Latest news with #dogbehavior
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
German Shepherd ‘Greets Parents Like War Heroes' After Errands Like the Best Baby
German Shepherd 'Greets Parents Like War Heroes' After Errands Like the Best Baby originally appeared on Parade Pets. Leaving our pets is not an easy task. No one wants to leave them! If we could, I'm sure every pet parent in the world would take our pups with us everywhere. Unfortunately, that's just not possible, so there are times when they have to stay at home. Coming home to them is an amazing feeling, though. They greet us like we've been away for years, even if it's just been a couple of minutes! On Friday, July 11th, one German Shepherd took this hero's greeting to another level: McKenna Lopez has the babiest dog in the history of baby dogs. He may be full-grown, but he truly is the biggest baby around!This boy's name is not shared anywhere on his mom's TikTok, but there are plenty of videos about him. He's the sweetest: whenever he can, he accompanies his parents in adventures! They go on road trips, on walks, and out to other places. Unfortunately, there are just some places he's not allowed to visit. He's very well-behaved, but he's not legally a service dog. He's not allowed in most stores or restaurants, which means that errand day is a very sad day for him! That's okay. He makes up for it by taking up most of mom's bed every night: German Shepherds are a high-needs breed. They need a lot of exercise and attention to stay happy, otherwise they may develop issues like destructive tendencies or anxiety. If they're left alone for long periods every day, they may get bored. However, it's also important to train them on how to be alone. Dogs should be able to be alone for an hour or two, at least. Dogs with severe separation anxiety can be medicated or even put in daycare/boarding facilities to avoid being alone. Despite the fact that he greets them like they just got back from the war, this sweet boy does great at home alone! He just loves and misses his parents at the same time. He's perfect! 🐶🐾🐾 German Shepherd 'Greets Parents Like War Heroes' After Errands Like the Best Baby first appeared on Parade Pets on Jul 14, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade Pets on Jul 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Video: Samoyed Turns Coffee Table Into Bed When Her Usual Spot Is Occupied
What does your pooch do when you hijack their usual resting or sleeping place? Bark and throw tantrums? Well, that's what most of the pups do. But it seems like this Samoyed, Nube, does not believe in wasting her energy by barking at the owner's mistake. Instead, she finds another spot, which might not be as comfy as her usual spot, but serves the purpose. Wondering which new spot the fur baby finds? Look at the video to see Samoyed's new bed. For this Samoyed, Nube, the sofa is her favorite place in the house to rest and enjoy some TV time with her pet parents. However, when her hooman friend takes over her place, the canine does the unthinkable. Instead of showing her frustration, Nube finds a new bed, which is most likely her pet parents' favorite spot. In the video uploaded by @nubethesamoyed, the pet parent captures the hilarious move of the canine. The owner shows how, after putting 'pillows' in her 'dog's spot on the sofa' in the living room, the fur baby conveniently finds a new resting spot — the coffee table. The paw parent captures Nube getting comfortable on her new bed by lying on her back before shifting sideways to feel better. The Samoyed's idea of converting the coffee table into her bed took the owner by surprise as they mentioned in the post, 'I've now found out that whenever the pillows are set up in her spot of the sofa, that's when she goes on the coffee table,' hinting she is the queen of the house. Nube's new makeshift bed even left netizens in stitches. Many netizens expressed their viewpoint on the Instagram video, with one saying, 'I've never seen anything like this before! WOW!' While another person wrote, 'She is living her best life wherever, whenever.' Another individual mentioned, 'A natural problem solver. Smart!.' Another user commented, 'Dramatic way to resolve a dramatic problem.' The post Video: Samoyed Turns Coffee Table Into Bed When Her Usual Spot Is Occupied appeared first on DogTime.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
So, Your Dog Definitely Knows When You're Stressed–Here's How
So, Your Dog Definitely Knows When You're Stressed–Here's How originally appeared on PetHelpful. Understanding dog behavior will never not be totally interesting. From having their own love languages to specific barks having unique meanings, dogs are truly complex and amazing creatures with their own rich inner worlds. As it turns out, the bond between dog and owner goes even deeper than you might have ever imagined, so much so that a dog can even detect when their person is stressed out. 🐾 SIGN UP to get "pawsitivity" delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends along with expert advice from veterinarians and pet trainers 🐾 In an interview with American Kennel Club (AKC), Dr. Zoe Parr-Cortes, veterinarian and PhD graduate from the University of Bristol, explained how dogs can pick up on their owner's mental state through various cues."As one of our closest companions, dogs have co-evolved alongside humans for thousands of years. Because of this, both humans and dogs have learned to recognize cues in each other that signal how the other is feeling. Several studies have demonstrated that dogs respond to the sights and sounds of various human emotions, including crying, vocal tones, and facial expressions," Dr. Parr-Cortes explained to AKC. In addition, dogs also can sense stress through scent. According to research published in PLOS One, dogs can actually detect stress from sweat and breath samples through their sense of smell. In this study, baseline sweat and breath samples were taken from human participants. After that, the researchers administered math tests with the goal of causing the participants stress (side note: that would absolutely work to make me panic) and then collected a second round of samples. When the researchers presented the dogs with the samples, the canine participants could distinguish the baseline from the stress samples with over 90% accuracy thanks to a shift in the breath and sweat samples' volatile organic compounds, which is detectable to dogs' noses. More recent research conducted by Dr. Parr-Cortes and other members of the Animal Welfare and Behaviour Group at Bristol Vet School sought to understand exactly what it is the dogs are smelling that allow them to detect stress in those samples. While it was unclear whether the dogs in this particular study were responding to the humans' cortisol, adrenaline or other stress markers, this study opened up more avenues to further test what the dogs are sensing that makes them detect stress. Either way, pretty interesting stuff!So, Your Dog Definitely Knows When You're Stressed–Here's How first appeared on PetHelpful on Jun 23, 2025 This story was originally reported by PetHelpful on Jun 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
The Sun
02-07-2025
- The Sun
Cops want to KILL my 5-ft tall Tibetan Mastiff Simba after he ‘jumped' on my pal – he looks vicious but he's a softie
A DOG owner is battling to stop her beloved pet from being put down after it was seized by cops for "jumping at" one of her friends. Zoe Snodin, 39, was left stunned when police seized her giant Tibetan Mastiff, Simba, after he leapt at a woman - catching its teeth on her jumper. 13 13 13 Police have since applied to have the 50kg hound put to sleep, labelling it a "dangerous dog." Zoe claims her friend was left uninjured from the incident, which occurred in her garden in Fishlake, Doncaster on May 16. She also claims that her pal has not made a formal complaint to the police but it was referred to officers when the friend mentioned it to her GP. The mum of five claims Simba was being "overprotective" when the woman walked into her front garden unannounced. Now Zoe is raising funds to fight the destruction order and pay for another 'dog behavioural test.' She said: "Simba is just a protective dog. "He was just standing his ground until I arrived. "He has never hurt anybody and still hasn't - he is a kind and compassionate dog." Zoe added: "He must have felt threatened by the woman that's why he jumped up at her, though it was never malicious." She explained that he is a big animal, standing over five feet on his back legs, so can easily spook people. Moment biker woman riding with DOG strapped to her is pulled over by stunned cop - before making bizarre 'Temu' excuse Zoe said that as soon as she arrived back home, the canine was back to his relaxed, normal self. In a desperate plea to keep her pet, she said: "Simba is not just a dog – he's part of our family - we desperately want him back home. "This situation has been heartbreaking but I remain hopeful that justice and compassion will prevail." South Yorkshire Police said they are aware of an "alleged dog attack" involving a Tibetan Mastiff in the area and seized the dog whilst "enquiries progressed". 13 13 13 The incident took place earlier this year, after Zoe's daughter returned home from a party nearby. Isla, 11, was being dropped off by the friend who was also at the SATs party when the incident occurred. Zoe explained that she had heard Isla walk through the front door and asked her if she had said "thank you" to the lady for dropping her off - that's when she saw her walking down their driveway towards the house. She said: "When I saw the woman walking towards my home I knew Simba may decide to stand his ground before I arrived to greet her. "I ran outside whilst calling for Simba to let him know it was okay as I didn't want him to do anything silly. "He must have felt threatened by the lady and just jumped up at her and got his teeth caught on her jumper in the process. "He is a big dog so he would spook a lot of people." Zoe has claimed that by the time Simba knew the lady was okay to be on the property, she had already left and driven away. Zoe's property is surrounded by an eight foot fence where several 'beware of dogs' warning signs hang. She is also "wary" of people entering her property unannounced as she owns four other large breeds including two Cane Corsos, Kimba and Karma, a Mastiff cross Saint Bernard called Reeva, and a Rottweiler called Phoenix. She says the dogs are "extremely friendly" having taken part in several local "fun" dog shows but understands people may feel "intimidated" by their size. Which dog breeds are banned in the UK THERE are specific regulations in place that prohibit certain dog breeds from being owned or bred in the UK. So what are the illegal dogs in the UK and why are they illegal? Here's what we know. Which dog breeds are illegal in the UK? People tend to think of large, vicious dogs when they imagine being bitten by one. But the truth is that many types of dogs are known to bite humans, whether provoked or not. However, it's important to remember that just because a breed tends to bite humans, that doesn't mean that they all do. British law determines five breeds of dog are illegal to own, breed, sell or give away. These breeds are: XL Bullies Pit Bull Terriers Japanese Tosas Dogo Argentinos Fila Brasileiros The stay-at-home mum explained she called the woman over the weekend to "apologise" for Simba's behaviour and the woman agreed not to go to the police. But it wasn't until three days later that Zoe said she received a text from the lady saying she was feeling ill and developing a temperature and was to visit a GP. Zoe said: "The woman told the GP about what happened and they have a duty to inform the police. "Simba didn't scratch or pierce the skin so I don't understand how she could be feeling ill from the incident." Once police were informed, they visited the woman's house for a statement and to take images of her arm - which according to Zoe, she refused. They then investigated Zoe's property and sized Simba under the grounds of the Dangerous Dogs Act on May 25. The act prohibits or restricts certain types of dogs and makes it a criminal offence to allow a dog of any breed to be dangerously out of control. Zoe said: "It has been five weeks and we still haven't got Simba back. "The kids are devastated. "He did nothing wrong and I am stressed facing the prospect of losing him forever." She also said her five children Maddison, 16, Chase, 14, Isla, 11, Franky, 7, and Elijah, 4, are really "upset" Simba has been taken. 13 13 13 No criminal charges have been brought against Zoe but a civil hearing regarding the case is set to be brought to Doncaster Magistrates Court. Zoe is still waiting for a date for the first hearing which can take up to six months. The mum has also told that she had to pay £500 for Simba to have an independent behavioural assessment that was ordered by the police which she says he "smashed". Zoe said: "They have told me what a fantastic boy he is and he isn't a danger to the public. "I'm doing everything I can to prove I'm a responsible dog owner and Simba is a safe dog." Zoe is currently holding a crowdfund for a further dog behavioural test for Simba to aid his release. Zoe said: "All I want is Simba back home where he belongs, not stuck, frightened in a kennel. "I want to spread awareness to ensure this doesn't happen to any other dog owner." A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said: "We are aware of a report of a dog attack in which a Tibetan Mastiff is alleged to have attacked a woman in Kirk Lane in Doncaster. "This incident was reported to us on 19 May and following enquiries the dog was seized while enquiries progressed." Zoe is currently holding a crowdfund for a further dog behavioural test for Simba to aid his release. You can donate to Zoe's crowdfund here. 13 13 13 13
Associated Press
26-06-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
In stressful times, our anxiety can rub off on pets. Causes and cures for pet anxiety
In this age of heightened anxiety, many of us turn to our pets for emotional support. But is our behavior increasing our furry friends' fears? The answer isn't simple, says Frankie Jackson, a veterinary nurse and animal behavior consultant, and the owner of Canine Counseling in Smyrna, Georgia. She said she's seen an increase in anxiety among her animal and human clients, but that it's hard to unwind the cause and effect. 'Dogs are incredibly responsive to our expressions, our body language and our scent,' she says. 'There is a feedback loop — the owners are nervous; the dog gets nervous. Our cortisol levels rise and fall in tandem.' Dr. Becky Peters, a veterinarian and owner of Bath Veterinary Hospital in Bath, New York, has also noticed a link between the anxiety of pets and their owners, particularly in the exam room. 'If owners try to over comfort them — lots of 'you're OK!'' in anxious voices, the animals do get more anxious. If we stay calm and quiet, they do too,' Peters says. Peters attributes much of the rise in pet anxiety to the social upheaval of the COVID years. Many animals who were acquired during the pandemic had limited opportunities to socialize with other people and pets during their peak developmental stages. After COVID, pets who were used to having their family at home experienced separation anxiety as their owners returned to work and school. 'A lot of pet anxiety comes from changes to their households,' Peters says. 'It can also occur from a lack of routine and structure and not enough physical activity.' Other components that could contribute to our pets' anxiety include unmet needs, past trauma and insufficient open spaces. 'We are asking our dogs to live in a world that isn't made for them,' she says. Try to get at the cause of your pet's anxiety Low-level stress responses in dogs, such as eating less and excessive self-grooming, are forms of communication that precede lunging and barking, Jackson says. Trying to solve reactive behaviors through obedience training without addressing the root cause can make dogs' anxiety worse. 'It's important to understand what the dogs are saying and why they're behaving the way they are. Manners and life skills are important, but it won't create happy dogs,' Jackson says. Anxiety in cats can be harder to spot, according to Jackson, because they're hard-wired to hide it. While dogs seek out their support people, cats don't feel safe expressing their vulnerability. Urinating in the house, scratching, hiding under the bed and overgrooming can be signs that your kitty is anxious. First, see a vet If your animal companion is suddenly acting out or on a licking binge, Jackson advises seeing a veterinarian to rule out a medical cause, such as pain or allergies. Veterinarians can also prescribe anti-anxiety medication and complementary treatments to promote sleep and relaxation. Peters recommends supplements for her canine clients including probiotics and the amino acids l-theanine and tryptophan (yes, the turkey coma one). For cats, she suggests using a product like Feliway that diffuses calming pheromones into the air. Learn about the breed A dog's breed might also play a part in developing anxiety. Peters says that while every dog is different, the more active herding and working breeds like shepherds and border collies can become anxious and destructive without an outlet for their energy. 'Herding breeds need space to run and jobs to do,' she says. When Tacoma, Washington, resident Shelani Vanniasinkam got her Australian shepherd puppy, Roo, she didn't know about the breed's reputation for anxiety. Her previous dog had been an easygoing husky who enjoyed pats from strangers and visits to the dog park. She quickly realized Roo was not that type of dog. 'He had a lot more needs than we anticipated,' Vanniasinkam says. 'We couldn't leave him alone for more than 30 minutes.' Vanniasinkam and her husband, Jesus Celaya, reached out to a local pet behavioralist, but it became clear that Roo's anxiety was so acute he needed medication before he could start behavior training. Should you consider meds for an anxious pet? Medication can be important in behavioral treatment, but it shouldn't be the only approach, says Peters. She usually suggests that her clients try training and routine modification first, unless their pet is causing harm to themselves or others. 'If I'm going to use meds, it's part of a greater process,' Peters says. Roo's veterinarian put him on Fluoxetine, or 'doggie Prozac,' an antidepressant commonly given to anxious pets. He also prescribed Trazodone, another antidepressant, for particularly stressful events, such as trips to the vet or a night of fireworks. After starting his medication, Roo received eight months of behavior training, during which Vanniasinkam and her husband not only changed their own approach to dog parenting but also set boundaries with friends and family. They limited Roo's interaction with other dogs, asked people to stop using their doorbell and requested that others ignore Roo when he barks. Now, when they want to take Roo for off-leash play, they book time at a local Sniffspot, which Vanniasinkam describes as 'an Airbnb for anxious and reactive dogs.' The company, which launched in 2016, allows homeowners to rent out their yards or property by the hour for solo, off-leash play or doggie playdates. 'It's sad when you can't take your dog to a dog park,' Vanniasinkam says. 'So, this option is really nice.' She says that while it was initially difficult to navigate Roo's anxiety, he is loving, family-oriented and worth the effort. 'It's hard having an anxious dog, but you can figure it out,' she says. 'It's just important to understand your dog, so you're set up for success.'
