Videos
Leash training a puppy
Puppies can be out-of-control on leash walks. Some are panicked. Forget corrections and jerks.
Read MorePuppy Obedience Training DIY
Dogs who are happy to follow instructions are a pleasure to have as your best friend. But a lot of them just aren’t clear on the concept. Spare the frustration.
Read MoreWhere is the Cat?
Do you see a fuzzy white cat? The correct answer, for this invisible kitty, is no. He’s hiding, not because he is afraid, although that can be a very good…
Read MorePuppy crazy, jumpy, nippy mouthy
Have you thrown a can of pennies? How about yelling and jerking? A different home? You’re breakin’ my heart. It can be much easier and a lot more fun.
Read MoreDon’t Let a Good Kitten Go Bad
House soiling, fighting, furniture damage – you don’t want it. A great cat’s life is not a random event. Good behavior starts with a healthy structure.
Read MoreDog Parks – the Good the Bad & the Ugly
Running and playing with other dogs is good exercise and fun for everybody – unless your dog or someone else’s reacts badly. Should puppies go too?
Read MoreNew Baby Dog
The Nichol family is planning to add a puppy. I’ll share my preparations and training plan. Everybody can win.
Read MoreBarking, Yapping, Whining, Yelping
It’s driving you crazy, crazy, crazy, crazy… Trash and canine trash talking cause more human angst than theft, murders and all the rest of the mayhem.
Read MoreBiting & Agitated at the Veterinary Clinic
Most dogs who try to bite or escape in a veterinary clinic are frightened. You can reduce anxiety by slowly and gently leading your dog from behind a squatting doctor.…
Read MoreFowl in Tuscany – Happy, Not Crowded, Not Factory
Who wants to be crowded like a bunch of sardines, which are quite dead in the can by the way? These chickens and geese enjoy a big enclosure where they…
Read MoreCat Mischief? Bad Behavior?
Cat parents often custom-fit activities for their indoor kitties that keep them engaged in activities that bring out their wildness in good ways. Here’s the lowdown from an excellent cat…
Read MoreDogs who Never Listen
Just because you love your dog doesn’t mean they do as their told. Frustrating. People yell, jerk the leash, and repeat commands. Any dog can learn to earn its person’s…
Read MoreA dog with a Job is Never Bored
Mick and his doggy daddy (ah, that’s me) practice our Rally skills twice a day for about 5 minutes each time. You can tell that he loves to earn treats…
Read MoreSandhill Cranes of New Mexico
These splendid birds arrive every fall in our beautiful state. Many folks drive to Bosque del Apache to get a glimpse but we can enjoy these almost prehistoric creatures up…
Read MoreLearning Dog Tricks – the Light Dawns
Mick and I have practiced his new trick, “Night, night.” He’s watching me intently because he’s ready. Even though he gets it, mostly, I help him do it right. He…
Read MoreTag team at Kindergarten
Puppy kindergarten teaches healthy play during the sensitive period of socialization. Mick and his BFF (Welsh corgi) wrestle with wild abandon. A fun loving pug considers joining the fun and…
Read MoreThe Springs Less Traveled
The South rim of the Grand Canyon is a wonderful 70° in early November. It’s a really dry place. We dropped 1180 feet as we hiked 3.5 miles to this…
Read MoreCircus dog? Robot dog? AI dog?
Mike is demonstrating Rally skills with “Bree”, his Pomeranian. At Sandia Dog Obedience Club in Albuquerque, Mike and Rene are instructors in the dog sport called Rally. It’s like obedience…
Read MoreA Happy Dog Works
My Border collie “Mick” loves to work for me because he always earns interactions and sometimes food. Dogs aren’t in the mindset of pleasing a master; they look to us…
Read MoreAnxious Dog? Visitor Aggression? Focus!
Fear and anxiety are miserable emotions. Whether a threat is real or imagined a freaked-out dog wants drive off a scary monster – who might retaliate. But if he could…
Read MoreTurtle Dip
This Western box turtle paddled by us yesterday at the Bachechi Open Space. They’ll eat from a menu that may include earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, slugs, fruits, or plants, depending on…
Read MoreMy Cat Defecates While Running Away from My Other Cat
A cat parent is concerned about her cat who is fearful of using the litter box.
Read MoreElk 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 MoreToo 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 MoreHungry Coyote- Big & Too Well Fed
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,…
Read MorePuppy House Training – In 1 Day? Really?
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…
Read MoreChoosing The Greatest Puppy For Your Life
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.
Read MoreHorny Ninja Lizard
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…
Read MoreHere we sit like Birds in the Wilderness, Birds in the Wilderness…
I encountered this lovely creature while hiking in the Weminuche Wilderness in Southern Colorado. This female dusky grouse was trying to mind her own business while I stalked her. I’d hoped…
Read MoreChin Acne in Cats
Feline acne starts as comedones on the chin and lower lip. Poor grooming may be a factor. Stressed cats may just hunker down and neglect their personal needs. When a…
Read MoreChoosing The Greatest Kitten For Your Life
Dr. Nichol visits Animal Humane New Mexico with some advice on how to pick the greatest kitten for your life.
Read MoreMissed the Litter Pan Again Oh No!
Avoid the Mess: Set your Cats Up for Success The scent of urine in all the wrong places is a drag on everybody’s wellbeing – your cats’ and yours too.…
Read MoreEat? Protect? Bury? Find out how Homer survived
“Homer” flummoxed his people by refusing to eat. Rather than chowing down like most dogs he was skittish and anxious about protecting his dinner from Axel and Gryphon, the other…
Read MoreFireworks Freak-Out
There will be a whole lot of scared pets this weekend. It’s hard enough if they tremble and hide but some panic and escape the yard in search of safety…
Read MoreElephant Basketball
Wild animals don’t make good pets nor do they belong in display enclosures. But these relaxed creatures have work they enjoy – and they have space to move and interact.…
Read MoreGood Buddies
Friendships happen between creatures of different species because they share empathy and kindness. Our species could do better with other humans – we aren’t really different than each other. We can…
Read MoreAvoiding Conflict – Living Gracefully
A peaceful existence is difficult for a lot of us in today’s world. Strife and acrimony should be rare. For a canine senior called Grace, getting up and around is…
Read MoreWillets of Chincoteague
If you kayak from Chincoteague to Assateague Island on the Atlantic shore or Virginia you might get lucky enough to enjoy the sight of wild Spanish ponies. You’ll also have…
Read MorePonies of Chincoteague
Remember Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry? Well, even if you never read this excellent series of children’s books you would love a visit to Chincoteague Island. We took a…
Read MoreMy Dog Is Scared Of Men
A pet owner wonders how to address her dogs fear of men.
Read MoreWhy Is My Older Cat Shrinking?
Senior kitties can lose weight for some important reasons. A lot of this can be treated; some of it can be cured.
Read MoreDestruction & Panic when Alone
Destruction & Panic when Alone So what can you do if the dog who’s stolen your heart damages your house while you’re away-often? If you have a dog like this…
Read MoreCat Toys that are Fun but may be Dangerous
Pets who eat nonfood items can pay a big price for their curiosity. Swallowed linear foreign material, like yarn, ribbon, or dental floss, can saw holes in the intestinal wall…
Read MoreWorried About Your Cat? At Home Exam
Worried about Your Cat? – At Home Exam There are important reasons to keep a close eye on our cats. They tend to hide their illnesses and injuries. It’s just…
Read MoreCat Scratching the Furniture?
Scratching stuff is normal for cats. Forget punishing your kitty for scratching your good things. Our job is to set them up to scratch right.
Read MoreIs My Dog OK At Home Exam
Our dogs are special to us. None of us wants there to be any problem. They need to stay well and enjoy a great long life with us. If you…
Read MoreDog with an Idle Mind
Puppies and dogs of any age can be unrelenting chewers and destroyers of all things we may hold sacred. We can love man’s and woman’s best friend like a…
Read MoreLife isn’t Perfect; It’s Still Mighty Good
Last in a series For many dogs, separation anxiety has a hereditary basis but changes in their environment often worsen the problem. It turned out that Newt had been…
Read MoreThe Monster in the Yard
Third in a series Newt did well on his antianxiety medication. He was alert, happier, and playing with a new puppy but there was no home run. He continued to…
Read MorePeople – Can’t live with them; can’t live without them
Second in a series Our dogs are not little people in furry suits. We love them that way but their upstairs wiring is somewhat different. With his significant anxiety disorder,…
Read MoreOlder Dog Confused
Pets who age gracefully bring comfort to their doting pet parents. But not all of them do well in their golden years. Some get dementia that their families mistake…
Read MoreCat Attack Child
What’s wrong with this kitten? Why go after a child? Cats are hard-wired for predatory behavior to survive in the wild. Kept as pets, they must still be cats. This…
Read MoreFat Cat? Exercise by Eating
Cats aren’t hard-wired to be couch potatoes. They are meant to hunt and pull the guts out of the helpless creatures that keep them alive. It’s not pretty but it’s…
Read MoreFriendly porcupine? Uh – oh
There’s a reason these slow creatures with their prickly personalities are seldom seen. They’re mostly active at night, normally spending the day in trees. They may forage for food during…
Read MoreBored dog? Barking? Chewing? Digging? What’s his Sport?
Dogs in the wild survive by their wits. But as our pets they may live lives of quiet desperation because they can’t engage their natural brains and bodies. I tried…
Read MoreGoats: roamers, climbers, and butters
It was a laid back herd of wild goats who crossed our path, and the road, on St. John island. There was no professional goat herder present; Heidi and her…
Read MoreIguana for breakfast?
This tropical creature on the island of St. John camped out in the almond tree next to our bed & breakfast porch while we ate – breakfast. It gathered it’s…
Read MoreGrazing on the Fly
Peacocks on St. John island are somewhat leery of people, well, those of us with a pulse anyway. Folks in this gorgeous Caribbean land of manana bury their departed above…
Read MoreBarking & Instigating Mayhem
OMG! Yell, swat, yell some more? Samantha, a sweet basset hound, was the highest-ranking dog in her home but she was not a stable leader. Her pushy, overbearing behavior toward…
Read MoreGo Ahead – Challenge that Puppy
Are there any helicopter pet parents out there? Well, of course there are. There is such a thing as healthy stress. Moderate risk is essential to confidence building. And so,…
Read MoreBones are Normal for Canine Scavengers
It was rainy in the Pecos Wilderness for Mick’s first hike wearing his backpack. While carrying my water and snacks, he found bones from a deer’s front leg. Under good…
Read MoreA Predictor of an Excellent Walk
Mick is learning to earn the privilege of a walk. He wants to wear his new Gentle Leader head halter because he knows he’ll have a good time. He’s not…
Read MoreBetter, Funner Leash Walks
Head halter training – Start slow and positive Lurching, jumping, growling, barking – are we having fun yet? Ah, no. A head halter, like this Gentle Leader, makes it easy…
Read MoreLearning Dog Tricks – The Light Dawns
Mick and I have practiced his new trick, “Night, night.” He’s watching me intently because he’s ready. Even though he gets it, mostly, I help him do it right. He…
Read MoreTeaching Fun Dog Tricks
Dogs’ brains are built for fun with their people. You can make it easy for them to work-to-earn treats, praise, and most important – physical contact. When I show Mick…
Read MoreOut-of-Control in the Veterinary Clinic
This poor dog is a nervous wreck, scanning back and forth, waiting for the proverbial shoe to fall. Will a homicidal (canine-icidal) maniac blast onto the scene? Will I, the…
Read MoreDog Fights at Home
It is so unsettling, in some cases tragic, when family dogs fight. It’s the most common problem seen by veterinary behavior specialists, with loads of research to support our treatments.…
Read MorePetting Cat – Ouch!
Grooming or petting a cat can be dangerous. Watch for dilated pupils and rippling skin. Physical problems can underlie serious aggression.
Read MoreBarking Too Much? Tunnel of Fun
Jumping, nipping, barking – Don’t yell. Don’t punish. A tired dog really is a happy dog. You can have a blast with your dog while s/he does all the running…
Read MoreApprehensive hawk – only a kid
This fledgling hawk looks big enough to fly solo and catch rodents on the run but she’s still just a youngster. Mom was nearby, communicating freely. We think words of…
Read MoreStorm Phobia
Close the window blinds during storms. If possible keep your dog in an interior room with less outside sound White, pink, or brown noise (downloadable from the Internet) can be…
Read MoreBARKING! Anxiety & Frustration
Dogs Need a Job – Gainful Employment Confucius said, “A man (woman) who enjoys what they do never works a day in their life.” Our dogs can have that life.…
Read MoreCome when Called – on the Move
Our dogs should always come when called, whether they’re sitting and looking at us or when they’re heading off in another direction. Don’t get frustrated when ignored; train in baby…
Read MoreLeash Walks – Wild & Out-of-Control?
There are so many things to see and sniff outside the home territory. It’s more than just natural for dogs to investigate everything; reading the bulletin boards and posting messages…
Read MoreTeaching Stay – Part 2
Mick and I have practiced the stay command 2-3 times a day. I no longer need to stand in front of him to remind him of what I mean when…
Read MoreDitch wading & bird songs
Young Mick Nichol enjoys his daily jaunts along the irrigation ditches because, well, because he’s a dog. Leaving the home territory to sniff, investigate, read the bulletin boards, and post…
Read MoreTeaching Down in Three Steps
Teaching “Down” – Step 1 Dogs love to work for food. You don’t need to push a puppy to ground. Give the “Down” command as you use a treat, as…
Read MoreTeaching Stay
Who wants to stay? We may not want to but a dog can, if we motivate him. Mick is just learning that if he watches me, and then I show…
Read MoreLeave It!
How much garbage and other poop should a dog eat on a leash walk? You can yell LEAVE IT! and jerk hard on the leash but your dog may only…
Read MoreWalk well On-Leash & Come when Called
Dogs of any age can learn to walk well on leash and come when called. Start by setting the kid up to succeed with no distractions. I told Mick to…
Read MoreDoing Down – How Much Better?
Mick is getting clear on the concept of “Down” on command but he still needs a little hint so he can succeed every time. There’s no point in putting an…
Read MoreWild & Exuberant – Punish? Yell? A New Skill?
Out-of-control behavior in a dog of any age can drive you crazy. Reprimands and physical corrections teach nothing, except more intense agitation. Instead, you can “redirect” your kid to earn…
Read MoreGet into a Dog Crate? Are you Kidding?
Mick is only a kid. He’s not ready to be trusted to behave if we left him loose in the house at night. A dog is a denning creature but…
Read MoreYour Dog Digs Where???
Digging dogs can damage a great yard. Don’t punish; it’s normal behavior. Instead, give that dirt dog its very own wonderful digging box. Make it attractive by loosening the dirt,…
Read MoreTeaching “Down” – Step 1
Dogs love to work for food. You don’t need to push a puppy to ground. Give the “Down” command as you use a treat, as a lure, to show that…
Read MoreTag Team at Aztec?
Puppy kindergarten teaches healthy play during the sensitive period of socialization. Mick and his BFF (Welsh corgi) wrestle with wild abandon. A fun loving pug considers joining the fun and…
Read MoreComing when called – longer distance
Young Mick (now 15 weeks old) has been practicing his recalls. We started with a little tug using a short leash. Now he comes reliably from longer distances but we…
Read MoreDog Brushing made Possible
Some dogs hate to be groomed. But a hungry dog can earn tasty treats while lying still for gentle brushing. Sitting on the floor, rather than leaning over, will help…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – New Baby Dog
The Nichol family is planning to add a puppy. I’ll share my preparations and training plan. Everybody can win.
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Leash walking a Drag?
Taking a stroll with your dog isn’t a walk in the park if they jump, lurch, and growl. Some are so wild they chew the leash.
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Dog Getting Wiggy Home Alone
You’ve been working from home with your pupster at your feet but it’s time to go back to the office without your loyal companion.
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Dog Body Language & Behavior at Animal Humane
Dog body language and behavior featuring Fish the Dachshund puppy. What is your dog telling you? Watch Dr. Nichol’s video here.
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Dogs & Cats who Hate the Veterinary Clinic
Most of us are nervous at the doctor’s office and so are our pets. Some get fearful and defensive. It doesn’t have to be that way.
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Ballistic Cat: Stranger Danger Dogs & Humans
A normally placid pussy cat can turn terrifying when facing unfamiliar visitors of the human or canine kind. They can even be dangerous.
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Need a Dog Trainer? Choose Wisely
Bad behavior has to stop ASAP. Punishment can work fast but reward-based training delivers happy, well-behaved dogs. I’ll get you started.
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – New Dog – Will they play nice? They don’t?
Has a new dog stirred the political pot at your house? Or maybe you’re thinking of adding to your pet family. Wanna avoid the brawls?
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Tearful Partings, Joyous Reunions – Does it Matter for Separation Anxiety?
Helping dogs who freak-out when home alone is complicated. Improvement requires lots of changes but do you have to completely ignore as you leave and return?
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Cats who Play Rough & Bite
Kitties are so sweet and gentle. Well, most are. But some bite and scratch when you thought you were just having fun. Don’t swat or spray or yell. Bring out…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Grooming, nail trims, & ear cleaning – ARRGHH!!!
Some dogs won’t put up with it. They squirm, struggle, and might even bite. Nobody is having fun. We can get this right without the tears and misery.
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Fear & Loathing at the Veterinary Clinic
A whole lot of pets are unhappy going to the doctor. Veterinarians don’t mean to scare anybody but we can work with loving pet parents to reduce the angst. White…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Fireworks Freak-Out
There will be a whole lot of scared pets this weekend. It’s hard enough if they tremble and hide but some panic and escape the yard in search of safety…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Dogs fighting over Mom or Dad – who’s closer?
Threats and innuendo between family dogs can quickly cross the line. Fighting over who gets more attention worsens with equal treatment.
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – The Passing of our Beautiful Dog
The Nichol Family dog, our wonderful “Miss America”, has passed away, just shy of her 14th birthday. Always cheerful she herded our cats, derailed their squabbles, and found them for…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Dog Food Fights
Dogs seem to believe that famine is imminent. Some will fight tooth and nail with their housemates for the tiniest tid bit. Do you stand guard, yell or punish? Everybody…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Dog Training for Better Behavior
Does your dog need to stop a bad behavior? She doesn’t do what you want either, does she?
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Dog Parks – the Good the Bad & the Ugly
Running and playing with other dogs is good exercise and fun for everybody – unless your dog or someone else’s reacts badly. Should puppies go too?
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Hiding Scaredy Cats
Some kitties live under the bed; others may run for the hills when you sneeze. Dogs, noises, or just daily life can trigger a bunker mentality.
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Dogs who Dribble
Most dogs would never intend to pass urine inside – but some lose bladder control. It could be a physical problem or it may be behavioral. We can help them…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Puppy Biting
Mouthing? Playful nipping? Or is that youngster snarling and lunging? Get control now – without punishment or fear.
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Killer Plants and Chocolate Bunnies
Buds, bulbs, leaves, seeds and chocolate Easter eggs: What could go wrong?
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Back to the office-Dogs Panic
Dogs who barely controlled their home-alone angst before COVID, may spiral into destruction, barking, soiling, and escape attempts.
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Pesky, Jumping Up – Get Down!
Does your dog fling himself at you? At visitors? Is he all over you like a cheap suit when you’re trying to relax? Establish boundaries with kindness – and get…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Don’t Let a Good Kitten Go Bad
House soiling, fighting, furniture damage – you don’t want it. A great cat’s life is not a random event. Good behavior starts with a healthy structure.
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Barking – Way outa control
Noisy dogs can trigger problems. Unhappy neighbors and animal control might visit and ruin your day. You can turn this around with kindness.
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Puppy crazy, jumpy, nippy mouthy
Have you thrown a can of pennies? How about yelling and jerking? A different home? You’re breakin’ my heart.
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – COVID Risk to Pets or from Pets?
Research on cats and dogs in households with confirmed human infections found that a minority of pets got infected. Will they be OK? How about the rest of the family?
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Puppy Obedience Training DIY
Dogs who are happy to follow instructions are a pleasure to have as your best friend. But a lot of them just don’t seem clear on the concept. Spare the…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Housetraining
Some puppies are quick learners; others struggle to get clear on the concept. Don’t let frustration damage you and your canine youngster.
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Cat pee – Where do you want it?
Shouldn’t a cat, who’s livin’ the feline dream at your house, crave the answer to this age-old question? They do, sort of. It matters what the person wants but it’s…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Bumble Bee on a String
Puppies can be out-of-control on leash walks. Some are panicked. Forget corrections and jerks.
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Cat mischief – He can work to earn instead of a life of crime
Do you have a cat who, despite your good example, insists on prying open cabinets and wreak havoc on your stuff? Does she complain or pester you relentlessly at the…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Crying for Mom
Some puppies are highly-stressed in their new homes. Helping the little rascal adjust starts with caring and love. There’s a whole lot more you can do to set the kid…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Webinar – Children and Santa and Grown-ups, Oh My! Sudden Changes Cause a Risk Reaction
Dr. Nichol’s Video – Gifting Pet? Trojan Horse?
The pets in my life have taught me, saved me, and grounded me. Shouldn’t everybody have unconditional love and support? Maybe. Christmas pet presents can go right or they can…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Worried about Outdoor Pets? Good.
How cold is too cold for an outside dog or cat? Maybe the teens, or the 50s? – What’s safe and humane depends on several factors.
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Stop sniff pee–Enough Already!
Everybody needs exercise but stopping every 6 feet on a leash walk doesn’t get it. You’re dragging your dog; nobody is having a good time.
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – In Bad Taste – Poop Eating
Do you have a 4-legged pooper scooper? Get the lowdown on why some dogs eat stool and what you can do about this most odious habit.
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Cat Attack – Swat, Squirt, Declaw, Rehome?
Aggression and destructive behavior are not what we cat lovers have in mind when adopting a pet. Injuries and furniture damage have to stop! Hint: What feels best actually works…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Scary Monsters at your Door
Halloween is unfun for a lot of dogs. Those who bark and lunge at children put the kiddos at risk. Those who pilfer chocolate treats put themselves in danger.
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Dogs Fouling & Defiling the Home
Do you know an adolescent of full grown dog who still can’t find the bathroom? Maybes he eliminates outside sometimes but not always? Or you have a handyman dog –…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Cat Poop Solutions
Shift your focus away from correcting this bad behavior. Your cat needs to defecate on fabric? You can make peace and live without poop! Tune in at 6 PM Mountain…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Barking, whining, yapping! Make it Stop!
You can have a great dog who just has way too much to say. Barking is actually normal but too much of it disturbs everybody’s peace. Reprimand? Water spray? Anti…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Dominance? Who’s Really in Charge?
You need to establish dominance over your dog so he’ll know that you’re in charge. Ah, no, you don’t. Dogs are not man’s and woman’s best friends because they fear…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Crating Saved My House or Cruel & Unusual
Dogs need a place of their own. That makes crate training important. And you don’t want your stuff damaged. Can they stay in there for a few hours? All day?
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Panicky Puppy Problems
Crying, scratching at the door, chewing furniture and woodwork – these are not the behaviors you were looking for when you fell in love with that cute, wriggling puppy. You’ll…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Cats Hate Cars
Yowling, urinating, maybe even some in-the-crate defecating: Are we having fun yet? The anxiety and misery our traveling cats feel, often on the way to the veterinary clinic, needs to…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Painful Pets – Find Out How to Help
Chronic arthritis, surgery, bad teeth, back and neck pain – lots of cats and dogs suffer. There are safe, modern treatments that can make a big difference. Know what to…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – No Welcome Mat Can a Feline Newcomer Find Love?
If you’re a cat lover like me you may want even more of them. But kitties stuck inside together can struggle badly: threats, aggression, and house soiling are miserable for…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Competing Dogs “Pick me! Pick me!”
Can’t you just share some love or a snack without all the pushing, shoving, or maybe even a growl or worse? You can but your canine leadership will need some…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Aging Dogs Indoor Messes
By the time they’re reached their golden years most dogs have pretty good bathroom etiquette. If they start leaving urine and stool around the house, it’s a problem. Tune-in to…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Yowling, meowing, pacing cat
Do you have a talkative kitty? One who may have more to say than ever before? There may be good reason for all that yakking/complaining/crying. Attend this Facebook Live event…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Escaping dogs
Tunneling, climbing, running off – OMG! Raise the fence? Electric wire? Let’s figure out why this is happening and help your good dog stay home and succeed. Serious anxiety needs…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Miserable Car Riding Dogs
Some dogs have excellent manners in the car. Others? Not so much. Drooling, vomiting, barking, rambunctious canine travel companions need help. YOU need help.
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Cat Pee on Furniture
Do you live in a litter pan? OK, not really – but does it feel that way when you find cat urine around the house? I feel your pain; one…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Fireworks Fear & Sweaty Paws
Startled by earsplitting blasts, many otherwise stable pets will endure almost continual panic this weekend. A freaked-out dog or cat needs serious relief from fear. I’ll make it easy for…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Stop That! Training Better Behavior
A dog can act out in embarrassing, destructive, or even dangerous ways. If you could just teach them to stop those bad behaviors! Training can help but you’ll need to…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Do Bad Dogs Bite?
It’s so upsetting getting bitten by a dog you love. Should you punish? What happens when the trust is lost? Maybe another home would be better – or not? Don’t…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Stranger Danger: Freak-Out at the Veterinary Clinic
Dogs and cats who are frightened or try to bite at the doctor’s office are at serious risk. Without medical care they face unnecessary illness or early death. But that…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Got anxiety? Your dog does too!
Panting, pacing, licking, pesky – you’re not alone. Our dogs do the same things when they get wiggy. Anxiety is more than miserable; left uncontrolled it causes internal physical disease.…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Cantankerous, Curmudgeonly Cats
Cats are simpler pets to care for than dogs, right? Uh, no. They are every bit as complex and just as prone to pain as any of us. We can…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Hot skin, panting predicaments
More than miserable, blistering summer days can bring dangerous hot spots and a failure of normal panting to release body heat. Keeping our dogs safe and comfortable is about more…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Love-Hate Canine Frenemies
A great friendship can go bad. Aggression between family dogs is common. And the person in-charge doing their best to break it up and make it work can make it…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Cats Go Back to Work
COVID19 doesn’t scare our cats but they might get wiggy when we return to work. They thought we were home for good. Finding themselves without us all day could trigger…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Home Alone and Miserable
When dog people return to work some pets will wig-out. Anxious before stay-at-home orders they’ve now become accustomed to our secure presence. Your returning to work may cause a dog…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Working Cats
Cats can be cranky, pesky, and a bit snarky with other pets. Scolding and water spraying doesn’t teach them better behavior. Instead of reacting badly, kitties can have fun with…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Derail Leash Aggression
Out-of-control lunging, barking, and growling! OMG! You’re doing your best to control the mayhem but nothing changes. And besides, punishment is no fun for anybody. Dogs need to do something…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Sharpen Your Dog
A dog who obeys fast and reliably can overcome the urge to lunge and bark and lose its mind on leash walks. What if your dog automatically looked to you…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Leash Walk Freak Out
The leash walk – you’re only way of getting the heck out of the house – can be maddening and maybe even unsafe. Just seeing another creature causes your dog…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Churchill Sheltering with a Cat
You and I are stressed by the collective anxiety of a serious epidemic. Winston Churchill was prime minister of Great Britain while his country was getting bombed by Nazi Germany.…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Outdoor Joy & Shelter in Place
We have a lot to worry about, don’t we? Our activities are restricted, we can’t go out to eat, the kids are home from school, and your 401(k) is…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Calm the Heebie Jeebies
We love our pets like little people in furry suits – that’s the way I feel about mine. But if we’re going to get the calm behavior we want we…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Pet Cat – Nip
Good cats can go bad when petted. Yell at him? Hose him? Just give up on sharing affection with a kitty you love? Much better – find out why a…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Listen to the Animals
Horses and dogs communicate with us – even if we don’t notice. They can love what we do and repay us with joy or they can react badly. Smart dogs…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Rambunctious, mouthy, wild puppy
Yell? Spray? Teach? Yelling and jerking a leash hurt the heart. Some puppy parents are advised to hit a mouthing/nipping puppy on the nose. But punishment may trigger fear and…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Pets at Work
Build morale! A shared passion! Bring your own? Barking, biting, messes, bathroom breaks? I love office pets. The shoulds of rules and accountability.
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Meeting Dogs: Hand up? Hand Down? Hand Bite?
We love dogs and so do our kids. When encountering a canine beauty with a gently wagging tail you want to make friends and rub his fuzzy little head. Are…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Anxious & Acting-Out
Anxiety can also make a dog crazy. It’s different for dogs than it is for humans but being a little nervous about what might be lurking around the next corner…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Puppy crying, barking, chewing
Dogs of any age who struggle with Separation Anxiety are miserable – and so are their people. Incessant barking disturbs neighbors; frantic attempts to escape can damage your home. You…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Therapy Kid Dogs
Kids and pets – What a great way of bringing out the best in children with emotional or behavioral challenges! But there may be stresses to the dog and risks…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – House Training a Puppy in 1 Day
Cleaning up after a wild child indoors is so frustrating! How much patience is enough? When do you punish? How should you punish? Well, actually, you don’t. You teach a…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Gift Pets: Good Idea? Bad Idea?
You’ve found the perfect pet for someone really special. In your mind you can already see them together! Watching the wriggling box get unwrapped and that look of astonishment and…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Separation Anxiety?
If you think your dog has separation anxiety you need to know if it’s the likely cause or only a guess. You can take the quiz and understand what it…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Big Dog Bloat
A twisted stomach, filling with gas is a painful medical and surgical emergency. If you have a large breed, deep chested dog you need the facts on bloat, also called…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Painful or Freaked-Out when Alone
Our pets bring us so much joy when they’re active and playful. When these characters are at peace, I am too. But if they have pain or if they struggle…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Dogs, Family Gatherings Overwhelmed & Badly Behaved
Hey-it’s a holiday. Let the good times roll! Maybe not for everybody. Some pets get badly unsettled and engage in unhealthy and dangerous behaviors because they’re nervous or scared. The…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Yelling Feline Urinators
Cat urine on the rug (yuck), on the sofa (eewww), on your bed (OMG!!!) How about a kitty who howls and yowls when she can’t find you? Beyond the urine…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Love that Mushed Face
Pugs, Boston terriers, bulldogs and their short-faced brethren have strong bonds with their people. That’s a good thing for everybody in part because these dogs can face physical challenges. Give…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Strangers in the Night – Freak Out at the Door
For dogs who react badly to visitors at the door, Halloween can be the worst. Yell, “NO!”? Jerk the leash? I’ll teach you how to set your dog up to…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Fear Agitation – Help on the Spot
It’s not about you; your pet’s brain needs to calm down. But when you relax – your dog or cat will feel better too.
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Natural Behavioral Remedies
Anxiety can be crippling. If one of us doesn’t have a major problem with intense worry we know someone who does. It’s the most common behavior disorder of humans –…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Separation Anxiety – Non Drug Treatment
Dogs with separation anxiety have a serious problem. I get it. I’ve come home to the sound of my dog Hazel barking and whining. As soon as I opened the…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Balloon Freak-Out
Scary Monsters in the Sky
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Cats Losing Steam
Chronic Pain can Lurk. Find out how to locate it and fix it.
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Hit the Road Jack Part 2
Dogs who Escape their Yards: Why do they do this? You need to get this under control but it’s about more than a sturdy fence.
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Hit the Road Jack Part 1
Dogs who Escape their Yards: Why do they do this? You need to get this under control but it’s about more than a sturdy fence.
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Puppies with a Future
Do you want to grow a dog who plays well with others and respects people too? There is real science to starting your new dog on a life track of…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Early Death Stunted Life Not for my Cats
Cats with free access to carbohydrate-rich, dry diets do more than pork-up. Think diabetes, liver disease, joint pain, and behavior problems.
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Squabbling – Even Fighting for Attention
Dogs don’t get jealous; they actually believe that affection is scarce. Don’t they know that your love is limitless? Well, no they don’t. They think differently. But you can be…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Cranky Cats & Kids
Does your cat hate kids? Can you turn that around – safely? You can teach your kids how to stay safe and how to set a cat up for success.…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Children & Dog Bites
This is serious business. We want our dogs to be trustworthy with children despite kids being, well, kids.
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Cats Gone Wild-Indoors
Cats are predators wherever they live. Satisfy those essential primal urges with this cool Indoor Hunting Feeder.
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Death by Summer Heat
Heat stroke can end a life quickly – And it’s about more than just hot cars
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Barking, yapping, whining, yelping
It’s driving you crazy, crazy, crazy, crazy… Trash and canine trash talking cause more human angst than theft, murders and all the rest of the mayhem.
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Feral & Freaked-Out
Adoption Isn’t for Everybody. Some dogs with feral backgrounds are so terrified that defensive aggression is easily triggered. Others try to hide or escape. There are undomesticated dogs who can…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Incoming Fire – Wigged-Out Jittery Pets
The rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air mean Independence Day for you and me but our pets that just isn’t so. They think that the end is near.…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Stick–in–the Mud Cats
Love cats enough to bring out their inner snuggle bunny? For some it’s a walk in the park of catnip, for others it can be more like a briar patch.
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – The Handyman Dog
Do you have a dog who does odd jobs around the house & then makes a bolt for the door? Indoor toileting: Is it Spite? Confusion? Dementia? Anxiety? Let’s get…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Canine Graffiti Artists – Inside & Out
Urine marking: Correct it? Live with it? A compassionate and effective meeting of the minds is in order.
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Foxtails: That’s Tails, not Tales
Aggressive grass awns invade the bodies of dogs and cats.
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – FBL Elderly Pet Confusion
Normal Aging? Dementia? Barking, pacing, clingy, soiling? Older dogs and cats who cry, act lost, and stare at walls are not normal. We can help but our best improvements are…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Dogs who Wet their Pants
More commonly seen in young, often female dogs, they roll onto their sides, may raise one rear leg, and dribble. You, the pet parent, are the Grand Poobah for your…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Intense Fear PTSD in Dogs
Severe reactions, nightmares, escape attempts; even aggression can indicate PTSD in dogs. Harsh training methods or physical trauma can provoke this lifelong disorder. There is help for this tough problem.
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Cats who Hate each other’s Guts
Dangerous cat fights can worsen fast. Some cats belong together; others don’t. Keep the peace and learn how to give them space from each other.
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Dog on Furniture – Get Off!
Dogs who are told to get off the furniture repeat their crimes when the boss is out of sight. Consistency and kindness matter.
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Mama’s Empathic Example
Kindness can be found everywhere from chimpanzees to dog, cats, and people.
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Cats ‘n Kids
Snuggle Bunnies? Predators? If they’re close to losing impulse control they might actually communicate. Hissing, growling, spitting, ears back, pupils dilated – Cats in this mindset need space. Keep all…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Dog Safe with Kids? Have Fun – Be Watchful
Most dogs are happy to come when called but some can feel afraid. A child can understand empathy and respect for personal boundaries while playing nicely. We all feel afraid…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Pets & Kids Make it Safe – Keep it Fun
Make it Safe – Keep it Fun. Did you ever do dumb things when you were a kid? I never did. Well, ah yes, actually I did. I have two…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Time Out for Nutball – Everybody needs to Feel Better
A dog will believe that any response from its person is an earned reinforcer. That’s why reprimands and punishments fail. To stop digging the hole even deeper you’ll need to…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – We Speak – Dogs Watch
They’re good listeners too Why do dogs follow commands like sit and stay if they don’t understand English? When we speak are dogs processing the words we are saying, or…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – A Cat Named I. P. Daily
Cat pee on the floor, cat pee on the bed, cat pee on the door – could make you lose your head. The most common feline behavior problem often has…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Hissy, Scratchy, Cranky Kitties
Cats are so sweet and cuddly. But they can damage you with their sharp teeth and claws. Don’t get angry – get cat smart.
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Holiday Disasters & Near Misses
You’ve done your best but somebody in your house ate a poinsettia or a chocolate Santa. And what about New Year’s Eve fireworks? Share with your friends. Together we’ll survive…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Cars, Cats, & Furry Suits
You’re invited to my Facebook Live event called Holiday Worries for Jangled Pets. I’ll share valuable methods for keeping pets peaceful and avoiding hazards on Wednesday, December 19 at 6…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Petting Cat – Ouch!
Grooming or petting a cat can be dangerous. Watch for dilated pupils and rippling skin. Physical problems can underlie serious aggression.
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Puppy Planning – Dominance is for Weenies
During Luna’s first weeks she missed out on gentle social exposures, causing her to be afraid when approached by anyone. Well-meaning human attempts to make friends triggered defensive lunging and…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Puppy Planning: Even Freaked-Out Adult Dogs can Learn
We never want a scared dog to perceive a threat. No one should ever approach, lean over, or stare at her. She’ll choose to approach when she’s not afraid. She…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Puppy Planning: Preventing Panic with Early Socialization
When well-meaning dog lovers approach or reach for your dog, does she tremble, growl, or lunge? Early puppy socialization means exposing them to gentle people and pets. It’s a great…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Considering a Second Cat? Think Twice
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…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Pushy, Demanding, Mouthy, Bitey Dog
Some dogs can be pushy, pesky, and demanding of attention. It’s an annoying problem, often related to anxiety. What begins as attention-seeking can end up as play-related aggression. This causes…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Missed the Litter Pan Again? Oh No!
Avoid the Mess: Set your Cats Up for Success – The scent of urine in all the wrong places is a drag on everybody’s wellbeing – your cats’ and yours…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Avoiding Conflict – Living Gracefully
A peaceful existence is difficult for a lot of us in today’s world. Strife and acrimony should be rare. For a canine senior called Grace, getting up and around is…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Stranded and Alone in the Night
A scroungy stray kitten called for help and taught lessons. Live in the moment and listen. We’re all in this life together. Lifelines come when they are needed the most.
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Puppy Housetraining – in 1 Day?
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…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Choosing the Greatest Kitten for Your Life
Can you choose the great feline friend who will be the excellent companion you have always wanted? I think you can if you follow an objective method. Allowing fate to…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Destruction & Panic when Alone
So what can you do if the dog who’s stolen your heart damages your house while you’re away-often? If you have a dog like this you can feel desperate. Dogs…
Read MoreDr.Nichol’s Video – Home Wrecking, Ripping, Scratching Cats
It would seem logical to correct or punish a destructive cat but these apparently nefarious acts are actually part of the normal feline behavioral repertoire. Feliscratch is a synthetic analogue…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Dog Frightened of Men including Husband
Teach her that good things come from the man in her life Some dogs are genetically programmed with low-status personalities. They can lose the heebie jeebies if a man ignores…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Feline Fear & Loathing in the Veterinary Clinic
This is the story of Sherman, a well-loved cat with long-standing defensive-aggression in veterinary clinics. It was so bad that his people quit taking him for routine wellness exams. As…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Dogs, Family Gatherings Overwhelmed & Badly Behaved
Hey-it’s a holiday. Let the good times roll! Maybe not for everybody. Some pets get badly unsettled and engage in unhealthy and dangerous behaviors because they’re nervous or scared. The…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Lions & Tigers & Loud Noises in the Sky
Dogs who freak-out during storms, fireworks, and airborne events like the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta have true phobias. There’s nothing logical about these fears. Just like humans with unfounded anxieties, these…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Picking the Greatest Puppy for Your Life
Sharing your life with a great dog is a lot like any important relationship. Social skills matter. Behavioral research understands this. Puppies do better in life if they stay with…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Videos – Is My Dog OK? At-Home Exams
Our dogs are special to us. None of us wants there to be any problem. They need to stay well and enjoy a great long life with us. If you…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Podcast – Faith
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…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Videos – Cat Toys that are Fun but may be Dangerous
Pets who eat nonfood items can pay a big price for their curiosity. Swallowed linear foreign material, like yarn, ribbon, or dental floss, can saw holes in the intestinal wall…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Help for Confused Older Dogs
Pets who age gracefully bring comfort to their doting pet parents. But not all of them do well in their golden years. Some get dementia that their families mistake for…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Worried about Your Cat – At Home Exam
There are important reasons to keep a close eye on our cats. They tend to hide their illnesses and injuries. It’s just who they are. Their genetically programmed reality puts…
Read MoreDr. Nichol’s Video – Not Jumping Up-A Good Thing
Jumping up can be an annoying behavior. It can also be dangerous if a big dog jumps up on children or elderly people. You can punish, reprimand, or correct a…
Read MoreChoosing The Greatest Puppy For Your Life
I know that this is a rather lofty title but, heck, I really love dogs. The dog in my family’s life is an absolutely wonderful, but imperfect, Border Collie named…
Read MoreChoosing The Greatest Kitten For Your Life
Is this possible? Can you choose the great feline friend who will be the faithful excellent companion you have always wanted? I think you can but there are many “ifs”…
Read More