Author: Orla O'Keefe

Most of my day is spent playing with dogs. When they nap, I'm here working on my blog. You're welcome to reach out and connect with me.

How To Recognize And Treat A Yeast Infection In Your Dog

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

How To Recognize And Treat A Yeast Infection In Your Dog

Like humans, dogs can develop annoying and painful infections. One infection dogs can suffer from is a yeast infection. But unlike humans, this type of infection mainly affect the ears. Here is your complete guide on how to recognize a yeast infection in your dog.

Causes

Dogs that are frequently scratching their ears or tilting their head may be suffering from an ear infection due to a yeast overgrowth. A dogs ear canal is actually shaped like a “L”, plunging downward and away from their ear opening – giving a yeast a favorable opportunity to grow. Dogs that swim or are bathed frequently tend to get water or debris trapped in their ear canal – ultimately leading to a yeast infection.

Allergens such as pollen, dust, mold, feathers, cleaning products, cigarette smoke, and specific foods can also cause this type of infection.

And while an outer ear infection is fairly easy to spot and treat, once the infection spreads to the middle or inner ear it can cause the dog to lose their sense of balance.

Yeast infections can also grow on other areas of your dog and can cause the skin to become reddened, scabby, or crusty.

Furthermore, these infections tend to be more prevalent in dogs with floppy ears such as Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, Golden Retrievers, and Poodles.

Symptoms

The main symptom of a yeast infection includes excessive ear scratching – either by their paws or by rubbing it on the floor or furniture. Other symptoms include yellow, brown, or bloody discharge, an odor, crusted skin on their ear flap, swelling or redness, hair loss around the ear, and head tilting or shaking.

More serious symptoms include loss of balance or hearing as well as walking in circles and unusual eye movement.

Treatment

To treat a yeast infection, a veterinarian will look at the dogs ear canal with an otoscope to determine the severity of it. And, they may also take a sample of the discharge or material in or around the ear to examine it.

If the infection is in the outer area of the ear canal, topical antifungal cream or ointment may be prescribed.

A middle ear infection is treated with injections or tablets. With this type of infection and treatment, it may take up to six weeks to see results and further tests or surgery may be needed.

Unfortunately, some dogs suffer from chronic ear yeast infections. However, there are special cleansers and solutions that can be used as an at-home treatment.

Prevention

To help prevent yeast infections, regularly check for any odor, discharge or swelling around the ears. After your dog enjoys a swim or gets a bath, gently pat the outer part of the ears dry to avoid any built up moisture. Never insert anything into your dog’s ear canal, though, as that can severely damage the ear drum and cause problems.

If your dog is showing any of these signs or symptoms, make sure to contact your veterinarian immediately.

30 Of The Cutest Irish Dog Names

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

30 Of The Cutest Irish Dog Names

Picking a name for your pup can be tough. There’s a lot of pressure to pick the perfect name. After all, you’ll be calling your dog this for the rest of their lives! So why not pick an unexpected yet cute Irish name? Whether you’re Irish or not, you can still celebrate the spirit of Ireland. Here are 30 of the cutest Irish dog names.

Patrick

In reference to St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.

Guinness

A staple among the Irish, Guinness is a black-gold stout.

Shandy

A popular Irish drink, it is a beer mixed with a soda or lemonade.

Brady

Refers to a common Irish surname and means ‘spirited’.

Bridget

Means ‘strong’.

Clover (or Shamrock for a male dog)

Although it is a commonly referred to as a four-leaf clover, it is also known to bring good luck.

Finn / Finnegan

Which means white or fair.

Finley

Refers to a ‘fair-haired hero’.

Conor

A strong-willed or wise ‘hound lover’.

Clancy

Meaning a ‘ruddy warrior’.

Kerry

Which refers to a ‘dark princess’.

And here are some more authentic Irish names:

Neala

Pronounced nee-la, it means ‘female champion’.

Roisin

Pronounced ro-sheen, it means ‘little rose’.

Rogan

A redhead.

Aidan

A ‘little fiery one’.

Maeve

The goddess of song.

Aoife

Pronounced ee-fa, it means ‘radiant or beautiful’.

Dermot

Meaning a ‘free man’.

Lorcan

Or ‘little wild one’.

Fineen

Which means ‘beautiful child’.

Sorley

A summer traveler or viking.

Meara

Which means ‘happy’.

Anlon

Meaning ‘champion’.

Eamon

Or “guardian”.

Elroy

A “red-haired youth”.

Phelan

Meaning joyful.

Mirna

Which means ‘tender’.

Quigley

Meaning unruly hair.

Covey

“Hound of the plains”.

Whether you’re Irish or not, break away from the common dog name and consider naming your pup one of these names native to Ireland instead!

Dog Breeds That Can Have Blue Eyes

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

Dog Breeds That Can Have Blue Eyes

There is no doubt there is something striking about a dog with blue eyes. That’s not to say we don’t love our brown-eyed pups, but we can’t help but stare a little longer at the dogs with those baby blues. But what breeds have blue eyes? And why do some have them and others don’t? We’re here to explain.

To start, there are four ways a dog can have blue eyes. One is completely genetic while the other three are due to pigment loss in their coat.

The Merle Gene

The most common reason a dog is blue-eyed is due to a side effect of the merle gene. Merle dilutes random parts of a dogs pigment – including the nose and eyes – and causes the blue color in their iris. Because of this, “merle dogs” often have “butterfly” noses as well as completely blue, split, or wall eyes.

Split eyes are when the eye has some blue in it while the rest is brown or amber. Wall eyes are when one eye is completely blue and the other is completely brown or amber.

The more diluted the coat of a merle dog is, the more likely they’ll be blue-eyed or butterfly-nosed.

A dog with one dose of the merle gene will show effects such as scattered spots of missing pigment – which includes the iris. Dogs with two doses of the gene are often deaf.

White Around the Eyes

Another cause is when they have a significant amount of white around their eyes. White spots or areas on a dogs coat means the cells are not able to produce pigment. If these spread to the face, there could be pigment loss in the nose and in the eyes – causing the eyes to be blue and the nose to the pink.

C Series

The third cause of blue eyes is when a pup is affected by the “C series” – also known as “albino.” While there are no confirmed albino cases in dogs, “white Dobermans” have an extremely light coat, blue eyes, and a completely pink nose. They are thought to be a form of albinism.white-doberman-blue-eyes

PINTEREST.COM

A Separate Gene

The last cause is due to inheritance of a completely separate gene – unaffected by the coat color. It’s a rare gene, however, and occasionally occurs in Border Collies but is mainly seen in Siberian Huskies. Siberian Huskies can either have one blue eye or two – no matter what their coat color is.

The Breeds that Have Them

There are certain breeds that have blue eyes regardless of their coat color. These breeds include the Siberian Husky, Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, Dalmatian, and Shetland Sheepdog.

Siberian Huskies can have blue, brown, or amber eyes or one blue and one brown eye, among others. Their blue eye color is not associated with deafness at all, unlike other breeds with blue eyes. Deaf Huskies are actually extremely rare.

Australian Shepherds typically have amber, brown, blue or azure eyes. Border Collies, contrary to popular belief, do not get their blue eyes from their ancestor – the Husky. In fact, a blue eye color always appears in a Border Collie and is thought to be desirable as it considered a “watch eye.”

Dalmatians with blue eyes are thought to be more at risk for deafness than those with brown eyes. Blue-eyed Shetland Sheepdogs are due to the dominant “merle coat color gene,” which has been linked to deafness.

Some dogs, like Weimaraners, may have blue eyes as a puppy but will change color as they age.

Though it is rare, some dogs can have blue eyes regardless of their breed or coat (since it is a recessive gene). Puppies, for example, can be born with blue eyes even if their parents don’t have them.blue-eyes-dalmatian

PETHELPFUL.COM

So if you’ve ever wondered why certain breeds have blue eyes and others don’t, here’s your answer! But no matter what color our pups eyes are, we love them just the same.

How To Stop A Teething Puppy From Biting You

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

How To Stop A Teething Puppy From Biting You

Puppies are undoubtedly adorable. Their little paws, wide eyes, and cute ears are enough to make you want more than one. Something that’s not so adorable about puppies? Their teething phase.

As puppies teethe, they want to bite everything and anything they can – including your fingers! It may be cute at first, but it can lead to undesirable behaviors as an adult. Plus, those puppy teeth are sharp! Here is a guide to help stop your puppy from biting you.

Prohibit the Biting

During normal puppy play, they mouth each other. When the mouthing turns to the biting, the receiving puppy will yelp, startling the biter and causing them to release. Humans can use this behavior to help their teething puppy learn how much is too much. When a puppy begins biting your finger, let your hand go limp and let out a yelp (or loud “Ow”) sound. Then, ignore them for about 10-20 seconds and then resume play.

Don’t pull away from a bite, though. Pulling away will trigger your puppy’s instinct to chase and make the issue worse. Also, don’t repeat the process more than three times in fifteen minutes. If it gets to that point, it’s time for a puppy time out!

The goal with prohibiting is to teach the puppy that rough play is not okay. Once the hard bites are stopped, work on more moderate bites until they learn to mouth without biting at all.

Redirection

In order to completely stop your puppy from biting, you will need to use redirection. To do this, when a puppy goes to bite you, move your hand away and place a treat or wave a toy in front of them until they bite it.

Non-contact games, like tug-of-war and fetch, can also help with their urge to bite. The key is to not let the games get too aggressive or teach them “leave it” so you can remove something from their mouth without worrying about aggression.

Distraction

Puppies don’t exclusively bite your fingers – they’ll bite anything they can get their mouths on! Make sure you provide an array or safe and interesting chew toys (in addition to puppy proofing your home) so they stay occupied. Toys with hidden treat options are also great for keeping your puppy occupied!

Also, setup playtime with other puppies and vaccinated dogs to help them socialize. They can teach them what is acceptable in terms of playing and biting and provide them with socialization skills.

Deterrence

Some products can be used to deter your puppy from biting off-limit things. Products like No Chew Spray or Bitter Apple leaves an unpleasant taste in their mouth when they lick it. But, it’s not as easy as just spraying an object and hoping for the best.

First, they need to associate the taste and smell with no chewing. To do this, spray a small amount on a cotton ball or tissue and put it in their mouth. They’ll most likely spit it out immediately where you can then let them smell it so it makes the association.

Then, spray it on the item. Though it may sound mean, don’t let your dog have access to water for up to an hour to ensure the deterrence method works. Spray the product on the item you don’t want them to chew or lick once a day for two to four weeks. You can even use it on your hands to help your puppy associate the taste with chewing your fingers.

With enough time and patience, your puppy will learn your fingers are off limits in no time. Using a combination of these three methods will help effectively teach your tiny teething friend what is acceptable to bite and what isn’t!

The Easy-To-Follow Schedule For Puppy Vaccinations

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

The Easy-To-Follow Schedule For Puppy Vaccinations

You just got a new puppy – congratulations! Get ready for endless fun, lots of love, and a lifelong companion. You may know puppies require more vaccinations than adult dogs but do you know which ones they need and when? Here is an easy-to-follow guide and schedule for puppy vaccinations.

The Vaccinations Puppies Need

Bordetella Bronchiseptica

Bordetella is primary cause of kennel cough. It is a highly contagious bacterial disease that causes coughing, vomiting, and even death. Injections and nasal spray vaccines are available.

Canine Distemper

Distemper is an extremely serious disease that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal (GI), and nervous system. It causes watery eyes and noses, fever, coughing, diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, twitching, paralysis, and even death. There is no cure but the symptoms can be alleviated. One vaccine given between the ages of 12-16 weeks typically protects a dog for life from developing distemper.

Canine Hepatitis

Different from human hepatitis, canine hepatitis is a liver disease. It causes slight fever and congestion. It also causes vomiting and bloat. There is no cure for this disease, but dogs can overcome mild cases. Severe cases may result in death.

Canine Parainfluenza

Parainfluenza is another virus that contributes to kennel cough.

Corona Virus

Affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) system, this is a nasty virus that can also cause respiratory infections. Symptoms include lack of appetite, diarrhea and vomiting. And while there is no cure, vet’s can help lessen the symptoms.

Heartworm

Heartworm prevention is extremely important for puppies. It is not a vaccine, but a monthly pill that will protect your puppy from contracting the disease through infected mosquitos. Dogs in early stages of heartworm disease show little to no symptoms but more a more severe case will result in coughing and trouble breathing. It can be deadly if left untreated.

Kennel Cough

Kennel cough is caused by bacterial, viral, or other infections such canine parainfluenza or Bordetella. It is an inflammation of the upper respiratory area. Mild cases cause dry, harsh coughing but severe cases can cause gagging and retching. Only rare cases end in death but it is highly contagious and spreads quickly.

Leptospirosis

This disease is caused by bacteria and dogs often show little to no symptoms. If they do appear, expect vomiting, fever, diarrhea, loss of appetite and weakness. Antibiotics are most effective at treating leptospirosis.

Lyme Disease

Transmitted via ticks, Lyme disease in dogs causes swollen lymph nodes, fever, and loss of appetite and affect their heart, kidney, and joints. If left untreated, it can lead to neurological disorders. Antibiotics can treat it if diagnosed quickly, though relapses can happen.

Parvovirus

A GI disease, parvo causes vomiting, loss of appetite, fever, and severe diarrhea. Extreme dehydration happens quickly and can often lead to death within 48 to 72 hours. Immediate veterinary attention is required. There is no cure, but keeping the dog hydrated and the symptoms under control will help them build up their immune system.

Rabies

Rabies can cause death rather quickly if treatment isn’t given within hours. It invades the central nervous system and causes anxiety, headaches, excessive drooling, hallucinations, and paralysis. Almost every state requires a rabies vaccination.

Schedule

Here is a schedule to help you determine when to bring your puppy in for their vaccinations:

AgeRecommended VaccinationsOptional Vaccinations
6-8 weeksDistemper, measles, parainfluenzaBordetella
10-12 weeksDHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus)Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme disease
12-24 weeksRabiesNone
14-16 weeksDHPPCoronavirus, Leptospirosis, Lyme disease
12-16 monthsRabies, DHPPCoronavirus, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme disease
Every 1-2 yearsDHPPCoronavirus, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme disease
Every 1-3 yearsRabiesNone

(Table adapted from akc.org)

Cost

Puppy vaccinations will cost an average of $75-$100, depending on where you live. This will include the “core” vaccines of DHLPP (distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvo, and parainfluenza) given at 6-, 12-, and 16 weeks of age.

Shelters often charge less for vaccines. Most charge around $20 but some are even free. If you adopted your puppy from a shelter, they most likely received the necessary age-appropriate vaccinations.

The first year of vaccinations is the most important one. They help prevent nasty diseases and parasites that dogs can easily contract. After your puppy finishes their core vaccinations, work out a schedule with your veterinarian for annual exams and vaccinations to ensure your dog remains healthy through his adolescence into adulthood!

Pets Throughout History: Bud the First Dog to Cross America

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

Pets Throughout History: Bud the First Dog to Cross America

Only one look at Bud Nelson is sufficient to tell you that he was the biggest dog who ever lived.

He is an old-timey dog if he had not existed, wearing glasses in scratchy monochrome photograph, he’d have been dreamed up as a cast member of Mad Max. The human in the picture is Bud Nelson’s owner, a physician called Horatio Nelson.

Horatio was the first guy to cross America by automobile in the year 1903, with his hilariously called co-motorist Sewall K. Crocker and, of course, Bud the Bulldog. Bud was made the first dog to cross the United States by automobile.

At that time, the car was still in its infancy, and therefore driving was not neither dangerous nor interesting. The automobile was a roofless monstrosity with little to no suspension to shield them from the roads that are largely unpaved, while belching out noxious smoke and it’d have made lots of noise.

But Bud Nelson was not more cowardly around the matter than some folks would have now been back then. He sat there looking only as joyful as he does in the picture, all the way through the continent of North America and was offered the goggles to shield his eyes.

The life of the full dog seemingly lived after the cross country excursion, content to safeguard the Jackson home in Vermont and take brief car trips with his master around Burlington.

Following the departure of Bud, the Jacksons constantly kept a minimum of one dog in their home, though none ever became as recognized as the begoggled bull pup who’d crossed the continent.

11 All-Too-Common Skin Problems To Keep An Eye Out For With Your Dog

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

11 All-Too-Common Skin Problems To Keep An Eye Out For With Your Dog

There are few things more annoying than a skin problem – the constant itching, the rashes, and the overall discomfort. And when dogs suffer from them, we feel even worse since they can’t tell us what’s wrong! So, we’ve rounded up 11 common skin problems to keep an eye out for with your pup.

Demodectic Mange

Demodectic mange, also known as Red Mange, Follicular Mange, or Demodex, is common in puppies and dogs with weak immune systems. It’s a surplus of the Demodectic mite and causes hair loss, sores, and inflamed, thickened skin.

Sarcoptic Mange

Also known as Scabies, Sarcoptic Mange are highly contagious to both other pets and humans. It causes extreme itching and inflamed, raised rashes on the skin. Topical treatments can kill the mites but to fully get rid of them, a thorough washing of every bit of clothing, carpeting, and furniture in your house is necessary.

Fleas

A common skin problem among dogs, the saliva of a flea bit causes a very itchy reaction on their skin. Fleas can be spread easily and can be difficult to eliminate completely – especially in homes with a lot of carpet. The best flea treatment is prevention!

Ringworm

Ringworm is not, in fact, a parasite. It’s actually a very contagious fungal infection that can be spread easily between both animals and humans. This disease causes scaly, itchy patches of hair loss and swelling that resembles a “bullseye”

Skin Infections

Skin infections can occur when bacteria or yeast enters the body through cuts in the skin. It can be caused by constant itching or a pre-existing skin condition. Skin infections can cause bleedingm itching, and pain and sometimes require antibiotics or steroids to treat.

Allergies

Environmental or food allergies can cause major skin problems for your pup. Although diagnosing allergies in dogs is not always easy, your veterinarian can administer some tests to find out if that’s what is your pup’s skin issue.

Boredom or Stress

Some dogs suffering from anxiety will lick and chew their legs as a response. This is common among dogs with separation anxiety or those who don’t get enough exercise or mental stimulation.

Grooming Products

Some shampoos or other grooming products could cause irritation. Make sure to only use products for dog’s and talk with your veterinarian if your dog has sensitive skin to find the right products for them.

Hormonal Problems

If the reproductive hormones are imbalanced, dogs can suffer from Alopecia, also known as generalized hair loss. Chihuahuas and Miniature Pinschers are more prone to Alopecia thanks to their short-hair. Other skin conditions, like dermatosis, can also be linked to hormonal problems.

Metabolic Diseases

Diseases like Cushing’s and Addison’s have symptoms that affect the adrenal glands. They have diverse symptoms that can include hair coat changes or a change in skin color.

Neurological Disorders

Some brain, spinal cord, or nervous disorders can cause dogs to chew or scratch at their skin. When their brain signals are disturbed on their way to the peripheral nerves, it can cause itching or pain – leading them to damage their skin. Neurological diseases, like Canine Distemper, attacks the skin cells and the brain.

The common symptoms of skin issues include odor, licking or chewing at the skin, dry or flaky skin, inflammation or redness, hair loss, scabs, hot spots, rashes, and swelling.

If you suspect your dog may be suffering from one of these 11 skin problems, contact your veterinarian immediately!

Science Explains The Fascinating Reason Why Dogs Range So Dramatically In Size

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

Science Explains The Fascinating Reason Why Dogs Range So Dramatically In Size

Ever wonder why there is such a drastic size range among dogs? Science has the answer.

The same species of animals typically have the similar characteristics – like size, features, and markings. This is how people know what species they are based on their appearance. But with dogs, it’s a little different.

Think of all the different breeds – and sizes – of dogs. To someone who has never seen one before, they may be confused if they see a Great Dane sitting next to a Chihuahua. That person may have trouble believing they are from the same species. In fact, dogs have the largest size range among any mammal – but why?

The University of Utah’s research team believes they found the answer.

The research team found a piece of DNA that regulates growth to keep small dogs small.

Researchers tested the DNA of Portuguese Water Dogs because they have the widest size range among dogs – weighing anywhere from 25 and 75 pounds. The study took DNA samples and body-size measurements of the pups. What they found was a piece of genetic material that highly correlated with a dog’s size.

Specifically, it was a regulatory sequence next to a gene that controls a growth-inducing protein hormone. This particular hormone is found in humans as well as other mammals and helps them grow.

So what does this have to do with dogs?

Well, in small dogs, there “are mutations in the sequence that stress the gene’s activity, limiting the amount of growth hormone is produces.” There are no mutations in the sequence in medium and large dogs, though, so they are able to grow to their normal size.

And, to make sure it wasn’t Portuguese Water Dog specific, researchers examined 3,241 dogs spanning 143 different breeds. This included, of course, a wide range of breeds from small dogs to large dogs.

As they suspected, all of the small dogs in the study had the same mutated regulatory sequence as the Portuguese Water Dog. But, like most studies, there was one outlier – the Rottweiler.

Researchers aren’t sure why Rottweilers are the outliers, but they have the same genetic sequence as small dogs. They believe it is due to other genetic factors that allow the breed to grow to full its full size.

No one is sure why the mutation occurs, but researchers think it first showed up when small dogs were domesticated or from a species of small wolves. There is no evidence, however, that wolves have this mutation.

Though strange, we are not complaining about the mutation. Besides – what would life be like without small dogs?

3 Ways You’re Comforting Your Dog That Teaches Them Bad Habits

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

3 Ways You’re Comforting Your Dog That Teaches Them Bad Habits

Who wants to see their dog in pain or nervous? We certainly don’t. So when our furry friend is nervous our first reaction is to comfort them, right? Well, you’re actually doing more harm than good. And it doesn’t always have to be when they’re hurt or scared – coddling or overfeeding them can also be harmful. Here are three ways your teaching your dog bad habits when comforting them.

Coddling Your Pup When They’re Nervous

We get it, seeing your dog shaking and nervous is heartbreaking. And although our initial reaction may be to pick them up, that’s not necessarily a good thing. When you pick your dog up during a bout of nervousness, you’re teaching them that it’s okay to be scared. You’re essentially reinforcing that behavior – making them more inclined to act nervous or scared any time they want to be held or coddled.

Treating Them With Extra Food or Treats

It’s hard to deny those puppy eyes staring at you while you’re cooking dinner in the kitchen cooking. And since they’re sitting so politely, you throw them a scrap of food or a dog treat. While the occasional treat here and there is okay, constantly spoiling your pup with food and treats is not good.

Dogs are beyond smart, and they know exactly what they need to do in order to get a treat from you. Even though they may act starving all the time, they’re really just tricking you into giving them a treat. And over-feeding can lead to serious health issues, like obesity or heart complications.

Always Picking Up or Carrying Your Pup

This may not be an issue for owners of larger breeds, but for small pup parents, constantly picking up or carrying dog is actually doing more harm than good. You may think always carrying them keeps them from getting hurt, but in reality, it can cause behavioral or obesity problems.

For starters, dogs who are constantly held don’t get as much exercise, which can lead to weight problems. Furthermore, their socialization skills may take a hit as they aren’t able to interact with other dogs or humans.

We want nothing but the best for our pets, and that typically involves doing at least one of these three comforting habits. But what may seem like a good habit, actually does more harm than good.

Why, Unlike Dogs, You Will Never Hear A Wolf Bark?

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

Why, Unlike Dogs, You Will Never Hear A Wolf Bark?

It’s no secret dogs are descendants of wolves. Their mannerisms and behaviors are reminiscent of their ancestors – the howling, digging, and sniffing out scents. But there’s one trait that wasn’t passed down from a wolf. Can you guess what it is?

Barking.

That’s right, adult wolves in the wild do not bark like domestic dogs do.

Interestingly, barking is a trait exclusive to cubs and adolescent wolves.

But why?

A wolf doesn’t bark in the wild because they know that if they are in danger, the best and safest thing to do is to stay as quiet as possible. Rather than bark at the threat, they’ll hide from it until it has passed.

So how come dogs bark and wolves don’t?

Some research states that dogs learned to bark thanks to their close relationship with humans. Since we are vocal creatures by nature, dog’s learned rather quickly that we aren’t the best when it comes to picking up non-verbal cues. So in an effort to get our attention and communicate with us, domestic dogs learned to bark.

On the other hand, some researchers think that dog’s learned to bark after years of selective breeding. In general, humans like dogs that are friendly and gentle, not timid and aggressive. So, over the years, the barking in juvenile wolves was bred into domestic dogs.

No matter the reason, barking is a normal, natural behavior that we’ve come to accept in dogs. Though it can be annoying at times, we couldn’t imagine our pups without this annoyingly lovable trait

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    Most of my day is spent playing with dogs. When they nap, I’m here working on my blog. You’re welcome to reach out and connect with me.

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