Podcasts – Dr. Jeff Nichol – Residency Trained in Dog and Cat Behavior

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Dr. Jeff Nichol Residency Trained in Veterinary Behavior

Your Guide to Better Pet Behavior

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Jack was a 2 year old female dog, a Heinz 57. This kid was as sweet as they come, adapting pretty well to her second family except for one really annoying problem. When her folks walked in the door she displayed her feelings by rolling onto her side, raising one rear leg, and draining her…

Prior to JP’s stretch in animal control, where his new person Esther found him, this feline waif had already been through two homes. This good lady wanted to learn how she could give her new kitty the love he needed. He just wouldn’t let her touch him. Esther knew that being touched appropriately as a…

Dogs are man’s and woman’s best friends but there are differences. Unlike most of us they walk on all 4s and they’re somewhat hairier. But like us they’re genetically programmed to look after each other. My dog, Miss America is always on duty. When things go wrong in an animal’s brain it can be difficult…

As Lily headed toward the bedroom she glanced at her cat as a way of getting a read on his mood. She loved Omar but he could be impetuous. At times he was a sweetheart but he could bite – hard. His history included violent reactions when his person brushed him.

As Lily headed toward the bedroom she glanced at her cat as a way of getting a read on his mood. She loved Omar but he could be impetuous. At times he was a sweetheart but he could bite – hard. His history included violent reactions when his person brushed him.

We share strong bonds with our dogs and cats but there are significant differences between them and their people. Many pet parents get help for behavior problems early but some have to dabble in trying to solve these challenges alone. This often fails. Mark Twain said, “It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you…

puppy panic

Reactive Adult Dogs can still Learn Luna’s life with Hope and Brian began with great promise. But it wasn’t long before her freak-out moments began to consume their lives. When well-meaning dog lovers approached or reached for her she trembled, growled, and dribbled urine. Setting Luna up for success would be the most important priority…

Does your cat seem lonely? Wouldn’t he love to have a friend? Well, maybe. I treat a lot of aggression between household cats. Fret not; I’ll also explain how to improve your chances of getting it right. I’m Dr. Jeff Nichol.

Aggressive dog

“I am freaked-out. I fear that you are going to hurt me, you homicidal nut job! If you push me I may perceive a threat and panic. I have a mouth full of teeth and I know how to use them!” That dog was lightning fast. Surprise could hardly describe my emotions. 51% of dog…

Happy cat

There are a lot of different reasons for nefarious urinating. Cats don’t stink up our homes because they secretly hate our guts. They’re not spiting their people as retribution for some off-color joke made at their expense. Most cats who are guilty of this crime suffer serious stress. Getting your arms around the feline bathroom…

Kitten stuck in tree

Lifelines come when they are needed the most Surprises happen on the Rio Grande irrigation system. Gaston had already been watching us when he called out for help. He had to take a chance. Frank and I might be his only shot at survival, especially in his current state: wet, cold, thirsty, hungry, and a…

housetraining a puppy

Housetraining can feel like such a challenge that many people just give up and mop up. You can turn this around. While your shiny new puppy learns where to find the dog bathroom you can also be teaching him that all good things come from you. This method is a canine-specific structure for helping a…

dog damages property

What can you do if the dog who has stolen your heart damages your house while you’re away-often? More than frustrating, separation anxiety can damage the bond that makes these special pets our best friends. This disorder is nobody’s fault. And it’s common. Many affected dogs, beside themselves with angst house soil, dig, scratch, chew,…

Cats scratching furniture

Declawing is so ‘90s (actually ‘60s) I was recently contacted by a 72 year old man who explained that he’d had cats his entire life. He and his wife had recently lost their cat and, as he put it, he felt lost without another companion. But – his wife insisted that any new cat in…

Here’s a subject that a whole lot of committed pet owners feel strongly about – and with good reason. If you think sterilization of dogs and cats is the right thing to do, well, I would never argue. On the other hand, if you did not subject your dog to surgical removal of the testicles,…

Cat Fear at Veterinary Clinic

This is the story of Sherman, a cat who learned to hate going to the veterinarian. This sad turn of events led to serious challenges for this fine kitty. His people acknowledged that it had been a long time since Sherman had seen a doctor. It wasn’t that they didn’t feel that it was important;…

Thanksgiving hazards for pets

Thanksgiving is great fun, isn’t it? Family, football, turkey, pie, beer. Hey – let the good times roll. Well, for you and me, sure, but maybe not for everybody. Badly unsettled dogs and cats may carry out some unhealthy behaviors. Watch for tense body postures around visitors or startling at sudden noises, hiding, freezing with…

Chocolate is Dangerous for Dogs Halloween is great, isn’t it? You can go incognito and so can your dog. And the snacks, oooh, they’re to die for, aren’t they? But if it’s a dog who indulges – even a little- chocolate can be fatal. Of the vast array of goodies consumed in mass quantities during…

The Mind-Body Connection is Big Lulu is a really sweet female Australian cattle dog and she’s mighty cute too. She’s 2 years old and she’s a big girl, weighing in at 50 pounds. Lulu lives with a very committed pet parent who will do whatever it takes for her dog’s well-being. That’s a good thing…

This is the story of a cat I named Faith. She was important not just because we loved her but because she taught some important lessons. A box was pushed into the arms of Martha, our front office manager. Inside was a shorthaired brown tabby cat with a mangled and bleeding lower jaw. When Martha…