Getting help for your pet We offer several free options to help regardless of your pet’s behavior! Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding Reactivity in Dogs Reactivity is not aggression. Aggression means intent to do harm and though reactivity can look aggressive in nature when your dog is barking and lunging on leash, there is no intention to do harm. Many reactive dogs live well with other dogs or play well at dog parks, because reactivity…
Dog Toys and How to Use Them Many behavior problems in dogs are the result of boredom or excess energy. Toys offer mental and physical stimulation and enrichment. Directing your dog’s energy into play with toys can prevent or help resolve such problems as digging and chewing on furniture, shoes or shrubbery. Toys We Recommend Interactive Toys:…
Developmental Stages of Puppy Behavior Although feeding time is important, it’s also vital to include petting, talking, and playing, in order to help your puppy build good “people-skills.” Well-socialized mothers are more likely to have well-socialized puppies. Puppies “feed” off their mothers’ calm or fearful attitude toward people. Puppies are usually weaned at six or…
Developmental Stages of Kitten Behavior Well-socialized cats are more likely to have well-socialized kittens. Kittens “feed” off of their mothers’ calm or fearful attitude toward people. Although feeding time is important, it’s also vital to include petting, talking, and playing in order to build good “people-skills” in your kitten. Kittens are usually weaned at six…
Destructive Scratching in Cats Why Do Cats Scratch? It’s normal for cats to scratch objects in their environment for many reasons: Because scratching is a normal behavior, the goal in resolving scratching problems is to direct the scratching onto acceptable objects and provide appropriate outlets. Training Your Cat to Scratch Acceptable Objects Should I…
Destructive Chewing It is normal for dogs to explore the world with their mouths. However, chewing can be directed into appropriate items so your dog is not destroying items you value. Until he has learned what he can and cannot chew, it is your responsibility to manage the situation as much as…
When the Behavior Helpline Can’t Help Our Animal Behavior Helpline counselors have completed an extensive training program taught by animal behavior professionals. They are able to assist pet owners with many types of problems; however, there are some that can’t be resolved by email or phone, because it isn’t safe or accurate to diagnose certain problems…
Whoa, baby Over the years, I’ve had numerous conversations with folks telling me they have trouble stopping their horses. I often hear, “I’ve tried this bit, I’ve tried that bridle, and nothing seems to get my horse to stop.” If you have this problem, you’re certainly not alone–but in order to correct…
Dealing With Normal Puppy Behavior: Chewing Puppies explore their world by putting things in their mouths. In addition, puppies are teething until they’re about 6 months old, which usually causes them some discomfort. Chewing not only facilitates teething, but also makes sore gums feel better. While it is perfectly normal for puppies to chew on furniture,…
Your New Cat Congratulations! We are very excited that you have decided to adopt a new cat. We want this to be a positive experience so that you and your new cat can live happily together for a long time, so here are some tips for starting your new relationship off on the…
Your New Dog We are so excited that you decided to adopt your new dog! We want this to be a positive experience so that you and your new dog can live happily together for a long time, so here are some tips for starting your new relationship off on the right “paw.”…
Your Talkative Cat Vocalizing is one way for your cat to communicate with you and with other animals. Some cats “talk” more than others, but most cats do make noise some of the time. We’re all familiar with the meaning of hissing and growling, but there are also many other sounds that your…
Crate Training Your Dog Crate training your dog may take some time and effort, but can be useful in a variety of situations. If you have a new dog or puppy, you can use the crate to limit his access to the house until he learns all the house rules, such as what he…
Children and Dogs: Important Information for Parents Living with a dog can be beneficial to children. Dogs can enhance children’s self-esteem, teach them responsibility and help them to learn empathy. However, children and dogs may not always automatically start off with a wonderful relationship. Parents must be willing to teach the dog and the child acceptable limits…
Cat Clicker Training Clicker training uses a precise sound (a click) to tell the cat that he has done something to earn a reward. Think of the clicker as the shutter of a camera: you click when you see the correct “picture” of the behavior you’re training your cat to perform. You immediately…
Canine Rivalry What is Canine Rivalry? Canine rivalry refers to repeated conflicts between dogs living in the same household. Animals that live in groups, like dogs, establish relationships through which the individuals involved interact and live together. The roles that the individuals play within the relationship can change with each new day…
