BEHAVIOR HELP

You can do it!

Having a behavior issue with your pet? We’ve all been there! After 100+ years and tens of thousands of adoptions, we’ve learned a few things and are happy to share. Browse our library for help with common behavior issues. And, if you’re an adopter, feel free to call our free behavior helpline!

Featured Tips from HSHV's Behavior Specialists

Should you rub that doggie belly?

Should you rub that doggie belly?

It is a story that trainers often hear: “My dog rolled over asking for a ...
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Why do cats purr?

Why do cats purr?

It’s a long contested question, one that we’re getting closer to being able to answer, ...
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How to keep kids' toys from becoming dog chews

How to keep kids’ toys from becoming dog chews

In homes with children and dogs, it sometimes can be challenging to keep kid’s toys ...
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Cat got the zoomies? Should you be concerned?

Cat got the zoomies? Should you be concerned?

Most people are familiar with the concept of dog “zoomies,” but it’s not as widely ...
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[Photo by Erda Estremera on Unsplash]

How to get your dog to trim his own nails (Part 1)

Do you and your dog both dread toe-nail trims?  Then why not give your dog ...
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[Photo by Erda Estremera on Unsplash]

How to get your dog to file his own nails (part 2)

(Did you miss Part 1?) We show you how to train your dog to file ...
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4 things everyone should consider before adopting a second (or third...) cat

4 things everyone should consider before adopting a second (or third…) cat

Thinking of adding a cat or kitten to your feline crew at home? Here are ...
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Should you rub that doggie belly?
Should you rub that doggie belly?
How to keep kids' toys from becoming dog chews
How to keep kids’ toys from becoming dog chews
Should you let a new dog sniff your hand?
Should you let a new dog sniff your hand?
Cat got the zoomies? Should you be concerned?
Cat got the zoomies? Should you be concerned?
Bringing Your New Kitten Home
Bringing Your New Kitten Home
Dogs have a 3-second rule, too!
Dogs have a 3-second rule, too!
Sassy cats!
Sassy cats!
[Photo by Erda Estremera on Unsplash]
How to get your dog to trim his own nails (Part 1)
[Photo by Erda Estremera on Unsplash]
How to get your dog to file his own nails (part 2)
4 things everyone should consider before adopting a second (or third...) cat
4 things everyone should consider before adopting a second (or third…) cat
Why we use the training method we do
Why we use the training method we do
How to help a fearful kitty
How to help a fearful kitty
When Problems Arise With Your Newly Adopted Cat
When Problems Arise With Your Newly Adopted Cat
Troubleshooting Cat to Cat or Kitten to Cat Introductions
Troubleshooting Cat to Cat or Kitten to Cat Introductions
Cat Clicker Training Basics
Cat Clicker Training Basics
How to Help Your Door Dashing Cat
How to Help Your Door Dashing Cat
Kittens playing
Cat Enrichment Ideas During Times of Change or Stress
Dogs and Masks
Dogs and Masks
dog at a desk
Returning to work? How to prepare your dog
Tips for Resolving Litterbox Problems
Tips for Resolving Litterbox Problems
Puppy with a bone in the grass
Food bowl bonuses (a.k.a., Teaching puppy to share)
Dog Meets Young Child
Dog Meets Young Child
pregnant woman
Dog Meets Baby
Dog watching you
Teaching “Watch”
Brown puppy with blue eyes sitting and staying
Teaching “Sit-Stay”
Cute pup sitting on a chair
Teaching “Sit”
Puppy rolling onto his side
Teaching “Side”
dog learning how to shake hands
Teaching “Shake”
Golden colored dog running toward you
Teaching Recall
Teaching "Go to your mat and lie down"
Teaching “Go to your mat and lie down”
Little pug puppy playing tug of war with rope toy
Teaching “Drop It”
Jack Russell Terrier lying down
Teaching “Down”
Chihuahua guarding his bone
Resource Guarding
Dog looking at cookie on countertop
Teaching “Leave It”
Person holding a clicker with dog
Clicker Training Basics
Golden Retriever puppy jumping up
Anti-Jumping
Welsh Corgi dog at the top of the stairs
Afraid of the stairs? Or of getting into/out of the car?
lots of dog toys
Dog Essentials and Toys and How to Use Them
Keeping your High Energy Dog Happy & Healthy
Keeping your High Energy Dog Happy & Healthy
scared and submissive dog
Submissive and Excitement Urination
Dog waiting at window
Separation Anxiety
thunder and lightning in the sky
Helping Your Dog Overcome The Fear of Thunder And Other Startling Noises
The Fearful Dog
The Fearful Dog
Dog with a head halter
Desensitizing Dog to Head Halter
smiling pit bull on a leash
Loose Leash Walking
dog at the door with a Poochie Bell
Teaching Ring Bell to Go Outside
puppy nipping someone's finger
Dealing with Normal Puppy Behavior: Nipping
puppy chewing
Dealing with Normal Puppy Behavior: Chewing
child with a dog
Children and Dogs: Important information for Parents
cat with his mouth open
Your Talkative Cat
Trimming Cat Claws
Trimming Cat Claws
black and white cat with scratching post
Declawing Cats
cat on a porch
How to Transition Your Cat to an Indoor/Outdoor Lifestyle
cat getting a treat
Training Cats with Positive Reinforcement
scared tabby cat
Adopting a Fearful Cat
unhappy cat with ears back
Petting-Induced or Overstimulation Aggression in Cats
Adopting a Fearful Kitten
Adopting a Fearful Kitten
cat on kitchen table
Keeping Cats off of Countertops
Young boy with pet cat in arm
Introducing Cats to Children
Beagle growling
Resource Guarding
rocks
Unusual eating habits in dogs and cats
dog marking the sofa
House Soiling Or Urine­-Marking? How To Tell The Difference!
Dog and cat waiting for a treat
Positive Reinforcement: Training with treats and praise
litterbox
Your new cat & the litter box
Kittens playing
Rough play in a kitten or adult cat
kitten with basket
Managing scratching
kitten with holiday greenery
Kitten-proofing your home
cat with toy
Cat Toys For Fun and Enrichment
cat in mirror
Cat to Cat introductions
cat in crate
Bringing your new cat home
dog in crate
Crate training your dog
dog at door
(Re) Housetraining your adult dog
3 puppies
Puppy Socialization
puppy with leash
Housetraining Your Puppy
dog and cat
Cat to Dog & Dog to Cat Introductions
dogs meeting
Dog-to-Dog Introductions
Girl with her new dog in a birthday hat
Bringing your new dog home