Decoding Your Pet

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

The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists

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 people don't, but muzzles can have benefits for you and your dog that 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.

Social Conflict Between Household Cats

With the popularity of companion cats at an all-time high, many households have multiple cats. This can lead to some interesting dynamics, including aggression.

Steroids Can Change Your Dog's Behavior

Roid rage is real even for dogs - check out what the most common behavior changes are for dogs on steroids.

Risk Analysis of Behavior Problems: Owner Factors (4)

Behavioral problems often elicit high emotions in owners. Owners often have been dealing with these problems for a long time and, for reasons that are real for them, now feel that they have an emergency. In this blog post we will address owner factors that can affect this decision.

Risk Analysis of Behavior Problems: Environmental Factors 3

Behavioral problems often elicit high emotions in owners. Owners often have been dealing with these problems for a long time and, for reasons that are real for them, now feel that they have an emergency. In this blog post we will address environmental factors that can affect this decision.

Risk Analysis of Behavior Problems: Animal Factors, 2

Behavioral problems often elicit high emotions in owners. Owners often have been dealing with these problems for a long time and, for reasons that are real for them, now feel that they have an emergency. In this blog post we will address animal factors that can affect this decision.

Risk Analysis of Behavior Problems: Overview Part 1

Behavioral problems often elicit high emotions in owners. Owners often have been dealing with these problems for a long time and, for reasons that are real for them, now feel that they have an emergency. This is the first of four posts on factors playing a role in their decision.

Excessive Barking Pt. II: How Do I Stop My Dog From Barking?

Once you know why your dog is barking excessively (see our earlier posts), you can look for some good solutions.

Excessive Barking Part I: Why Does My Dog Bark?

Does your dog bark excessively? Do you have any idea why? Before you try to stop the barking, you need to know how to address the reasons it's happening. Any other plan just puts a Band-Aid over the problem and never really corrects it.

Behavioral "Red Flags" in the Dog

Dogs show many different signs that they are stressed or scared. Understanding their body language can help an owner or caregiver understand the dog's mindset, avoiding being bit, and make events more pleasant for their dogs.

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