TRAINING YOUR DOG OR CAT WITH TREATS AND PRAISE

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Positive reinforcement is the presentation of something pleasant or rewarding immediately following a behavior. It makes that behavior more likely to occur in the future, and is one of the most powerful tools for shaping or changing your pet’s behavior.

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UNDERSTANDING AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR IN DOGS

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The word “aggression” 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, a threat (growling or snapping) may escalate to outright aggression (biting) in any given situation. Continue Reading

WHEN COMMON ADVICE CAN’T HELP

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The individuals who staff our Behavior Helpline have completed an extensive training program taught by animal behavior professionals. We are able to assist pet owners with many types of problems; however, there are some we can’t resolve by e-mail or phone because it isn’t safe or accurate to diagnose certain behavioral problems without observing the animal’s postures and reactions to certain stimuli. Continue Reading

CRATE TRAINING YOUR DOG

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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 can and can’t chew and where he can and can’t eliminate. A crate is also a safe way of transporting your dog in the car, as well as a way of taking him places where he may not be welcome to run freely. If you properly train your dog to use the crate, he will think of it as his safe place and will be happy to spend time there when needed. Always provide water for your dog anytime he is in the crate. Spill proof bowls or bowls that attach to the kennel gate work best. Continue Reading

HOW TO SOLVE THE DIGGING PROBLEM

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Digging is a normal behavior for most dogs, but may occur for widely varying reasons. Continue Reading