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.
Defensive aggression is common, causing some scared dogs to snarl and snap when they feel threatened. Most people don’t bully their pets; that miserable fear is usually triggered by accident when a frightened creature misinterprets the best of human intentions. Their growling, lunging, and snapping isn’t rational. They suffer intense and damaging emotions nonetheless. This isn’t about attempts to dominate their leaders. Our dogs won’t ever share their feelings with us in a human language. Only by careful observation can we understand what motivates them. If she’s had a history, even way back in puppyhood, of retreating or running for…
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 can eat in peace. Don’t risk food-related aggression. Feed your dogs twice daily at the same time but only after each is securely isolated in a room all alone. Fetch the bowls from a closed cabinet and deliver their individual feasts one room at a time. After each eater has belched and wiped her mouth on her sleeve (or had plenty of time to finish) you can retrieve each bowl…
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. Dogs are our best friends but we have our differences; they’re not little people in furry suits. Fear can stab at any time and, just like with us, it may happen for no good reason. If your dog suffers from anxiety she might misinterpret reality. Being approached by a person or any creature, with no path of escape, can trigger a surge of adrenalin. Forget logic; even a big agile dog can feel cornered by an…
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 make a final decision until you understand the facts. I’ll share some strategies. We’ll apply objective behavioral science to the management of dogs who bite. If she has repeatedly inflicted severe injuries, it may not be safe to share your home with her. On the other hand, if we’re talking growling, bruising, or minor wounds your pupster may respond to research-based treatment directed at the underlying cause(s). But can you…
Some puppies are quick learners; others struggle to get clear on the concept. Those little brains have a lot of growth and maturing ahead of them. Some get their wiring in line earlier than others. The reason you can be confident that your youngster will catch on, at some point, is the instinct they all carry not to foul their living area.
A house-trained dog who still fouls your floors What to do if the pee continues Cleaning up after a wild youngster indoors is so frustrating! How much patience is enough? When do you punish? How should you punish? Well, actually, you don’t and you shouldn’t. You teach a canine skill with canine leadership. It’s easy if you can be a canine leader. Important to the process is to understand that failures happen until the lesson is understood with practice and patience. More patience is better. But some dogs have internal issues that get in the way. I’m veterinarian Dr. Jeff…
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.
Some dogs are miserable with anxiety, panicking when their people leave home without them. This is hard for everybody including neighbors. Some dogs bark, tremble, pee, poop, and tear down the window blinds or dig up the carpet. Forget punishment and hand-wringing. There are lots of effective ways of helping a dog like this but these methods only work if they are tailored to the individual. Your veterinarian can prescribe antianxiety medications like Reconcile (fluoxetine) plus additional meds that can be given as-needed before you leave home. A Calmer Canine device can help even without medication. Your anxious dog can…
Sadly, aggression between family dogs is common. Friendships between canine besties can take a bad turn. I’ve sutured and stapled plenty of wounds and even repaired a few fractures resulting from nasty altercations.
Build staff morale! A shared passion! Bring your own? Barking, biting, messes, bathroom breaks? I love office pets but it’s not all fun and games.