Basics of Pet Behavior

Basics of Pet Behavior

Dog Behavior

TailWagging

Tail Wagging

High and stiff: Experiencing alert or agitated.

Low and slow: Insecure, uncertain, or anxious.

Quick and fast: cheerful and enthusiastic

Barking

Barking


Re: (repeat) + PEAT sounding this out loud and alerting to warn

Moaning is, of course simply seeking attention or showing discomfort.

Howl: Talk to others or show your loneliness.

Body Posture

Body Posture

At ease and chill: Content.

Fearful + Stiff = Aggressive.

Cowering: in the submissive, frightened position.

Licking

Licking


Licks On Your Face: Love orSurrender.

Licking paws: Indication of boredom, anxiety, or medical matter.

Cat Behavior

Cat Behavior

Purring

Purring

Often it is a sign of satisfaction, while in some cases there may be an indication of pain or stress.

Kneading

Kneading

A symbol of relaxation and happiness - which is how kittens sleep.

Hissing and Growling

Hissing and Growling

Fear, aggression, or discomfort

Tail Position

Tail Position

Up and up: Positive with a high sense of confidence

Tail low and tucked between hind legs: Scared or submissive

Inflated: Scared/Perturbed

Slow Blinking

Slow Blinking

Sign of trust and affection. Slowblinking back can help mimic to bond.

Small Pets (Rabbits, Guinea Pigs...etc)

Small Pets (Rabbits, Guinea Pigs...etc)

Teeth Chattering

Teeth Chattering

Hard Acceleration: Anxiety, Displacement

Soft and slow: Contentment.

Thumping

Thumping

Rabbits will thump their hind legs when they're alarmed or given a warning.

Hiding

Hiding

Common for small animals to show fear or seek safety.

OverallTips for Interpreting Animal Behavior

Overall Tips for Interpreting Animal Behavior

Observe Regularly

Observe Regularly

Spending time watching the way that your pet normally behaves, will help you to determine if there have been any changes or behaviors which can be a sign of health or emotional issues.

Provide Enrichment

Provide Enrichment

Prevents Boredom & Behavioral Issues By Keeping Them Mentally and Physically Stimulated

Body Language - Learn & Respect it

Body Language - Learn & Respect it

If you have an understanding of your pet and know how to recognize his signals then a lot of confusion can be cleared, and fewer accidents would take place making the relationship enjoyable.

Consistent Practice

Consistent Practice

Consistent training and reinforcements assist pets to apprehend expectations and relieve tension.

Health Check-ups

Health Check-ups

Behavior changes should never go undetected because of regular vet check-ups.

Books and Other Materials

Books and Other Materials

For Dogs

For Dogs

" The particular wrap up of the chain" by Patricia McConnell,

"Decoding your dog" as explained by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists.

For Cats

For Cats

“Think Like a Cat” by Pam Johnson-Bennett,

“Cat Sense” John Bradshaw.

For Small Pets

For Small Pets

Rabbit Behavior, Health, and Care by Marit Emilie Buseth,

Guinea Piglopaedia by Margaret Elward & Mette Rueløkke.

It will take patience and an open mind to understand pet behaviors. Every pet is unique thus being keen on its signals and behaviors will promote strong positive relationships.

 

Common Pet Behaviors 

Dog Tail Wagging: describes how a dog is feeling emotionally. A rapid and broad wag often means that the dog is excited whereas a slow, low wag may be an indication of anxiety or doubt

Cat Purring: noise made by cats to show happiness but can happen when the cat is stressed out or in pain.

Dog Barking: A verbal sound made by dogs for communication purposes. On the other hand, repeated and loud barking mostly serves as an alert or warning while whining usually demands attention or shows discomfort.

Cat Slow Blinking: Trust and affection are expressed through this unspoken language. Cats do this when they’re relaxed and pose no threat.

Small Pet Hiding: Behaviors seen in small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs that indicate fear or desire for safety.