Dog Anxiety

Do you have an anxious dog?
The answer is that at some time or another your dog will suffer from a bout of anxiety.
The concern arises if the anxiety is an extreme case , or is it just the run of the mill occurrence
that should not be obsessed over. The most common anxiety in dogs is separation anxiety , which of
course takes place when the owner leaves the pooch at home while going out. Does your dog exhibit
any of the following symptoms : pacing back an forth when you prepare to leave. Crying, whining ,
barking and becoming destructive of furniture or breakables, or scratching at the door when you are not at home.

If any of these actions represent the behavior exhibited by your dog these suggestions should be of benefit
to you. You do not want to take any kind of action that will worsen the situation. If you present a calm
demeanor , your dog is more likely to act calmly in response. When leaving and or returning to the home or
apartment don't make it a momentous event. You need to ignore the dog. Act as though nothing significant
has happened. Your dog will take your example as an indicator as to the severity of the situation. When
you prepare to go out, casually put on your outer garments, collect your keys, hand bag, etc. When you
see your dog not reacting to your movements, leave and come back quickly . Repeat the process over and
again. All dogs are different and learn at varied paces, you will need to be patient to get your dog over
this hurdle. Don't expect immediate results , given time and repetition you'll achieve the desired result
of a better socialized pet.

Learn Cat Language Part 2

Continuing with our theme of learning cat language another communication device is the head.

 If a cat holds his head low and to one side or the other , this cat has  adopted a defensive posture. He  may also

be submitting to a more dominant cat.

Head rubbing or head bumping is utilized to convey a friendly gesture or a greeting. Cats use this method

with people as well as with other cats to show they are happy to see you.

If you see a cat with his head down low and staring intensely , he has adopted an aggressive stance.

He will approach his prey with head held low and shifting from one side to another , he's about to pounce.

  Arching is another communication device employed by cats. A cat will puff up its fur and arch its back in

order to appear larger to an adversary . This visual display is often times accompanied  by growling and hissing

to create an intimidating picture.

Rubbing with the head is a friendly gesture, but rubbing with the body is used to delineate territory. 

When your cat rubs his body against you he is marking you with his scent as being a part of his territory, he's letting every other cat know that you are his.

Cats can talk through a vocalization process , growling for instance with a closed mouth is a device used to indicate both aggression and fear. A deep, low growl can be used as a warning to stay clear or else.

Meowing by adult cats is usually reserved to communicate something to humans, adult cats don't usually 

meow at each other. Kittens on the other hand meow to their mothers to indicate they want food or attention. 

They also meow to indicate something is bothering them or they want affection. 

Cats use hissing to convey both aggression and fear. It can be difficult to determine which emotion is being

conveyed at a particular moment. The best way to assess a hissing cat is to step back and take in the whole

picture to see what other body language signs there  may be to indicate what's  wrong. But try not to turn your back on a hissing cat.

A howling cat is usually in some kind of discomfort and is warning you to stay away, its best to take a

persistently howling cat into your vet to determine if there is a medical issue.

A message used to convey contentment is purring accompanied by kneading. these are cats that are happy

and content with their surroundings and everyone in it. Kneading and fluffing of material is also another device

for marking of territory. Scent glands in the paws leave trace amounts of scent behind to mark territory. 

These are just some of the many ways in which cats communicate both through verbal methods and the use of

body language . Watching for these and other traits will enhance your learning and cat loving experience.