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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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Cat Poop Solutions

April 15, 2024

Don’t try correcting this bad behavior; it’ll never work. Stressors, like too many other cats, outdoor creatures, and physical disorders, are often major factors. Litter pan hygiene is another big…

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Crying for Mom

April 8, 2024

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…

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Cat mischief – Instead of a life of crime, he can work to earn

April 1, 2024

Do you have a cat who, despite your good example, insists on prying open cabinets and wreaking havoc on your stuff? Does she complain or pester you relentlessly at the…

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Leash training a puppy

March 25, 2024

Puppies can be out-of-control on leash walks. Some are panicked. Forget corrections and jerks.

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Puppy Obedience Training DIY

March 18, 2024

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.

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Where is the Cat?

March 11, 2024

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…

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Stories

woman grey poodle

Predatory Aggression – Lucky to be alive

Early in my career my veterinary clinic had a feed store as a next-door neighbor. Being a backyard poultry farmer, I visited often for chicks (baby chickens, that is) and lay pellets. I lived the life of North valley chic. The only thing missing was the chic.

man and dog

Airborne Monstrosities – High Anxiety

Gas Abuse; Paw Pain Frustrations come with every job. I’ve been lucky. The problems I have faced that have risked baldness, you know – tearing out my hair – have…

Jamie

Horse Play – Fun Until it Isn’t

We were just wrapping up a routine day of limping, itching, and diarrhea (ah, my patients, not me) when Jamie arrived. She’d been frolicking in the pasture with the neighbor…

Scared dog

Biting – Can You Ever Trust Again?

Folks like you and I are tethered to our pets by an emotional commitment to their well-being. If they have a problem with any body part, including their brains, we want them to get well fast. The Internet offers prodigious quantities of quack remedies, especially for behavior disorders. Think twice about quick and dirty corrections.

Upcoming Events

Zoom Group Conference for Cat Parents – May 2, 2024

May 2 @ 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 – May 16, 2024

May 16 @ 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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Man at computer with dog

Zoom Group Conference for Dog Parents – May 30, 2024

May 30 @ 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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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.

turkey

Turkey Jerky?

Third in a series “John” the 11 year old poodle bounced in the door for his suture removal 10 days later. If it weren’t for his undignified tummy haircut you…

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cat

Cat mischief – Instead of a life of crime, he can work to earn

Do you have a cat who, despite your good example, insists on prying open cabinets and wreaking havoc on your stuff? Does she complain or pester you relentlessly at the…

Read More
Chicken

The Geek Next Door

Second in a series
I admit to being an annoying adherent to the Queen’s English, having shaken my head when hearing the noun ‘geek’ misappropriated. In our highly digitized society people can be fondly referred to this way or even adorn themselves with this moniker. It was not always so.

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Puppy

Leash training a puppy

Puppies can be out-of-control on leash walks. Some are panicked. Forget corrections and jerks.

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