, play dead and putting toys away, with simple steps and tips for every level.

Calm black and white dog resting on a green sofa
Dog Behavior5 min read

Bark Collars and Anti-Barking Devices: Do They Work? (Honest Guide)

Do bark collars and anti-barking devices work? An honest look at shock, spray, ultrasonic and vibration collars, e-collar bans, and what works better.

Corgi running across a meadow with a ring toy in its mouth
Dog Behavior9 min read

Clicker Training for Dogs: A Complete Beginnerโ€™s Guide

How to clicker train a dog: charge the clicker, then capture, lure and shape new behaviors, add cues, fade the click, and fix the common beginner mistakes.

Girl looking at a young Poodle in a wire crate
Puppy Care5 min read

Puppy Crying in the Crate at Night: What to Do (and What Not To)

Puppy crying in the crate at night? Why puppies cry, whether to ignore it, a first-night plan, night toilet breaks by age, and how long the crying lasts.

Dog barking through a glass door
Dog Behavior5 min read

Does a Dog Whistle Stop Barking? How to Use One the Right Way

Does a dog whistle stop barking? Only as a trained cue. How to teach a whistle โ€œquietโ€, which frequency to use, and why it wonโ€™t silence a neighborโ€™s dog.

Jack Russell puppy surrounded by a shredded pillow
Puppy Care6 min read

How to Stop Puppy Biting and Nipping: A Calm, Step-by-Step Plan (and When It Ends)

How to stop puppy biting and nipping: why puppies bite, a step-by-step plan for hands, feet and clothes, the over-tired witching hour, and when biting stops.

Husky resting calmly on a soft mat
Dog Behavior6 min read

Dog Fireworks Anxiety: How to Keep Your Dog Calm (Before and On the Night)

Dog scared of fireworks? A week-by-week plan to prepare, how to keep your dog calm on the night, what to avoid, and when to ask your vet about medication.

Beagle licking its ownerโ€™s hand
Dog Behavior5 min read

Why Does My Dog Lick Me So Much? 8 Reasons (and How to Stop It)

Why does my dog lick me so much? Affection, taste, attention or stress. Learn what licking your face, hands or feet means, when to worry and how to stop it.

Dog walking across a lawn
Dog Behavior6 min read

Why Do Dogs Eat Grass? Reasons, Risks and When to Worry

Why do dogs eat grass? Itโ€™s usually normal. Learn the most likely reasons, why some dogs throw up afterwards, when itโ€™s a warning sign, and how to stop it.

Senior dog lying on the floor, waiting
Dog Behavior9 min read

Separation Anxiety in Dogs: Signs, Causes and a Step-by-Step Training Plan

Dog separation anxiety explained: the signs, what causes it, and a step-by-step training plan to help your dog stay calm alone, plus when to ask your vet.

Puppy pen set up with a bed, bowls, toys and a potty pad
Puppy Care6 min read

Crate Training a Puppy: Step-by-Step Guide That Works

How to crate train a puppy with positive reinforcement: a step-by-step process, an age-based crate time schedule, common mistakes, and how to handle crying.

Dog on a leash jumping up at its owner in a park
Puppy Care4 min read

Leash Training a Puppy: Step-by-Step Guide to Loose-Leash Walking

How to leash train a puppy: get them used to the harness, teach loose-leash walking step by step, and fix pulling, leash biting, lunging and refusing to walk.

Owner picking up after a puppy in the backyard
Dog Behavior7 min read

How to Potty Train a Dog: A Complete Step-by-Step House Training Guide

How to potty train (house train) a puppy or adult dog: a step-by-step plan, a daily schedule, how long it takes, night-time tips, and handling accidents.

Jack Russell puppy surrounded by a shredded pillow
Dog Behavior4 min read

How to Stop a Dog From Chewing Everything: A Practical Guide

How to stop a dog chewing everything: puppy teething, boredom and stress, plus quick fixes for furniture, shoes, cords, fabric, carpet and their own bed.

Dog jumping up at a man outdoors
Dog Behavior6 min read

How to Stop Your Dog From Jumping: Fences, People & Counters

How to stop a dog jumping: fence-proofing with extensions and coyote rollers, calm greetings so your dog stops jumping on people, and counter-surfing fixes.

Dog standing in front of a wooden dog house
Dog Behavior5 min read

How to Stop a Dog From Biting: Causes, Warning Signs and a Safe Plan

How to stop a dog from biting: why adult dogs bite, the warning signs before a bite, a safe step-by-step plan, and what to do around food, toys and children.

Sad-looking puppy lying on the floor
Dog Behavior5 min read

How to Stop a Dog From Whining: Causes and Fixes (Including at Night)

Why dogs whine and how to stop it: night-time and crate whining, attention-seeking, excitement, anxiety and pain, with a simple plan for each situation.

Dog barking aggressively
Dog Behavior7 min read

How to Stop a Dog From Barking: A Plan for Every Type of Barking

How to stop excessive barking: find the type (alert, demand, boredom, fear or separation) and follow the plan for barking at the door and at night.

Small white dog lying on a mat inside a wire crate
Dog Behavior4 min read

How to Choose a Dog Crate: Size Chart, Types & Setup Tips

How to choose a dog crate: measure your dog, use our crate size chart by breed, compare wire, plastic, wooden and heavy-duty crates, and set it up right.

Owner picking up dog poop in a backyard with a bag
Dog Health and Care6 min read

How to Stop a Dog From Eating Poop: 9 Steps That Actually Work

Why dogs eat poop (coprophagia) and how to stop it: a 9-step plan, what works and what doesnโ€™t, when to see a vet, and how to stop eating cat or dog poo.

Jack Russell Terrier digging in soil
Dog Behavior4 min read

How to Stop a Dog From Digging: 11 Strategies That Work

Why dogs dig and 11 ways to stop it: digging pits, more exercise, fence barriers and protecting plants, plus which home remedies are unsafe to use.