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.
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Chewing, destroying shoes, clothes, furniture… Is anything safe?
Here is Mick, the Nichol family’s long-awaited new puppy, having a wonderful time with his first vegetable-based chip. At 8 weeks old he isn’t crazy about his new collar and…
Grooming, brushing – Hate it? Enjoy it?
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…
Teaching a dog to come
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…
Crate training your dog
Mick is only a kid. He’s not ready to be trusted to behave if we leave him loose in the house at night. A dog is a denning creature but…
Digging dogs! Make it stop? Do it right
Digging dogs can damage a great yard. Don’t punish; it’s normal behavior. Instead, give that dirt dog their very own wonderful digging box. Make it attractive by loosening the dirt,…
BARKING! Make it Stop!
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.…
Stories
Tail Chasing & Self-Injury
Have you ever heard the expression, “Like a dog chasing its tail?” This actually happens.
Aggression toward a moving man Evie was a 5 year old cattle dog when we met. When I met her she was 7 but she’s still a cattle dog. Vicky…
Unseen aggression between family dogs Behavioral research shows that 75% of dogs are anxious in veterinary clinics. We’re ethically bound not to make it any harder for them. I quietly…
Insomnia – It’s complicated A big, older girl with a gentle soul was having a hard time sleeping. She laid down during the night but popped back up after a…
Improved dog and cat behavior starts here!
Sign up for weekly pet behavior tips that will make life with your dog or cat much better.
Upcoming Events
Zoom Group Conference for Dog Parents – January 29, 2026
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…
Zoom Group Conference for Cat Parents – February 12, 2026
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…
Zoom Group Conference for Dog Parents – March 5, 2026
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…
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.
Last in a series
Brains are certainly interesting. Parts of their anatomy, and the chemicals that conduct their complex work, can change during life. Practice makes perfect because repetition through the neural circuits upstairs makes them stronger. Neuroplasticity is the name for these gradual modifications that can transform behaviors and physical functions.
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…
Third in a series Compulsive disorders are a harsh reality for anybody who is saddled by a literally uncontrollable requirement to engage in repetitive, (stereotypic) behaviors. Most are related to…
Mick is only a kid. He’s not ready to be trusted to behave if we leave him loose in the house at night. A dog is a denning creature but…