Healthy dogs are often motivated to exercise, go for walks, interact with other dogs or people, play with their toys, be around loved ones, among many other things. However, when dogs become obsessed with their ball, it seems that it is the only thing that can bring them joy.
Love. In its simplest form, our dogs are obsessed because they love us. Uncomplicated in its reasoning, companionship and the need for affection are two reasons our dogs never leave our sides.
Most of the time an obsession is something that the dog has discovered can work as an outlet for anxiety, frustration, or suppressed energy. For this reason, the first thing to do is to make sure that your dog is properly exercised and is not living with pent-up energy.
Canines are smitten with babies and can form strong connections because of the amount of time spent together. Both a baby and a dog, especially a young pup, have a common desire for a playmate and someone who will give them attention.
In addition to using humans as a social reference point, dogs have been shown to develop attachment bonds with humans.
It is quite a common for pet dogs to become attached to just one person. This is usually within a household, but it can happen that the family dog prefers the dog walker, or the neighbour who offers him treats.
The Root of the Behavior
Recent studies by animal psychologists have confirmed that dogs do in fact experience jealousy when their owners display affection toward other animals, new partners, kids, or even inanimate objects.
No! As devastating as the news might come off as, dogs hate it when we pick them up like our very own fur babies. Animal experts state that constantly picking up dogs can be seen as an invasion of their space. So yes, the hurrrr and humph sound whenever we pick them up is a 'let me be' warning to the owners.
Dogs have the ability to sniff out changes in the human body, and many have developed impressive skill in detecting cancer, diabetes, and other health conditions in humans. During pregnancy, your hormones shift and are released in different patterns and quantities, and these changes are sure to be noticed by your dog.
Dogs lick the air for a number of reasons: to better smell things they are interested in, to communicate anxiety, to combat an upset stomach, etc. Occasional, short-lived episodes of air-licking are not a cause for alarm, but you should watch for increases in the time and/or frequency spent licking.
Some people believe this sounds like an obsession that could be unhealthy for the person and pet alike. But many others say mind your own business, as long as there's no harm or neglect happening. To them, going to great lengths for their pet is completely rational, caring behavior.
Unlike humans, dogs can't verbalize what they are feeling. But even though dogs experience different emotions than we do, experts recognize that mental health problems akin to depression can occur in canines.
Like humans, dogs are especially impressionable as their brains develop, so puppies up to 6 months old are in their key socialization period. Like their human counterparts, dogs develop favorite people over time based on positive experiences and positive associations with that person.
Cuddles & Sleepy Snuggles ?
Dogs choose to sleep where they feel most comfortable and at ease, so if your dog enjoys sleeping in your bed, or likes to snuggle up to you for a nap, they feel trust in you that they will be safe to do so.
If your dog follows you everywhere then it's most likely a sign that they love and adore you. When dogs interact with someone they like, the hormone oxytocin is released. Oxytocin is often referred to as the 'love hormone' and makes you feel that warm glow when you're around someone you like.
Obviously, his stronger sense of smell is useful, but it's also because dogs can see movement and light in the dark, and other low-light situations, better than humans. They are assisted by the high number of light-sensitive rods within the retina of their eyes. Rods collect dim light, supporting better night vision.
So say scientists in Hungary, who have published a groundbreaking study that found dogs understand both the meaning of words and the intonation used to speak them. Put simply: Even if you use a very excited tone of voice to tell the dog he's going to the vet, he'll probably see through you and be bummed about going.
A dog's mouth carries a lot of germs, which can easily be passed to people. This is especially problematic for babies and immune suppressed adults. Both are at an increased risk of contracting infections and parasites from dogs. So, even though it may look cute, a dog licking a baby's face should not be allowed.
Recently, psychologists performed a study on dog behavior and learned without a doubt that dogs do get jealous. Whether it's jealousy as humans experience it, or an offshoot of deeply ingrained dog behavior like resource guarding or redirected excitement, dogs do feel envy.
Also, your pup's whining, or even barking, when the baby cries could be a sign of anxiety. The loud crying could be uncomfortable for your dog and he simply wants to get away. Besides just the sound being an issue, your pup may be picking up on the discomfort that is causing the baby to cry.
For example, grey hounds, Shiba Inus, Cairn terriers, and Basenjis often bond strongly with one person, while Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, poodles, and beagles like to spread the love more equally.
A new study reveals that dogs can recognize their owner by voice alone. You might already be sure your dog can recognize you by your voice, but they might not even need their vision or smell to guide them, according to a new study.