Decoding Your Pet

Veterinary behavior experts reveal why pets behave the way they do.

The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists

To Pee or Not To Pee: The Feline House Soiling Problem

House-soiling problems are the most common behavioral complaint in cats. If not managed, house-soiling problems are a major reason for rehoming, abandonment, or euthanasia.

Why Do We Blame Ourselves for Our Pets' Behavior?

The owners are not always the cause of a dog’s problem behavior. Pets develop problem behaviors for many reasons beyond our control.

Moving With Your Fur Family

You've prepared your pet for the move, now what?

Moving With Your Pet Family

Most of us will move at some point in our lives, but our pets don't understand why their lives must be turned upside down. A few adjustments can make it easier for them.

How to Support Your Dog During the New Normal of COVID-19

COVID-19 and staying at home do not mean your dog's (and your own) life must come to a halt. Here are some tips for navigating long days together.

Puppy or Rescue Dog Socialization During COVID-19

Yes, it is possible to socialize new puppies and rescues even during a time of social distancing.

Avoiding Fights When Introducing a New Cat

It can be difficult to introduce a new cat into an established household. A few considerations can go a long way.

The Scoop on Dog Food and Behavior

Dog food diet recommendations can be overwhelming. It helps to look at research-based evidence.

"Positive" Dog Training Is Not Always What It Seems

With so much contradictory information from dog professionals, how can you find a good fit? Beware misleading words and trust your instincts.

Are Two Really Better Than One?

Is getting a second dog really the right thing to do?

Dogs and Humans Have Similar Social and Emotional Brains

Humans and dogs share similar social behavior and emotions, but are likely to misunderstand each other because they speak different languages. It's up to us to bridge that gap.

Is Your Dog Perfect? No?

The behavioral expectations we have for our companion dogs sometimes do not match with the reality of their lives or ours. A few accommodations can go a long way.

Growling as a Sign Post

Does your dog growl? How growling actually keeps us safe.

Punishment Does Not Help

Being nice to our pets builds a stronger relationship based on mutual respect and not on fear.

A Spoonful of Sugar Helps the Medicine Go Down

No more need to sustain battle scars when trying to give your cat medication or trimming his or her nails...

You Are What You Eat

I seriously wondered if I could live on donuts alone. OK, maybe donuts and bacon…

What Your Senior Cat Wishes You Knew

Do you live with an older cat? Here are some suggestions for helping her to stay comfortable and contented.

Your Cat Is Bored!

If your cat had thumbs, would he be twiddling them with boredom? A few ideas can go a long way.

Why Not Alpha?

Does your dog bite, snarl or snap at you, despite your most devoted love and affection? Are you worried you may have an “alpha” dog?

The True Cost of a Nail Trim

This procedure often is more touch-and-go than you think. Let’s talk about why you should bring basic dog care back home where your friend is most comfortable.

Where Not to Take Your Dog

Now more than ever people are taking their dogs with them to public places, but is that always a good idea?

Abnormal Behaviors Aren't Always Psychological

Recent research stresses the need to check for a medical component to what you might think is just a behavior problem.

Back to School for Your Pet: Let’s all Just Relax!

As you make back-to-school plans for the kids, think about what you can do for your pet to help improve her world and keep her brain engaged. How about teaching her how to Relax

To Muzzle or Not to Muzzle: That Is the Question

Don't like the idea of having your dog wear a muzzle? Many don't, but muzzles can have benefits you may not have thought of.

Tools for Managing the Aggressive Dog

The owner of an aggressive dog needs a comprehensive treatment plan to address the problem. Several tools will help keep people (and other dogs) safe in the meantime.

Canine Sports

Is your dog looking for something new to do? Try out one of these fun canine sports. He'll get some mental and physical exercise and you'll get out of the house, too!

Food Toys and Dispensers for Dogs and Cats

Do your dogs and cats eat out of bowls? Let's change that! Meal time, play time, and training can be much more rewarding with the right food toys and dispensers.

Leashes...

The tools you use to walk a dog can make walking a pleasant or unpleasant experience for both of you. A lot of communication happens at both ends of the leash.

Why Does My Dog Bite Me When He Approaches Me to Be Petted?

You think Fido loves you until he eagerly approaches you for love and then—bam!—he bites you. Find out one very common reason for why Fido may do this.

Your Dog Can’t Be In Pain As He Runs and Plays? Think Again!

Pain can contribute to your pet's behavioral issues and can be challenging to diagnose.

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