Archives for general behavior

Dogs and Masks

Dogs and Masks

May 6, 2020 | Comments Off on Dogs and Masks

[print-me]   There is no doubt, the recent weeks have been strange and stressful for all of us.  Coming months will also likely bring more changes and adjustments in our lifestyles for both us and our pets.   One of the new sights that you might increasingly be encountering out on walks may be people wearing CDC-recommended face masks or other facial coverings.  You may be getting used to this new sight yourself, so imagine how strange it may look to your canine companion, who is suddenly wondering why humans look so different.   Help your dog out by getting
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Returning to work? How to prepare your dog

Returning to work? How to prepare your dog

April 24, 2020 | Comments Off on Returning to work? How to prepare your dog

[print-me]   Is your dog actually loving the current stay-at-home order?  Pets may be the one part of the population who are not minding this new routine, as now they have you all to themselves all day long!  While you are hopefully enjoying all this extra time with your pets, you may have concerns about how your puppy or dog is going to adjust when things start to return to normal and we are leaving during the day again.  Now is the time to start working on preparing your dog for this eventual change.   First, set up a special
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Tips for Resolving Litterbox Problems

Tips for Resolving Litterbox Problems

March 10, 2020 | Comments Off on Tips for Resolving Litterbox Problems

Why Do Some Cats Eliminate Outside the Litter Box? Litter box use problems in cats can be diverse and complex. Behavioral treatments are often effective, but the treatments must be tailored to the cat’s specific problem. Be certain to read the entire article to help you identify your particular cat’s problem and to familiarize yourself with the different resolution approaches to ensure success with your cat.   Litter box Management Problems If your cat isn’t comfortable with her litter box or can’t easily access it, she probably won’t use it. The following common litter-box problems might cause her to eliminate
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Resource Guarding

Resource Guarding

June 13, 2018 | Comments Off on Resource Guarding

[print-me] What is Resource Guarding? Dogs that become aggressive or possessive of an object or space are said to be resource guarding. By using threatening displays or aggression to get an approaching person or dog to move away, the dog is able to maintain possession of the resource that they value. While this behavior can be useful for wild or feral animals that have to fend for themselves, it can be problematic in a family pet. Fortunately, there are ways to modify it! What types of “resources” do dogs often guard? Anything the dog values can be something they will
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Anti-Jumping

Anti-Jumping

June 13, 2018 | Comments Off on Anti-Jumping

[print-me] Why Dogs Jump Dogs jump up to say hello, quite simply. They don’t know how humans prefer to be greeted, and it never occurs to them that they might knock us over or ruin our clothes. Thankfully, consistent anti-jump training can quickly solve the problem for good. For this exercise, you’ll act as an on/off switch. When the dog is four feet on the floor, you’ll be “on” (verbal praise, petting, bending down to greet the dog, etc.). While the dog is jumping, you’ll be “off”(stand up, completely disengaged, no verbal attention, even in the form of “NO!”, turning
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Afraid of the stairs? Or of getting into/out of the car?

Afraid of the stairs? Or of getting into/out of the car?

June 13, 2018 | Comments Off on Afraid of the stairs? Or of getting into/out of the car?

[print-me] Note: These exercises can be adapted to entering and exiting cars and other motor vehicles. Is your dog afraid of steps and stairways? Perhaps past experiences led the dog to associate steps with something unpleasant, frightening and/or hurtful. Perhaps the dog was yelled at for going up or down a stairway, or had fallen down stairs during his formative weeks, or was pushed down the stairs. Maybe the dog has never encountered stairs before. Some people respond to such fears by forcing the dog up and down the stairs. But this approach doesn’t always provide the dog with an
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Keeping your High Energy Dog Happy & Healthy

Keeping your High Energy Dog Happy & Healthy

June 5, 2018 | Comments Off on Keeping your High Energy Dog Happy & Healthy

[print-me] Congratulations on adopting your new family member! Your new dog is a dog that will need some additional time and thought put into their daily exercise and training routine due to his/her energy level. Below are some ways that can both keep your dog happy and healthy and help you to avoid behavioral problems that can arise from lack of mental and physical stimulation in high energy and working dogs. Feeding Meals Turning meal time into work time is a great way to give your dog a job to do and keep him well behaved and mentally fulfilled. So
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Submissive and Excitement Urination

Submissive and Excitement Urination

June 5, 2018 | Comments Off on Submissive and Excitement Urination

[print-me] Submissive Urination Submissive urination occurs when a dog feels threatened. It may occur when he’s being punished or verbally scolded, or when he’s approached by someone he perceives to be threatening to him. It’s important to remember that this response is based on the dog’s perception of a threat, not the person’s actual intention. Submissive urination may resolve as your dog gains confidence. You can help to build his confidence by teaching him commands and rewarding him for obeying. You should also gradually expose him to new people and new situations and try to make sure all of his
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Separation Anxiety

Separation Anxiety

June 5, 2018 | Comments Off on Separation Anxiety

[print-me] Treatment for Mild Separation Anxiety If your dog has a mild case of separation anxiety, counterconditioning might reduce or resolve the problem. Counterconditioning is a treatment process that changes an animal’s fearful, anxious or aggressive reaction to a pleasant relaxing one. It’s done by associating the sight or presence of a feared or disliked person, animal, place, object or situation with something really good, something the dog loves. Over time the dog learns that whatever he fears actually predicts good things for him. For dogs with separation anxiety, counterconditioning focuses on developing an association between being alone and good
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