Getting help for your pet We offer several free options to help regardless of your pet’s behavior! Frequently Asked Questions
Dog behavior: The dog escape artist Escaping is a serious problem for both you and your dog, as it can have tragic consequences. If your dog is running loose, he is in danger of being hit by a car, being injured in a fight with another dog, or being hurt in several other ways. Additionally,…
Cat Behavior: The fearful cat When cats feel threatened, they usually respond in three ways to the object, person, or situation they perceive as a threat: fight, flee, or freeze. Some cats become so frightened they lose control of their bladder or bowels and eliminate right where they are. Each cat has his/her preferred…
Enriching activities for dogs Your dog is a living, breathing animal that relies on you for almost literally everything (food, water, shelter, play time, potty breaks…). Taking care of your dog’s physical and mental enrichment is part of being a dog owner. Dogs that get enough mental and physical exercise are going to…
Dog behavior: The fearful dog Dogs can be afraid of a lot of different things. A frightened dog might also do a lot of different things when it’s afraid. Scared dogs might freeze, or try to run away, to calm down the scary thing, or to scare away the scary thing. Scared dogs might…
Dog behavior: Understanding aggressive behavior Aggression means intent to do harm. The word aggression however can refer to a range of behaviors from barking and growling, snarling and snapping, to biting and attacking. Threats of aggression are one-way dogs have of communicating and are often displayed as a means of avoiding outright aggression. However,…
Cat behavior: Understanding cat aggression towards people Cat owners sometimes have difficulty understanding why their cats, who seem to be friendly and content one minute, may suddenly bite and scratch them the next. Aggressive behaviors are part of the normal behavioral patterns of almost any animal species. Cat bites are seldom reported, but may occur more…
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…
Canine enrichment: 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…
Stages of puppy development and their 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…
Stages of kitten development and their 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…
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…
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…
When the pet 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…
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…
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…
Your new cat: What to know when you get home 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…
