When I started behavioral work over 20 years ago, I used humane methodology. My first client was a Dachshund with food aggression and guarding. At the time, I was stunned to learn that the majority of trainers were using punitive techniques such as punching dogs, yanking them with prong collars, "helicoptering" them — hanging them [...]
A practical guide to feline behavior, gentle handling, and solving common behavior problems.The Good Cat Parent's Guide to Feline Behavior Modification by Alana Stevenson (Routledge Press, 2024) is now available. This science-based book provides effective solutions for common feline behavior issues using humane handling techniques—no scruffing, no punishment.Understand cat behavior, resolve feline behavior problems, and [...]
Puppies go through major developmental changes quickly. They need calories and good nutrition for physical and mental health. All puppies should be able to eat when they are hungry and stop when they are full. Exercise, how much mental and physical stimulation the dog has, and stress all contribute to how well a dog [...]
Ear-cropping and tail-docking are two commonly accepted practices often considered "breed standard." However, the process of ear-cropping and tail-docking is not humane, nor is it necessary for health. For tail-docking, tails are chopped off, usually with surgical scissors, when the puppies are newborn. This is because a newborn puppy's cartilage is still soft. Removing [...]
Over the last 10-15 years, there has been a growing trend and obsession to have skinny cats, ironically at a time when the human population has gotten fatter. The eating habits and metabolisms of domestic cats are very different than those of humans and dogs. Cats naturally eat 10-20 small meals a day. They [...]
Passive learning is inherently how dogs learn, 24/7. Understanding how to implement passive dog training effectively will open new doorways of communication for you and your dog. Passive dog training is wonderful for dogs with all sorts of personalities, especially for dogs who are fearful or traumatized, including aggressive and reactive dogs, and for [...]
Should you make your dog sit before giving anything such as affection, dinner, treats, opening doors, or putting on and taking off leashes? This is often part of a "no free lunch" training strategy. I’m not a big fan of "Sit," nor do I use it often—mostly, because dogs already know how to sit [...]
Christmas is around the corner and the New Year is quickly approaching. You might be thinking about some New Year’s resolutions to start off 2019. Here are a few tips and ideas to make your cat happier. Of course, your cats will be happy if you start implementing some of these New Year’s resolutions [...]
Christmas is around the corner and the New Year is approaching. You might be thinking about some New Year’s resolutions to start off 2019. Here are a few ideas for making your dog happier. Start passive training. Reward your dog for behaviors you like — without giving a command. Passive training is happening all [...]
These are essentials to have before getting a puppy. Toy Bin A toy bin is a must. It should be large, wide, and shallow, and your puppy should have access to all the toys. Include plush toys, rotate them, and keep them varied. The toy bin should be a “centerpiece” or placed in a [...]