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Clicker Training
Clicker Training By Sherry Woodard, Best Friends animal behavior consultant What is clicker training? Clicker training is a fun and effective way to communicate with your pets. You can train almost any kind of pet — including cats, birds, dogs, rabbits, rats, and horses — to respond to the clicker. For example, you can teach…
The Benefits of Crate Training
Crate Training: The Benefits for You and Your Dog By Sherry Woodard, Best Friends animal behavior consultant Why should I consider crate training my dog? Dogs are hard-wired by their genetic history to be den animals. A den is a small, safe, well-defined space. It is a place in which dogs feel instinctively safe. It…
Introducing a New Cat
Introducing a New Cat The first step in creating harmony between your new cat and the existing cats in your household is to pick the best possible new cat for your household and lifestyle. All cats are individuals, and some may merge into your household better than others. Choosing a new cat Cats who previously…
The Do’s and Dont’s of Introducing Cats
THE DO’S AND DON’TS OF INTRODUCING CATS Posted by Jackson Galaxy on Apr 9th 2018 As we all know, cats are intensely territorial beings. And yet, when the subject of introducing two cats has come up through the years, I would constantly hear people advise, “Just put them in a room together and they’ll work…
The First 30 Days of Cat Adoption
Tips for the First 30 Days of Cat Adoption Sara Kent Be prepared should be your mantra when bringing a new pet into your home. Cats are particularly sensitive to new surroundings and some may hide under a bed or in a closet for days or even weeks. You can avoid pitfalls with your new critter…
How to Manage a Dog that Bites
Dog Bites: How to Manage a Dog Willing to Bite By Sherry Woodard, Best Friends animal behavior consultant Having a dog with behavior problems can be difficult. In this article, we help you learn more about your dog, manage your dog, and then work on the current challenges with your dog. If your dog has…
Dog Socialization Tips and Checklist
Dog Socialization Tips and Checklists By Sherry Woodard, Best Friends animal behavior consultant For dogs to be happy and comfortable in the world of humans, socialization is so important. Many dogs lack basic social skills, either because of limited exposure to other dogs and people, or a lack of positive experiences. Dogs who were raised…
Getting the Behavior you want from your Dog
Getting the Behavior You Want From Your Dog By Sherry Woodard, Best Friends animal behavior consultant All dogs benefit from learning how to behave appropriately when sharing space and time with their human family members and their other animal friends. Dogs aren’t born knowing how to interact politely with people, so you’ll need to teach…
Housetraining a Dog
Housetraining a Dog By Sherry Woodard, Best Friends animal behavior consultant When you get a new puppy or dog, you’ll need to show him or her what is acceptable in your home. Different people may have different rules: Some want to train their dogs to eliminate in litter trays or on paper, while others want…
How to Help a Dog Sensitive to Touch
How to Help a Dog Sensitive to Touch By Sherry Woodard, Best Friends animal behavior consultant Is your dog sensitive to touch? Many dogs have sensitive areas where they would rather not be handled. Many different things can influence a dog’s level of comfort with being touched. Here are a few examples: The dog’s nails…