Subscriber Archive
A peaceful existence is difficult for a lot of us in today’s world. There is so much conflict, office politics, lack of acceptance, isolation. It’s almost everywhere you look. Aren’t we considered a “developed” nation? Maybe not. It’s a good thing we have pets. I know a place where strife and acrimony are rare. I’ve been there. Oh, sure, there is the occasional harsh word but it’s over quickly. The inhabitants give each other space. They are like us and they are different. Maybe there is something to be learned. Grace is getting up in years. Actually, getting up and around is becoming increasingly difficult for her because she has a bad back and structurally incorrect knees. But she acts as though no one has told her she’s handicapped. She’s 13 years old now and did OK until she herniated a disc a few years ago. Add that to her…
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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.
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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 potential coyote snack. It was around dusk, following a pretty good soaking rain. Coyotes, being wily, know this routine well as they lurk in the shadows. I hope you found the story of Gaston to be valuable. You’re welcome to share this podcast with any of your pet-loving friends. Each week I share a short video, a podcast, or a blog to help bring out the best in pets and their people. You can sign up at no charge on my website, drjeffnichol.com. And when you do, I’ll send you my free at-home pet first…
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Lifelines come when they are needed the most Gaston had already been watching us when he called out for help. Rather than panicking and running toward us with abandon he held back a bit, knowing it was a gamble. Still, he had to take a chance. Frank and I and our relaxed but active dog might be his only shot at survival, especially in his current state: wet, cold, thirsty, hungry, and a potential coyote snack. The hike we enjoy most evenings in our semi-rural corner of Albuquerque’s North Valley is equal parts neighborly, agrarian, and, well, a bit wild. It’s a quiet way to end a day. Sometimes there are other dog walkers. We know most of the humans we encounter. It’s sort of like bumping into Sheriff Andy or Opie or Aunt Bea. But surprises happen on the Rio Grande irrigation system. There are cattle and horses but…
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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 can teach your spiffy new puppy – in just one day – where to find the dog bathroom. He’ll learn that all good things come from you. Get ready to be the benevolent and loving head honcho who controls the resources that you will be delighted to help your puppy learn to earn. I hope you find this information useful. You’re welcome to share this video with any of your dog-loving friends. If they’re considering a new puppy or if they’re already struggling with house soiling they’ll be glad for the advice. Each week I share a short video, a podcast, or a blog to help bring out the best in pets. You can sign up at no charge on…
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Download a .pdf version of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) position statement on The Use of Punishment. Giving dogs and other creatures a clear reason not to engage in bad behavior would seem like a quick and simple way of solving a problem. But when a dog or cat gets a painful consequence for doing the wrong thing their unmet behavioral needs can be manifest in other, even more unhealthy ways. Punishment is rarely used as part of evidence-based behavior modification in part because it can easily lead to unintended consequences. This position statement, on The Use of Punishment, from the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) is written for pet parents while it shares current research on healthy learning. I hope you find it valuable. All the best, Jeff Nichol, DVM
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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 young dog learn the house rules. Get ready to be the benevolent and loving head honcho who controls the resources that you will be delighted to help your dog learn to earn. To make this workable I’ve broken it down into three steps. Get ready for straight-forward success. I hope you find this information useful. You’re welcome to share this podcast with any of your dog-loving friends. If they’re considering a new puppy or if they’re already struggling with house soiling they’ll be glad for the advice. Each week I share a short video, a…
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Puppies are great fun. They run and play and live in the moment, completely uninhibited – including when they get the urge to eliminate. Housetraining can feel like such a challenge that many people just give up and mop up. Others, so completely flummoxed and frustrated that they lose their patience, have resorted to yelling or punishment. We have research-based methods to get this chore accomplished that will do more than keep the stool and urine outside where it belongs. 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. He can earn anything he wants from his reliable leader just by following the canine-specific structure that you consistently support. Can the arduous chore of housetraining really be that rewarding? Everything between you and your best friend will be excellent if he gets it. It…
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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 make the call for you may work OK but you’ll want to avoid the cat who could make your life a living hell (or a living heck, if the cat is only moderately evil). Our cats’ wellbeing matters too. They need forever homes. Temperament testing the candidates is a matter of patience. Watch the litter politics being played out in front of you. Quietly let each baby sit in your hands. Understanding the antics, postures, and interactions will help you make the best choice. Each week I share a short video, a podcast, or a blog to help bring out the best in pets. You can sign up at no charge on my website, drjeffnichol.com. And when you do, I’ll…
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