In this excerpt from her pet behavior column, Dr. Megan Maxwell discusses the role that positive reinforcement can play in the behavior and training of pet cats: Many pet owners are surprised to hear that their cats can learn new behavior in a manner similar to the way that dogs learn. The common stereotype is […]

In this blog from Psychology Today’s Decoding your Pet series, Dr. Emily Levine discusses the relationship between pain and behavior. https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/decoding-your-pet/201602/your-dog-can-t-be-in-pain-he-runs-and-plays-think-again

To disseminate reliable, accurate general pet behavior information, the ASPCA’s pet care page serves as a valuable resource. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care

Steiss, J.E., Schaffer, C., Ahmad, H.A., & Voith, V. L. (2007). Evaluation of plasma cortisol levels and behavior in dogs wearing bark control collars. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 106, 96-106. Abstract On Week -1, 24 healthy mixed breed kennel dogs were screened by physical examination, complete blood count, serum biochemistry, and plasma cortisol measurement. Dogs were […]

A recent study by E. Garde, G.E. Pérez, R Vanderstichel, P.F. Dalla Villa, and J.A. Serpell and published in November 2015 in Preventive Veterinary Medicine, furthers our understanding of the behavioral effects of sterilization. The study’s abstract is presented here. Population management of free-roaming domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) is of interest due to the […]

In this excerpt from her pet behavior advice column, Dr. Megan Maxwell encourages pet owners to find opportunities to reward desirable behavior in their pets using natural reinforcers in daily routines. New Beginnings With the dawn of a new year often comes the embrace of new personal or professional goals and an extra dose of […]

A recent blog post from Dr. Patricia McConnell, CAAB, on the importance of letting your dog stop to smell the roses! http://www.patriciamcconnell.com/theotherendoftheleash/take-your-dog-on-a-sniff

Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist Dr. Mary Burch provides this summary of her book, How Dogs Learn, for the National Animal Interest Alliance. This book remains an excellent resource for any pet behavior professional’s library! http://www.naiaonline.org/articles/article/how-dogs-learn1#sthash.kiIf3Hxc.dpbs

A visit to cattle dog publishing- the legacy of Dr Sophia Yin 12/4/2015 I had a wonderful opportunity to travel to Davis, California this November and visit the offices and staff of Cattle Dog Publishing founded by Dr Sophia Yin. Dr Yin and I knew each other fairly well and developed a friendship through our […]

Here Come the Holidays! Nothing rings in the holiday season like including the animals in our lives into our celebrations and gift-giving activities. Tis the season for increased hustling around while visiting family and friends, and purchasing those special new treats, toys, and gear for our animal family members. With our personal and professional calendars booking […]