Mars Hill Animal Hospital ‘Dog Behavioral Questions’

The Cost Of Compassion

Posted on: February 15th, 2011

Your pet’s comfort and safety is our primary concern. We know that anesthesia and surgery are stressful for both you and your pet. We understand that cost is often a factor in choosing your pet’s health care, and want to be sure that you understand how our hospital policies can make a real difference to
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Why does my dog lick me?

Posted on: August 3rd, 2010

Dogs lick for a lot of reasons. Licking is a submissive social signal, first of all, allowing dogs to show deference to dominant “pack members.” Puppies lick to solicit solid food from their mothers when they’re weaned, so a young dog may lick to request its dinner. Some dogs lick as a substitute for puppy
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Why does my dog scoot his rear end on the ground?

Posted on: August 3rd, 2010

This is not an uncommon problem. It probably means that your dog has full or infected anal glands. These glands help dogs to mark their territory through scent. They usually empty themselves every time a dog defecates. They can become clogged, however, and unable to empty, and sometimes infection can develop. When this happens, your
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My dog is very aggressive – what can I do?

Posted on: August 3rd, 2010

Aggressive dogs can cause serious injury and even death. In addition to the tragedy sometimes caused by canine attacks, owners can be subject to civil and criminal liability for their pet’s behavior. If your dog shows signs of aggression such as growling, snarling or snapping, call your veterinarian immediately for a behavior evaluation and counseling
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How do I stop my dog from pulling on the leash ?

Posted on: August 3rd, 2010

It is pretty common for dogs to yank on their leashes when they’re walked–they’re out in the big, exciting world, after all, and they want to see and smell everything they can. It can become quite a problem, though, particularly if you’re walking a dog that weighs almost as much as you do. It can
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How do I keep my dog from rolling in stinky things?

Posted on: August 3rd, 2010

First, you should congratulate yourself on having a very normal, well-adjusted pooch. For some reason, things like dead animals, manure, and garbage are magnets to dogs, and there is nothing in the world they’d rather smell like. Some people theorize that dogs’ instinct tells them that the terrible smells will cover up their scent and
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How do I crate train my dog?

Posted on: August 3rd, 2010

Crate training is a great way to help your dog feel comfortable and secure while you are away and will protect your house from damage caused by anxious pups. When you are gone dogs can either sleep or get in trouble. If you limit their options by providing a site where all they can do
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