10 Surprising Truths About Your Dog’s Behavior

We often think we know our pets inside and out, but there are surprising depths to their behaviors that may surprise even the most seasoned pet owners. Here are 10 unexpected truths about your pet’s behavior:

1. Your Pet Can Sense Your Emotions:
   Pets are incredibly attuned to human emotions. They can pick up on subtle cues like body language, tone of voice, and even changes in your scent. When you’re stressed, anxious, or happy, your pet can feel it too.
2. They Dream:
   Just like humans, pets experience REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, which is associated with dreaming. During this stage, their eyes may twitch, their paws may twitch, or they may make little noises.
3. Boredom Can Lead to Bad Behavior:
   A bored pet is a mischievous pet. If your pet isn’t getting enough mental and physical stimulation, they may resort to destructive behaviors like chewing, digging, or excessive barking.
4. They Have Favorite People:
   While your pet may love everyone in the family, they often have a special bond with one or two individuals. This could be due to factors like spending more time together, sharing meals, or simply personality compatibility.
5. Your Pet Remembers Faces:
   Studies have shown that dogs, in particular, can recognize familiar faces, even after long periods of separation. This suggests that they have a sophisticated form of facial recognition.
6. They Understand More Than You Think:
   While pets may not understand complex language, they can learn to associate words with specific actions or objects. For example, a dog may recognize the word “walk” and get excited when they hear it.
7. They Can Experience Separation Anxiety:
   Just like humans, pets can suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods. This can manifest in various behaviors, such as excessive barking, destructive behavior, or house soiling.
8. They Have a Sense of Humor:
   While it may seem surprising, many pets have a playful side and enjoy a good laugh. They may respond to silly noises, funny faces, or playful gestures.
9. They Can Be Jealous:
   Pets can experience jealousy, especially if they feel like they’re losing your attention. This can lead to behaviors like whining, barking, or even aggression.
10. They Miss You When You’re Gone:
    When you leave, your pet may experience feelings of loneliness and longing. They may greet you enthusiastically upon your return as a sign of their affection and relief.

By understanding these about your pet’s behavior, you can foster a deeper bond with your furry friend and provide them with the care and attention they deserve.

Key Consideration Factors

If you see these red flags, it may be time to consult with a professional trainer:

1. Your pet is exhibiting aggressive behavior.
2. Your pet is excessively destructive.
3. Your pet is not responding to basic training commands.
4. Your pet is fearful or anxious in certain situations.
5. You’re feeling overwhelmed or frustrated by your pet’s behavior.

A professional pet trainer can help you identify the root cause of your pet’s behavior and develop a customized training plan to address the issue. With patience, consistency, and professional guidance, you can improve your pet’s behavior and strengthen your bond.

Here are some key consideration factors when choosing a pet trainer:

• Training Philosophy:
  • Positive Reinforcement: Focuses on rewarding good behavior, creating a positive learning environment.
    Balanced Training: Combines positive reinforcement with some negative consequences (e.g., leash corrections) for unwanted behavior.
    Dominance-Based Training: Emphasizes establishing the trainer as the “alpha” and using physical corrections. This method is generally discouraged by modern animal behaviorists.
• Experience and Certifications:
  • Look for trainers with relevant certifications from recognized organizations like the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) or the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).
    Experience working with your specific breed or dealing with similar behavioral issues is beneficial.
• Communication Skills:
  • A good trainer should be able to clearly explain training techniques and answer your questions.
    They should also be able to effectively communicate with your pet, using clear commands and body language.
• Training Methods:
  • Inquire about the specific training methods they use.
    Ensure they prioritize positive reinforcement and avoid aversive techniques that can harm your pet’s mental and emotional well-being.
• Individualized Approach:
  • A good trainer will tailor their training plan to your pet’s specific needs and learning style.
    They should be willing to adjust their approach as needed.
    Focus on Owner Education:
  • A great trainer will not only train your pet but also teach you how to continue the training at home.
    They should provide ongoing support and guidance.
• References and Reviews:
  • Ask for references from previous clients and read online reviews to get a sense of their reputation.
  • Comfort Level: Choose a trainer with whom you feel comfortable and confident.
    You should be able to trust their expertise and feel comfortable asking questions.
• Additional Tips:
  • Observe a Training Session: If possible, watch a training session to see the trainer’s methods firsthand.
  • Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions: Ask about their training philosophy, experience, and specific techniques.
  • Trust Your Instincts: If you feel uncomfortable or uneasy about a trainer, don’t hesitate to find another one.

By carefully considering these factors, you can find a pet trainer who will help you and your pet build a strong bond and achieve your training goals.

Here are some pet trainers who will take care of your furry partner!

Here are worthy pet trainers for your consideration!

1. Hopefordogs Canine Training

Hopefordogs Canine Training prioritizes compassionate and kind training methods, focusing on the dog’s well-being above all else. Their philosophy emphasizes understanding each dog’s unique personality and needs, employing force-free, scientifically proven techniques to build trust and clear communication. Training sessions are conducted in a safe and supportive environment, utilizing positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviours and prevent stress-related issues. Hopefordogs also educates dog guardians, equipping them with the knowledge to understand their dog’s needs and build lasting, harmonious relationships based on mutual respect and understanding.

2. Bark of Duty

Bark of Duty is a social enterprise in Singapore and Southeast Asia dedicated to providing high-quality dog training services. Beyond profit, they aim to contribute to society by training Assistance Dogs for individuals with disabilities and Conservation Detection Dogs to protect wildlife. Led by Head Trainer Christine Ho, who emphasizes fair leadership, clear communication, and a focus on building positive relationships, Bark of Duty strives to create a world where dogs and humans thrive together.

3. Paws In The City SG Dog Training

Paws In The City was founded with the goal of fostering strong communication and a positive relationship between dog owners and their pets. Recognizing the challenges of urban living, the organization aims to equip dogs with the confidence and skills to navigate the city environment comfortably. Their training philosophy emphasizes mutual success, focusing on creating an environment where both dogs and owners can thrive. By carefully managing training situations, they ensure dogs have the opportunity to succeed and receive positive reinforcement, while owners are also rewarded by witnessing their dog’s progress.

4. Sunny Chong Dog Training School

Sunny Chong Dog Training School, established in 1998, has evolved from a single-person operation into a thriving community dedicated to positive dog training. With over 40,000 dogs trained, the school offers a wide range of programs, including Puppy School, Obedience School, and Behavior Modification, catering to dogs of all ages and breeds. Emphasizing a collaborative approach, Sunny Chong Dog Training School empowers owners through skill transfer sessions, enabling them to continue training at home and strengthen their bond with their dogs.

5. Woof Academy

Woof Academy, led by Head Trainer Ayden, boasts a unique approach to dog training. Ayden, trained at a prestigious US institution, brings a deep understanding of canine and human psychology. This allows him to pinpoint the root of behavioral issues and offer tailored solutions. Woof Academy prioritizes equipping owners with the knowledge to effectively communicate with their dogs and navigate the overwhelming online information. Their training emphasizes a practical, Singapore-centric approach, considering both the owner’s and dog’s unique personalities and combining positive reinforcement with effective management strategies. By joining Woof Academy, owners can foster a balanced and fulfilling relationship with their furry companions while also gaining valuable insights into themselves.

6. Woofie Dog Training School

Woofie, an established dog training company founded in 2018, boasts experienced trainers with backgrounds in police K-9 units. Their mission is to rehabilitate troubled dogs, believing all canines are trainable. Woofie emphasizes responsible and reliable care, prioritizing the safety and happiness of every dog. With a focus on open-concept daycare, training schools, and shelter support, they strive to provide the best care and guidance for dog owners and their furry companions.

7. Perfect K9

Perfect K9, founded by Doris, a certified dog trainer and animal behaviorist with over 21 years of experience, specializes in positive reinforcement-based training methods. Doris is a pioneer in this field in Singapore and was also the first to introduce lifestyle communication training. Her expertise extends to animal communication, having trained numerous students who have become professional communicators themselves. Doris is also an experienced Animal Reiki practitioner, utilizing this energy healing technique to assist distressed animals.

8. Waggie Dog School

Waggie Dog Training, founded in 1985 by renowned trainer Patrick Wong, is a leading dog training school in Singapore. With a focus on building strong human-canine bonds, they offer private and group lessons emphasizing practical techniques and expert guidance. Their training programs aim to address various behavioral issues, helping dogs overcome anxieties and react appropriately to external stimuli. Waggie Dog Training has a distinguished reputation, having trained dogs for numerous media appearances, including television shows, stage productions, and international musicals. They have collaborated with renowned personalities such as David Copperfield and Cesar Milan, and their canine projects have graced prominent platforms like StarHub and XinMSN.

9. Pawsitive Furkids Dog Training School

Pawsitive Furkids Pte. Ltd., a Singaporean dog training academy, was established by Patrick Koh and Veronica Tan, passionate dog enthusiasts and accredited trainers. Driven by their love for their own pets, they sought more effective and humane training methods in 2012. Pawsitive Furkids champions positive reinforcement training, fostering a joyful and stress-free learning environment for both dogs and their owners. They are recognized for their expertise, holding AVS-Accredited Certified (AVS-ACDT) status in Singapore and Knowledge-Accessed (CPDT-KA) certification.

10. Pet Coach SG

Qiai and Webster, the founders of Pet Coach Singapore, established their company with the goal of providing exceptional professional assistance to pets and their owners. Recognizing a gap in the market, they emphasize the importance of advanced education and scientific knowledge, particularly in animal behavior and welfare. As the only pet behavior company in Singapore led by a founder with a Masters in Applied Animal Behavior and Animal Welfare from the University of Edinburgh, Pet Coach Singapore prioritizes animal welfare in all its services. Their mission is to revolutionize the pet industry by improving pet care through evidence-based approaches, acknowledging the crucial role of animal welfare in successful behavior modification.