Getting help for your pet We offer several free options to help regardless of your pet’s behavior! Frequently Asked Questions
What is feline enrichment and why is it important? Enrichment provides outlets for mental and physical stimulation in ways that allow animals to express their natural, species-typical behaviors. The goal of enrichment is to improve an animal’s quality of life, making it like hobbies for humans. Consider hobbies that people engage in, such as reading, running, and cooking. Now consider why we enjoy those hobbies – for fun, to relieve…
Feral cat resource guide These feral cat resources are designed to help reduce overpopulation and disease transmission in feral and community cat populations. Services range from TNR to extra veterinary care, humane cat trap rentals, and local barn and working cat programs. Please keep in mind that most of these programs are…
The 3-3-3 rule to adopting a shelter pet Bringing home a new pet is an exciting time! We are full of expectations for a life of adventures and snuggles. Before we can commence the happily ever after, though, we need to help our new pet settle into their home. Many shelter animals go through quite…
Pet loss and grief support Resources designed to help you and your family cope with the loss of your companion animal. Remember, grieving a pet is natural and will vary from person to person. In her Tedx Talk, Dr. Sarah Hoggan shares her thoughts and experience with pet loss and grief. As…
DIY shelter for feral cats Can cats handle cold weather? Feral cat colonies and wildlife are particularly susceptible to extreme weather conditions. While vital as the temperatures plummet in the winter, these DIY shelters for feral cats can help them survive as temperatures rise in the summer. If you live in an…
What is canine enrichment and why is it important? Enrichment is about providing outlets for mental and physical stimulation in ways that allow animals to express their natural, species-typical behaviors. The main goal of enrichment is improving an animal’s quality of life, making it very similar to hobbies for humans. Think of some hobbies that people engage in,…
What to do if you find kittens outside. Kitten season is right around the corner. If you’ve heard the midnight yowls of cats in heat as the weather warms, chances are, you’ll see kittens in the coming months. Even if you don’t hear the cat calls, it’s important to know what to do if you find kittens…
Cat Behavior 101: What you knead to know When out cats stare longingly into our eyes, meowing for seemingly no reason, how many of us often say, “I know” without having a clue what they’re trying to tell us? We’d venture to say that most people have had this very exchange with their cat, perhaps even multiple…
Dog training: How to teach your dog not to jump up Definition: Rather than teach the dog to “not” do something, we will ask him to do something he knows how to do that is incompatible with jumping up on you or someone else. You may use “sit” or “touch” or some other behavior as your alternate incompatible behavior. Your…
Dog training: How to teach your dog to “Settle” Definition: “Relax, be calm.” Practical uses: “Settle” should be more relaxed than a “Down-stay” or “Sit-stay”; the dog need not maintain a specific position. You can use it in the waiting room at the veterinarian, or when you are out on a walk and stop to chat with…
Cat training: Teaching your cat to “Sit” Definition: The cat’s hind end is touching the ground How to teach: Sit: Stand or sit next to or in front of the cat, holding your clicker and treats. If you have treats that he wants, then the cat will wait for you to give him one. While he…
Cat training: Teaching your cat to “sit pretty” Definition: Cat will be sitting with his front paws in the air, as if begging How to Teach: After you have taught your cat to sit, you can then move to “Sit Pretty.” Your cat will sit when he is waiting for the clicker and treat. If you…
Cat training: Teaching your cat to “High-five.” Definition: Cat touches one of his front paws to your hand. How to Teach: High Five: Sit or squat next to or in front of the cat. Hold your hand flat and in front of the cat, within paws reach. When he lifts one leg off the ground, click…
Cat training: teaching your cat to “down” Definition: Lying down How to Teach: Down: The easiest way to teach this behavior is to catch the cat in the act. He will lie down when he feels comfortable. Watch for him to lie down, then click and treat. Deliver the treat so that he must get up…
Litter box tips for new cat owners Most cats have preferences about where they want to “go”. From location to litter and other potential preferences, these litter box tips will help new cat owners – or anyone experiencing litter box problems – to ensure your cat is happy, healthy, and using the litter box appropriately.
Standing tied by Brent Winston, trainer, Harmony Equine Center As I have been out riding this summer, I have noticed that a lot of people struggle with some of the same issues I used to struggle with. One of those issues is standing tied. It’s not uncommon for horses to…