dog observation essay

72 Dog Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

To find good research titles for your essay about dogs, you can look through science articles or trending pet blogs on the internet. Alternatively, you can check out this list of creative research topics about dogs compiled by our experts .

🐩 Dog Essays: Things to Consider

🏆 best dog titles for essays, 💡 most interesting dog topics to write about, ❓ questions about dog.

There are many different dog essays you can write, as mankind’s history with its best friends is rich and varied. Many people will name the creatures their favorite animals, citing their endearing and inspiring qualities such as loyalty, obedience, bravery, and others.

Others will discuss dog training and the variety of important roles the animals fulfill in our everyday life, working as shepherds, police members, guides to blind people, and more.

Some people will be more interested in dog breeding and the incredible variety of the animals show, ranging from decorative, small Yorkshire terriers to gigantic yet peaceful Newfoundland dogs. All of these topics are interesting and deserve covering, and you can incorporate all of them a general essay.

Dogs are excellent pet animals, as their popularity, rivaled only by cats, shows. Pack animals by nature, they are open to including members of other species into their groups and get along well with most people and animals.

They are loyal to the pack, and there are examples of dogs adopting orphaned kittens and saving other animals and children from harm.

This loyalty and readiness to face danger makes them favorite animals for many people, and the hundreds of millions of dogs worldwide show that humans appreciate their canine friends.

It also allows them to work many important jobs, guarding objects, saving people, and using their noses to sniff out various trails and substances.

However, dogs are descended from wolves, whose pack nature does not prevent them from attacking those outside the group. Some larger dogs are capable of killing an adult human alone, and most can at least inflict severe harm if they attack a child.

Dogs are trusted and loved because of their excellent trainability. They can be taught to be calm and avoid aggression or only attack once the order is given.

They can also learn a variety of other behaviors and tricks, such as not relieving themselves in the house and executing complex routines. This physical and mental capacity to perform a variety of tasks marks dogs as humanity’s best and most versatile helpers.

The variety of jobs dogs perform has led humans to try to develop distinct dog breeds for each occupation, which led to the emergence of numerous and different varieties of the same animal.

The observation of the evolution of a specific type of dog as time progressed and its purposes changed can be an interesting topic. You can also discuss dog competitions, which try to find the best dog based on various criteria and even have titles for the winners.

Comparisons between different varieties of the animal are also excellent dog argumentative essay topics. Overall, there are many interesting ideas that you can use to write a unique and excellent essay.

Regardless of what you ultimately choose to write about, you should adhere to the central points of essay writing. Make sure to describe sections of your paper with dog essay titles that identify what you will be talking about clearly.

Write an introduction that identifies the topic and provides a clear and concise thesis statement. Finish the paper with a dog essay conclusion that sums up your principal points. It will be easier and more interesting to read while also adhering to literature standards if you do this.

Below, we have provided a collection of great ideas that you can use when writing your essays, research papers, speeches, or dissertations. Take inspiration from our list of dog topics, and don’t forget to check out the samples written by other students!

• An Adventure with My Pet Pit-Bull Dog “Tiger” One look at Tiger and I knew that we were not going to leave the hapless couple to the mercies of the scary man.
• Dogs Playing Poker The use of dogs in the painting is humorous in that the writer showed them doing human things and it was used to attract the attention of the viewer to the picture.
• Debates on Whether Dog is the Best Pet or not The relationships between dogs and man have been improving over the years and this has made dogs to be the most preferable pets in the world. Other pets have limited abilities and can not match […]
• “Dog’s Life” by Charlie Chaplin Film Analysis In this film, the producer has used the comic effect to elaborate on the message he intends to deliver to the audience. The function of a dog is to serve the master.
• Animal Cruelty: Inside the Dog Fighting In most cases the owner of the losing dog abandons the injured dog to die slowly from the injuries it obtained during the fight. The injuries inflicted to and obtained by the dogs participating in […]
• The Benefits of a Protection Dog Regardless of the fact that protection dogs are animals that can hurt people, they are loving and supportive family members that provide their owners with a wide range of benefits.
• Dog Food: Pedigree Company’s Case The attractiveness of the dog food category is manifested through the intense competitive nature of the various stakeholders. The third and final phase of the segmentation is to label the category of dog food as […]
• A Dog’s Life by Charles Chaplin The theme of friendship and love that is clear in the relationship between Tramp and Scraps. The main being that Chaplin makes it very comical thus; it is appealing to the audience, and captures the […]
• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time Haddon therefore manages to carry the reader into the world of the novel and holds the reader to the end of the novel.
• Compare and Contrast Your First Dog vs. Your Current Dog Although she was very friendly and even tried to take care of me when I was growing up, my mother was the real owner.
• Small Dog Boarding Business: Balanced Scorecard Bragonier posits that SWOT analysis is essential in the running of the business because it helps the management to analyze the business at a glance.
• Moral Dilemma: Barking Dog and Neighborhood Since exuberant barking of Stella in the neighborhood disturbs many people, debarking is the appropriate measure according to the utilitarian perspective.
• Border Collie Dog Breed Information So long as the movement of the Border Collies and the sheep is calm and steady, they can look for the stock as they graze in the field.
• Cats vs. Dogs: Are You a Cat or a Dog Person? Cats and dogs are two of the most common types of pets, and preferring one to another can arguably tell many things about a person.
• Dog Training Techniques Step by Step The first step that will be taken in order to establish the performance of this trick is showing the newspaper to the dog, introducing the desired object and the term “take”.
• How to Conduct the Dog Training Properly At the same time, it is possible to work with the dog and train it to perform certain actions necessary for the owner. In the process of training, the trainer influences the behavior of the […]
• The Great Pyrenees Dog Breed as a Pet In the folklore of the French Pyrenees, there is a touching legend about the origin of the breed. The dog will not obey a person of weak character and nervous.
• Dog Food by Subscription: Service Design Project For the convenience and safety of customers and their dogs, customer support in the form of a call center and online chat is available.
• “Everyday” in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Haddon The novel presents Christopher who passes through many changes in his life, where he adapts to it and acclimatizes the complications that come with it.
• What Dog Are You? All of them possess individual traits that have to suit the profile and character of the owner for them to create a harmonious and beneficial union and to feel comfortable together first of all, every […]
• Why Does Your Dog Pretend to Like You? Children and the older generation can truly cherish and in the case of children can develop as individuals with the help of dogs.
• Caring for a Dog With Arthritis For Monty, the dog under study, the size, and disposition of the dog, the stage of the disease as also its specific symptoms and behaviour need to be observed and then a suitable choice of […]
• Dog House: Business Law Today Based on the definition of a shareholder’s derivative suit, it is possible to say that corporations can be expected to benefit from this type of litigation.
• “Traditional” Practice Exception in Dog Act One of those who wanted the word to remain in the clause was the president of the Beaufort Delta Dog Mushers and also an Inuvik welder.Mr.
• “How to Draw a Dog” Video Lecture Critique The video begins with an introduction to the character that the artist is going to draw. The artist provides a more detailed description of the process later when he begins to draw dog’s eyebrows and […]
• “Love That Dog” Verse Novel by Sharon Creech In this part of the play, it is clear that Jack is not ready to hide his feelings and is happy to share them with someone who, in his opinion, can understand him.
• Small Dog Boarding Business: Strategic Plan Based on the first dimension of the competing values framework, the dog boarding business already has the advantage of a flexible business model, it is possible to adjust the size of the business or eliminate […]
• Non-Profit Dog Organization’s Mission Statement In terms of the value we are bringing, our team regards abandoned animals who just want to be loved by people, patients with special needs, volunteers working at pet shelters, and the American society in […]
• Cesar Millan as a Famous Dog Behaviorist Millan earned the nickname “the dog boy” because of his natural ability to interact with dogs. Consequently, the dog behaviorist became a celebrity in different parts of the country.
• Dog’ Education in “The Culture Clash” by Jean Donaldson The second chapter comes under the title, Hard-Wiring: What the Dog comes with which tackles the characteristic innate behaviors that dogs possess naturally; that is, predation and socialization. This chapter sheds light on the behaviors […]
• Breed Specific Legislation: Dog Attacks As a result, the individuals that own several canines of the “banned” breeds are to pay a lot of money to keep their dogs.
• “Marley: A Dog Like No Other” by John Grogan John Grogan’s international bestseller “Marley: A Dog Like No Other” is suited for children of all ages, and it tells the story of a young puppy, Marley, who quickly develops a big personality, boundless energy, […]
• Implementing Security Policy at Dog Parks To ensure that people take responsibility for their dogs while in the parks, the owners of the parks should ensure that they notify people who bring their dogs to the park of the various dangers […]
• Operant Conditioning in Dog Training In regards to negative enforcements, the puppy should be fitted with a collar and upon the command “sit”, the collar should be pulled up a bit to force the dog to sit down.
• First in Show Pet Foods, Inc and Dog Food Market Due to the number of competitors, it is clear that First in Show Pet Food, Inc.understands it has a low market share.
• Animal Assisted Therapy: Therapy Dogs First, the therapist must set the goals that are allied to the utilization of the therapy dog and this should be done for each client.
• The Tail Wagging the Dog: Emotions and Their Expression in Animals The fact that the experiment was conducted in real life, with a control group of dogs, a life-size dog model, a simultaneous observation of the dogs’ reaction and the immediate transcription of the results, is […]
• The Feasibility Analysis for the Ropeless Dog Lead This is because it will have the ability to restrict the distance between the dog and the master control radio. The exploration of different sales models and prices for other devices indicates that the Rope-less […]
• Classical Conditioning: Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks According to Basford and Stein’s interpretation, classical conditioning is developed in a person or an animal when a neutral stimulus “is paired or occurs contingently with the unconditioned stimulus on a number of occasions”, which […]
• The Movements and Reactions of Dogs in Crates and Outside Yards This study discusses the types of movements and reactions exhibited by dogs in the two confinement areas, the crate and the outside yard.
• A Summary of “What The Dog Saw” Gladwell explores the encounters of Cesar Millan, the dog whisperer who non-verbally communicated with the dogs and mastered his expertise to tame the dogs.
• Evolution of Dogs from the Gray Wolf However, the combined results of vocalisation, morphological behavior and molecular biology of the domesticated dog now show that the wolf is the principle ancestor of the dog.
• Attacking Dog Breeds: Truth or Exaggeration?
• Are Bad Dog Laws Unjustified?
• Are Dog Mouths Cleaner Than Humans?
• Can Age Affect How Fast a Dog Runs?
• Can Chew Treats Kill Your Dog?
• Can You Control Who the Alpha Dog Is When You Own Two Dogs?
• Does Drug Dog Sniff Outside Home Violate Privacy?
• Does the Pit Bull Deserve Its Reputation as a Vicious Dog?
• Does Your Dog Love You and What Does That Mean?
• Does Your Dog Need a Bed?
• How Can People Alleviate Dog Cruelty Problems?
• How Cooking With Dog Is a Culinary Show?
• How Can Be Inspiring Dog Tales?
• How Owning and Petting a Dog Can Improve Your Health?
• How the I-Dog Works: It’s All About Traveling Signals?
• What Can Andy Griffith Teach You About Dog Training?
• What Makes the Dog – Human Bond So Powerful?
• What the Dog Saw and the Rise of the Global Market?
• What Should You Know About Dog Adoption?
• When Dog Training Matters?
• When Drug Dog Sniff the Narcotic Outside Home?
• At What Age Is Dog Training Most Effective?
• Why Are People Choosing to Get Involved in Dog Fighting?
• Why Are Reported Cases of Dog-Fighting Rising in the United States?
• Why Dog Attacks Occur and Who Are the Main Culprits?
• Why Does Dog Make Better Pets Than Cats?
• Why Every Kid Needs a Dog?
• Why Should People Adopt Rather Than Buy a Dog?
• Why Could the Dog Have Bitten the Person?
• Will Dog Survive the Summer Sun?
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2024, February 26). 72 Dog Essay Topic Ideas & Examples. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/dog-essay-examples/

"72 Dog Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." IvyPanda , 26 Feb. 2024, ivypanda.com/essays/topic/dog-essay-examples/.

IvyPanda . (2024) '72 Dog Essay Topic Ideas & Examples'. 26 February.

IvyPanda . 2024. "72 Dog Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." February 26, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/dog-essay-examples/.

1. IvyPanda . "72 Dog Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." February 26, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/dog-essay-examples/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "72 Dog Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." February 26, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/dog-essay-examples/.

• Animal Testing Topics
• Cruelty to Animals Titles
• Humanism Research Ideas
• Animal Abuse Research Topics
• Loyalty Essay Ideas
• Animal Ethics Research Ideas
• Hunting Questions
• Animal Rights Research Ideas
• Inspiration Topics
• Animal Welfare Ideas
• Wildlife Ideas
• Emotional Development Questions
• Zoo Research Ideas
• Endangered Species Questions
• Human Behavior Research Topics

Academia.edu no longer supports Internet Explorer.

To browse Academia.edu and the wider internet faster and more securely, please take a few seconds to  upgrade your browser .

Enter the email address you signed up with and we'll email you a reset link.

• We're Hiring!
• Help Center

Dog Observation essay English 101

Related Papers

Applied Animal Behaviour Science

Gabriella Tami

Journal of Ethnobiology

Petra Cunningham-Smith

al. 2020; Tozzer 1941), and guiding their spirits after death into the next life (Wing 2013). Humans have embraced the many roles that dogs have played, intentionally and unintentionally shaping the dogs’ form and behavior to fit these many roles, and thereby creating hundreds of breeds with thousands of physical characteristics. As a result, while all dogs are the same sub-species, the variations in phenotype and morphology among and even within breeds are incredibly diverse, and dogs exhibit phenotypic variability greater than that of any other mammal (Spady and Ostrander 2008). Ancient civilizations used dogs for different tasks, such as hunting, herding, guarding property, carrying burdens, and companionship (Coppinger and Coppinger 2002), and selective breeding has produced a wide variety of traits that complemented these tasks (Kim et al. 2018; Larson et al. 2012). Dog breeds vary considerably in size, morphology, and behavior; even a single trait can have many variations depe...

MultiMedia Publishing

Nicolae Sfetcu

Dog anatomy, breeding, breeds, equipment, health, law, monuments, organizations, related professions and professionals, shows and showing, sports, training and behavior, types, working dogs. Dogs in popular culture, famous dogs, fictional dogs, films. The dog is a canine mammal of the Order Carnivora. Dogs were first domesticated from wolves at least 12,000 years ago but perhaps as long as 150,000 years ago based on recent genetic fossil evidence and DNA evidence. In this time, the dog has developed into hundreds of breeds with a great degree of variation. This guide details the dog anatomy, breeding, breeds, equipment, health, law, monuments, organizations, related professions and professionals, shows and showing, dog sports, training and behavior, dog types, working dogs, as well as dogs in popular culture, famous dogs, fictional dogs, films about dogs, dogs as pets, and many other related aspects.

JOURNAL-SOCIETY FOR …

Rupert Sheldrake

Current Biology

Kurt Kotrschal

Donelle Gadenne

In this thesis I perform a canine-centric reading, within the theoretical frame of Critical Animal Studies, of nine ‘dog narratives’ from the last three decades – that is, novels in which dogs and human-canine relationships are central to the story.

Language and Ecology

Alec MacLeod

Introduction to Our Dogs, Our Selves

Laura D Gelfand

Animal Cognition

Emanuela Previde

Domestic dogs have been shown to engage in interspecific communication with their owners using a flexible repertoire of signals (i.e., gaze, vocalizations, and postures). This ability is influenced by ontogenetic development as well as breed selection. Different aspects of this phenomenon have been studied using the out of reach/hidden object task in which a piece of food is shown to the dog and then hidden in an unreachable spot by the experimenter. Dogs’ behavioral displays toward the target and the owner (ignorant about the location of the food) have been observed. The complex communicative behavior dogs exhibit in this context is defined as showing behavior and includes attention-getting components directed toward the owner, and directional components directed toward the target. No study has investigated the ontogenetic development of this behavior. In the current study, we compared the showing behavior in 4–6 month old puppies and 2–11 year old adults in an out of reach task in...

Academia Letters

Adolf Heschl

RELATED PAPERS

Michele Sacardo

Koh-ichi Nagata

Linguistica

Marius Oros

Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology

L. Jokubkiene

Cândida Montero

Angela Pinzon

Electronics

Mahdi Fazeli

Early Years

Lilian Katz

Nursing (São Paulo)

Aline da Silva Paula

Dr Imran Faisal

Frontiers in Pharmacology

JULIETTE BEDROSSIANTZ

Die Unterrichtspraxis/Teaching German

Caroline Kita

Erdélyi Múzeum

Zsuzsanna bögre

Aerosol and Air Quality Research

waleed saoud , essam morsy

Journal of Virology

Natalia Hudson

Journal of Phytopathology

Maurício Moreira

Tidsskrift for Den norske legeforening

Geir Jacobsen

Caderno Virtual de Turismo

Raimunda Maria Marques de Azevedo

El Hombre y la Máquina

martha isabel paez melo

SDU international journal of educational studies

Civic Learning, Democratic Citizenship and the Public Sphere

The Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics

Mitali Chatterjee

Archivos de Bronconeumología

FRANCISCO NAVA

INFERENSI: Jurnal Penelitian Sosial Keagamaan

Muhammad Irwan Ariffin

•   We're Hiring!
•   Help Center
• Find new research papers in:
• Health Sciences
• Earth Sciences
• Cognitive Science
• Mathematics
• Computer Science
• Academia ©2024

Observation - The Key To Understanding Your Dog

Start your free   skill-hub  trial  today, commitment free 3 day access, latest from our blog, the brave walk: journeying towards a professional dog walking career, rethinking dog training: beyond commands and corrections, blog template [clone me], exclusive news & offers, canine principles #dog skills for humans.

• Canine Principles is a trading name of CANINE PRINCIPLES LTD Registered Company Number 11458645 VAT Registration Number: GB300008875 CPD Provider Registered Number: 60082 The CPD Standards Office

Sit! Stay! Wait!

Remember to enrol on your free course.

Loose Lead Walking

Help centre, ask us a question, student guidelines.

Qualifications

Sign in/up with Google

Sign in/up with Facebook

Sign in/up with Linkedin

Sign in/up with Apple

Sign in/up with Twitter

This field, is required.

You have not accepted the "Terms & Conditions".

Writing Nestling

How To Describe A Dog In Writing (12 Important Steps)

Introducing readers to the captivating world of “How to Describe a Dog in Writing” is like welcoming them into a vibrant gallery of literary artistry.

Dogs, those beloved companions and cherished members of our families, hold a unique place in our hearts, and capturing their essence on paper is a skill both profound and rewarding. In this exploration, we delve into the techniques and nuances that transform a mere description into a vivid, living portrait of our canine friends.

This journey is a celebration of the art and craft of storytelling, where words are brushes, sentences are strokes, and paragraphs are canvases for the remarkable tales of dogs.

From understanding the subject to crafting sensory experiences, from characterizing dogs to the art of editing, we embark on a voyage to reveal the secrets of depicting dogs in all their heartwarming complexity, inviting readers to join us in an enriching exploration of the written word and the enduring connection we share with our furry companions.

Table of Contents

How To Describe A Dog In Writing

Describing a dog in writing involves capturing the essence of the animal through vivid and evocative language. Here’s a step-by-step process to help you describe a dog effectively:

Observe the Dog

Spend time observing the dog you want to describe. Take note of its appearance, behavior, and any distinctive features.

Choose a Focus

Decide what aspect of the dog you want to emphasize in your description. Is it the dog’s physical characteristics, personality, or a specific moment in time?

Start with General Characteristics

Begin your description with a general overview of the dog. Mention the breed, size, and color.

Details of Appearance

Describe the dog’s fur: Is it long, short, curly, smooth, or rough? What color is it? Comment on its ears, eyes, nose, and tail. Are they large, small, floppy, perky? Note any distinctive markings, such as spots, stripes, or patches.

Personality and Behavior

Describe the dog’s behavior: Is it energetic, playful, or calm? Does it show curiosity or shyness? Discuss its interactions with people or other animals. Is it friendly, protective, or reserved? Mention any habits or quirks that make the dog unique.

Sensory Details

Use sensory language to make your description more vivid. Describe how the dog smells, feels when you touch it, and any sounds it makes (barking, whimpering, etc.).

Emotions and Expressions

Capture the dog’s emotions through its expressions. Does it have a wagging tail, a joyful grin, or a pensive gaze?

Comparisons and Metaphors

Use similes or metaphors to make the description more relatable. For example, “The dog’s fur was as soft as silk” or “His eyes were like dark pools of curiosity.”

Narrative or Context

Provide a brief context or narrative if applicable. Tell a short story or anecdote that illustrates the dog’s character or behavior.

Edit and Revise

After writing your initial description , revise it for clarity, conciseness, and flow. Make sure it conveys the image and feeling you intend.

Check for grammatical errors, typos, and punctuation to ensure a polished final description.

Read your description aloud to yourself or someone else to ensure it conveys the intended image and emotions effectively.

Remember that the key to a compelling dog description is to paint a vivid picture with words and evoke emotions in the reader. Use descriptive language that engages all the senses and captures the dog’s unique qualities.

Understanding the Dog

Understanding the dog is akin to deciphering a beautiful, cryptic language spoken through tail wags, soulful eyes, and gentle nuzzles.

It’s an exploration of the canine psyche, a journey that leads you through a mosaic of emotions, from the euphoria of bounding joy to the tranquility of a peaceful slumber.

Each breed, size, and personality is a new chapter in the ever-enticing story of the dog, and unlocking their secrets reveals a world filled with loyalty, companionship, and the remarkable ability to touch the deepest recesses of our hearts.

Embrace this journey, and you’ll find that understanding a dog is, in essence, learning to speak the purest, most universal language of love and connection.

The importance of knowing the subject

In any form of communication, whether it’s writing, speaking, or artistic expression, the importance of knowing the subject cannot be overstated.

Understanding the subject matter is the keystone upon which the entire edifice of effective communication is built. It’s like embarking on a voyage; without a compass or map, you might drift aimlessly.

Similarly, without a deep and nuanced understanding of the subject, your message risks getting lost in a sea of ambiguity.

Knowing the subject empowers you to make informed, thoughtful choices, allowing you to select the right words, metaphors, and examples that resonate with your audience.

It enables you to delve into the intricacies and nuances, lending depth and credibility to your discourse. In essence, knowing the subject is the first and most vital step in not only conveying information but also in illuminating, inspiring, and connecting with your audience on a profound level.

Pre-Writing Preparation

Pre-writing preparation is the quiet symphony before the thunderous applause of creation. It’s the artist’s sketch, the architect’s blueprint, and the writer’s silent dialogue with their thoughts.

In this preparatory dance, ideas simmer, questions take root, and imagination unfurls its wings. It’s akin to a treasure hunt within the labyrinth of one’s mind, where we sift through the sands of curiosity to unearth the gems of knowledge.

It’s the exhilarating moment of possibility and potential, where the canvas is blank, the paper pristine, and the imagination boundless.

This phase, often overlooked, is where the alchemy of creativity truly begins. Like a conductor tuning their orchestra, pre-writing preparation orchestrates the chaos of ideas into a harmonious symphony of words and narrative, setting the stage for a masterpiece yet to be born.

Observation and interaction with the dog

Observation and interaction with the dog is an entrancing journey into the heart of canine communication. It’s in those moments of keen observation, where every tail flick, every playful pounce, and every soulful gaze offers a glimpse into the intricate world of our four-legged companions.

As we engage with them, whether through gentle pats or shared adventures, we bridge the gap between two species, forging a unique bond built on trust and understanding.

Through the rhythm of their breaths and the rhythm of our laughter, we unravel the silent conversations that make our connection so special.

Every interaction becomes a lesson in empathy and companionship, revealing not only the quirks and charms of the dog but also the tender reflection of our own humanity mirrored in their trusting eyes.

In this dance of shared moments, we discover that the language of love transcends words, and in the presence of a dog, we find ourselves not only as observers but as participants in a timeless, wordless dialogue of unconditional affection.

Creating a Sensory Experience

Creating a sensory experience in writing is akin to weaving a vivid tapestry of words that transcends the mere page.

It’s an invitation for readers to step into a realm where they can feel the cool breeze ruffling their hair, taste the sun-kissed sweetness of ripe fruit, and hear the soft, rhythmic whispers of leaves in the wind.

It’s the art of sculpting reality from the clay of imagination, crafting a bridge between the tangible and the intangible.

In this literary symphony, words are more than mere symbols; they become instruments, each note resonating with the senses.

When you master the alchemy of sensory description, you don’t just tell a story – you envelop your readers in it, allowing them to touch, taste, smell, hear, and see the world you’ve conjured.

It’s the closest thing to telepathy, where thoughts and sensations are shared, transcending the boundaries of time and space.

Engaging the senses: sight, smell, touch, sound, taste

Engaging the senses in writing is akin to orchestrating a symphony of experiences that transport the reader to a world beyond the page.

It’s the dance of sight, where words paint vivid landscapes in the mind’s eye, bringing to life the azure of a clear sky or the iridescent hues of a bustling market.

It’s the seductive whisper of smell, conjuring the aroma of blooming roses or the tantalizing scent of a sizzling kitchen.

It’s the tactile embrace of touch, where readers can feel the warmth of the sun on their skin, the softness of a beloved pet’s fur, or the gritty texture of a cobblestone street beneath their fingertips.

It’s the melodic cadence of sound, capturing the rustle of leaves in a forest, the laughter of children at play, or the haunting silence of an abandoned room.

And it’s the delectable temptation of taste, where words evoke the flavors of a gourmet meal, the tang of salt in the sea breeze, or the sweet nostalgia of a grandmother’s homemade pie.

Engaging all the senses in your writing is the secret to making stories not just read but felt, experienced, and cherished.

Structuring the Description

Structuring the description is akin to architecting the framework of a narrative skyscraper, where every level serves a distinct purpose, and every detail contributes to the overall grandeur.

It’s the blueprint that guides the reader through a maze of emotions, revelations, and immersive experiences. Just as an entrancing overture captures your attention in a symphony, the introduction and hook are the first notes of a narrative, enticing the reader to ascend the literary staircase.

As you ascend, the careful arrangement of content – be it chronological, spatial, or thematic – offers unique vantage points, affording glimpses into the heart of your subject matter.

Finally, as the climax approaches, you stand on the narrative’s highest balcony, where the culmination of description, suspense, and emotion merges into an awe-inspiring panorama.

Structuring a description isn’t just a means to an end; it’s an art form, a well-conceived journey that ensures that the reader not only observes but experiences the subject in its full splendor.

Organizing the description: chronological, spatial, thematic

Organizing the description is the composer’s choice of the narrative’s melody, an intricate decision that shapes the reader’s journey.

The chronological approach takes the reader on a temporal voyage, painting a portrait of the subject’s evolution over time, be it a puppy growing into a loyal companion or the changing seasons in a rustic landscape.

It’s a symphony of past, present, and future, where every note resonates with the echoes of history. In the spatial arrangement, the reader becomes an explorer traversing the intricate landscapes of your subject, from the majestic mountain peaks to the quiet valleys below.

It’s a vivid travelogue, where geography and physicality are the guiding stars.

Meanwhile, the thematic structure invites the reader to delve deep into the heart of the matter, exploring interconnected ideas, emotions, or aspects that harmonize to create a cohesive whole.

It’s a rich tapestry of concepts, a thematic map leading the way to the soul of your subject. The choice of organization isn’t just a structural decision; it’s the rhythm that dictates how your readers experience the essence of your description, a tantalizing choice that influences their emotional and intellectual engagement.

Setting the Scene

Setting the scene in writing is akin to wielding the brush of a masterful painter, splashing the canvas with the vivid colors of place and time.

It’s an invitation to step into an alternate reality, where the reader’s imagination takes flight, soaring through the lush forests of an enchanted kingdom or feeling the gritty heat of a bustling cityscape.

The writer, in essence, is an architect of realms, constructing the stage upon which the story unfolds, every detail carefully chosen to breathe life into the narrative.

In the interplay of settings, the mundane and the fantastical intertwine, transcending mere words to conjure sensory experiences.

The setting isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a character in its own right, a silent actor in the grand theater of storytelling, shaping emotions, triggering memories, and luring the reader into a world that lives and breathes beyond the page.

Describing the dog’s environment

Describing the dog’s environment is like painting the backdrop on a theatrical stage, setting the context for the canine protagonist’s adventures and emotions.

It’s about capturing the ambiance, from the wild abandon of an open field, where the wind whistles through the grass, to the cozy sanctuary of a fireside hearth, where the warmth envelops like a soft embrace.

The environment serves as the atmospheric symphony, shaping the dog’s behavior, lending character to its world, and evoking sensory experiences that envelop the reader.

Whether it’s the mystical allure of a moonlit forest or the urban hustle and bustle of a city street, the setting weaves into the dog’s tale, becoming an integral part of the narrative, resonating with its moods, and deepening the emotional connection between the reader and the canine protagonist.

Conveying Emotions

Conveying emotions in writing is akin to capturing fireflies in a jar; it’s the delicate art of trapping intangible feelings and releasing them to illuminate the reader’s imagination.

Each word, each carefully crafted phrase, becomes a vessel carrying the essence of joy, sorrow, love, or fear. It’s a poetic dance that transcends language, where readers don’t just read about emotions – they experience them.

It’s the unspoken language of the heart, where tears and laughter become ink and parchment, and the writer becomes a magician, transforming the abstract into something tangible.

In this symphony of feelings, we don’t just tell stories; we create emotional landscapes where readers don’t merely observe but immerse themselves, forging a connection that lingers long after the final page is turned.

Portraying the dog’s emotions and feelings

Portraying the dog’s emotions and feelings is an exquisite brushstroke in the canvas of storytelling. It’s an exploration of the nuanced symphony that plays in the heart of our four-legged companions, revealing the poignant chords of loyalty, the exuberant crescendos of joy, and the somber notes of longing.

Through the quiver of a tail, the sparkle in their eyes, or the gentle sighs, writers unearth the emotional depth within the dog’s world.

It’s about rendering those quiet, unspoken moments when a dog rests its head on a loved one’s lap or leaps with unbridled glee at the prospect of a walk.

It’s a mutual language, where the heart of the dog and the reader unite in a harmonious duet, creating a visceral connection that transcends the bounds of language, leaving an indelible mark on the reader’s soul.

Characterizing the Dog

Characterizing the dog is like sculpting a living, breathing work of art in words, where each sentence chisels away the stone to reveal the masterpiece within.

Dogs, those captivating enigmas of loyalty, personality, and quirks, are not just pets; they’re the embodiments of virtue, mirth, and wisdom.

It’s in the twinkle of their eyes and the arch of their tail that we find the myriad shades of character. Every breed, every individual, tells a story – the dignified grace of a Greyhound, the boundless energy of a Border Collie, or the sagely demeanor of an old, wise Labrador.

As writers, we become their biographers, capturing their whims and foibles, their loyal hearts and adventurous spirits.

Characterizing a dog isn’t merely describing a creature; it’s crafting a legend, etching a unique tale that sings with the resonance of canine wisdom and love, resonating in the hearts of readers long after the story’s last bark.

Depicting the dog’s personality and temperament

Depicting the dog’s personality and temperament is like unraveling the enigmatic layers of a soul, one pawprint at a time.

Dogs, those endlessly fascinating beings, are living canvases of character, each bearing their own unique brushstrokes of temperament and personality.

Whether it’s the exuberant, tail-wagging enthusiasm of an eternal optimist or the quiet wisdom of a seasoned companion, the writer’s craft is to unveil these intricate portraits in words.

We find courage in the heart of a timid Chihuahua and boundless joy in a playful Golden Retriever’s antics. Through descriptive prose and heartfelt anecdotes, we breathe life into these four-legged protagonists, allowing their vibrant personalities to leap off the page and etch themselves in the reader’s heart.

It’s not merely a description; it’s a literary portrait that immerses the reader in the depth and diversity of canine spirits, inviting them to forge an intimate connection with each character, to know them not as dogs, but as cherished friends.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Avoiding common pitfalls in writing is akin to navigating a treacherous labyrinth with a trusty lantern. It’s the art of recognizing and sidestepping the lurking traps and pitfalls that threaten to ensnare the unwary author.

Like a seasoned adventurer, we steer clear of the quicksand of clichés, choosing instead the path less traveled, where words shimmer with freshness and originality.

We wield the shield of consistency, ensuring that our narrative maintains its integrity and resonance throughout the journey.

As we dodge the snares of verbosity and redundancy, our prose becomes streamlined and potent, like a well-honed blade.

These pitfalls are the hidden perils of storytelling, but in their avoidance, we discover the treasure trove of engaging narratives, ensuring our readers are enraptured, not ensnared, in the world we’ve crafted.

Clichés and overused descriptions to steer clear of

Clichés and overused descriptions are the treacherous quick sands of creative writing , where the unwary writer can easily sink into the abyss of unoriginality.

It’s the realm of “dark as night” or “quiet as a mouse,” where well-worn phrases strip the narrative of its vitality.

By avoiding these linguistic pitfalls, we escape the clutches of mediocrity and embark on a quest for innovative expressions, allowing our words to gleam like uncut gems in the tapestry of storytelling.

Rather than leaning on clichés, we forge fresh metaphors and similes, painting vivid images that take the reader by surprise.

In doing so, we breathe life into our writing, endowing it with the power to resonate deeply with our audience, and in the process, we create narratives that stand out as beacons of originality in the literary landscape.

Editing and Refinement

Editing and refinement are the maestro’s final notes in the symphony of writing, the moment when raw potential transforms into refined brilliance.

It’s a meticulous dance of revision where words, like jewels, are polished to their most radiant shine. In this hallowed process, we scrutinize every sentence, every comma, and every nuance, elevating our narrative to its zenith.

With the keen eye of a sculptor, we trim the excess, chiseling away superfluous words until only the essential remains, a monument to clarity and coherence.

But this art isn’t merely about subtraction; it’s also an additive alchemy, where fresh insights and eloquent phrases breathe new life into our work.

Editing and refinement are where we step back, survey our literary landscape, and, with a masterful brush, paint the final strokes of perfection, creating a masterpiece that will resonate long after the last word has been written.

Reviewing for clarity, coherence, and conciseness

Reviewing for clarity, coherence, and conciseness is akin to the 1sculptor’s meticulous inspection of their masterpiece, ensuring every curve and contour aligns with the vision.

It’s a journey of precision and perception, where the writer meticulously fine-tunes their creation, erasing any ambiguity, and bridging the gaps in understanding.

Clarity is the beacon that guides the reader through the narrative fog, ensuring that each word and phrase is a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block.

Coherence knits the disparate elements together into a seamless tapestry, allowing ideas to flow seamlessly from one to the next, while conciseness trims the narrative fat, ensuring that every word adds value.

It’s the pursuit of perfection in language, where every sentence resonates with precision, every paragraph breathes with purpose, and every page gleams with the brilliance of effective communication.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about How To Describe A Dog In Writing

What is the importance of describing a dog in writing.

Describing a dog in writing is essential for storytelling, creating vivid imagery, and evoking emotions. It brings characters, scenes, and emotions to life in narratives and adds depth to any piece of writing.

What should I consider when choosing a focus for my dog description?

When describing a dog, consider whether you want to emphasize its physical characteristics, personality, behavior, or a specific moment in time. Your choice will determine the angle and tone of your description.

How can I start my dog description on the right note?

Begin your dog description with a brief introduction that includes general details such as the breed, size, and color. This provides a foundation for your more detailed description.

What are some effective ways to describe a dog’s appearance?

To describe a dog’s appearance, focus on its fur type, color, ears, eyes, nose, tail, and any distinctive markings. Use vivid and sensory language to paint a clear picture in the reader’s mind.

How can I capture a dog’s personality and behavior in my writing?

To convey a dog’s personality and behavior, observe and note whether it’s energetic, playful, calm, friendly, protective, or reserved. Share anecdotes or specific instances to illustrate these traits.

What role do sensory details play in describing a dog?

Sensory details, such as how the dog smells, feels, and sounds, help readers connect with the description on a deeper level. These details make the description more immersive and engaging.

Can I use metaphors or comparisons to enhance my dog description?

Yes, metaphors and similes can add depth to your description. For example, you can liken a dog’s fur to silk or describe its eyes as pools of curiosity. These comparisons make the description more vivid.

Is it important to provide context or a narrative in my dog description?

Providing context or a short narrative can make your dog description more engaging. It allows readers to connect with the dog’s character and behavior through specific instances or stories .

How can I ensure my dog description is well-written and engaging?

To ensure your description is well-crafted, edit and revise it for clarity, conciseness, and flow. Proofread for grammar and punctuation errors. Reading your description aloud can help gauge its effectiveness.

Can I use my dog description in different types of writing, such as fiction, essays, or articles?

Yes, a well-written dog description can be adapted to various forms of writing. It can be used in fiction to develop characters, in essays to illustrate a point, or in articles to engage readers and provide insights.

How do I make my dog description stand out and be memorable to the readers?

To make your dog description memorable, focus on unique and specific details that set the dog apart. Highlight its individuality, quirks, and any emotional connections it forms with the characters or the reader.

Can you provide an example of a well-written dog description?

While I can’t provide a specific example here, the previous response provides a step-by-step guide on how to write a compelling dog description, which you can use as a template to create your own effective descriptions.

In conclusion, the art of describing a dog in writing is a tapestry of skill, emotion, and creativity that unfolds on the page.

It’s a journey where we’ve explored the intricate world of our canine friends, inviting readers to understand, engage, and connect with the essence of these cherished companions.

From setting the scene to portraying emotions, from characterizing dogs to avoiding common pitfalls, we’ve embarked on a literary odyssey that transcends mere words.

The written descriptions of dogs are not just prose; they are profound expressions of love, companionship, and the universal bond we share with our loyal friends.

With each stroke of the pen, we’ve celebrated the unique personalities, quirks, and boundless affection of dogs, and in doing so, we’ve woven a tapestry of words that resonates deep within the hearts of both writers and readers.

As we conclude this journey, let us remember that the art of describing a dog in writing is more than a craft; it’s an ode to the extraordinary, enduring, and irreplaceable presence of our canine companions in the story of our lives.

Related Posts:

• How To Describe A Kitchen In Writing (11 Best Tips)
• How To Write A Book For Baby (15 Best Ways)
• How To Describe Summer Season In Writing (8 Important Steps)
• How To Write Mystery Novels For Children (15 Best Tips)
• How To Describe A Wedding In A Story (10 Best Ways)
• How To Write A Funeral Scene (11 Important Steps You…

Similar Posts

How To Write An Editorial (12 Important Steps To Follow)

Embarking on the journey of crafting an editorial is akin to stepping into the arena of persuasive prowess, where words transform into instruments of influence and ideas wield the power to shape perspectives. Writing an editorial is not merely an exercise in expression; it is a strategic dance with language, a nuanced symphony where the…

How To Describe A Train In Writing (12 Important Steps)

Introducing the art of describing a train in writing is akin to unveiling a portal to a world of captivating journeys, powerful locomotives, and the rhythmic heartbeat of rail travel. Trains, with their imposing presence and iconic place in the annals of transportation, offer writers a canvas of inspiration unlike any other. In this exploration,…

How To Improve Novel Writing Skills (12 Best Tips)

Embarking on the journey to improve novel writing skills is akin to stepping onto the path of literary mastery—a road marked by the nuances of plot, the symphony of characters, and the artful dance of words. In this odyssey of creativity, one navigates the intricate landscapes of storytelling, seeking to not only understand the fundamentals…

How To Describe Foreshadow Death In Writing (13 Best Ways)

Foreshadowing death in writing is a powerful literary tool that allows authors to weave anticipation, suspense, and emotional resonance into their narratives. It is the art of providing subtle hints and clues that prepare the reader for the impending demise of a character or the unfolding of tragic events, creating a heightened sense of engagement…

How To Write A Gothic Romance Novel (10 Best Tips)

Embarking on the journey of writing a Gothic romance novel is akin to unlocking the secrets of a mysterious, moonlit garden where love and darkness entwine in a haunting embrace. This genre, rooted in the atmospheric depths of Gothic literature, beckons authors to immerse themselves in the delicate dance between passion and the supernatural. Crafting…

How To Describe Night In Writing (10 Best Ways)

In the realm of storytelling, the night is a canvas painted with shades of mystery, romance, and introspection. Capturing the essence of the nocturnal world through the art of description is a literary endeavor that transcends mere depiction; it is an invitation for readers to immerse themselves in the atmospheric allure of darkness. Describing night…

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• Personal Finance
• AP Investigations
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• AP Buyline Shopping
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Election Results
• Delegate Tracker
• AP & Elections
• Auto Racing
• 2024 Paris Olympic Games
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Personal finance
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

20 years later, Abu Ghraib detainees get their day in US court

FILE - This late 2003 photo obtained by The Associated Press shows an unidentified detainee standing on a box with a bag on his head and wires attached to him in the Abu Ghraib prison in Baghdad, Iraq. A trial scheduled to begin Monday, April 15, 2024, in U.S. District Court in Alexandria, Va., will be the first time that survivors of Iraq’s Abu Ghraib prison will bring their claims of torture to a U.S. jury. Twenty years earlier, photos of abused prisoners and smiling U.S. soldiers guarding them shocked the world. (AP Photo, File)

FILE - In this June 22, 2004, photo, a detainee in an outdoor solitary confinement cell talks with a military police officer at the Abu Ghraib prison on the outskirts of Baghdad, Iraq. A trial scheduled to begin Monday, April 15, 2024, in U.S. District Court in Alexandria, Va., will be the first time that survivors of Iraq’s Abu Ghraib prison will bring their claims of torture to a U.S. jury. Twenty years earlier, photos of abused prisoners and smiling U.S. soldiers guarding them shocked the world. (AP Photo/John Moore, File)

• Copy Link copied

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — Twenty years ago this month, photos of abused prisoners and smiling U.S. soldiers guarding them at Iraq’s Abu Ghraib prison were released, shocking the world.

Now, three survivors of Abu Ghraib will finally get their day in U.S. court against the military contractor they hold responsible for their mistreatment.

The trial is scheduled to begin Monday in U.S. District Court in Alexandria, and will be the first time that Abu Ghraib survivors are able to bring their claims of torture to a U.S. jury, said Baher Azmy, a lawyer with the Center for Constitutional Rights representing the plaintiffs.

The defendant in the civil suit, CACI, supplied the interrogators who worked at the prison. The Virginia-based contractor denies any wrongdoing, and has emphasized throughout 16 years of litigation that its employees are not alleged to have inflicted any abuse on any of the plaintiffs in the case.

The plaintiffs, though, seek to hold CACI responsible for setting the conditions that resulted in the torture they endured, citing evidence in government investigations that CACI contractors instructed military police to “soften up” detainees for their interrogations.

Retired Army Gen. Antonio Taguba, who led an investigation into the Abu Ghraib scandal, is among those expected to testify. His inquiry concluded that at least one CACI interrogator should be held accountable for instructing military police to set conditions that amounted to physical abuse.

There is little dispute that the abuse was horrific. The photos released in 2004 showed naked prisoners stacked into pyramids or dragged by leashes. Some photos had a soldier smiling and giving a thumbs up while posing next to a corpse, or detainees being threatened with dogs, or hooded and attached to electrical wires.

The plaintiffs cannot be clearly identified in any of the infamous images, but their descriptions of mistreatment are unnerving.

In this June 22, 2004, photo, a detainee in an outdoor solitary confinement cell talks with a military police officer at the Abu Ghraib prison on the outskirts of Baghdad, Iraq. (AP Photo/John Moore, File)

Suhail Al Shimari has described sexual assaults and beatings during his two months at the prison. He was also electrically shocked and dragged around the prison by a rope tied around his neck. Former Al-Jazeera reporter Salah Al-Ejaili said he was subjected to stress positions that caused him to vomit black liquid. He was also deprived of sleep, forced to wear women’s underwear and threatened with dogs.

CACI, though, has said the U.S. military is the institution that bears responsibility for setting the conditions at Abu Ghraib and that its employees weren’t in a position to be giving orders to soldiers. In court papers, lawyers for the contractor group have said the “entire case is nothing more than an attempt to impose liability on CACI PT because its personnel worked in a war zone prison with a climate of activity that reeks of something foul. The law, however, does not recognize guilt by association with Abu Ghraib.”

The case has bounced through the courts since 2008, and CACI has tried roughly 20 times to have it tossed out of court. The U.S. Supreme Court in 2021 ultimately turned back CACI’s appeal efforts and sent the case back to district court for trial.

In one of CACI’s appeal arguments, the company contended that the U.S. enjoys sovereign immunity against the torture claims, and that CACI enjoys derivative immunity as a contractor doing the government’s bidding. But U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema, in a first-of-its kind ruling, determined that the U.S. government can’t claim immunity when it comes to allegations that violate established international norms, like torturing prisoners, so CACI as a result can’t claim any derivative immunity.

Jurors next week are also expected to hear testimony from some of the soldiers who were convicted in military court of directly inflicting the abuse. Ivan Frederick, a former staff sergeant who was sentenced to more than eight years of confinement after a court-martial conviction on charges including assault, indecent acts and dereliction of duty, has provided deposition testimony that is expected to be played for the jury because he has refused to attend the trial voluntarily. The two sides have differed on whether his testimony establishes that soldiers were working under the direction of CACI interrogators.

The U.S. government may present a wild card in the trial, which is scheduled to last two weeks. Both the plaintiffs and CACI have complained that their cases have been hampered by government assertions that some evidence, if made public, would divulge state secrets that would harm national security.

Government lawyers will be at the trial ready to object if witnesses stray into territory they deem to be a state secret, they said at a pretrial hearing April 5.

Judge Brinkema, who has overseen complex national security cases many times, warned the government that if it asserts such a privilege at trial, “it better be a genuine state secret.”

Jason Lynch, a government lawyer, assured her, “We’re trying to stay out of the way as much as we possibly can.”

Of the three plaintiffs, only Al-Ejaili, who now lives in Sweden, is expected to testify in person. The other two will testify remotely from Iraq. Brinkema has ruled that the reasons they were sent to Abu Ghraib are irrelevant and won’t be given to jurors. All three were released after periods of detention ranging from two months to a year without ever being charged with a crime, according to court papers.

“Even if they were terrorists it doesn’t excuse the conduct that’s alleged here,” she said at the April 5 hearing.

Rescuers relocate seal harassed by off-leash dogs on Jersey Shore beach

• Updated: Apr. 19, 2024, 1:14 p.m. |
• Published: Apr. 19, 2024, 12:25 p.m.

A female gray seal was released after being held for observation by the Marine Mammal Stranding Center following encounters with unleashed dogs on the beach in Asbury Park on Wednesday. Marine Mammal Stranding Center

• Jeff Goldman | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Off-leash dogs harassed a grey seal resting on the beach in Asbury Park on Wednesday before it was relocated by Marine Mammal Stranding Center staff to be checked out, officials said.

The seal was not injured “despite having a few close calls” with the dogs on the beach near Deal Lake Drive and was released onto a more remote beach on Thursday, the standing center said.

Stories by Jeff Goldman

• Mega Millions winning numbers, live results for Friday’s $178M lottery drawing
• Pedestrian stuck and killed in Cherry Hill, cops say
• Atlantic City Boardwalk blaze kills man in homeless encampment where fire started

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Guest Essay

The Troubling Trend in Teenage Sex

By Peggy Orenstein

Ms. Orenstein is the author of “Boys & Sex: Young Men on Hookups, Love, Porn, Consent and Navigating the New Masculinity” and “Girls & Sex: Navigating the Complicated New Landscape.”

Debby Herbenick is one of the foremost researchers on American sexual behavior. The director of the Center for Sexual Health Promotion at Indiana University and the author of the pointedly titled book “Yes, Your Kid,” she usually shares her data, no matter how explicit, without judgment. So I was surprised by how concerned she seemed when we checked in on Zoom recently: “I haven’t often felt so strongly about getting research out there,” she told me. “But this is lifesaving.”

For the past four years, Dr. Herbenick has been tracking the rapid rise of “rough sex” among college students, particularly sexual strangulation, or what is colloquially referred to as choking. Nearly two-thirds of women in her most recent campus-representative survey of 5,000 students at an anonymized “major Midwestern university” said a partner had choked them during sex (one-third in their most recent encounter). The rate of those women who said they were between the ages 12 and 17 the first time that happened had shot up to 40 percent from one in four.

As someone who’s been writing for well over a decade about young people’s attitudes and early experience with sex in all its forms, I’d also begun clocking this phenomenon. I was initially startled in early 2020 when, during a post-talk Q. and A. at an independent high school, a 16-year-old girl asked, “How come boys all want to choke you?” In a different class, a 15-year-old boy wanted to know, “Why do girls all want to be choked?” They do? Not long after, a college sophomore (and longtime interview subject) contacted me after her roommate came home in tears because a hookup partner, without warning, had put both hands on her throat and squeezed.

I started to ask more, and the stories piled up. Another sophomore confided that she enjoyed being choked by her boyfriend, though it was important for a partner to be “properly educated” — pressing on the sides of the neck, for example, rather than the trachea. (Note: There is no safe way to strangle someone.) A male freshman said “girls expected” to be choked and, even though he didn’t want to do it, refusing would make him seem like a “simp.” And a senior in high school was angry that her friends called her “vanilla” when she complained that her boyfriend had choked her.

Sexual strangulation, nearly always of women in heterosexual pornography, has long been a staple on free sites, those default sources of sex ed for teens . As with anything else, repeat exposure can render the once appalling appealing. It’s not uncommon for behaviors to be normalized in porn, move within a few years to mainstream media, then, in what may become a feedback loop, be adopted in the bedroom or the dorm room.

Choking, Dr. Herbenick said, seems to have made that first leap in a 2008 episode of Showtime’s “Californication,” where it was still depicted as outré, then accelerated after the success of “Fifty Shades of Grey.” By 2019, when a high school girl was choked in the pilot of HBO’s “Euphoria,” it was standard fare. A young woman was choked in the opener of “The Idol” (again on HBO and also, like “Euphoria,” created by Sam Levinson; what’s with him ?). Ali Wong plays the proclivity for laughs in a Netflix special, and it’s a punchline in Tina Fey’s new “Mean Girls.” The chorus of Jack Harlow’s “Lovin On Me,” which topped Billboard’s Hot 100 chart for six nonconsecutive weeks this winter and has been viewed over 99 million times on YouTube, starts with, “I’m vanilla, baby, I’ll choke you, but I ain’t no killer, baby.” How-to articles abound on the internet, and social media algorithms feed young people (but typically not their unsuspecting parents) hundreds of #chokemedaddy memes along with memes that mock — even celebrate — the potential for hurting or killing female partners.

I’m not here to kink-shame (or anything-shame). And, anyway, many experienced BDSM practitioners discourage choking, believing it to be too dangerous. There are still relatively few studies on the subject, and most have been done by Dr. Herbenick and her colleagues. Reports among adolescents are now trickling out from the United Kingdom , Australia , Iceland , New Zealand and Italy .

Twenty years ago, sexual asphyxiation appears to have been unusual among any demographic, let alone young people who were new to sex and iffy at communication. That’s changed radically in a short time, with health consequences that parents, educators, medical professionals, sexual consent advocates and teens themselves urgently need to understand.

Sexual trends can spread quickly on campus and, to an extent, in every direction. But, at least among straight kids, I’ve sometimes noticed a pattern: Those that involve basic physical gratification — like receiving oral sex in hookups — tend to favor men. Those that might entail pain or submission, like choking, are generally more for women.

So, while undergrads of all genders and sexualities in Dr. Herbenick’s surveys report both choking and being choked, straight and bisexual young women are far more likely to have been the subjects of the behavior; the gap widens with greater occurrences. (In a separate study , Dr. Herbenick and her colleagues found the behavior repeated across the United States, particularly for adults under 40, and not just among college students.) Alcohol may well be involved, and while the act is often engaged in with a steady partner, a quarter of young women said partners they’d had sex with on the day they’d met also choked them.

Either way, most say that their partners never or only sometimes asked before grabbing their necks. For many, there had been moments when they couldn’t breathe or speak, compromising the ability to withdraw consent, if they’d given it. No wonder that, in a separate study by Dr. Herbenick, choking was among the most frequently listed sex acts young women said had scared them, reporting that it sometimes made them worry whether they’d survive.

Among girls and women I’ve spoken with, many did not want or like to be sexually strangled, though in an otherwise desired encounter they didn’t name it as assault . Still, a sizable number were enthusiastic; they requested it. It is exciting to feel so vulnerable, a college junior explained. The power dynamic turns her on; oxygen deprivation to the brain can trigger euphoria.

That same young woman, incidentally, had never climaxed with a partner: While the prevalence of choking has skyrocketed, rates of orgasm among young women have not increased, nor has the “orgasm gap” disappeared among heterosexual couples. “It indicates they’re not doing other things to enhance female arousal or pleasure,” Dr. Herbenick said.

When, for instance, she asked one male student who said he choked his partner whether he’d ever tried using a vibrator instead, he recoiled. “Why would I do that?” he asked.

Perhaps, she responded, because it would be more likely to produce orgasm without risking, you know, death.

In my interviews, college students have seen male orgasm as a given; women’s is nice if it happens, but certainly not expected or necessarily prioritized (by either partner). It makes sense, then, that fulfillment would be less the motivator for choking than appearing adventurous or kinky. Such performances don’t always feel good.

“Personally, my hypothesis is that this is one of the reasons young people are delaying or having less sex,” Dr. Herbenick said. “Because it’s uncomfortable and weird and scary. At times some of them literally think someone is assaulting them but they don’t know. Those are the only sexual experiences for some people. And it’s not just once they’ve gotten naked. They’ll say things like, ‘I’ve only tried to make out with someone once because he started choking and hitting me.’”

Keisuke Kawata, a neuroscientist at Indiana University’s School of Public Health, was one of the first researchers to sound the alarm on how the cumulative, seemingly inconsequential, sub-concussive hits football players sustain (as opposed to the occasional hard blow) were key to triggering C.T.E., the degenerative brain disease. He’s a good judge of serious threats to the brain. In response to Dr. Herbenick’s work, he’s turning his attention to sexual strangulation. “I see a similarity” to C.T.E., he told me, “though the mechanism of injury is very different.” In this case, it is oxygen-blocking pressure to the throat, frequently in light, repeated bursts of a few seconds each.

Strangulation — sexual or otherwise — often leaves few visible marks and can be easily overlooked as a cause of death. Those whose experiences are nonlethal rarely seek medical attention, because any injuries seem minor: Young women Dr. Herbenick studied mostly reported lightheadedness, headaches, neck pain, temporary loss of coordination and ear ringing. The symptoms resolve, and all seems well. But, as with those N.F.L. players, the true effects are silent, potentially not showing up for days, weeks, even years.

According to the American Academy of Neurology, restricting blood flow to the brain, even briefly, can cause permanent injury, including stroke and cognitive impairment. In M.R.I.s conducted by Dr. Kawata and his colleagues (including Dr. Herbenick, who is a co-author of his papers on strangulation), undergraduate women who have been repeatedly choked show a reduction in cortical folding in the brain compared with a never-choked control group. They also showed widespread cortical thickening, an inflammation response that is associated with elevated risk of later-onset mental illness. In completing simple memory tasks, their brains had to work far harder than the control group, recruiting from more regions to achieve the same level of accuracy.

The hemispheres in the choked group’s brains, too, were badly skewed, with the right side hyperactive and the left underperforming. A similar imbalance is associated with mood disorders — and indeed in Dr. Herbenick’s surveys girls and women who had been choked were more likely than others (or choked men) to have experienced overwhelming anxiety, as well as sadness and loneliness, with the effect more pronounced as the incidence rose: Women who had experienced more than five instances of choking were two and a half times as likely as those who had never been choked to say they had been so depressed within the previous 30 days they couldn’t function. Whether girls and women with mental health challenges are more likely to seek out (or be subjected to) choking, choking causes mood disorders, or some combination of the two is still unclear. But hypoxia, or oxygen deprivation — judging by what research has shown about other types of traumatic brain injury — could be a contributing factor. Given the soaring rates of depression and anxiety among young women, that warrants concern.

Now consider that every year Dr. Herbenick has done her survey, the number of females reporting extreme effects from strangulation (neck swelling, loss of consciousness, losing control of urinary function) has crept up. Among those who’ve been choked, the rate of becoming what students call “cloudy” — close to passing out, but not crossing the line — is now one in five, a huge proportion. All of this indicates partners are pressing on necks longer and harder.

The physical, cognitive and psychological impacts of sexual choking are disturbing. So is the idea that at a time when women’s social, economic, educational and political power are in ascent (even if some of those rights may be in jeopardy), when #MeToo has made progress against harassment and assault, there has been the popularization of a sex act that can damage our brains, impair intellectual functioning, undermine mental health, even kill us. Nonfatal strangulation, one of the most significant indicators that a man will murder his female partner (strangulation is also one of the most common methods used for doing so), has somehow been eroticized and made consensual, at least consensual enough. Yet, the outcomes are largely the same: Women’s brains and bodies don’t distinguish whether they are being harmed out of hate or out of love.

By now I’m guessing that parents are curled under their chairs in a fetal position. Or perhaps thinking, “No, not my kid!” (see: title of Dr. Herbenick’s book above, which, by the way, contains an entire chapter on how to talk to your teen about “rough sex”).

I get it. It’s scary stuff. Dr. Herbenick is worried; I am, too. And we are hardly some anti-sex, wait-till-marriage crusaders. But I don’t think our only option is to wring our hands over what young people are doing.

Parents should take a beat and consider how they might give their children relevant information in a way that they can hear it. Maybe reiterate that they want them to have a pleasurable sex life — you have already said that, right? — and also want them to be safe. Tell them that misinformation about certain practices, including choking, is rampant, that in reality it has grave health consequences. Plus, whether or not a partner initially requested it, if things go wrong, you’re generally criminally on the hook.

Dr. Herbenick suggests reminding them that there are other, lower-risk ways to be exploratory or adventurous if that is what they are after, but it would be wisest to delay any “rough sex” until they are older and more skilled at communicating. She offers language when negotiating with a new partner, such as, “By the way, I’m not comfortable with” — choking, or other escalating behaviors such as name-calling, spitting and genital slapping — “so please don’t do it/don’t ask me to do it to you.” They could also add what they are into and want to do together.

I’d like to point high school health teachers to evidence-based porn literacy curricula, but I realize that incorporating such lessons into their classrooms could cost them their jobs. Shafia Zaloom, a lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, recommends, if that’s the case, grounding discussions in mainstream and social media. There are plenty of opportunities. “You can use it to deconstruct gender norms, power dynamics in relationships, ‘performative’ trends that don’t represent most people’s healthy behaviors,” she said, “especially depictions of people putting pressure on someone’s neck or chest.”

I also know that pediatricians, like other adults, struggle when talking to adolescents about sex (the typical conversation, if it happens, lasts 40 seconds). Then again, they already caution younger children to use a helmet when they ride a bike (because heads and necks are delicate!); they can mention that teens might hear about things people do in sexual situations, including choking, then explain the impact on brain health and why such behavior is best avoided. They should emphasize that if, for any reason — a fall, a sports mishap or anything else — a young person develops symptoms of head trauma, they should come in immediately, no judgment, for help in healing.

The role and responsibility of the entertainment industry is a tangled knot: Media reflects behavior but also drives it, either expanding possibilities or increasing risks. There is precedent for accountability. The European Union now requires age verification on the world’s largest porn sites (in ways that preserve user privacy, whatever that means on the internet); that discussion, unsurprisingly, had been politicized here. Social media platforms have already been pushed to ban content promoting eating disorders, self-harm and suicide — they should likewise be pressured to ban content promoting choking. Traditional formats can stop glamorizing strangulation, making light of it, spreading false information, using it to signal female characters’ complexity or sexual awakening. Young people’s sexual scripts are shaped by what they watch, scroll by and listen to — unprecedentedly so. They deserve, and desperately need, models of interactions that are respectful, communicative, mutual and, at the very least, safe.

Peggy Orenstein is the author of “Boys & Sex: Young Men on Hookups, Love, Porn, Consent and Navigating the New Masculinity” and “Girls & Sex: Navigating the Complicated New Landscape.”

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

Follow the New York Times Opinion section on Facebook , Instagram , TikTok , WhatsApp , X and Threads .

An earlier version of this article misstated the network on which “Californication” first appeared. It is Showtime, not HBO. The article also misspelled a book and film title. It is “Fifty Shades of Grey,” not “Fifty Shades of Gray.”

How we handle corrections