A significant component to pet ownership is learning your pet’s behaviors, understanding their cause, and, in some instances, managing them. All animals have different ways of communicating their emotions. Even seemingly quiet animals, like Guinea Pigs, make different sounds that mean different things. Solutions such as trainers, toys, treats, and research are helpful. 

These are some communication methods in animals to look out for when getting to know your pet:

·      Sounds – barks, purrs, squeaks, and growls are all sounds your pet can make to express hunger, pain, fear, excitement, comfort. As you get to know your pet, it will become easier to determine what these all mean based on their personality.

·      Body Language – tucked or wagging tails, shaking, ears pointing downward, running in circles; these are all expressions of how your pet is feeling

·      Destructive behavior – Some animals communicate stress, boredom, anger in this way.

·      Appetite – A change in your animal’s appetite could be a physical or emotional expression.

·      Sleep patterns – extra naps, no naps at all, up all night. Keep in mind that some animals are nocturnal, and being up all night is the norm. Over time you will learn your pet’s sleeping habits and will be able to identify when they deviate from them.

Suppose it seems that your pet’s behaviors are a health-related red flag or if you’re unsure, ALWAYS call your vet. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Some other ways to manage your pet’s behaviors when needed include:

1.     Schedule playtime for your pet to be active and socialize

2.     Be sure that their home/bedding is comfortable, clean, and feels safe

3.     Like humans, sometimes we just plain old don’t like to eat some things. Make sure you’re feeding them properly – know your pet’s dietary needs and feed them accordingly. You may even need to switch the brand of food.

4.     Enlist the help of a trainer – animal trainers are available for various types of animals and are very helpful with new pets or just assisting with making behavior adjustments

5.     Be mindful when changes are made in the environment or routine. For instance, if your work schedule has changed and your dog is used to having you home more, you may come home to your favorite shoes being chewed up. This could be a sign of separation anxiety.

6.     Toys and training tools – check with your vet or google to find some helpful resources for some DIY training. TLDOM also offers training assistance for dogs! Youtube videos are also sometimes helpful.

Animals have personalities just like we do. Over time you start to learn them, which plays a huge role in determining what their methods of communication mean. Keep in mind your pet could just simply be having one of those days. Let them feel their feelings, give them some extra loving and try again tomorrow.