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.

Peeing when scared or? Or medical disorder?

By drjeffnichol | March 2, 2026 | Comments Off on Peeing when scared or? Or medical disorder?

Most dogs would never pee inside the house – but some just can’t help it. There may be a physical problem or it could be behavioral. We can help them succeed.

Hiding Scaredy Cats – Fear of Life?

By drjeffnichol | February 23, 2026 | Comments Off on Hiding Scaredy Cats – Fear of Life?

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.

Training a Dog for Better Behavior

By drjeffnichol | February 16, 2026 | Comments Off on Training a Dog for Better Behavior

Does your dog need to stop a bad behavior? She doesn’t do what you want either, does she?

Angst as you leave, Overjoyed when you return – Does it Matter for Separation Anxiety?

By drjeffnichol | February 9, 2026 | Comments Off on Angst as you leave, Overjoyed when you return – 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?

Aggressive Cat: Watch cat? Scared cat?

By drjeffnichol | February 2, 2026 | Comments Off on Aggressive Cat: Watch cat? Scared cat?

A normally placid pussy cat can turn terrifying when facing unfamiliar visitors of the human or canine kind. They can even be dangerous.

Dog Training? Choose a trainer wisely

By drjeffnichol | January 26, 2026 | Comments Off on Dog Training? Choose a trainer 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.

Add another Dog – Will they play nice? They don’t?

By drjeffnichol | January 19, 2026 | Comments Off on Add another 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?

Chewing, destroying shoes, clothes, furniture… Is anything safe?

By drjeffnichol | January 12, 2026 | Comments Off on 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 leash but one must adapt. We call him Mick because he rocks! We are already in love with the little rascal.

Grooming, brushing – Hate it? Enjoy it?

By drjeffnichol | January 5, 2026 | Comments Off on 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 reduce nervousness. Start out slow, keep sessions short, and maintain the food flow. With young Mick we wait until he’s sleepy. If he gets antsy the dog biscuits stop and the brush gets stowed. There’s no point in struggling.

Teaching a dog to come

By drjeffnichol | December 29, 2025 | Comments Off on 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 steps that your pupster can understand. Mick has gotten pretty good at the recall command – when he’s already paying attention. But when he’s away from home, well, other priorities can get in the way. That isn’t OK but let’s not lose our patience. While allowing him to forge ahead on-leash he knows he can sniff and investigate at his leisure. But when I say, “Mick, Come!” I can enforce…