Dogs – Canine Rivalry – Dog Fighting

Canine rivalry refers to repeated conflicts between dogs living in the same household. Animals that live in social groups establish a social structure within that group. This social structure is hierarchical and dogs determine their place in the hierarchy through control of and access to various resources, such as food, toys and attention from people. A stable hierarchy in which each individual knows and accepts his rank provides dogs with a sense of comfort and belonging. Conflicts arise between household dogs when there is instability in the social structure; that is, when the ranking of each dog is not clear or is in contention. Dogs may warn each other initially by snarling, growling or snapping, but not causing injury. However, the conflict may sometimes intensify into prolonged bouts of dangerous fighting, which may result in one or both dogs being becoming injured.

Ongoing canine rivalry is potentially dangerous. Dogs or human family members could be severely injured as a result of fighting. Because resolving rivalry problems requires managing the dogs’ somewhat complex social behaviors, it’s often necessary for owners to obtain assistance from a professional animal behaviorist. Certified animal behaviorists are trained to observe, interpret and modify animal behavior.

Getting a Second Dog

Are two always better than one? It is often tempting to add a second dog to the family, whether for your own enjoyment or just to keep your current dog company. Two dogs will give you twice and fun and …

Cat Fight Wounds

Why do cats fight?

Cats are very territorial. They fight with other cats to protect their territory or to acquire more territory. As a result, fight wounds are common in cats. These wounds frequently result in an infection that can …

Aquarium Setup

Aquariums are a low-maintenance, allergy-free, and elegant approach to keeping pets. Before you run out and buy a bag of fish, however, it’s important to understand and set up the tank and its equipment. Currently there are a wide variety …

May 2010

Dear Petlover,

Hi there it’s Marko, one of the owners/administrators on Pets.ca and this is our first newsletter of 2010 so Happy New Year! We wish all our visitors and their pets an amazing 2010. We intend to put out …

Fall Issue: 2004

Featured Pet tip – Drooling cats – kneading cats – Cats that drool and knead

Occasionally adult cats will drool while they are being petted, massaged or while nuzzling into fabrics. This drooling is usually accompanied with the kneading of …

Issue 8: August 2003

Welcome to our eighth issue of the Pets.ca newsletter. This issue features two important articles on pet nutrition; one on older pets and their eating habits and one on dairy products. Keeping in line with this theme, our expert answers …

Cat Vaccination – Pet tip 139

Vaccination is one of the simplest and most effective ways to help your cat live a long and healthy life. Some of the most common and deadly feline diseases can be prevented through an annual (or even less frequent) booster. …

Feather Plucking

What is feather-plucking? Feather-plucking, also known as feather-picking, is when a bird damages or removes its feathers. It is usually seen in captive birds, most commonly in African Greys and Cockatoos. Most often the bird plucks at its chest, but …

Tip 55 – Dog jumping up – jumping on people

A common problem that many owners have with their new dogs is jumping up or jumping on people. This typically happens when you, your family members or anyone the dog thinks is fun comes into your home. The dog gets …