Dogs bark for all kinds of reasons—to let you know they need to go out, to greet you playfully, or to alert you when a stranger is at the door. In each of these instances, your pet is trying to tell you something, but what about when Fido barks for seemingly no reason? It turns out, your dog may be noticing something you’re not, so pay close attention next time he engages in this behavior.   Canine behaviorists categorize barking in many ways, including territorial barking, alarm barking, attention-seeking, greetings, social barking, frustration-induced barking, separation anxiety barking and to let others know they are sick or injured. With so many different meanings behind your pet’s vocalizations, it can be difficult to determine what’s causing his seemingly needless barking. Dogs have hearing much better than our own, so our pets often pick up on noises we miss. If your dog is barking without cause, check if there is something making noise outside—or even in your home—that Fido may have mistaken for an intruder. The same goes for what your dog sees. A passing squirrel, jogger or other dog may be a non-event for you, but your pet may want to alert you of the change or protect his territory.   If you’ve watched for answers and still can’t find a reason behind your dog’s barking, there is a chance he’s developed a compulsive behavior. These are simply exaggerated forms of canines’ normal behaviors and can arise from conflict, stress or frustration. Compulsive behaviors often get worse with time to the point that dogs start to perform them without triggers, so it’s important to seek a professional’s help if you think your dog’s barking compulsive. Start by calling your veterinarian, who can diagnose your pet. Look for clues such as repetitive motions that accompany barking to help identify a compulsive behavior.   If Fido’s barking is causing problems for your or your neighbors, there are some steps you can take to curb the volume and frequency of his voice. If your pet barks at passersby or the neighbor’s dog, set up a privacy fence that keeps them out of sight. Dogs that bark when their owners leave the home will feel safer with a comfortable spot to rest, such as a crate outfitted with soft bedding and a cover. You can also teach your dog the “quiet” command or ask him to do a trick that prevents him from barking, such as giving him a toy and telling him to lie down. Make sure your pet is getting enough exercise and don’t leave him alone for long periods of time, which can exacerbate barking due to pent up energy or separation anxiety.

When it comes to keeping your dog’s brain sharp, nothing works quite as well as teaching him a few new tricks. Not only can obedience training strengthen the bond you share with your pet, but it can also help tackle behavioral problems now and in the future. Here are a few top tricks to teach your pet:     Sit: Because sitting is a simple command to master, it’s a great way to start training your pet and build confidence. Begin by holding a treat near your dog’s nose—but not close enough for him to grab it from your hand. Slowly move your hand up, causing your dog’s head to tilt up to follow the treat and his rear to lower to the ground. If you have trouble, try gently pushing his chest backwards, which should encourage your dog to sit. Once Fido is in the sitting position, reward him with the treat. Repeat this sequence before meals, walks and other activities until he’s mastered the command, which can be used to keep him calm and collected in a variety of situations.   Come: The “come” command can keep your dog out of trouble by bringing him back to you when he gets loose. To teach your dog this command, put on his leash and collar. Walk to the end of the leash and, stooping to your dog’s level, say “come” while giving gentle tugs. When your dog comes, reward him with a treat. Once he’s mastered this command with a leash, remove it and continue practicing with only the verbal cue.    Stay: Once Fido is an expert at “sit,” you can teach him to stay. To begin, have your dog sit and then open your palm in front of you in the “halt” gesture. Take several steps backwards while repeating the “stay” command. If your dog stays put, reward him with a treat and praise. Over time, you can increase the distance you move before rewarding your pet. Once he masters this trick, you can use “stay” to avert behavior problems and keep your dog out of trouble.   Leave it: Teaching your dog to “leave it” can be a literal lifesaver when a curious pet get into something he shouldn’t eat. To teach Fido this command, start by placing a treat in both hands. Close your hands and show him one fist while giving the “leave it” command. Your pet will probably sniff, paw or bark at the treat, but it’s important to ignore these behaviors. Once he has stopped, offer your dog the treat from the other hand. Repeat this process until your pet immediately moves away from the first fist when you said “leave it.” Cement his training by only offering the treat when he moves from the first fist and looks up at you upon hearing the “leave it” command.

When dogs meet, they greet each other face-to-face, but this can become a problem when your companion greets people the same away. Though it comes naturally to our pets, jumping up on people can leave them with scratches and bruises and poses a serious threat to children and frail adults. Fortunately, with some training, you can change your pet’s high-flying behavior.   While most people know they shouldn’t encourage dogs to jump, this knowledge seems to go the window when a cute puppy is involved. While it’s harmless for a young pup, jumping up on people can create problems later in life when dogs are fully grown. While it’s best to train your pet not to jump from an early age, even adult dogs can learn to keep their feet on the floor.   The first step to stopping your pet from jumping is to remove any opportunities to do so. If you know you’re having guests over for dinner, try crating your dog, putting him in a separate room, or readying him on a leash before they arrive. If your pet jumps on you at the door, go back out immediately and try again until he corrects the behavior. This way, Fido has no chance to jump on people while he’s still learning the ropes. Next, teach your dog to stop jumping during greetings by taking away the thing he wants most: attention. By ignoring your pet when he jumps on you, he will soon learn that the best way to earn your affection is keeping all four feet on the ground. Do not push your dog away or engage him at all, but instead, fold your arms across your chest or walk away. Delay your greeting until your pet is calm, with all paws the ground, and then lavish him with attention and praise.   To help with training, keep your greetings low-key. Showering your pet with too much affection will only rile him up and contribute to the problem. If your dog jumps on you or your guests when you come in the door, go back out immediately and try again. With repetition, he will understand the only way to get attention is to stay grounded. You can also try teaching your dog an alternative behavior, such as sitting, to stop him from jumping. Consistency is key when teaching a pet not to jump, so be sure everyone in your household follows the rules. With some practice, you should have a well-mannered pet to greet you every day.

We’ve all watched our canine companions lick themselves clean, but some dogs lick at the air for seemingly no reason. While lip licking is perfectly normal in some cases, such as before a meal or after eating, this behavior can signal something’s wrong when it continues for no apparent reason or becomes a compulsive habit.   Dogs use body language to communicate and in the canine world, lip licking is an appeasement gesture. Dogs suffering from stress or trauma, or those that are more timid in general, are more prone to this behavior, which is your pet’s way of saying, “Let’s be friends.” To help reassure your dog, remain calm and assertive—but not forceful—and never use punishment as a part of his training. If he is suffering situational stress, such as from moving homes, try reducing the stressors as much as possible. If your dog is licking the air outside of stressful situations, there may be a physical or psychological reason behind his behavior. Licking the air constantly can indicate digestive problems or nausea as well as dental pain. Air licking is also associated with certain types of seizures, so it’s important to take your pet to the vet if he starts compulsively flapping his tongue. Your vet can help diagnose the problem and eliminate potentially serious health conditions that could be causing your pet’s behavior. If Fido does have a serious condition such as seizures, your veterinarian can prescribe medicine that can help prevent problems. If, however, your dog shows no signs of physical ailments, his lip licking may be a diagnosed as a compulsive disorder.   Like humans, our pets can suffer from psychological disorders that cause them to engage in repeated, obsessive behaviors. Air licking is one of these behaviors, and some dogs respond to treatment from a trained animal behaviorist. Other helpful changes include increasing Fido’s mental and physical stimulation; reducing stress-inducing stimuli; and positive replacement behavior for lip-licking, such as teaching your dog to lie down when the licking behavior starts. Before taking these routes, however, ask yourself if your dog has experienced any upset that could be causing the problem. Changes from moving house to introducing a new pet to the home, shifts in routine or the absence of a common person in his life can cause your pet stress. Rule out these stressors before seeking your veterinarian’s help.   Lip licking isn’t always a sign something’s wrong, but if you think it is, you can help your vet by providing him with some basic information. Give him a history of your pet’s licking behavior—including when it started, how long it’s been going on and where it most often occurs—as well as training and punishment practices used at home and how your family responds to the lip-licking behavior. This will help him get to the root of the problem causing your pet’s lip-licking behavior.

When your dog ignores your commands, it isn’t just frustrating—it can be dangerous to his health. Not only does snubbing your instructions show a lack of respect for you as his pack leader, but your dog’s failure to follow commands can put him in danger of being hit by a car, eating something hazardous, or engaging with an aggressive animal. There are a few reasons Fido might not be paying attention that aren’t immediately obvious.   If you’re having trouble communicating with your pet, try removing excess energy from the equation. When a dog is riled up, he’s more easily distracted and less likely to pay attention to your commands. Exercising him daily helps relive pent up energy, and speaking in a calm, assertive tone can let your pet know you mean business. This is important as dogs are pack animals and are most likely to listen to their owners when they perceive them to be pack leaders. Frenzied or uncertain speaking conveys to your dog that you do not have the situation under control and he may try to take matters into his own hands. If you’re not sure what kind of energy your commands are giving off, ask a friend or family member to observe your interactions and offer feedback.   Of course, failure to follow commands could also mean your dog doesn’t understand what you’re saying. It takes hundreds or even thousands of repetitions to master a new skill, and Fido may need to re-up his training before he’s nailed a trick. To make sit, stay and come even clearer, incorporate a unique hand gesture with each command. Body language is one of the most important ways dogs communicate with each other and this could help clarify what you’re asking. Practice commands using the same verbal and physical cues each time, offering treats and praise as rewards.   Communicating requires attention, so note your dog’s emotional state if he’s having trouble listening. If fireworks are going off, your pet may be too scared to register what you’re saying. Likewise, if your dog is busy claiming his territory from a passing pup, he may not listen to your command. If fear, dominance or another emotion is keeping your dog from being an A+ listener, it’s important to address these underlying issues. A professional behaviorist can offer help if you’re struggling with this.   There’s often more than meets that eye when dogs fail to listen to their owners, so it’s important to take a step back and examine why your pet might not be listening. Whether he’s distracted or having trouble understanding the command, your pet likely wants to please you and just needs some help along the way.

All pets itch when they have fleas, but some dogs face severe allergic reactions to bites from these pests. From itchy, red bumps to hair loss and life-threatening infections, flea allergies can cause a host of worries for your canine companion. Fortunately, preventative flea treatments can stop allergic reactions and help keep Fido feeling his best.   Like people, dogs can be allergic to mold, pollen and dust mites. Pets with those allergies are likely to struggle with flea allergies, too. The allergy—formally known as flea allergy dermatitis—is a reaction of your dog’s immune system to fleas’ saliva when they bite. Infected pets will itch and gnaw at irritated areas, causing hair loss and open sores. A tell-tale sign your dog has flea allergy dermatitis is hair loss on the back half of his body, especially near the base of his tail, inner thigh, stomach and groin. Dogs with fleas will also have either visible bugs on their skin or “flea dirt” that can be readily seen. Because fleas can cause your dog to itch until he has open wounds, infested pets can also develop staph infections, which can prove fatal if they spread. Fleas don’t tend to cluster on animals’ feet or heads, so hair loss or itching in those areas is likely due to another problem.   The first—and most obvious—step towards treating your dog’s flea allergy is to rid him of fleas. A wide variety of flea control products available on the market kills the parasites through oral treatments, topical applications or long-lasting collars. Most flea medications are available in a quick, monthly dose, making curing and preventing infestations easier than ever. New flea treatments are developing constantly, so ask your veterinarian which medication will work best for your pet. Secondary infections from a flea allergy, such as bacterial or yeast infections, may require antibiotics or antifungal medication to heal. Some pets will also need anti-itch medication such as antihistamines or steroids during their recovery. In these cases, follow-up exams are often necessary to track progress of treatments. Your veterinarian can test your pet for flea allergies using blood tests or pinpricks, but the easiest way to cure the symptoms of a flea allergy is to eliminate the bugs.   Certain breeds such as terriers, labs and golden retrievers are more prone to flea allergies, so owners should be especially attentive when it comes to preventing fleas. If your pet starts licking, chewing, rubbing or rolling to try to relieve his itching, he may have a flea allergy. Look for red bumps and hair loss as further signs your pet needs help treating his symptoms— and remember, the easiest way to treat a flea allergy to is stop fleas before they strike with a preventative medication.

What we say to our dogs is important, but the way we say it is crucial. Our tones and body language give our pets clues about whether we are giving commands, correcting bad behavior or lavishing them with praise for a job well done. By knowing what cues you are giving your pet, you can communicate better, reduce behavioral problems and strengthen the bond you share with your furry friend.   One of the cardinal rules of talking to your dog is to offer commands in a strong, firm voice. The most effective way to give a command is to say your dog’s name first so he knows you’re speaking to him. Even before asking him to sit or stay, however, you should teach your dog to look at you when asked. To do this, trace a line from your pet’s eyes to yours using your pointer finger or a treat. Once your dog holds eye contact with you for several seconds, reward him with a praise and the treat. Be consistent when giving commands and always reinforce good behavior with plenty of praise. Dogs use body language to communicate, too, so be sure to stand tall and act confident when asking your pet to perform a command.   Of course, our pets don’t always listen. When correcting your dog’s misbehavior, use a lower-pitched tone and short-clipped words. Once Fido has learned what a command means, do not simply repeat the command, but instead correct him with “No” followed by the command. If your dog continues to ignore you, place him in the instructed position. When he’s done what you’ve asked, be sure to reward him with praise, speaking in tone that is enthusiastic— but not so much that it drives Fido into a frenzy.   Humans and dogs use a whole different series of body language and you should be aware of this when communicating with your pet, too. If you’re telling your dog to stop barking, for example, remain calm and stand tall—an overly excited owner giving this command will only send mixed messages to his pet. Be careful not to loom over your dog, lock him in direct eye contact, or grip him in a tight hug, which can be seen as threats. Greet your dog with a hand he can sniff rather than a pat on the head, which can give Fido the impression you’re about to strike him. If you have an anxious or timid pet, you can even try licking your lips or yawning while looking away, which are appeasement gestures in dog-speak, and speaking in a higher-pitched, soothing tone.

Humans and animals have been working side by side for around 15,000 years, but more recently animals have been helping us in much more complicated ways. We've all heard of hearing dogs – dogs trained to alert their owner to important sounds like ringing telephones, alarm clocks and fire alarms – but there are so many other animals, canine or otherwise, who have been helping out their human friends in new, exciting ways.   Guide horses are the equine equivalent of the guide dog. Some blind or visually impaired people choose not to use a guide dog for religious or medical reasons, and a miniature guide horse can be a useful alternative. Just like a dog, a miniature horse can be trained to guide its owner around objects, away from danger, notify its owner to surface elevation changes and retrieve objects on command. More unusual than dogs, they're more likely to be seen as working animals. They can live for as long as 40 years, twice as long as the oldest-lived dogs.   Some adults with severe motor impairments are assisted by highly intelligent helper monkeys. These highly trained capuchin monkeys go through 8 to 12 years of intense socialization and training before they're available to work with a human to assist them in their daily lives. These helper monkeys are trained to fetch glasses of water, turn lights off and on, load CDs and DVDs and to turn the pages of a book. Like guide horses, they live significantly longer than guide dogs, able to assist humans for around 25 to 30 years.   Dog noses are around 40 times stronger than human noses, so its no surprise that we've employed them in the detection of everything from drugs to termites to mobile phones. Canine cancer detection is a relatively new and potentially revolutionary non-invasive method of identifying certain types of cancer in people. Dog noses are so sensitive that they can sniff out the compounds generated by malignant tumors in the breath and urine of cancer sufferers. One study found cancer detection dogs accurately detected lung cancer in 93% of breath samples. These potentially life-saving pooches could be integrated into medical services like their bomb detecting cousins working with the military and police.   Seizure response dogs assist people who experience seizures associated with some types of epilepsy and other psychiatric conditions. They are trained to alert people when their owner is experiencing a seizure by barking or activating an alarm system to summon help. During a seizure, a seizure response dog might use its body weight to keep a person in a specific position to keep them safe until help arrives, fetch medication or help their owner to communicate and come round after a seizure. These clever canines save lives, acting as both a companion and a caretaker.   These incredible animals work together with their human owners to improve their independence, quality of life and safety. From emotional support to detecting deadly disease, these animals deserve our love and respect as working animals with real, applicable skills. Their capacity to learn is surprising and full of potential to help people as well as to act as a loving companion. 

Dogs have an exceptional sense of smell, but when it comes to their eyesight, they don’t see 20/20. In fact, our canine companions operate at around 20/75 vision, and that number tends to decline with age. No matter how old your dog is, however, vision problems can come into play and affect his quality of life.   Dogs are adept at adjusting to changes and poor eyesight will only become apparent when your pet starts making big mistakes. Even dogs with just 20 percent of their original eyesight can continue functioning as normal, thanks to their other senses and ability to memorize the floorplan of your house. Here are a few signs your dog’s vision may be declining:   When you throw a treat to your pet, he does not see it. He is reluctant to go up or down stairs, jump off the bed or go outside at night. When you move furniture, your pet bumps into it, and he hesitates in unfamiliar places. Your dog only registers food as edible when he’s close enough to smell it. There is a fuzziness in or on your dog’s eyes.   The best way to determine whether Fido’s vision is deteriorating is to establish a baseline for what his normal eyesight is. This can be difficult, as canine vision is different from our own, but with a few unofficial tests, you can determine what’s natural so you can track any changes. One technique is to simply observe your dog when a familiar friend is approaching him from a distance. Note how close the friend is when he reacts, and this is the distance at which he can see. Or, have someone hold your pet while you walk slowly toward him with his favorite toy and note at which distance he reacts to seeing it. These rough measurements will give you a baseline for a simple, at-home test to check whether you pet’s vision is declining in the future.   If you notice that your dog’s eyes are failing, discuss treatment options with your veterinarian. Loss of eyesight can be caused by aging, infections or hereditary factors, but diabetes and other conditions can also impact vison and there may be supplements, dietary changes and medications to help your pet. You can make life easier for a dog with bad eyes by providing him with a safe home environment. Clear walkways and leave furniture in place—or, if you must rearrange a room, do so gradually to help your dog adjust. This way, even older pets or those struggling to see can enjoy a high quality of life.

You dog’s kidneys regulate his blood pressure, sugar levels and volume along with the water composition of his body, his red blood cell count and certain hormones. With so many vital roles to play, his kidneys are crucial to his health. It may come as a surprise, then, that the signs of chronic kidney failure often develop so slowly that they’re overlooked until it’s too late to cure the disease.   There are two types of kidney failure in dogs: chronic and acute. While acute kidney failure develops suddenly due to an event, such as ingesting antifreeze, or an underlying condition, like a bacterial infection, chronic kidney failure happens gradually. While renal failure has often progressed so far by the time symptoms show that a full recovery isn’t possible, there are ways to manage symptoms and slow progression of the disease.   Symptoms of chronic kidney failure include vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, depression, weight lost or loss of appetite, extreme thirst, increased urination or urine that is overly concentrated or diluted. In extreme cases, blindness, seizures, comas and blood in the urine indicate renal failure. While canines of any age can suffer from kidney disease, it is most common in older dogs. Some breeds, such as German Shepherds and English Cocker Spaniels, are more susceptible to kidney disease, too. Causes of kidney failure include blockages of the urinary tract, certain prescription drugs, lymphoma and diabetes. Unfortunately, symptoms of chronic renal failure often develop so slowly that by the time they’re evident, it’s too late to effectively treat the disease. It’s still important to take your dog to the veterinarian, however, for bloodwork and diagnosis. If your pet is diagnosed with chronic kidney failure, there are effective ways to manage his symptoms and slow progression of the disease.   Because chronic renal failure is progressive, diagnosed dogs need to be monitored with frequent veterinary check-ups. This helps keep your pet up-to-speed on his medications and diet, which may need to change with the disease. Fluid therapy is the foundation for treating kidney disease as dehydration is a major concern for dogs with the condition. Special diets low in protein, phosphorus, calcium and sodium and high in potassium can help slow the progression of the disease, and supplements can also improve your dog’s nutritional uptake while limiting some of the secondary symptoms of kidney disease, such gastric ulcers. Make sure your pet has constant access to fresh water and monitor his uptake: If he starts drinking less water, you may need to use IV fluids to keep him hydrated. With proper treatment, some dogs diagnosed with chronic kidney failure experience several weeks to years of stability.