PETBOOK https://www.petbook-magazine.com/ The magazine for all pet owners and lovers Thu, 01 Oct 2026 03:00:23 -0400 en-US hourly 1 Leash Training: What Really Helps When Your Dog Constantly Pulls on the Leash https://www.petbook-magazine.com/dogs/what-really-helps-when-your-dog-constantly-pulls-on-the-leash Thu, 01 Oct 2026 02:22:11 -0400 https://www.petbook-magazine.com/?p=57383 Many dog owners know the problem: The dog pulls on the leash during walks, turning every step into a struggle. But the pulling is not a sign of disrespect or poor training, explains dog trainer Katharina Marioth. “The most common misunderstanding is the question of why,” she says. Many consider the dog “unruly,” but it …

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]]> ]]> Many dog owners know the problem: The dog pulls on the leash during walks, turning every step into a struggle. But the pulling is not a sign of disrespect or poor training, explains dog trainer Katharina Marioth. “The most common misunderstanding is the question of why,” she says. Many consider the dog “unruly,” but it has simply learned that pulling leads to success: “It gets to the sniffing spot, the other dog, or the interesting person faster.” Why human behavior also plays a role and why there is no one-size-fits-all solution for good leash training, the expert explains to PETBOOK.

]]> Exotic with High Standards: Is It Permissible to Keep an African Pygmy Hedgehog as a Pet? https://www.petbook-magazine.com/small-pets/is-it-permissible-to-keep-an-african-pygmy-hedgehog-as-a-pet Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:01:00 -0400 https://www.petbook-magazine.com/?p=62840 No doubt about it: White-bellied hedgehogs, with their tiny button eyes, little paws, and soft, furry bellies, are particularly adorable creatures. Their cute appearance and button eyes are making these hedgehogs, originally from Africa, increasingly popular as pets. But is that really necessary? Can this species of hedgehog be kept in a way that meets their needs at home? PETBOOK explores the trend of keeping these animals as pets.

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]]> ]]> White-bellied hedgehogs, with their small button eyes, tiny paws, and soft furry bellies, are particularly cute animals. This tempts many people to want to keep these small hedgehogs from Africa as pets. But is that even allowed? PETBOOK explains why it’s not a good idea.

]]> Crowned!: Fat Bear Week 2026: Meet Alaska’s Fattest Bear https://www.petbook-magazine.com/wildlife/fat-bear-week-2026-meet-alaskas-fattest-bear Wed, 30 Sep 2026 11:06:00 -0400 https://www.petbook-magazine.com/?p=62825 He made it and prevailed against 16 other strong contenders: Bear Number 89, also known as “Backpack.” In Alaska, during Fat Bear Week, held annually between late September and early October, the bear that has gained the most winter fat is chosen. PETBOOK reports on what makes Fat Bear Week special and introduces this year’s …

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]]> ]]> He made it and prevailed against 16 other strong contenders: Bear Number 89, also known as “Backpack.” In Alaska, during Fat Bear Week, held annually between late September and early October, the bear that has gained the most winter fat is chosen. PETBOOK reports on what makes Fat Bear Week special and introduces this year’s winner.

]]> Asked a Behavioral Biologist: Should I Send My Dog Out of the Room During Sex? https://www.petbook-magazine.com/dogs/should-i-send-my-dog-out-of-the-room-during-sex Wed, 30 Sep 2026 06:48:05 -0400 https://www.petbook-magazine.com/?p=60339 Some dogs intrude on their owners' most intimate moments. Some even go so far as to actively defend their female owners from their partner's advances. It's an issue that few dog owners discuss. PETBOOK explains the reasons behind this behavior and what dog owners can do about it.

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]]> ]]> Some dogs intrude even on their owners’ most intimate moments. Some go so far as to actively defend their owner from their partner’s advances. It’s a problem that few dog owners openly discuss. PETBOOK explains the reasons behind this behavior, what dog owners can do about it, and whether dogs should be sent out of the room when their owners plan to be intimate.

]]> Beak Like a Shoe: Eerie Sight! This Giant Bird Even Hunts Crocodiles https://www.petbook-magazine.com/wildlife/eerie-sight-this-giant-bird-even-hunts-crocodiles Tue, 29 Sep 2026 11:33:30 -0400 https://www.petbook-magazine.com/?p=51083 Few people are familiar with this giant bird from Africa. It owes its name to its particularly striking beak, which is exceptionally large and long, resembling a shoe. PETBOOK introduces the extraordinary shoebill, which can even catch crocodiles with its massive beak.

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]]> ]]> It stands motionless in the water for hours, but then strikes with lightning speed: The rare shoebill from East Africa uses its powerful beak to hunt even small crocodiles. The unusual weapon of this approximately 4-foot-tall bird can grow up to 9.6 inches long. Its name comes from its distinctive shape, which resembles a giant shoe. In Sudan, it is called “Abu Markub,” meaning “Father of the Shoe” in English. PETBOOK introduces the fascinating crocodile hunter.

]]> Expert Explains: No Meat, No Problem? What Mushroom-Based Dog Food Can Really Do https://www.petbook-magazine.com/dogs/no-meat-no-problem-what-mushroom-based-dog-food-can-really-do Tue, 29 Sep 2026 11:19:00 -0400 https://www.petbook-magazine.com/?p=62805 The growing need for people to feed not only themselves but also their dogs in a meatless and sustainable way is steadily increasing. A new alternative could be mushroom-based dog food. PETBOOK author and dog nutritionist Philine Ebert explains what this novel, innovative food is all about. Mushroom-Based Dog Food – What Is It? Mushroom-based …

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]]> ]]> The growing need for people to feed not only themselves but also their dogs in a meatless and sustainable way is steadily increasing. A new alternative could be mushroom-based dog food. PETBOOK author and dog nutritionist Philine Ebert explains what this novel, innovative food is all about.

]]> "Sleigh Ride" Across the Meadow: Why Dogs Suddenly Scoot on the Floor https://www.petbook-magazine.com/dogs/why-dogs-suddenly-scoot-on-the-floor Tue, 29 Sep 2026 03:13:21 -0400 https://www.petbook-magazine.com/?p=51521 Sometimes dogs—and cats, for that matter—scoot their rear ends across the floor. There can be various medical reasons for this behavior. PETBOOK explains the phenomenon and how to help the animals.

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]]> ]]> When dogs or cats scoot their rear ends across the floor, it often looks amusing to pet owners. However, this so-called “scooting” is usually not a harmless quirk. PETBOOK explains what might be behind this behavior and when action should be taken.

]]> Expert Offers Tips: These 5 Training Mistakes Can Turn Even the Sweetest Dog Into a Problem https://www.petbook-magazine.com/dogs/these-5-training-mistakes-can-turn-even-the-sweetest-dog-into-a-problem Mon, 28 Sep 2026 11:28:33 -0400 https://www.petbook-magazine.com/?p=60178 Suddenly, the dog barks at other dogs, pulls on the leash, or seems constantly tense. But why does a previously well-behaved dog change seemingly out of nowhere? Dog trainer and PETBOOK author Katharina Marioth knows: Behind the apparent change in behavior are often unconscious training mistakes. And some of these happen precisely when owners mean …

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]]> ]]> Suddenly, the dog barks at other dogs, pulls on the leash, or seems constantly tense. But why does a previously well-behaved dog change seemingly out of nowhere? Dog trainer and PETBOOK author Katharina Marioth knows: Behind the apparent change in behavior are often unconscious training mistakes. And some of these happen precisely when owners mean well.

]]> Animal Duel: Could You Take on a Bear? https://www.petbook-magazine.com/wildlife/could-you-take-on-a-bear Mon, 28 Sep 2026 11:16:00 -0400 https://www.petbook-magazine.com/?p=62801 The question keeps popping up online: Could a well-trained man take on a bear in a real-life scenario? Anyone who looks at the numbers quickly realizes that the comparison is quite one-sided. PETBOOK has compared bears and humans in several disciplines and explains why raw muscle power alone is not decisive in the end. Bear …

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]]> ]]> The question keeps popping up online: Could a well-trained man take on a bear in a real-life scenario? Anyone who looks at the numbers quickly realizes that the comparison is quite one-sided. PETBOOK has compared bears and humans in several disciplines and explains why raw muscle power alone is not decisive in the end.

]]> Risk of Blindness: Police Horse Undergoes Surgery on Both Eyes https://www.petbook-magazine.com/news/police-horse-undergoes-surgery-on-both-eyes Fri, 25 Sep 2026 11:05:00 -0400 https://www.petbook-magazine.com/?p=62728 For more than a year, police horse “Rabauke” suffered from recurring eye inflammations. When medications didn’t provide lasting relief, the gelding had to undergo surgery on both eyes. Veterinarian Dr. Kirstin Brandt from the Hanseklinik for Horses explains in an interview with PETBOOK how dangerous the condition was and how Rabauke’s eyesight is today. Recurring …

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]]> ]]> For more than a year, police horse “Rabauke” suffered from recurring eye inflammations. When medications didn’t provide lasting relief, the gelding had to undergo surgery on both eyes. Veterinarian Dr. Kirstin Brandt from the Hanseklinik for Horses explains in an interview with PETBOOK how dangerous the condition was and how Rabauke’s eyesight is today.

]]> Behavior Explained: Why Do Cats Lie on the Ground to Greet You? https://www.petbook-magazine.com/cats/why-do-cats-lie-on-the-ground-to-greet-you Fri, 25 Sep 2026 08:03:48 -0400 https://www.petbook-magazine.com/?p=57747 As soon as their human comes home, the cat throws itself on the floor, rolls onto its back, and stretches out contentedly. For many owners, this looks like a particularly warm welcome. But the behavior doesn’t always mean the same thing. Editorial cat Remo shows how differently cats use rolling. His owner and PETBOOK editor …

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]]> ]]> As soon as their human comes home, the cat throws itself on the floor, rolls onto its back, and stretches out contentedly. For many owners, this looks like a particularly warm welcome. But the behavior doesn’t always mean the same thing. Editorial cat Remo shows how differently cats use rolling. His owner and PETBOOK editor Louisa Stoeffler explains what owners should pay attention to.

]]> From "Owl Capone" to the "Staircase" Case: Do Owls Really Attack Humans? https://www.petbook-magazine.com/birds/do-owls-really-attack-humans Fri, 25 Sep 2026 07:16:00 -0400 https://www.petbook-magazine.com/?p=62725 “Owl Capone” made headlines in 2016 in the U.S. city of Salem: The barred owl repeatedly attacked joggers, eventually forcing authorities to put up warning signs. The idea that owls can attack humans even played a role in the famous criminal case involving Kathleen Peterson (“The Staircase”). PETBOOK asked owl expert Stefan Brücher from the …

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]]> ]]> “Owl Capone” made headlines in 2016 in the U.S. city of Salem: The barred owl repeatedly attacked joggers, eventually forcing authorities to put up warning signs. The idea that owls can attack humans even played a role in the famous criminal case involving Kathleen Peterson (“The Staircase”). PETBOOK asked owl expert Stefan Brücher from the Society for the Preservation of Owls (EGE) what lies behind such attacks and how common they really are.

]]> Understanding Dog Behavior: Why Does My Dog Keep Licking Its Paw? https://www.petbook-magazine.com/dogs/why-does-my-dog-keep-licking-its-paw Thu, 24 Sep 2026 23:58:00 -0400 https://www.petbook-magazine.com/?p=62723 Your dog is nibbling on its paws? No need to panic! Paw nibbling is usually harmless and can be compared to humans washing their hands. Through this natural cleaning method, your dog removes dirt and grime with its teeth. However, there could be other reasons behind this behavior.

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]]> ]]> Many dogs regularly lick, nibble, or bite their paws. What may seem like a harmless habit at first glance can actually indicate discomfort or even health issues. PETBOOK consulted veterinarian Alice Holzapfel to find out what owners should watch for.

]]> Expert Explains: Cat Sniffs Food but Doesn’t Eat? Here’s What’s Behind It https://www.petbook-magazine.com/cats/cat-sniffs-food-but-doesnt-eat-heres-whats-behind-it Thu, 24 Sep 2026 11:07:21 -0400 https://www.petbook-magazine.com/?p=54613 Cats can be quite finicky eaters. A quick sniff—no, I don't like that. But why do so many cats exhibit this behavior, and when should owners be concerned?

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]]> ]]> The cat meows in front of the bowl, sniffs expectantly at the food–only to walk away unimpressed. Is it fussiness? Is she sick? It’s hard for owners to assess whether something is wrong with their beloved house cat or if everything is normal. Therefore, it’s crucial to closely observe the behavior and take any further changes seriously.

]]> "Crabzilla": Spanning Up to 3.7 Meters! This is the Largest Crab in the World https://www.petbook-magazine.com/wildlife/spanning-up-to-3-7-meters-this-is-the-largest-crab-in-the-world Thu, 24 Sep 2026 10:59:00 -0400 https://www.petbook-magazine.com/?p=62698 It looks like a giant spider underwater, is nicknamed “Crabzilla,” and has a span of nearly four meters. PETBOOK explains how the Japanese spider crab lives and the unusual camouflage trick it uses as a juvenile. Why the Japanese Spider Crab Looks Like a Spider In fact, this marine creature belongs to the so-called spider …

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]]> ]]> It looks like a giant spider underwater, is nicknamed “Crabzilla,” and has a span of nearly four meters. PETBOOK explains how the Japanese spider crab lives and the unusual camouflage trick it uses as a juvenile.

]]> Burying Your Head in the Sand?: 11 Animals That Exhibit Astonishing Reactions to Fear https://www.petbook-magazine.com/wildlife/11-animals-that-exhibit-astonishing-reactions-to-fear Thu, 24 Sep 2026 07:04:00 -0400 https://www.petbook-magazine.com/?p=62701 Many animals have an instinctive fear of sudden movements in their surroundings. Some will immediately flee when danger threatens. However, other skittish animals have developed their own unique tactics to cope with their fear.

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]]> ]]> In the animal kingdom, there are numerous skittish animals, and many so-called flight animals have developed their own tactics to handle precarious situations. While a certain breed of goat faints spontaneously from fright, chickens can even die from fear in extreme cases. PETBOOK reveals the strategies other animals use and why ostriches don’t actually bury their heads in the sand in an overview of 11 particularly skittish animals.

]]> Shorter Life Than Many Think: Why Many Squirrels Don’t Even Reach One Year Old https://www.petbook-magazine.com/wildlife/why-many-squirrels-dont-even-reach-one-year-old Wed, 23 Sep 2026 11:15:22 -0400 https://www.petbook-magazine.com/?p=59278 Squirrels appear nimble, skillful, and almost indestructible. Yet, their first year of life is fraught with dangers: predators, scarce food, and lack of water mean that many young squirrels don’t even reach one year of age. PETBOOK explains the actual life expectancy of squirrels, why the first few months are so crucial, and how you …

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]]> ]]> Squirrels appear nimble, skillful, and almost indestructible. Yet, their first year of life is fraught with dangers: predators, scarce food, and lack of water mean that many young squirrels don’t even reach one year of age. PETBOOK explains the actual life expectancy of squirrels, why the first few months are so crucial, and how you can support these animals.

]]> Dog Trainer Explains: What It Means When Your Dog Sits With Its Back to You https://www.petbook-magazine.com/dogs/what-it-means-when-your-dog-sits-with-its-back-to-you Wed, 23 Sep 2026 07:22:15 -0400 https://www.petbook-magazine.com/?p=61849 Does your dog suddenly turn its back on you on the sofa or prefer to lie in the doorway? Many owners misinterpret this behavior. Dog trainer Katharina Marioth explains why both are usually signs of trust or alertness. More Than Just a Sitting Position This is one of those observations that many dog owners bring …

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]]> ]]> Does your dog suddenly turn its back on you on the sofa or prefer to lie in the doorway? Many owners misinterpret this behavior. Dog trainer Katharina Marioth explains why both are usually signs of trust or alertness.

]]> Beautiful but Dangerous: Pet Owners Beware: This Fall Decor Is Toxic to Pets https://www.petbook-magazine.com/advice-service/pet-owners-beware-this-fall-decor-is-toxic-to-pets Wed, 23 Sep 2026 07:17:34 -0400 https://www.petbook-magazine.com/?p=58554 For many, pumpkins are simply part of fall. They serve as decorations on doorsteps, windowsills, or dining tables, while others end up as soup on the plate. However, some pumpkins can be dangerous for pets. PETBOOK author Louisa Stoeffler only discovered this risk when her cat Remo became suspiciously interested in a carved pumpkin. Cat …

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]]> ]]> For many, pumpkins are simply part of fall. They serve as decorations on doorsteps, windowsills, or dining tables, while others end up as soup on the plate. However, some pumpkins can be dangerous for pets. PETBOOK author Louisa Stoeffler only discovered this risk when her cat Remo became suspiciously interested in a carved pumpkin.

]]> Veterinarian Identifies Possible Causes: Dogs Eating Feces May Indicate a Health Problem https://www.petbook-magazine.com/dogs/dogs-eating-feces-may-indicate-a-health-problem Wed, 23 Sep 2026 00:03:00 -0400 https://www.petbook-magazine.com/?p=58780 Our four-legged friends have some questionable hobbies. Many dogs have a passion for eating disgusting things, such as excrement, and rolling in carrion. The good news? This fecal indulgence can be avoided.

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]]> ]]> Our four-legged friends have questionable hobbies: With visible enthusiasm, many dogs eat feces, vomit, or discarded food and roll in carrion. What is disgusting to us is simply pleasant for dogs—a behavior that, according to behavioral biologist Stefanie Riemer, likely dates back to the time of domestication when dogs made themselves useful by eating human waste, thus improving hygiene around the home. Veterinarian and animal behavior therapist Ronald Lindner from Leipzig is also familiar with the phenomenon: “The animals are not fixated on checking expiration dates or whether packaging is damaged. They simply consume and see if it tastes good or not.” The good news: Fecal gluttony can be unlearned.

]]> Unusual Hunting Strategy: This Dolphin Specifically Eats Fish Vomit https://www.petbook-magazine.com/wildlife/this-dolphin-specifically-eats-fish-vomit Tue, 22 Sep 2026 11:22:00 -0400 https://www.petbook-magazine.com/?p=62653 Instead of eating a fish, the dolphin Bubbles prefers to chase its prey until it vomits its stomach contents. The bottlenose dolphin then quickly grabs the fish’s stomach contents and lets the fish escape. Researchers have observed this highly unusual behavior for several years. Their recordings could be one of the first direct pieces of …

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]]> ]]> Instead of eating a fish, the dolphin Bubbles prefers to chase its prey until it vomits its stomach contents. The bottlenose dolphin then quickly grabs the fish’s stomach contents and lets the fish escape. Researchers have observed this highly unusual behavior for several years. Their recordings could be one of the first direct pieces of evidence of food theft by dolphins.

]]> Expert Explains: How Your Dog Changes When It’s Truly Sad https://www.petbook-magazine.com/dogs/how-your-dog-changes-when-its-truly-sad Tue, 22 Sep 2026 10:24:00 -0400 https://www.petbook-magazine.com/?p=62664 When it matters, dogs know exactly how to pull out all the stops with just one sad look. But how can I tell if my dog is truly sad? PETBOOK spoke with a canine psychologist to reveal how you can recognize genuine sadness in your dog.

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]]> ]]> A look that melts our hearts: Dogs know exactly how to wrap us around their paws. But behind those big, sad eyes, it’s not always just a desire for a treat. Sometimes the dog is genuinely suffering, perhaps missing a familiar person or place, feeling heartache, or sensing the loss of a family member. PETBOOK asked dog psychologist Gülay Ücüncü how to distinguish real grief from feigned sadness. She also shares how you can support your dog in tough times and gently distract them.

]]> Many Owners Overlook Them: 9 Signs Your Cat Is Bored https://www.petbook-magazine.com/cats/9-signs-your-cat-is-bored Tue, 22 Sep 2026 08:55:11 -0400 https://www.petbook-magazine.com/?p=62656 Cats can also get bored. While for us humans, it often shows with a tired yawn, in cats, it can manifest in various ways. The problem: Many owners don’t initially recognize the signs. Cat behavior therapist and trainer Helena Becker, founder and owner of “Stubentiger Berlin,” explains how cat owners can identify when their pet …

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]]> ]]> Cats can also get bored. While for us humans, it often shows with a tired yawn, in cats, it can manifest in various ways. The problem: Many owners don’t initially recognize the signs. Cat behavior therapist and trainer Helena Becker, founder and owner of “Stubentiger Berlin,” explains how cat owners can identify when their pet lacks stimulation.

]]> Quiet Messages: How to Tell if Your Cat Is Happy https://www.petbook-magazine.com/cats/how-to-tell-if-your-cat-is-happy Tue, 22 Sep 2026 00:12:00 -0400 https://www.petbook-magazine.com/?p=61901 Is My Cat Doing Well? Or Is Something Wrong?

These are questions many cat owners ask about their beloved pets. This is especially true for those who are inexperienced and haven't had their feline companion for long, often feeling a bit uncertain. PETBOOK explains how to tell if your cat is doing well.

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]]> ]]> Anyone who lives with a cat is likely familiar with the soothing purr or the gentle head-butting. But are these signals enough to assess the animal’s well-being? In fact, there are many more indicators that a cat feels completely at home. PETBOOK presents 11 signs that show your feline friend is happy and content.

]]> Dog Trainer Explains: How Your Dog Decides Whether They Like Someone https://www.petbook-magazine.com/dogs/how-your-dog-decides-whether-they-like-someone Mon, 21 Sep 2026 09:45:14 -0400 https://www.petbook-magazine.com/?p=57919 Dogs immediately click with certain people, while they remain aloof with others. A dog trainer explains why this happens and how dogs show whether or not they like someone.

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]]> ]]> Some people are immediately greeted with enthusiasm by dogs, while others are ignored or even met with suspicion. But why do dogs decide so differently? How do they recognize whom they like, and what role do experiences, body language, or even the behavior of their owner play? PETBOOK spoke with dog trainer Laura Garvs about this.

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