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Pet Behavior Help

I’m veterinarian Dr. Jeff Nichol. After years of caring for dogs and cats with illnesses and injuries I shifted to my greatest passion: improving their lives by guiding better behavior. My residency training is driven by research into the causes of these problems along with healthy, straight-forward treatment strategies for everybody’s wellbeing.

(505) 792-5131

Dr. Jeff Nichol

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Elk on the Run

September 18, 2023

Remember the Paul McCartney tune Band on the Run? Well, this isn’t it. But I caught myself singing as I watched, at a great distance, as this herd with youngsters,…

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Too Squirrely for Hungry Coyote

September 11, 2023

I spied this wily golden mantled ground squirrel while hiking in the Valles Caldera of Northern New Mexico. He noticed me and Mick, the Nichol family Border collie but wasn’t…

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Hungry Coyote- Big & Too Well Fed

September 11, 2023

This healthy guy was so big that at first I thought was seeing a wolf. But Ranger Dean at the Valles Caldera Ranger Station confirmed that he was, in fact,…

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Puppy House Training – In 1 Day? Really?

September 4, 2023

Housetraining can feel like such a challenge that many people just give up and mop up. You can get so completely flummoxed and frustrated that you lose their patience. You…

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Choosing The Greatest Puppy For Your Life

August 28, 2023

Have you ever wanted to pick the puppy who best fit your life? I’ll take you to Animal Humane NM and show you how it’s done.

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Horny Ninja Lizard

August 21, 2023

I also came upon this little reptile during my hike in the Weminuche Wilderness of Southern Colorado. Was this a horny toad? I’d call them that in the past but…

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Stories

play ball

Ankle Biter Redemption

Challenge Your Knowledge of Canine Behavior
Multiple choice: Dogs adopted as adults, who are aggressive toward the man in the home: (a) Were previously mistreated by a male (b) Are jealous, wanting the woman all to themselves (c) Are frightened by the macho, but gentle dude who guzzles battery acid instead of coffee in the morning (d) Are trying to be dominant (e) Have an Oedipus complex.

sheepdog

Ears & Rears – Would it Ever End?

Poking my head into the reception room, my gaze fell on a nicely groomed Old English Sheepdog – my next patient. As I invited her and her person into the exam room I noticed a slight left head tilt.

ferret

A Ferret & a Paint Can

My general veterinary practice was busy. That might sound like a good problem but despite meticulous preparation I was seldom caught up. There seemed to be more going on with every pet I saw than what it came in for.

girl and dog

Dog Bites Child – Can it Ever be Trusted?

Visiting the Grahams was always exciting although, in retrospect, it was pretty ordinary. Kenny Graham was a funny kid, the same age as my big sister Martha. Their family was like June, Ward, and Beaver Cleaver. Life was simple. I was 4 years old; Martha was 6 – average baby boomer kids.

Upcoming Events

Zoom Group Conference for Cat Parents – October 11, 2023

October 11 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm MDT

For less complex pet behavior problems a Zoom Group Conference may provide enough help to get you and your pet started. 60 minutes shared with 4 people/families max. During our…

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Zoom Group Conference for Dog Parents – October 25, 2023

October 25 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm MDT

For less complex pet behavior problems a Zoom Group Conference may provide enough help to get you and your pet started. 60 minutes shared with 4 people/families max. During our…

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Zoom Group Conference for Dog Parents – November 8, 2023

November 8 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm MST

For less complex pet behavior problems a Zoom Group Conference may provide enough help to get you and your pet started. 60 minutes shared with 4 people/families max. During our…

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Resources

Albuquerque Journal Articles

The following questions and answers have appeared in my weekly column in the Albuquerque Journal since July, 1996. Each week a new one is added. You'll find information on the physical and behavioral maladies of dogs and cats and a few other species too. I invite you to use the search feature to find the specific answer that you and your pet need.

Videos

Bringing out the best in a cat or dog is a hands-on task. Seeing it in a video is often better than reading it. My goal with these videos is to make behavior management easier to understand and implement.

Blog

Reading can be the fastest and easiest way of gathering the details you need to get control of a pet behavior problem. Like all of the information in my website these recommendations are research-based. It may most helpful to use the search function to quickly find what you need.

Podcasts

You’ll find a growing trove of podcasts on the management and prevention of pet behavior problems and other concerns. Some will involve interviews with other experts in veterinary medicine. I want you to have all the information you need to take great care of your dog or cat.

About Dr. Nichol

Caring for pets is what I’ve wanted to do since I was 8 years old. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan I started undergraduate classes at Michigan State University as a Pre-Veterinary major just 3 days after high school graduation. What a thrill! I was on my way to reaching my dream.

Your Questions, Answered: Quick Resources

Biting, fighting, destructiveness, fear, urine and fecal soiling, and so much else have been scientifically researched and understood. My post graduate behavior residency training has provided me a wealth of information that I am happy to share. I have created a blog, podcasts, instructional videos, and articles with answers to 2000+ pet owner questions to help with the most frustrating and vexing dog and cat conundrums.

Recently posted articles

Recently posted videos, podcasts, blogs & Albuquerque Journal Pet Care articles. You'll find information on the physical and behavioral maladies of dogs and cats and a few other species too. I invite you to use the search feature to find the specific answer that you and your pet need.

goat

Rock Eating – Not a Healthy Diet

Question: I am worried that my inside Chihuahuas and my Pug/Pekingese dogs eat rocks and if the rocks will hurt them? How can I stop them from eating the rocks?…

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elk

Elk on the Run

Remember the Paul McCartney tune Band on the Run? Well, this isn’t it. But I caught myself singing as I watched, at a great distance, as this herd with youngsters,…

Read More
Heart and Soul Animal Sanctuary

Tricks instead of Exercise? A Good Trade-Off?

Question: As a 76 year old single woman I have adopted a wonderful sheltie/shepherd mix female, very active 15 week old puppy. Arthritis and age have begun to make 2…

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squirrel

Too Squirrely for Hungry Coyote

I spied this wily golden mantled ground squirrel while hiking in the Valles Caldera of Northern New Mexico. He noticed me and Mick, the Nichol family Border collie but wasn’t…

Read More

"I brought a Dobie to you a few years ago for a consultation about separation anxiety. During our two hour visit you picked up so many things I was doing to increase his anxiety that I was completely unaware of. Then you gave me a written list of recommendations that I could refer to along with an anti-anxiety medication to help him. I was so impressed and would like everyone to know what a great idea it is to consult with someone like you to help work through the problem with a plan for tailored for their individual dog and the household they live it. It's worth every penny of the consultation fee." Debra

"Knut has made a wonderful transition thanks to your master plan!!!! So we will keep up with the good training… We love you for helping us with Knut." Kathleen and Andre

"Dr. Nichol, Our previously vicious basset, Pepper … has become a nicely mannered dog. He especially loves our grandchildren. We are grateful for your lessons about a year ago. It works!" Harold and Lezlie Ann, Charlie

"Your help allowed our little guy to be a much happier & calmer dog. Seeing him cope with his anxiety enriched our lives with him tremendously. Thank you for that peace of mind." Andy

“Charley is doing GREAT--she is really the dog she was meant to be. Hardly ANY accidents anymore--she is loving, playful and confident. Thanks SO much” Kim

“Echo is doing great—sort of morphed from a shy, fearful dog into a normal, happy, excited 8 month old. She can easily approach dogs and people. Thanks for your help.” Jim & Rhonda

“I do not even know how to convey how the environment has shifted without the worry of a fight just around the corner. Very happily reporting low tension in this canine household! I cannot thank you enough!” Kaya