Behaviour & Training

Biting or nipping is normal behavior for your puppy. You have to establish boundaries early, though, or you’re in for bigger ouches later. Biting occurs often when your puppy wants to play with you. Puppies normally learn to play with and nip their siblings from a young age, and learn their boundaries from how their siblings and their mother react. When a puppy is taken away from his litter early (prior to 8 weeks old), he may not have completely mastered those boundaries, so it is your job to teach him. Puppy Biting: The Do’s and Don’ts DOignore your puppy and/or go limp when he begins biting you. You can also give a sharp “Yip!” or “Ouch” which will startle your puppy and stop the biting. Then praise him calmly when he stops. DOoffer your puppy a toy to biteinstead of you, and praise him when he switches to the toy. DOstop all interactions and walk away if your puppy continues to bite. DOwork to train your puppy to use his mouth gently. Wave your closed fist in front of his face and pull it away if he tries to nip. Try it again, and if he does not nip, give him a treat. Make sure the treat is in the opposite hand you are presenting. Try this with other objects, your open hand, your finger, and finally a toy and eventually give him the toy before he nips. Lengthen the time he has to wait patiently before giving him the treat and/or the toy to play with. You are teaching him he has to wait for permission in order to play/nip. (Click here to learn more about how to begin puppy training.) DOuse a command, such as “NO!” If your puppy is playing and seems to be getting nippy, stand up, take your hands away and say, “NO.” Give him a treat when he is sitting calmly as a reward for desired behavior. Using the “NO!” command will come in handy in many situations with your puppy, it simply means to stop doing what he is doing. DOsupervise your child when he plays with your puppy. DObe consistent in your praise and rewards, especially in the early stages. DON’Tyell at your puppy, tap your puppy in the nose, or hold his mouth shut when he bites. You are just confusing your puppy and teaching him not to trust you when you play. DON’Tantagonize your puppy to get him to bite for training or any other purpose. DON’Tlet your child’s face be near your puppy’s face while you are working on bite training. DON’Tgive up on your puppy and think that he’ll learn eventually on his own. For consistent results and a mutual understanding between you and your puppy, he needs to know his boundaries every time you play together.

Puppy behaviour and their energy levels change with time. Here are the stages. From Birth-10 Weeks Puppies at this age are like “babies.” They have boundless energy and curiosity. They spend most of their day playing as well as learning the foundations to being a dog: chasing, running, pawing, biting and fighting. Their enthusiasm for life and its surroundings can be exhausting, but this is also the perfect time to start thinking about a puppy care and training plan. From 10 Weeks-16 Weeks Puppies at this age may still have a lot of playful energy. But they are also starting to test their boundaries. Like teenagers, they may seem to “forget” the rules or commands that they once followed. This is normal developmental behaviour for puppies in this juvenile phase. Some of this behaviour may be due to teething as puppies begin to lose their first set ofteetharound 3-4 months of age. From 4-6 Months You may notice that your puppy likes to play-fight with other dogs around this age. This is how puppies start to identify where they fit in with a group. This is normal behaviour. It’s also around this age when some puppies show fear. If your puppy does show fear, it’s best to ignore the behaviour and build his confidence through training. From 6-12 Months While your puppy may now look like a full-grown adult dog, he’s still a puppy. At this age you might see a burst of puppy energy and continued boundary testing. That’s why it’s important to make sure your puppy still gets plenty of structured play and exercise. Continuing with training and socialization with other dogs is also essential at this age. From 1-2 Years Congratulations! You’ve survived puppyhood! As your puppy nears age one (up to two years for a large breed), he’s beginning to look and act more mature. He will probably still be very playful, but by now he’s learned the ropes and is much better at following the rules.

Good for Your Dog, Good for You Exercise is just one part of giving your dog a more stimulating, rewarding life. It starts with more time at the park and less time on the couch. Activity is essential for warding off obesity, and it helps keep you in shape, too. You’ll find that the time you spend on the move together can strengthen the bond you share with your dog. Guidelines for Productive Play We believe play isn’t just fun – it’s productive! To make playtime mean more, think of your dog’s natural talents, like his advanced sense of smell and predatory instincts, and encourage them.

Training to Find Your Dog's True Potential At Purina, we believe that dogs are capable of a lot more than one might think. That’s why we’re always looking for new ways to train pets to unlock their true potential. Whether it’s training in athleticism, problem solving or even being a helpful companion for people in need, we see dogs doing new things every day. The Power of Positive Reinforcement The behaviourists at Purina believe positive reinforcement is not only the best technique for establishing a good relationship with your dog while training, but that it’s also the most effective. Positive reinforcement consists of associating a reward with a desired behaviour. If you use positive reinforcement during training, your dog will learn to associate training time and behaving well with praise,affection or treats. Some forms of punishment training may lead to stress and anxiety for dogs and may weaken the relationship you have with your dog.

What Your Dog's Body Language Says About His Mood It’s easy to interpret a dog’s behaviour the same way you might interpret a friend’s. But it’s important to remember that dogs and humans aren’t the same, and it’s worth getting to know the way dogs communicate. FRIENDLY You can tell a dog is in a friendly mood when his ears are relaxed, his tail is flat, with plenty of wagging, and he makes gentle eye contact. FEARFUL A fearful dog is usually crouching with his tail between his legs. He will also avoid looking you in the eye. He may roll over on his back or urinate while lying down. Be careful around a fearful dog, as he may bite if he feels threatened. ASSERTIVE If a dog’s ears and tail are standing up and he is staring intently, he is showing assertion. He may put his paws on another dog’s back or be pushy with the dog or with the owner. AGGRESSIVE If he stares and holds his tail motionless, growls, and holds his ears forward, he may be a threat. Watch out for this behaviour in a dog. PLAYFUL When a dog pushes his chest to the ground and holds his rear and tail in the air, he is trying to initiate play.

Let's Adopt a Dog! Now that you know what kind of dog is right for you, it’s time to decide where you should go to start your search. Some people looking for a specific breed may want to go to a breeder. If you’re looking for a dog based on personality, you have many options. You could visit a shelter, a rescue organisation, a pet shop or a foster home. DID YOU KNOW? There are many systems in place that often work together to help all kinds of dogs find a lasting home. Still deciding where to go to find your new dog? Here are some of your options. SHELTER A shelter is a housing facility for surrendered or stray animals operated by an organisation dedicated to pet welfare, like a humane society. RESCUE A rescue organisation, like a shelter, is dedicated to pet welfare. Rescue organisations care for a relatively small number of animals through a network of private foster homes, rather than in an animal shelter. FOSTER HOME Foster homes provide temporary, in-home care for one or more animals on behalf of an animal shelter or animal rescue organisation. Foster caregivers are usually volunteers of animal welfare organisations or shelters, and may foster animals for a number of different reasons. Foster homes are often needed for pets that are not yet ready for adoption (sick, injured, recovering from surgery, not yet weaned, needing socialisation or other behaviour modification, etc.) or pets for whom there is not enough space in the shelter. Some rescue groups operate completely through a network of foster homes. Wherever you choose to get your dog, we hope we’ve helped you find a companion that will make your life richer, more loving, and more adventurous.

How Can Getting a Dog Change Your Life? Bringing a dog into your home is the first step in creating a bond that can make both of your lives better. From giving you a reason to get off the couch to helping you teach your children an early lesson in responsibility, we think you’ll find that a dog can change your life in all kinds of positive ways. What to Consider Before You Get a New Dog 1. THINK ABOUT THE BASIC CARE AND TRAINING YOU’LL NEED TO PROVIDE FOR YOUR NEW PET How can you prepare your home to be a comfortable and safe place for your new dog? What toys and supplies do you need? How much time will you need to set aside for training? Good planning will ensure a smooth transition and the chance to establish a healthy bond right away. 2. ESTABLISH YOUR FAMILY’S ROLES There’s something for everyone in your family to do when it comes to looking after your new dog. Just ensure that all family members have a clear understanding of their roles in the care-taking and that they all treat the dog in the same consistent manner. 3. PLAN FOR COSTS You’re going to want to plan ahead and budget for all the care your dog will need, including visiting the veterinarian, taking training classes, toys and food.

Young puppies are the best pupils! Beginning training when your dog is young will give them the key skills to be a friendly and sociable adult. They will be more obedient, better behaved and more sociable when they have received good training from you. Additionally, the time spent with your puppy whilst training will also help to foster a special bond between you. Remember, training takes time. It won’t come magically overnight, so be patient with your puppy! TIPS AND TRICKS Keep it interesting! Dogs generally have a short attention span. Keep what you are trying to teach short and interesting for best results. Don’t overload your puppy with too much information, simplicity is key. VOICE TONE AND SIGNALS Be consistent with your tone of voice, and any rules you have, so that your puppy knows what to expect. Keep your voice signals simple, using commands like “sit”. Try to maintain a positive vocal tone and use positive reinforcement such as “good dog” when your puppy does something well. Negative phrases or punishment training may lead to stress or anxiety for your dog – weakening your friendship. STRUCTURE AND ROUTINE Be patient and determined in training. By giving your puppy structure and a regular routine, they will be more likely to remember what you have taught them. LOVE AND REWARDS Love and rewards are essential for training! Let them know when they do well by showing them affection. Give your puppy their favourite dog treat as part of their daily allowance, when they have done something positive. This will reinforce good behaviour by your puppy. BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT Your puppy may have behaviours that need to be corrected, such as excessive chewing or biting. Though most puppies chew and bite as they grow up and explore their surroundings, it can be potentially dangerous for them. This behaviour needs to be managed. You can discourage your puppy from excessive chewing for health and safety, as well as their general happiness. Being firm with your puppy if you see behaviour that needs to be managed is essential. Remember to praise your puppy for any good behaviour, so they recognise that their behaviour is good. FINDING MORE TRAINING ADVICE For more detailed or advanced training, there are many professional trainers around, or you could invest in other methods such as a training DVD or a book on the subject. If you have further questions on training techniques contact our Purina Pet Care Advise Teamhere.

By understanding your dog’s behaviour and ways of communicating, you can develop a special and strong bond with your dog. You can learn how your dog communicates through everyday activities: when you play and train together and when you groom your dog. When observing your dog’s body language, take into account your surroundings and what’s going on. This can help you to understand what your dog may be trying to communicate. By understanding your dog’s body language, your bond will be strengthened. FRIENDLY AND PLAYFUL When your dog’s tail is wagging, there is eye contact between the two of you and their body is lowered towards the front end, your dog is feeling friendly and is eager to play. INTERESTED If your dog’s tail is horizontal with their ears and body leaning forwards, they may be interested in something close by. PLEASURE A dog rolling on its back, or with their front legs stretched and their head lolled to one side is feeling very happy and relaxed. FEAR AND AGGRESSION Dogs often show fear by having their tail tucked under their legs. They may also avoid eye contact and keep their head lowered. Aggressive dogs can hold their tail motionless and growl. It is important to note that dogs showing fear or aggression can be dangerous, as they may be more inclined to bite. If you are concerned with your dog showing signs of aggression or fear consult a animal behaviouralist to assist you in correcting the behaviour. SUBMISSION If your dog’s head and body are lowered towards the ground and their tongue is licking the air, they are showing submissive behaviour. This may be to people or other animals. If you have further questions on dog behaviour contact our Purina Pet Care Advise Teamhere.

Dogs bring out many emotions in us, but are they experiencing the same feelings? It was once thought that dogs, and all animals, were essentially organic robots that didn’t feel emotions; they simply followed their instincts like a machine follows its programming. But contemporary science has discovered that dogs go through similar chemical and hormonal changes as humans when experiencing emotions. The difference is dogs experience them on a more basic level. A common comparison is that a fully-grown dog has the same emotional capacity as a two and a half year old child. But as a human’s emotional range develops for several years, a canine reaches emotional maturity at around six months, depending on the breed. So, what emotions do they feel? Scroll through and see below! Joy It’s written all over their face. Dogs are filled with joy when doing their favourite activities, from chasing tennis balls at the park to cuddling on the couch. No matter where they are or what they’re doing, dogs find a way to enjoy themselves! Surprise Dogs tend to be excitable and easily surprised, which can make for some hilarious moments. They have a healthy appetite for new experiences and different ways to play. Disgust Just as your dog has the ability to feel intense joy, he has the capacity to genuine disgust and distress. If your dog gives a look of wholehearted contempt, don’t worry! It’s just means he has a healthy emotional range (and may appreciate a little warmer water). Fear Fear is a familiar emotion for canines, and an essential survival mechanism. It tends to be provoked by scary sounds and stressful situations, but the amount of fear a dog experiences depends on how it was raised and individual personality. Guilt is a common emotion associated with dogs, but there is some disagreement among dog experts about whether canines feel guilt or if it’s just fear of being punished. Sadness This is a very real emotion for dogs, partly because it’s a common emotion among people. Dogs can sense your sadness and will often try to cheer you up by giving you attention, or show empathy by feeling sad along with you. Anger For better or worse, anger is a natural emotion for dogs. Anger or aggression can be caused by protective instincts, territorial issues or even genetics. However anger comes about, it’s important to protect yourself and your dog. It’s natural for dogs to feel this way from time to time, but you should note situations that tend to make them testy so these can be avoided in the future. Curiosity Dogs seem to have an endless interest for the world around them. They use their sense of smell like a fun-detector, and when they sniff something funny or strange they want to know more! Love This one’s no surprise; dogs are very capable of experiencing love. And they’re very good at showing it, too! No matter how big or small, dogs seem to have super-human hearts! Honourable Mention: Confusion Many scholars insist that confusion is not an emotion, but a combination of fear and anger. And canine experts attest that dogs aren’t capable of experiencing such complex emotions. Conclusion: Although dogs don’t have the same range of emotions as we do, they are dynamic animals who have real feelings. They can even sense what people are feeling! Complex emotional states may be out of reach for our furry friends, but they’re experts at expressing the most important one, love.

We know that spending time with pets helps reduce stress in people, but how can we de-stress our pets? Read on to find out! Pets offer amazing stress-reducing benefits to people. One study found that when people took care of dogs for just three months, they showed significant drops in blood pressure and reactivity to stress. Another study, conducted over a 20-year span, found that people who owned a cat were 40% less likely to die from a heart attack. Those are some pretty dramatic results! It’s only natural that we should give back to our pets. “Dogs and cats have broken down the walls of our hearts,” says leading veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker. He notes that when pets and people interact, there’s a corresponding release of oxytocin, prolactin, and dopamine, and a decrease in cortisol. “It’s a reciprocal biochemical spa treatment.” Signs of Stress in Pets Your pet’s body language can say a lot about how relaxed or stressed they feel. “We’re naturally attuned to stress in other people,” Dr. Becker says. “We know what a happy dog looks like, but what does a stressed pet look like? Stress increases cortisol, the fight or flight hormone, which over time can lead to long-term metabolic conditions.” Major indicators of stress to watch out for in dogs include: • Excessive yawning • Excessively licking lips • Shaking to dry off when there has been no contact with water • Trembling • Avoiding or hiding For cats, keep an eye out for these signs: • A drop in energy or activity level • Changes in sleep habits • A change in appetite • Withdrawal • Aggression • Inappropriate elimination or spraying • Trembling • Excessive grooming leading to loss of fur and excessive meowing Fortunately, some of the stress your dog or cat experiences is perfectly natural, like when they play, since it can keep your pet engaged and stimulated, allowing him or her to feel new sensations and learn new things. But chronic stress can lead to health issues. If you see any of the symptoms above, check with your veterinarian right away to eliminate any medical problems. De-stress Your Pets These Holidays Much of the stress pets experience can be reduced or avoided with a little TLC. Dr. Becker notes, “The key is to reduce anxiety triggers.” If you have a vet visit, for example, “Don’t get the carrier out the night before.” Give your pet a few days to get prepared. If they’re nervous alone or when travelling, play soothing music, or close the curtains. The less stimulus pets receive from the outside world, the less anxiety they’ll have about events outside their control. Here are some common causes of chronic stress, along with some ways to help manage your pet’s anxiety. Changes at Home Dogs and cats are sensitive to their environments, and constant changes in the home can make your pet feel like he or she is out of control. If you move, make repairs, or renovate, try to keep as many things as possible tidy and consistent. If you have a cat, make sure she has unobstructed access to food, water, and the litter box, as cats like to have convenient escape routes handy at all times. Changes to Social Circle Have you adopted a new pet or had a new baby, guest, or significant other join your household? The loss of family member, or even a child heading off to college, can also stress out your pet. You can help by adding more play and exercise to your pet’s day. When introducing pets and/or people, meet on neutral territory, where nobody feels territorial. With people, give them a treat to feed your pet. With other animals, time and patience are key. Seasonal and Temperature Changes Although your pet may live inside, he or she is still very in tune with the weather. Changes in the seasons — and temperature differences — can greatly affect your pet’s overall stress levels. It can be very helpful to increase the frequency of playtime during winter as pets are likely to be less active outside. Also, make sure your pet has blankets to snuggle in for warmth. On hot days, make sure they have plenty of fresh water and cool hideouts where they can relax. Boredom and Overstimulation Energy varies between breeds, says Dr. Becker. “Greyhounds, Labs, Golden Retrievers, Jack Russell Terriers, Border Collies, and other active breeds have unfathomable energy.” He continues, “Wolves spend 80% of their time awake, moving. With cats, there’s not such an exercise requirement,” but providing outlets for play at home is still crucial. For both cats and dogs, he recommends food-dispensing that “recreates the hunt,” and puzzle feeders that engage your pet’s “body and mind.” Boredom can be a big problem for cats, too, but so can overstimulation. Because cats have such sensitive hearing and skin, excessive noise and touching can cause a great deal of stress. If there are any signs of discomfort, give the touching a rest. Communicate with any children or other people in your home so they keep this in mind, too. Try to keep your TV and music at a volume that’s comfortable for your cat. Senior Pets Everyone loves a new puppy or kitten, but — like people — a pet’s needs change with age. They may be less active, preferring a leisurely stroll to a rollicking tug-of-war, so adapt to the changing needs of older pets as best you can. Keep up to date with their veterinary care, and ensure your old friend remains a healthy and happy member of your family. When looking for ways to de-stress your pet, always try to view things from his or her point of view. With a little work on your part, your pet is sure to reward you with a happy, wagging tail or contented purr!

When it comes to being stuck inside, there’s no doubt that pets can make the time at home feel a whole lot more enjoyable. They’re there when we need to vent or just need a good cuddle, and their care provides a productive outlet that’s beneficial to both pets and people. But being stuck at home with your pet can also present its share of challenges. Our pet behaviourists offer some tips on how to keep your pet happy and engaged when you’re stuck inside. 10 Tips & Tricks for Keeping Pets Happy & Healthy Indoors 1. Stick to Their Routine Your routine has likely been disrupted in some pretty significant ways. In times like these, it can be tempting to let your pet’s routines fall to the wayside, too. Purina behaviourist Dr Annie Valuska warns against this: “It’s important to try to keep your pet’s routine as intact as possible. Feeding, potty, and walks should all happen when they normally do, and if your dog is used to going in the car, it’s not a bad idea to continue to take them for short drives.” She also reminds us that continuing to ask for good manners, like sitting before going through a doorway or not begging for table scraps, is another important way to maintain consistency in your pet’s routine. 2. Be Intentional About Rest Time Your pet may be used to having time to himself while the family is away, so try to give him plenty of rest time throughout the day. As Purina behaviourist Dr Francois Martin reminds us, “It is not a good idea to change your pet’s routine with a lot of socialisation. Pets are not kids. Owners don’t have to keep them busy with things to do all day.” Parents, breathe a sigh of relief—your kids may need activities to fill their days, but your cat or dog will be just fine, and will even benefit from having some quiet time. 3. Let Them Chew it Out For those conference calls, homeschooling sessions, or just moments when you need some rest, it can be helpful to give your pet a long-chew treat to help keep him entertained. If your pet has a tendency to scarf down his treats, Kongs and other sturdy toys can be filled with peanut butter and then frozen for a longer-lasting distraction. Dr Séverine Ligout, a Purina behaviourist, reminds us that while these treats can be a fun activity for your pet, it can also be easy to overfeed them. Keep calorie counts in mind, and compensate for extra treat calories by feeding a little less at mealtime. 4. Exercise, Exercise, Exercise Keep nerves in check and channel nervous energy into a productive outlet—exercise. Staying active during this time is as beneficial for you as it is for your pet. You may not be able to take your dog to the dog park for exercise, but you can still find ways to get his energy out. Even a trip to the mailbox can provide a little exercise. If you’re stuck inside, clear away some furniture to make room for a game of fetch or tug of war. Get out in the backyard if you have one and play a game of chase. Purina behaviourist Serena Juma recommends using exercise as another way to reinforce your pet’s schedule. “Have planned play sessions at around the same time each day,” she advises. “This will encourage your pet to follow routine, while also providing physical and mental stimulation, as well as promoting the human-animal bond.” 5. Play Some Mind Games Another great way to tire your pet out is with mental stimulation, like teaching them a new trick or two! Have you always wanted your dog to be able to roll over or for your cat to dance? Now is the perfect time for those lessons. “Just like people, pets experience what we call the ‘Eureka Effect,’ or the emotional response to problem solving,” Dr Ragen Mc Gowan, Purina behaviourist, explains. “That ‘ah ha’ moment when you finally figure something out. You feel a positive surge of emotions. Our pets experience this as well.” You can also use feeding time as a way to mentally enrich your pet’s day. Scatter their food around the house and let them use their sense of smell to find it, or incorporate a puzzle toy into feeding to give them a little mental challenge. 6. Be a Considerate Roommate Nobody appreciates a roommate who is always making noise, and your pet is no exception! Now that you and your pet are spending a whole lot of quality time together, be mindful that pets can hear a lot better than us—and try to keep excessive noise to a minimum. This will give them some time to rest. “If background noise is a must, consider subbing in some classical music (which studies show can help calm pets) for the TV, podcasts, or radio occasionally,” Dr Valuska suggests. 7. Get Kids Involved If you have kids in your home, get them involved in keeping your pet happy and healthy indoors. Now is a great time to reinforce good pet etiquette and help kids understand pet body language. It can also be fun to involve pets in your child’s learning. “Kids still need to learn, and pets have been shown to help children in some areas of learning (e.g., reading),” Purina behaviourist Dr Sandra Lyn shares. “If the pet is amenable, then implement and encourage reading-to-pets sessions as part of your child’s routine.” 8. Stick to a Healthy Diet You may be indulging in boxed mac and cheese and one too many brownies these days, but that doesn’t mean your pet can’t stick to their healthy diet. “Don’t start feeding table scraps just because your ‘table’ happens to be your couch these days,” Dr Valuska advises. Continue your pet’s feeding schedule and stick to providing their regular food as much as possible. If you’re feeding your pet more treats than usual to reward them for being such a great companion (because let’s face it, they deserve it!), keep in mind that no more than 10 percent of a pet’s daily calories should come from treats. 9. Create a “Safe Spot” Your pet may need some personal space to feel safe and comfortable during a time when there are suddenly more people around. This is especially true for cats, but dogs can benefit from having a designated “safe space” as well. “If you think your pet is overwhelmed by all the sudden ‘togetherness,’ make sure they have a safe space the whole family respects,” Dr Valuska says. “When they’re in there, they are off-limits—it can even help to consider them ‘invisible’ in that space.” This helps little pet lovers understand that pets who are in their special place are to be left alone until they are ready to play. 10. Get Creative! To keep pets occupied and happy during a time when venturing out for new toys isn’t feasible, Dr Mc Gowan recommends thinking outside the box with DIY toys and enrichment. “Provide fun toys that your dog or cat has permission to destroy,” she suggests. “This can be something like a cardboard tube with kibble hidden inside, or a plastic bottle they can chew through to get treats from within.” Having a productive way to get any destructive energy out can be beneficial—both for your pet and your leather shoes.