Survey Results Show Majority of Pet Parents Don't Understand How to Read Their Pets' Behaviors
PHOENIX, AZ -- (Marketwire) -- 07/29/09 -- How do we really know if our pets are happy and
healthy when they don't speak our language?
PetSmart® (NASDAQ: PETM) has teamed with noted animal behaviorist Dr. Suzanne Hetts to develop an online
educational guide that unlocks the mystery of everyday common behaviors of
dogs and cats. "If Your Pet Could Talk" presents pet parents with ordinary
situations and typical behaviors that may occur, and shows them how to
better understand and respond to their pets' signals so their pets can
lead healthy, happy lives.
RESOURCE AREA: If Your Pet Could Talk
According to a recent PetSmart survey, 90 percent of pet parents wish they
knew what their pet was thinking. It turns out a majority of pet parents
incorrectly interpret tail wagging, purring, yawning and other everyday
behaviors. The survey identifies some of the most misinterpreted pet
behaviors among pet parents:
- 96 percent believe that tail wagging means their dog is friendly, yet a
very deliberate side-to-side tail wag is a type of threat
- 90 percent think dogs believe a hug demonstrates love, yet dogs
interpret hugging as an intimidation tactic,
- And, 96 percent believe that a purring cat means a content cat, yet
cats are known to also purr when they are ill or in pain, and not
content
QUIZ: How well do you know your pet?
"Most pet parents today assign human interpretations to their pets'
behaviors," said Dr. Hetts, a certified animal behaviorist and owner of
Animal Behavior Associates. "Animals 'speak' in a different language and by
understanding what their pets are really saying, pet parents can help their
pets to be happy and healthy."
To begin understanding these signals, "If Your Pet Could Talk" offers pet
parents an interactive quiz to test their knowledge of dog and cat
behaviors, correctly interpret these behaviors with comprehensive answers
and view behavioral training videos.
