Pet Care Articles from PETCO

Articles

Dog - Behavior

Stress and the Importance of Routine for Dogs
Sensitive by nature, pets, particularly dogs, can absorb the stress and tension around them. Stress in dogs is mainly the product of a change in the environment. Since your dog lives with you, and since your life will certainly not be free of change, she ...

Keeping Your Dog Off Furniture
By nature, your dog is a territorial animal and will claim many areas and objects in the house, including the furniture - unless you give him some guidance. One of the basic requirements for dog discipline and training is for the trainer (you) to ...

Socializing with Other Dogs
Dogs are social animals by nature, but that doesn't mean they are born with the social skills necessary to get along with other animals. Just like people, dogs must be properly socialized early in life to help them become well adjusted and well behaved. ...

Accidents in the House
If your dog is relieving herself inside the house, it may be due to one or more of the following reasons: She is suffering from separation anxiety. She has not been properly housetrained. She couldn't wait until you got home. She is scent-marking ...

Companionship
Companionship is vital to every dog, because dogs are extremely social animals who instinctively need to be with their pack at all times. Whenever you adopt a new dog, you and your family become his new "pack." He'll want to spend all of his time with ...

Do Dogs Get Stressed?
Most animals occasionally experience stress in one form or another, and dogs are no exception. Stress can be the product of a major change in the environment or a chronic lack of certainty on a daily basis. Since your dog lives with you, and your life ...

Behavioral Changes in Older Dogs
Behavioral Changes in Older Dogs What it means when your pooch isnt acting himself. It can be a nasty shock if your well-behaved older dog starts soiling in the house or stops greeting you at the door at night. If your dog seems to need an attitude ...

Eating Grass
Nibbling on grass is common for pets. Find out what may cause this behavior and how to keep your yard safe.

Age-Related Changes
Age-Related Changes If you understand your dog's needs as he grows older, you can ease the transition to the golden years and keep them bright. By Rolan Tripp, D.V.M. The behavior: Any of the following: Lapses in housetraining. Changes in sleep ...

Licking People
By Rolan Tripp, D.V.M. The behavior: Excessive or annoying licking of family members or visitors. Why dogs do it: Licking is a natural behavior of dogs; it's in their genes. Your dog may be trying to get your attention to ask for something, or she ...

Begging for Food
Begging for Food If your dog's impression of Oliver Twist is spoiling your supper, it's time to teach him some table manners. By Rolan Tripp, D.V.M. The behavior: Pestering people while they're eating. Typical postures include staring, drooling, ...

Aggression
Aggression Know the signs of this serious behavior problem. By Rolan Tripp, D.V.M. The behavior: Physical attacks (including biting) on a person or another animal, or threatening behavior, including growling, snarling, snapping, loud rapid barking, ...

Digging Challenges
A PETCO Companion Animal Care Sheet developed with and approved by a Qualified Veterinarian Some dogs may never dig. Others may give good imitations of canine earth movers. Whether in the couch or among your prize roses, digging can be quite ...

Inappropriate Chewing and Separation Anxiety
A PETCO Companion Animal Care Sheet developed with and approved by a Qualified Veterinarian Training a pet takes time, understanding, patience and consistency. Here are a few of the more common training challenges dog owners face, and some suggestions ...

Jumping and Barking
Training a pet takes time, understanding, patience and consistency. Here are a few of the more common training challenges dog owners face, and some suggestions for working with them. How Training Works Dogs are pack animals, and as such are only ...