Latest news with #petbehavior
Fox News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Do dogs really watch TV? Science says yes
Ever catch your dog staring at the screen during movie night and wonder if they're actually watching? Turns out, they might be. A new scientific study from Auburn University found that many dogs really do engage with television, and not all pups react the same way. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my In the past, older TVs didn't do much for dogs. Their lower refresh rates caused flickering that was hard for canine eyes to process. Dogs see flicker more sensitively than humans do. So while you were watching your favorite sitcom, your dog was probably just seeing a strobe light. Today's high-definition, high-frame-rate TVs are a different story. The improved visuals and sound mean dogs can now recognize what's happening onscreen and respond to it. Researchers developed something called the Dog Television Viewing Scale (DTVS). It's a 16-question tool that helps measure how dogs respond to different kinds of TV content, like barking, tail-wagging, or even following something off-screen. They surveyed over 650 dog owners. More than 450 respondents reported that their dogs actually watch TV. From there, three main behavior patterns emerged: Dogs responded most strongly to other animals, especially dogs and wildlife. Some dogs physically tracked an object as it moved off the screen. This suggests they think the image might exist beyond the TV, like in real life. Dogs also reacted to people and inanimate objects, such as cars or doorbells. The researchers found that personality, not breed or age, influenced how dogs reacted. Excitable dogs were more likely to exhibit "follow" behavior, actively watching and expecting movement off-screen. Fearful or reactive dogs were more sensitive to non-animal stimuli, like human voices or doorbells. Interestingly, dogs' sex, breed, or even whether they were neutered didn't seem to affect their TV habits. Exposure to TV also wasn't a strong factor, meaning dogs aren't necessarily "trained" to watch. If you leave the TV on for your dog while you're out, you're not alone, and it might even help them feel more at ease. But not all dogs benefit the same way. The content matters. Animal-heavy programming could excite or soothe a curious pup. But shows with loud sounds or human conflict could stress out a fearful dog. Some streaming services, like DOGTV, are now designing content tailored for dogs. This research gives that idea more scientific credibility. The findings suggest a new tool for improving dog welfare, especially in shelters. Tailored TV programming could help reduce stress and provide mental enrichment for dogs waiting to be adopted. Still, more research is needed. Most of the data came from owners whose dogs already engage with TV. Behavior reports were based on what owners observed, rather than direct measurement. TV might not just be background noise for your dog. For some, it could be entertainment. For others, it might even be stress relief or stimulation. And thanks to modern screen tech, they're seeing it clearer than ever before. So next time you catch your dog watching with you, take a moment. They may really be following the action. Would you ever let your dog pick what's on TV based on their reaction? Let us know by writing us at Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my Copyright 2025 All rights reserved
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Cockatoo Demanding To Be Let Out of Cage Like a Boss Is Cracking People Up
Cockatoo Demanding To Be Let Out of Cage Like a Boss Is Cracking People Up originally appeared on Parade Pets. As toddlers (and even older kids) know, dads are often the weak link when it comes to getting what they want. In a hilarious TikTok clip, Bentley the Cockatoo is channeling his inner 2-year-old as he demands to be released from a time-out. 'Bentley went on a time-out for biting,' his pet mamma said. 'He got mad and threw a temper tantrum like a toddler, but Dad succumbed.' What a boss! (Bentley, not Dad, sorry, Dad!) 'So stinkin' cute,' a fan noted. 'He wants what he wants and ain't afraid to tell you!' Of course, when your bird squawks 'I want out!' several times from his cage, anyone would find it impossible to say no to such an intelligent creature. (Even if they've gotten into trouble.) 🐶🐾🐾 'OMG so cute,' another fan wrote on TikTok, marveling at Bentley's speaking ability. 'He's a better communicator than me!' Bentley's dad is surely communicating that he's a softy, snuggling with his bird baby and truly enjoying some one-on-one time with his feathered friend, after Bentley's release from the cage. 'Can you believe she put me on time-out?' Bentley appears to whisper to his dad in the video clip. OMG, that's hilarious!The funny thing is that Cockatoos are often compared to toddlers and are known for their expressive personalities, which can include temper tantrums. So, aside from a little cage time to calm down, what are some other strategies a pet parent can try to get a Cockatoo on a more even keel?Experts recommend rewarding calm behavior with praise, treats, or attention. This can help your bird associate quietness with positive outcomes. They also suggest teaching your Cockatoo to perform an action (like a trick) incompatible with screaming. When your Cockatoo starts to scream, cue the incompatible behavior and reward success. Hopefully, Bentley learned his lesson after the time-out! Judging by how he's apparently manipulated his dad, though, we have a feeling Bentley's parents are going to have their hands full for years to come. You see, while toddlers grow out of the tantrum phase, Cockatoos typically don't! Good luck, Mom and Dad! Cockatoo Demanding To Be Let Out of Cage Like a Boss Is Cracking People Up first appeared on Parade Pets on Jul 20, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade Pets on Jul 20, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
The Sun
02-07-2025
- General
- The Sun
I'm a dog expert – here's the biggest mistake you make that causes your pet to behave badly, and it's so easy to fix
WHEN a dog misbehaves, the immediate reaction of most owners is to just blame the animal. However, Diane Hart, dog rehabilitator partnering with The Pettifor Trust, has revealed that owners themselves could be the root of the problem. 1 And smothering your pet with love while talking to them in a baby voice are signs you could be at fault. Diane emphasises that owners often unintentionally cause harm by treating their dogs like human children. Dogs, she explains, need to understand their place at the bottom of the "pack" to feel comfortable and secure. When a dog is at the top of the hierarchy, they may begin to assert dominance, even over children. This is especially true if the parents are strong "alphas" and the child is not, leading to the dog potentially going after anyone who touches the child. Offering up her simple fix, Diane advises: "Don't treat your dog like a child, you have to respect the dog for what it is. "The dog, in order to be comfortable, has to be at the bottom of the pack. If you put them at the top of the pack, they will start bossing the kids around." On training and leadership, she adds: "Owners need to learn to be a pack leader, by being consistent. Once the owner shows they can take control of their dog, the dog will listen." Dogs are also deeply sensitive to their human companions, with their behaviour often mirroring the owner's temperament. Diane says that many dogs arriving in her care demonstrate issues directly linked to their previous home environments. INCREDIBLE moment hero vet staff save dog from choking on favourite toy And sadly, these are dogs other rescue centres might deem too challenging. Many dogs display anxiety, reactivity, or withdrawal due to picking up on their owner's mood or stress. Border Collies, in particular, are highly sensitive to their surroundings and human energy. Originally bred for rural life, they can be noise sensitive and do not thrive in overly loud or chaotic environments, such as homes with constant shouting or screaming children. Their needs for extensive exercise arevery important, and a lack of this - coupled with frequent owner absence - can lead to severe separation anxiety and hyperactiveness. Common behavioural issues often stem from a lack of consistent love and control within the household. This can manifest as anxiety, nipping, pacing, and lunging at people. Diane said: "I believe 100% a dog is a mirror image of yourself; if you are hyperactive, your Collie will be the same.
ABC News
21-06-2025
- Health
- ABC News
Dogs are increasingly given anti-anxiety drugs for behavioural issues, but do they need them?
Two-and-a-half-year-old rescue dog Mabel is sweet and happy when her owner, veterinarian Amy Lee, is at home. But when Dr Lee is gone, Mabel can be a whole different animal. "She wouldn't eat when I wasn't home. She would bark, she would whimper, she would cry. She sometimes wouldn't toilet," Dr Lee said. "When we went overseas recently, for the first time in her life, she escaped the yard because there was a dog sitter with her and not our family." Now, Mabel is one of many dogs on a medication called fluoxetine — a type of antidepressant sold under the brand name Prozac. For Dr Lee, being able to prescribe fluoxetine for dogs like hers has been "a godsend". While Dr Lee is comfortable with providing anxiety medicines to dogs like Mabel at her clinic in Blacktown, NSW, she said it wasn't suitable for every animal. Dr Lee takes dog owners through one-hour long consultations about their pet's history and behaviours before deciding whether to prescribe medication. But this isn't standard across the veterinarian sector, with some vets only getting a 15-minute appointment to make the decision. This is creating concerns from some in the industry about how many dogs are going onto anti-anxiety medication as a first-line treatment. A study looking at millions of canine medical records in the US from 2010 to 2020 found a 10-fold increase in behavioural problems, and an increase in antidepressant medications. Dr Lee says she's seen an increase in dogs at her clinic with behavioural issues like aggression, separation anxiety as well as problematic behaviours. Although Australia-wide data on use of drug therapies for animals is not recorded by groups like the Australian Veterinary Association, there is evidence that their use is on the rise. Australian pet pharmacy YourPetPA listed fluoxetine on its website as its third "best selling" prescription medication. But Paul McGreevy, a veterinarian and a researcher of animal behaviour at the University of Sydney, said the real issue for the dogs was the management by their owners. "The danger is that pet owners demand a medication to resolve a problem, when the problem is actually them," he said. Dogs, he noted, have different needs and wants to humans, which we struggle to respond to, and instead, we "expect the dogs to adapt to our way of life". "If you want a dog, expect it to do doggy things, and expect it to have doggy needs," Professor McGreevy said. Michelle Rassool, a behavioural veterinarian who works in both general practice and a behavioural clinic, said many owners were at their wits end with their dog's behaviour when they came to her. "The average person gets a dog to have a friend, and they are normally not skilled in behaviour modification," she said. "People should be aware that there are multiple options for intervening in behaviour. Instead, Dr Rassool suggested positive behavioural training, changes to the environment, and changes to what the owners expect from their dog could all help create a better dog-owner relationship. "Is the dog getting enough exercise? Are they fulfilled? "If we've got a dog that's worried about being left alone, we don't just give medication and leave it alone. "Our goals are always to use medication to leverage change and then look at weaning off or reducing where we can." Dr Rassool said training needed to occur long-term to give dogs the best chance not to develop behavioural problems. "Going to a couple of weeks of puppy school is not going to cut the mustard," she said. "Most people should continue to go to — at a minimum — a weekly training session for that dog's first year because there's so much developmental change." Dr Lee noted that using positive reinforcement, rather than negative, was also extremely important to ensure the behaviour didn't become worse. "If you've got a dog and you use either a combination of punishment and positive [reinforcement], or if you use just punishment, you're actually more likely to end up with aggression in your dog," she said. "[Negative reinforcement] will work for a while because the dog doesn't want to be punished, but because they're not solving the underlying emotions it will eventually make the behaviour worse." Getting the balance right between appropriate training and medication can be life or death for dogs. "Behaviour problems are the biggest killer of young dogs," Professor McGreevy said. "Is that because they're they are not medicated correctly? Arguably. But is it possible that they were managed inappropriately to begin with?" Navigating the fine line of when medication might be appropriate is something Dr Lee is very aware of at her clinic. "I've got a patient that I treat now — Stannis — and he's one of my favourites because when he used to come in … he could have been euthanised in a pound somewhere for being unmanageable," she said. Now, although Stannis will likely need ongoing anxiety medication, his owners have also undertaken significant behavioural work, and according to Dr Lee "his quality of life is so great". "Those are the cases that just make your heart so full because you see people who believe in their dogs, and do the work." Check out What the Duck?! presented by Dr Ann Jones to look at our modern dogs and what we've created and subscribe to the podcast for more.
Daily Mail
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Dog trainer breaks down in tears watching 'cruel' owner smack pooch and pin her to the ground - before issuing damning five-word verdict
A dog trainer broke down in tears, watching a 'cruel' owner smack his pooch and pin her to the ground - before issuing a damning five-word verdict. The shocking moment came on a resurfaced episode of It's Me Or The Dog, which sees trainer Victoria Stilwell help dog owners struggling with their pet's behaviour. The show, first aired on Channel 4 in 2005 for three years before a Really reboot in 2021, was inspired by Supernanny, which offers similar help but with children. This particular episode sees British-born Victoria head to assist American couple Joe and Mandy, who are having trouble keeping control of their dog Dakota. An upsetting moment sees Joe strike the dog on her nose and hold her down after she will not stop chasing his broom as he sweeps his patio. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Referring to his pet's behaviour, Joe explains to the camera: 'When Dakota is in the backyard, she kind of makes it miserable if I have to do yard work.' Victoria asks how he would normally try to get the dog to stop - after which he grabs Dakota's collar and turns her on her side so she is lying on the floor, with him holding her down. He says: 'Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.' But the trainer is visibly distressed at his approach, putting her head in her hands: 'When you hold a dog down like that, people think that dog's calming down but actually, the dog's not calmed down at all. 'What they do is they shut down, they learn, instinct tells them they're being put in a compromised position so in order to survive, they shut down.' She could not have been more right - as Joe soon slaps Dakota round the face, after she managed to wriggle free from his grasp and grab the broom in her mouth. As the dog yelps in pain, Victoria winces, with her pre-recorded voiceover saying: 'When Joe gets angry, he slaps her and he doesn't just tap her. 'I heard the connection of his hand to the bone on her nose and it was hard.' She delivers some hard truths to the violent pet owner: 'That's a pretty hard whack. 'It's not so much the hardness of the whack, it's the action of the whack that concerns me. That could actually backfire. 'God forbid one of the children goes to touch her and she just sees this hand coming towards her, thinks back to when she was hit and bang, goes for the hand. 'And I've seen it happen a lot.' After Joe's violent display, it is clear Victoria has a lot of work to do - so she takes them to a dog training centre to introduce them to clicker training. The approach has owners use a clicker every time their dog successfully responds to a command - making the animal associate the noise with a reward. Joe's wife Mandy tries it with almost immediate success, with Dakota responding quickly to her attempts to make her sit and stay using the clicker. But things are not so smooth when Joe tries it out - as the dog flinches even when he tries to reach out to give her a treat. Victoria says: 'She flinched because she's used to you hitting her. When you do that, it just really does not build trust. You get angry when she doesn't respond to you.' The trainer then delivers her damning five-word verdict on his behaviour: 'That's your fault, not hers.' She explained this tough love approach to the couple elsewhere in the programme: 'I see this dog getting blamed for so much negative behaviour you could have prevented. 'It's very, very difficult, when you are correcting a dog, but you haven't actually taught the dog how to behave. So, it's really actually not the dog's fault. 'You brought this dog into your family, it is therefore your responsibility to train this dog to be able to succeed in your family.' Her tough approach finally got Joe to face the truth: 'Dakota doesn't really trust me as well. It's mostly my fault. 'The relationship I've had with the dog is going to take some time to fix.' Alongside the clicker training, Victoria also gets the couple to take Dakota to an agility centre. She explained: 'When you give a dog a sport, not only is it getting rid of all that physical energy and the dog is thinking but also, it's creating a really good bond between you. It's teamwork.' Dakota turned out to be a natural at it, flying around the course after the trainer encouraged Joe and Mandy to give her enthusiastic praise to motivate her. Even Victoria was shocked by the dog's performance: 'That's amazing, that's quite advanced, that's impressive. 'When I came in that first day, there was no praise on this dog but now you're getting that connection and she's just really listening to you.' Joe was a new man after it: 'It made me feel great to see Dakota do so well on the agility course. It would be fun to bring her down and do it together.' And when Victoria returns to visit the family two weeks later, she is able to see all her hard work paying off. At the start of the episode, things had been looking bad, with Joe saying: 'Has it put strain on our marriage? It's just an extra added stress we really don't need. 'We've only had her a year - I've tried to get rid of her twice already. 'I've gotten to the point with Dakota where I've posted her on the Internet while Mandy is at work, to see if I can get rid of her quickly.' But his relationship with Dakota had completely transformed by the end of the episode. Joe and Mandy are seen calmly clicker training their pooch, who is herself noticeably calmer, less agitated and better behaved than before. Dakota is treated less as a problem and more as an active, loved member of the family, with praise lavished on her out on a walk with the kids. Joe is even seen out cycling alone with Dakota, who runs happily alongside him: 'I think Mandy is definitely happy Dakota and I are starting to form a bond. 'I feel like she's become more of my buddy, she's actually becoming my dog now.' Victoria was very happy with their efforts: 'I'm really impressed with the success they're having with Dakota.'
