Latest Behavior Articles
Cats and Kids
by Andrea Carne
"And in breaking news … a child was left scratched and in tears after a play session with his pet cat went horribly wrong …” Ever heard that on the nightly news bulletin? No, of course not. We may hear about dog bites from time to time and much has been written over ...
Pets, Emotions and Anthropomorphism
by Don Hanson
Emotions are complicated and messy. So much so that as a youngster watching Star Trek in the 1960s, I was attracted to the Vulcan ethos of suppressing all emotion and replacing it with logic. However, I eventually learned that without emotion, we are devoid of joy, gratitude, ...
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Tips for Ensuring Safe and Happy Holidays for People and Dogs
With the holidays approaching, it’s time for planning family gatherings. However, for many dogs, family gatherings are stressful, and the result could be a bite to a child or an adult. This article provides tips for your clients on how to read dog body language, respect dogs’ boundaries and keep everyone safe and happy during holiday gatherings.
What Is Enrichment for Animals?
by Diane Garrod
When the term “enrichment” is verbalized, its meaning is often not clearly understood. When I’ve asked clients, “What enrichment does your dog get?” I’ve gotten answers like ball play or a walk, or a long pause of ...
One for the Birds
Aviaries not only provide mental stimulation but are an ideal opportunity to train birds while surrounded by distractions.
The Harness Is Coming – Run for the Hills!
I often wonder why some of us expect our dogs to miraculously accept collars, harnesses, leashes, and the like. After all, dogs are not born with these alien contraptions attached to their person!
But some of this gear must ...
Dog Speak: The Language of Barking
At a recent public event I attended, the question asked most by companion dog owners was, "How do I get my dog to stop barking?" As professionals, of course, the first thing we want to do is ask more questions. "When does the dog ...
Socializing Puppies to Other Animals
Dog guardians these days tend to be fairly aware of the crucial importance of socialization.
These include the interactions a young puppy will have with people in his/her immediate family, people outside the family, and people ...
The Impact of Canine DNA Testing: Mapping the Future
In May 2016, Embark launched its comprehensive pet genetic test in partnership with the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
According to Embark’s website, the test will track “over 200,000 genetic markers, ...
Feline Fastidious Foodies
By Patience Fisher
From cat food commercials to cartoons and internet cats, it is something of a running joke that cats are picky eaters. But is this common assumption correct?
According to C.A. Tony Buffington, a ...