Title: Dog Care Essentials — LearnCoachAssist

Q: What is the scientific name for the domestic dog?
A: Canis lupus familiaris.

Q: How long do domestic dogs live?
A: Generally 10-13 years; varies by breed and size.

Q: Which dog breeds tend to live longest?
A: Small breeds like Chihuahua, Toy Poodle (often 15+ years).

Q: Which breeds typically have shorter lifespans?
A: Great Danes, Mastiffs, Newfoundlands (often 6-10 years).

Q: How many dog breeds are recognized by the AKC?
A: Around 200.

Q: What are the AKC group categories?
A: Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, Herding, Miscellaneous, Foundation Stock.

Q: What is a puppy's developmental milestones?
A: 2-3 weeks: eyes open; 3-12 weeks: socialization; 6 months: sexual maturity in many breeds.

Q: What is the critical socialization period?
A: Roughly 3-14 weeks; experiences shape lifelong temperament.

Q: What should socialization include?
A: Different people, animals, environments, surfaces, sounds, handling.

Q: What is the difference between socialization and training?
A: Socialization is exposure; training is teaching specific behaviors.

Q: What are signs of stress in dogs?
A: Yawning out of context, lip licking, panting, ears back, tail tucked, "whale eye."

Q: What is whale eye?
A: When you see the whites of a dog's eyes; indicates discomfort.

Q: What is appeasement behavior?
A: Behaviors signaling submission/peaceful intent like lowered body, averted gaze.

Q: What is bite inhibition?
A: Learned soft-mouthed control; ideally taught during puppyhood.

Q: What is reactive dog?
A: A dog that overreacts to specific triggers (other dogs, strangers, etc.).

Q: What is desensitization?
A: Gradual exposure at sub-threshold intensity to reduce reactivity.

Q: What is counterconditioning?
A: Changing emotional response by pairing trigger with positive experience.

Q: What is positive reinforcement?
A: Adding something the dog likes to increase a behavior.

Q: What is negative reinforcement?
A: Removing something unpleasant to increase a behavior.

Q: What is positive punishment?
A: Adding something unpleasant to decrease a behavior.

Q: What is negative punishment?
A: Removing something pleasant to decrease a behavior.

Q: What is the most effective training approach?
A: Positive reinforcement; humane, effective, builds trust.

Q: What is clicker training?
A: Marker training using a click to precisely identify desired behavior.

Q: What is a marker word?
A: A verbal substitute for the click, e.g., "yes!"

Q: What is luring?
A: Guiding a dog into position with food.

Q: What is shaping?
A: Building behavior through successive approximations.

Q: What is capturing (training)?
A: Rewarding a behavior the dog offers spontaneously.

Q: What is the four-on-the-floor rule?
A: Reward only when all four paws are on the ground; teaches not to jump.

Q: What is "sit" the foundation for?
A: Polite greetings, waiting at doors, default behavior on cue.

Q: What is loose-leash walking?
A: Walking with slack in the leash, on cue.

Q: What is heel?
A: Walking in a specific position next to the handler.

Q: What is recall?
A: Coming when called; one of the most important commands.

Q: How do you build a strong recall?
A: High-value rewards, never punish coming, practice in increasing difficulty.

Q: What is the difference between obedience and behavior?
A: Obedience is cued response; behavior is general conduct.

Q: What is crate training?
A: Teaching the dog to enjoy a crate as a safe space.

Q: What size should a crate be?
A: Just large enough for the dog to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.

Q: What is house training?
A: Teaching the dog to eliminate outside.

Q: What's the general rule for puppy bladder control?
A: Roughly one hour per month of age (e.g., 3-month-old = 3 hours max).

Q: What are signs a puppy needs to go out?
A: Sniffing, circling, whining, going to the door.

Q: What is separation anxiety?
A: Distress when left alone; can cause destruction, barking, soiling.

Q: What helps separation anxiety?
A: Gradual departures, enrichment, sometimes professional help.

Q: What is barking?
A: A vocalization with many meanings: alert, demand, fear, frustration, play.

Q: How do you reduce excessive barking?
A: Identify trigger, manage exposure, teach alternative behaviors.

Q: What is resource guarding?
A: Defending food, toys, space, or people from perceived threats.

Q: How do you prevent resource guarding?
A: Trade-up training, hand-feed, avoid stealing from puppy.

Q: What is the dominance theory?
A: Outdated theory that owners must be "alpha"; debunked by modern science.

Q: What is the actual scientific consensus on dog behavior?
A: Dogs respond best to positive reinforcement, not dominance-based methods.

Q: What is the "alpha roll"?
A: Forcing a dog onto its back; harmful and counterproductive.

Q: What is the leadership concept (modern)?
A: Being a consistent, trustworthy resource provider.

Q: What is canine cognition?
A: Study of how dogs think and learn.

Q: How smart are dogs?
A: Most can learn 100+ words; some breeds excel at problem-solving.

Q: What does scientific research show about dog emotions?
A: Dogs experience joy, fear, anger, anxiety; jealousy is debated.

Q: Can dogs feel guilt?
A: The "guilty look" is appeasement; not classic guilt.

Q: What is theory of mind in dogs?
A: Limited but present; they can read human emotional cues.

Q: What is the difference between operant and classical conditioning?
A: Operant changes behavior via consequences; classical pairs stimuli to create associations.

Q: What does Pavlov's experiment teach us?
A: Dogs (and others) can associate neutral stimuli with meaningful events.

Q: What is a high-value treat?
A: Something the dog finds especially rewarding (cheese, chicken).

Q: What is treat hierarchy?
A: Different reward levels for different difficulty contexts.

Q: What is the importance of timing in training?
A: Reward within 1-2 seconds of behavior for clear association.

Q: What is the role of consistency in training?
A: Different family members using same cues prevents confusion.

Q: What is a leash?
A: A tool for connection, communication, and safety.

Q: What kind of collar should I use?
A: Flat collar for ID; harness for walks, especially with reactive or pulling dogs.

Q: What is a no-pull harness?
A: A harness designed to discourage pulling, often with front clip.

Q: What is a head halter?
A: A device that turns the dog's head when it pulls; should be introduced gently.

Q: What collars are not recommended?
A: Prong, choke, and shock collars; can cause harm.

Q: What is a long line?
A: A long leash (15-30 ft) for recall practice and outdoor freedom.

Q: What is the role of off-leash time?
A: Important for exercise and mental stimulation when safe and legal.

Q: How much exercise do dogs need?
A: Highly variable; many adult dogs need 30-90 minutes daily.

Q: What is mental stimulation?
A: Activities engaging the brain (puzzles, scent work, training).

Q: Why is mental stimulation important?
A: Tires dogs effectively; prevents boredom-driven misbehavior.

Q: What is nose work?
A: Scent-based games and sport that engage natural abilities.

Q: What is canicross?
A: Running with your dog using a harness and bungee lead.

Q: What is agility?
A: A sport with dogs navigating obstacle courses.

Q: What is flyball?
A: A relay race involving dogs jumping hurdles and triggering a ball.

Q: What is dock diving?
A: Dogs jumping into water for distance or height.

Q: What is rally obedience?
A: A sport with dogs following signs through obedience exercises.

Q: What is canine freestyle?
A: Choreographed performance with dog and handler.

Q: What is barn hunt?
A: Sport with dogs finding rats (safely contained) in straw bales.

Q: What is the role of breed-specific traits?
A: Many breeds have working drives (herding, retrieving, scenting).

Q: What is a working dog?
A: A dog bred for specific tasks like herding, guarding, retrieving.

Q: What is a service dog?
A: A dog trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability.

Q: What is an emotional support animal (ESA)?
A: Provides emotional comfort; not trained for specific tasks.

Q: What is a therapy dog?
A: A dog visiting hospitals, schools to provide comfort.

Q: What is the difference between service dogs and ESAs (US)?
A: Service dogs have public access rights; ESAs generally don't.

Q: What are good first-time-owner breeds?
A: Labrador, Golden Retriever, Cavalier King Charles, Poodle, Bichon Frise.

Q: What are higher-energy breeds?
A: Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, Jack Russell.

Q: What are low-shedding breeds?
A: Poodles, Bichons, Yorkies, Maltese, Portuguese Water Dogs.

Q: What is hypoallergenic?
A: No dog is truly hypoallergenic; some shed less and produce less dander.

Q: What is genetic predisposition?
A: Breed-typical health risks (hip dysplasia, heart conditions, etc.).

Q: What is hip dysplasia?
A: A common joint disorder where the hip ball/socket don't fit properly.

Q: What is brachycephalic syndrome?
A: Breathing issues in flat-faced breeds (bulldogs, pugs).

Q: What is the importance of breed research?
A: Different breeds have very different needs and temperaments.

Q: What is a balanced diet for dogs?
A: Complete commercial food meeting AAFCO standards, or balanced home-cooked under vet guidance.

Q: What is AAFCO?
A: Association of American Feed Control Officials — sets pet food standards.

Q: What should dogs NOT eat?
A: Chocolate, grapes/raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, macadamia nuts, alcohol, caffeine.

Q: What is xylitol?
A: An artificial sweetener highly toxic to dogs.

Q: What's the danger of chocolate?
A: Theobromine and caffeine; dark chocolate is most dangerous.

Q: What about grapes?
A: Cause kidney failure in dogs; toxic dose varies.

Q: What about onions and garlic?
A: Cause hemolytic anemia; cumulative effect.

Q: What is the BARF diet?
A: Biologically Appropriate Raw Food; controversial; has risks.

Q: What is the difference between dry kibble, wet food, raw, and home-cooked?
A: Each has pros/cons; consult vet for individualized advice.

Q: What is the role of fresh water?
A: Always available; clean and refreshed daily.

Q: How often should dogs be fed?
A: Puppies 3-4×/day; adults usually 2×/day.

Q: What is the body condition score (BCS)?
A: A 1-9 scale assessing fat coverage; ideal is 4-5.

Q: How do you tell if a dog is overweight?
A: Can't easily feel ribs; lacks waist; obvious belly fat.

Q: What is the risk of obesity in dogs?
A: Joint problems, diabetes, heart disease, shorter lifespan.

Q: What is heatstroke risk?
A: High; never leave dogs in hot cars; provide shade and water.

Q: What is the danger of hot pavement?
A: Burns paw pads; test with the back of your hand.

Q: What is the risk of antifreeze?
A: Highly toxic; sweet taste attracts dogs.

Q: What is a microchip?
A: A small RFID implant for permanent identification.

Q: What is the importance of ID tags?
A: First line of identification if dog is found.

Q: What vaccines do dogs need?
A: Core: rabies, distemper, parvo, adenovirus, parainfluenza. Others depend on lifestyle.

Q: What is the rabies vaccine schedule?
A: Usually first at ~12-16 weeks, then 1 year later, then every 1-3 years.

Q: What is parvovirus?
A: A highly contagious, deadly virus; vaccination critical.

Q: What is distemper?
A: A viral disease affecting respiratory, GI, and nervous systems.

Q: What is kennel cough (Bordetella)?
A: A respiratory infection; vaccine recommended if boarding/daycare.

Q: What is leptospirosis?
A: A bacterial infection transmissible to humans; vaccine recommended in many areas.

Q: What is heartworm?
A: A serious parasitic infection from mosquitoes; monthly prevention.

Q: What are common parasites?
A: Fleas, ticks, mites, intestinal worms.

Q: What is the danger of ticks?
A: Transmit diseases like Lyme, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis.

Q: How to check for ticks?
A: Run hands through coat after walks in grassy/wooded areas.

Q: What is the importance of dental care?
A: Periodontal disease is common and affects whole-body health.

Q: How often should you brush a dog's teeth?
A: Daily ideally; at least several times per week.

Q: What are dental chews?
A: Treats reducing plaque; vary in effectiveness.

Q: What is a dental cleaning?
A: Professional cleaning under anesthesia; recommended periodically.

Q: What is the importance of regular vet checkups?
A: Annual for adults; semi-annual for seniors; early detection saves lives.

Q: What is the typical bathing frequency?
A: Every 4-8 weeks unless dirty; over-bathing dries the skin.

Q: What is the role of grooming?
A: Removes loose fur, prevents matting, monitors skin/coat health.

Q: Why is nail trimming important?
A: Long nails cause discomfort and posture issues.

Q: How short should nails be?
A: Just clearing the floor when standing.

Q: What is the quick (nail)?
A: The blood vessel and nerve inside the nail; avoid cutting.

Q: What are ear care needs?
A: Periodic checking; clean only when needed with vet-approved product.

Q: What are common ear problems?
A: Yeast infections, bacterial infections, mites; signs include head shaking, scratching, odor.

Q: What is anal gland?
A: Two scent sacs near the anus; some dogs need periodic expression.

Q: What is bloat (GDV)?
A: Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus; emergency requiring immediate vet care.

Q: What are signs of bloat?
A: Distended abdomen, retching without producing vomit, restlessness, salivation.

Q: What is the prevention of bloat?
A: Smaller meals, no exercise immediately after eating; some breeds get prophylactic surgery.

Q: What is a senior dog?
A: Generally 7+ years; large breeds earlier.

Q: What are common senior dog issues?
A: Arthritis, cognitive decline, vision/hearing loss, weight changes.

Q: What is canine cognitive dysfunction?
A: Dog version of dementia; signs include disorientation and sleep changes.

Q: What is end-of-life care?
A: Quality-of-life assessment, comfort measures, eventual euthanasia decisions.

Q: What is the rainbow bridge?
A: A common euphemism for a beloved dog's afterlife.

Q: What is the importance of spay/neuter?
A: Population control; reduces some health risks; behavioral effects vary.

Q: When is the ideal age for spay/neuter?
A: Increasingly debated; many vets now recommend after growth plates close in larger breeds.

Q: What is the role of pet insurance?
A: Helps with unexpected veterinary costs.

Q: What is the cost of dog ownership?
A: Often $1,500-$3,000+/year average, plus initial setup costs.

Q: What are signs a dog is happy?
A: Relaxed body, soft eyes, wagging tail (with relaxed body), play bows, contentment cues.

Q: What is a play bow?
A: Front legs down, rear up; invitation to play.

Q: What is a tail wag's meaning?
A: Depends on speed, position, body language; not always happy.

Q: What is body language in dogs?
A: Whole-body communication: tail, ears, eyes, mouth, posture.

Q: What is calming signal?
A: Behaviors dogs use to defuse tension (turning away, blinking).

Q: What is "let me have it" or trade-up?
A: Teaching dogs to release items by exchanging for something better.

Q: What is "leave it"?
A: A command to ignore something; valuable safety skill.

Q: What is "drop it"?
A: Releasing what's in the mouth; another safety skill.

Q: What is impulse control?
A: Ability to wait, refrain, and delay gratification.

Q: What is the importance of impulse control training?
A: Reduces lunging, snatching, jumping; essential for safety.

Q: What is "It's Yer Choice" game?
A: A game teaching impulse control around food.

Q: What is a tug game?
A: Healthy play if structured with rules (release on cue, no teeth on hands).

Q: What is fetch?
A: Retrieving thrown objects; good exercise and bonding.

Q: What is hide and seek?
A: Hiding from your dog and calling them; reinforces recall fun.

Q: What is puzzle feeding?
A: Using puzzles to slow eating and provide mental stimulation.

Q: What is a snuffle mat?
A: A fabric mat hiding food in fabric; encourages natural foraging.

Q: What is environmental enrichment?
A: Providing variety in toys, smells, experiences.

Q: What is the role of chew toys?
A: Outlet for natural chewing; safer than household items.

Q: What chew items should be avoided?
A: Hard cooked bones, rawhide (can be problematic), small swallowable items.

Q: What is the importance of safe play?
A: Supervise play with kids and other dogs; intervene if escalating.

Q: What is the difference between play and fight?
A: Play has bouncy, alternating roles; fights are stiff, intense, one-sided.

Q: What is the role of a tired dog?
A: Tired dogs are usually well-behaved dogs.

Q: What is the rule "exercise, then train"?
A: A slightly tired dog focuses better than an overstimulated one.

Q: What is reward variety?
A: Mixing treats, toys, praise, life rewards keeps motivation high.

Q: What is the role of patience?
A: Training takes time; reps over many days build reliability.

Q: What is generalization?
A: Practicing a behavior in many environments until it's reliable everywhere.

Q: What is the 4 D's of training?
A: Duration, Distance, Distraction, Difficulty — increase one at a time.

Q: What is "set the dog up to succeed"?
A: Manage the environment so the dog can do the right thing easily.

Q: What is management?
A: Preventing problem behaviors through environmental control while training.

Q: What is a baby gate?
A: Useful management tool for restricting access in home.

Q: What is the role of routine?
A: Predictability reduces anxiety and helps house training.

Q: What is the importance of sleep for dogs?
A: Adult dogs need ~12-14 hours; puppies and seniors more.

Q: What is dog-friendly travel?
A: Crate training, ID, vaccinations current, breaks every 2-3 hours.

Q: What is the difference between dog parks and supervised play?
A: Parks have variable safety; supervised play with known dogs is often better.

Q: What is the role of "appropriate friends"?
A: Dogs vary in social needs; not every dog enjoys other dogs.

Q: What is single-dog household ideal?
A: Many dogs are perfectly happy as the only dog.

Q: What is the importance of consent in handling?
A: Letting dogs opt-in builds trust; forcing handling damages it.

Q: What is body autonomy for dogs?
A: Respecting their right to retreat or signal discomfort.

Q: What is "the consent test"?
A: Pause; if the dog leans in for more, continue; if not, stop.

Q: What is the rule "see something, say something"?
A: If a dog signals discomfort, change the situation.

Q: What is the takeaway of dog care?
A: Meet physical and mental needs, train with positive methods, build trust through consistency and respect.

Q: What is a "good citizen" test?
A: The AKC Canine Good Citizen test of basic manners and reliability.

Q: What are signs of pain in dogs?
A: Limping, decreased activity, changes in eating, restlessness, panting, hiding, aggression when touched.

Q: What is the "ouch" reflex?
A: Yelping or biting from pain; never punish; investigate the cause.

Q: What is the difference between play biting and aggression?
A: Play is bouncy and reciprocal; aggression is stiff, intense, escalating.

Q: What is "fear-based aggression"?
A: Aggression motivated by fear; common cause of bites.

Q: What is "redirected aggression"?
A: Aggression directed at a target unrelated to the trigger.

Q: What are the four F responses?
A: Fight, Flight, Freeze, Fidget (sometimes appease).

Q: What is the importance of consent training?
A: Teaching dogs that they can opt in/out of interactions.

Q: What are pet-friendly plants?
A: Many houseplants are safe; consult ASPCA list (e.g., spider plant, Boston fern).

Q: What are toxic plants for dogs?
A: Lilies, sago palm, tulips, azaleas, oleander, foxglove, many others.

Q: What is a quick reference for emergencies?
A: ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435; consultation fee may apply.

Q: What is the importance of practicing handling?
A: Routine handling prepares dogs for vet visits and grooming.

Q: What is cooperative care?
A: Training dogs to participate willingly in care procedures.

Q: What is a chin rest?
A: A foundation cooperative-care behavior: head resting on hand.

Q: What is a startup checklist for a new puppy?
A: Veterinary appointment, supplies, ID tag, training plan, socialization plan, safe space.

Q: What is the role of choice?
A: Offering dogs choices builds confidence and trust.

Q: What is the principle of "dog-led" learning?
A: Letting the dog set the pace within safe limits.