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What Does It Mean When Your Dog Barks at You?

When your dog barks at you, it means he is try to tell you something. What that something is will vary. He could be demanding food, asking for attention, being protective, telling you he is in pain, or alerting you to what he perceives as danger.

Should I Feel Threatened When My Dog Barks at Me? 

Dogs bark for many different reasons, so the fact that he is barking at you is usually no cause for concern. If the bark is low-pitched and accompanied by growling, that can be a sign of aggression. Keep in mind, however, that aggression is often caused by pain or an illness—especially if it comes on suddenly and isn’t normal for your dog. So putting aside aggression, here are a few things your dog may be trying to tell you:

“I’m Hungry”

If your dog is barking at you and it’s past his dinner time, there is a good chance he’s hungry. He’s just offering a gentle reminder that he has no intention of missing a meal.

“Put Your Shoes On and Take Me for a Walk” 

Dogs need their exercise and they also appreciate routine. If you normally walk him morning and night, you can expect to hear about it when it doesn’t happen.

“My Toy Is Stuck Under the Couch” 

Often a dog barking means he isn’t getting something he wants. If the barking is accompanied by scratching around a couch or other piece of furniture, there is a good chance that a favorite toy is hiding underneath.

“I Want Attention” 

Barking may be a cry for attention, but it should be ignored. If you respond to barking with pets and cuddles, you’re encouraging the behavior. Instead, ignore your barking dog and when he calms down reward him with the attention he wants.

While you can’t speak canine, you can often look for clues that will help you understand what it means when your dog barks at you. 

Why Do Dogs Stare At You While You Eat?

Dogs stare at you while you eat because they want what you’re eating. In the wild, dogs stare at the pack leader as he eats. This is how they let him know they are hungry and hope to get his scraps. You’re the pack leader, and they are hoping you’ll share your meal.

How to Curb Staring During Meal Time 

Because this behavior is a natural instinct, curbing it completely can be difficult. You can, however, take steps to not encourage staring.

NEVER Feed Your Dog from the Table 

Unless you want your dog planted next to your seat at the dinner table for every meal for the rest of his life, do not toss him a treat from the table. Even if you only do it once, he’ll never forget. He’ll spend the rest of his life waiting patiently for a repeat. If you want to share your table scraps, you need to take your plate away from the table and put some space between the dog staring and you giving him the food so he doesn’t associate the two.

Ignore Him 

You can’t say “bad dog!” enough to eliminate a natural instinct. Instead, completely ignore his staring. Over time, this may help minimize the behavior.

Feed the Dog First 

Some pet owners have had success with feeding their dogs before they sit down for a meal. If your dog is full, he may be less interested in whatever is on your plate. Of course, some dogs can never get enough, so don’t expect this to be 100% effective.

Why do dogs stare at you while you eat? They want your food! If it really bothers you, or if you’re having company, simply crate your dog (if he is crate trained) during mealtime to eliminate the problem. 

What Can I Spray To Stop My Dog From Digging?

Vinegar and citrus oil are two things you can spray to stop your dog from digging. Commercial dog repellent sprays are also available. These methods will not work for all dogs, so it may take some trial and error to discover what works for your dog. Whether you choose a homemade or commercial product, such sprays are a good starting point for pet owners who want to curb this behavior.

Why Dogs Dig 

The reasons dogs dig are as varied as the methods to try and stop it. If you know why he is digging, you may be able to prevent the behavior even without the use of sprays. If your dog is digging, he may be trying to:

  •  Escape the Yard: If digging is along the fence, it’s pretty obvious what your dog is trying to do. This is one of the most troublesome types of digging because it puts your dog in danger. If your dog is digging to escape, block the area around the fence with chicken wire or rocks to prevent him from getting out of the yard while you work on stopping the digging. 
  • Cool Off: Digging holes and then resting inside them means your dog is digging to cool off. Aside from not leaving your pet outside on hot days, you can also be sure to provide adequate shade and plenty of water.
  • Hunt Prey: If you see signs of burrowing pests near the spots where your dog digs, he is likely hunting. Call a humane exterminator to safely move the gopher, mole, or other animal out of your yard.
  • Relieve Boredom: Digging is fun! At least some dogs think so. If your dog is digging as a game or to relieve boredom, introducing lots of new toys and additional playtime may curb the behavior. 

Are Commercial Sprays More Effective than Homemade?

Not necessarily. Just like humans have different tastes, so do dogs. The spray is simply adding a repellant to the area, and what will repel one dog may not repel another. If you don’t want to spend money for a commercial spray, try the homemade sprays first to see if you get the desired results. 

There are many things you can spray to stop your dog from digging, you just need to find what works best for your pup!  

Why Do Cats Suddenly Attack Their Owners?

There are many possible reasons why cats suddenly attack their owners including misguided play, a show of dominance, fear, or a medical issue. The good news is that, with time and patience, the issue can usually be corrected.

Dealing with an Aggressive Cat 

While a cat doesn’t apply the same lethal force as a large dog, their attacks can be scary, painful, and leave their owners bloody. In other words: Cats attacking their owners isn’t something that can be ignored. The first step in correcting the behavior is discovering the cause. Possible reasons include:

Misguided Play

Cats and kittens love to play, and they need to be taught what kind of play is acceptable and what kind is not. Make sure your cats have plenty of toys, and toss new toys into the mix on a regular basis so your cats won’t get bored. 

Fear 

When a cat is afraid or stressed out, they may attack just because they don’t know what else to do. One way to help your cat deal with fear is to make sure they have access to a place that makes them feel safe. This may be a perch atop a kitty condo, an enclosed bed, or even access to a rarely used room. If their fear seems extreme, consult a vet for advice.

You’re the Prey 

Cats are hunters. It’s a natural instinct. This is similar to play, but look at it more like practice. They are honing their skills for when they are ready to chase their next insect or rodent. Encourage them to stalk other items, such as the dot from a laser pointer or a toy mouse tied to a string. Redirecting this behavior may help to turn their attention to their toys, rather than your legs, the next time they want to practice hunting.

Medical Issues 

If your typically docile cat is suddenly aggressive, there is a good chance that a medical issue is to blame. When cats are in pain, they often show signs of aggression. If you suspect this may be the cause, a visit to the vet should be a priority.

There Is Hope 

 If you can pinpoint the cause of a cat suddenly attacking their owner, a resolution can often be found either on your own or with the help of a vet or animal behaviorist. This isn’t usually behavior that will go away on its own, so deal with the issue head on as soon as possible for the best results. 

How Do I Find a Good Home for My Maltese?

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to find a new home for your Maltese, there are many resources available to help you through the process. You never want to make the mistake of giving your dog to just anyone because they may not be a good fit for your Maltese. Below are some things you’ll need to do to ensure that he goes to a great new owner.

Know What Your Dog Needs

You’ve spent more time with your dog than anyone else has, and this means that you know their personality and their needs better than others. You also know his quirks, both good and bad. Does he love getting brushed? Does he chase cats? Does he snap at children? Maybe he needs to be on a special diet, or he needs to take medication each day.

Your goal is to find an owner that will accept the good and the bad, and that can provide your dog with the care he’ll need. After all, you want him to go to a home that will love him and keep him healthy, happy, and safe for the rest of his life.

Talk with People You Know

One of the first options you may want to consider is finding your Maltese a home with someone you know. You might have a friend or a relative that has been looking for a hypoallergenic dog for their family. They could be a great solution, especially if they already know and like your dog.

However, you can’t simply give your dog to someone that you know without thinking about your dog’s needs. Make sure that it’s the right fit first and ask questions to find out how they plan on caring for your dog (the same way you would of a stranger).

Just keep in mind that when they’re in the new home, you’ll want to give it a few months before you visit. This will allow your dog to see the new home and family as theirs, and they won’t try to come home with you.

Take Your Time to Find the Perfect Owner Online 

You might not know someone personally that’s looking for a dog. Fortunately, the internet has made it easier to find people looking to adopt. Of course, you shouldn’t just use any classified ad site to advertise your dog—you never know who is on those sites or what their intentions are.

Instead, choose a site that’s built specifically for people who want to adopt a dog. Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com, is a great solution. The peer-to-peer adoption platform is easy to use and is free for owners. Adopters only pay a small rehoming fee that’s similar to what they would pay to a shelter or rescue.

You can create a detailed profile for your dog through Rehome that includes photos, videos, and a bio. Remember to make the bio as detailed as possible, including the personality and quirks of your Maltese. Your Maltese’s bio is then uploaded directly to Adopt-a-Pet.com for millions of potential adopters to see. Once you start receiving applications, Rehome will provide you with tips on how to choose the right adopter, and will even help you with the contract process. It’s a straight-forward and safe way to make sure you’re doing right by your dog. 

How Long Does it Take Labrador Retrievers to Get Used to a New Home?

If you’ve recently adopted a Labrador retriever, you might be wondering, “how long does it take a Labrador Retriever to get used to a new home?” Some people get frustrated when a new dog doesn’t fall right into their family’s established routines, but the truth is that it can take weeks or even months for a dog to fully become used to his new home. Dogs that have been shuffled around or who have been through traumatic experiences typically take longer to adjust.

Don’t Give Up On Your Pet

When a new Labrador Retriever is still having trouble getting used to his new home even after a few weeks, some pet owners start to think they didn’t find the right fit. Don’t give up! It might take some extra time and effort, but he WILL come around. If he gets sent off to a new home, he’ll have to start from scratch, and you’ll have to start over with a new dog.

One thing that will help is properly transitioning a dog in to your home. Most shelters and rescues will provide information on how to do this. Tips may vary somewhat based on the history and behavior of the dog, but a few pointers include:

  • Provide a Crate: Even if you don’t plan to crate your dog when you’re not home, crate training is a good idea. When properly handled, the dog will view the crate as a safe place.
  • Don’t Yell or Hit: Yelling at or hitting a dog will never bring about the desired results. Instead of helping your dog learn to follow commands and to be confident, he’ll become timid and fearful. Instead, learn how to get your dog’s attention by using a stern voice when he does something wrong and by praising him when does something good.
  • Training Classes: Quality training classes aren’t just about teaching your dog to behave; they are also about teaching you how to be the leader your dog needs. Taking some training classes with a reputable trainer could make a world of difference.

The reward for your patience and hard work will be a Labrador Retriever who is loyal and obedient for life! 

What Does it Mean to Rehome a Dog?

Rehoming a dog means means finding a new home where your dog will be safe and loved. This is different from surrendering your dog to a shelter or rescue because you’re helping your dog go from your home right into another home. When you take the time needed to rehome the dog, you’re able to choose a family that is a perfect fit for your pet.

How Do I Find a Home for My Dog? 

Before you start searching for a new home for your dog, be sure that you have tried everything to keep him in your home. Talk to your vet, local trainers, and animal welfare groups for advice. You can also view our Keep Your Pet guide here. If you find that you still need to rehome your pet once those efforts are exhausted, here are some tips to keep in mind: 

  • Think twice about rehoming your pet through classified sites. Many people troll such sites looking for dogs to use for nefarious purposes.
  • Always charge a rehoming fee. Giving dogs away “free to a good home” is never a good idea because you want the new adopter to demonstrate that they are serious about providing a great home for your furry friend. Charging a rehoming fee of $50 to $150 shows that the adopter has some financial resources to commit to the dog and eliminates certain risks, such as your dog being sold to a lab.
  • Use available resources to make finding a home easier. Rehome is a website dedicated to helping responsible pet owners find the perfect home for their dog or cat. The service allows you set up an eye-catching profile and to connect with potential adopters at no charge. Applications are submitted right through the site, and you’ll even find helpful tips about screening potential homes, and much more. 

If you absolutely cannot keep your dog, take the time to ensure he’ll be happy with a new family. It’s the right thing to do—both for your dog and for your own peace of mind. 

How Do I Surrender My Boxer?

If you’re asking, “how do I surrender my boxer,” you’ve probably decided that you can no longer keep your pet. You’ll have a few options; including surrendering your dog to a local shelter. This typically includes meeting with an intake specialist and paying a surrender fee. The exact protocol varies, but what remains the same across the board, is that you’ll have no say in what happens to your dog once he’s been surrendered.

Will the Shelter Find a Home for My Boxer if I Surrender Him? 

In a perfect world, every dog that entered a shelter would end up in a great home. In reality, it doesn’t always work like that. It often has nothing to do with lack of effort on the part of the shelter team; instead it comes down to simple math. If more people are surrendering dogs than are looking to adopt a dog then it may be difficult to find a good situation for your boxer.

Is There a Way to Guarantee He’ll Eventually Find a Home? 

The best way to make sure your dog ends up in a loving home is to find that home yourself. This is an option overlooked by many pet owners because they aren’t sure where to begin to find a good home for their dog.

While it will take a bit of time and effort, you don’t have to go it alone. Resources are available to help you. One great resource is Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com. From expert advice to online tools like the ability to create a profile and communicate with adopters, this website simplifies the process of finding a perfect home for your boxer so you can avoid the need to surrender him to a shelter.

An added benefit? In addition to ensuring a happy future for your boxer, you also help other dogs by freeing up the shelter’s resources to better care for them.

Put in the effort to find a new family for your boxer. You’ll have peace of mind knowing his happy, healthy future is secured. 

What Is A Reasonable Rehoming Fee For A Dog?

A reasonable rehoming fee for a dog starts at about $50 and can go up from there. The purpose of the fee is not to make money, but rather to avoid giving the dog to someone unwilling to invest in having a pet. Charging a fee also reduces the possibility that your dog will be used for fighting or sold to a lab. Many people don’t realize how real those dangers are, but they are very much reduced by charging a rehoming fee. 

What If The Person Seems Really Nice? 

If the person who wants to adopt your dog seems nice but is haggling over a $50 rehoming fee, it’s probably time to look for a different adopter. Here’s why:

  • People that would want to use your dog in a bad way have honed their skills of seeming like the perfect adopters. Some even bring kids along to put on a really good show.
  • It’s expensive to take good care of a dog. If someone is unwilling or unable to pay a $50 rehoming fee, they may not be in the best position to adopt. Also, if they are put off by a small rehoming fee, what will they do when faced with a large vet bill? 

Don’t feel any guilt whatsoever for charging a fee to rehome your dog. The point of it is to protect him.

Need more advice for rehoming a dog? Visit Rehome where you’ll find lots of tips and tools to help you find the perfect home for your pup. 

What Does It Mean When A Dog Is Howling?

Despite superstitions that say a dog howling means death is near, howling is actually just a form of communication used by dogs. They may howl to let others know they have arrived, to make contact with other dogs, and to attract attention. Many dogs also howl in response to noises such as other animals, sirens, or even to sounds that will go unnoticed by human ears.

Could Howling Mean My Dog Is Sick? 

It’s possible. As with any symptom, you should be aware of behavior that is unusual for your dog. For example, if a dog that never howled suddenly does or if he howls much more than normal this could be a cause for concern. If this is the case for your dog, make an appointment with the vet to rule out a medical cause.

Does the dog only howl when you’re away, and is the howling excessive? If so, you should also consider whether the pup may have separation anxiety. If you think this may be the case, an animal behaviorist can help you with a treatment plan to bring the anxiety under control.

Tips To Make Howling Stop 

Barring a medical condition or anxiety, your dog is just howling as a way to communicate. Whether he’s howling in response to other neighborhood dogs or to get attention from you, here are a few tips that may help curb the howling:

  • Attention seeking dogs will stop howling once they realize it doesn’t yield the desired result, so ignore your dog when he howls.
  • Give your dog attention or a treat at random times when he’s being quiet.
  • Teach him voice commands including “quiet” and “stop.” Once he’s mastered them, you should be able to stop the howling on command. 

Some breeds don’t howl at all while some howl more than most. While you don’t want to stop his vocalization completely, there are ways to minimize it so as not to annoy your neighbors. If your best efforts don’t help, consider working with an animal behaviorist who can help you pinpoint the reason for the howling and work on training to bring it under control.