When I brought Mimi the Burmese home at the age of 12 weeks I was quite worried about my older dog. I felt sure that my young poodle, Misha, and the new kitten would rapidly become friends and playmates (which they did). However Twitchett, a 9-year-old border terrier, represented a serious threat. In fact, one senior animal behaviorist had e-mailed me advising that I rethink my plan of getting a kitten.
aggression
How to Prevent Resource Guarding in a Multiple-dog Household
By Hannah Branigan on 10/01/2011Resource guarding among dogs is an extremely common and normal behavior. Dogs are pre-programmed not to want to share valued resources with others. For pet dogs, resources may include food, toys, or even the owner's attention. In most households, resource guarding is limited to simple communication, but sometimes the behavior can escalate in frequency or intensity and injuries can occur. If you are ever concerned about aggressive behavior in your dog, related to resource guarding or not, it is best to contact your vet or other qualified professional for help before proceeding on your own.
Preventing Behavior Problems, One Puppy at a Time: An Interview with Debbie Martin
By Julie Gordon on 10/01/2011Behavior problems are the biggest threat to the human-animal bond, and the number-one reason dogs are relinquished. So what’s the key to preventing problems before they start? Debbie Martin, KPA faculty member and ClickerExpo faculty member, says, “Get them while they’re young!” One of the few veterinary technicians in the country to specialize in behavior modification, Debbie has always had an interest in animal behavior. She has dedicated her career to helping pet owners resolve their pets’ behavior problems. Recognizing that prevention is easier than treatment, Debbie believes that many behavior problems can be averted with early socialization and foundation training.
Through her book, Puppy Start Right: Foundation Training for the Companion Dog, and now with her ClickerExpo 2012 Session, Puppy Start Right!: Teaching Puppy Classes, Debbie continues to give pet owners, veterinary professionals, and trainers the information and support they need to improve the welfare of dogs—one puppy at a time!
Podcast: Excerpt from Chill Out Fido! How to Calm Your Dog by Nan Arthur
By KPCT on 01/01/2011This month’s podcast is an excerpt from Chill Out Fido! How to Calm Your Dog by Nan Arthur. Listen as Nan explains how you can use positive training to turn your wild and crazy dog into a calm, enjoyable companion.
Every Dog Deserves Its Day
By KPCT on 07/22/2010Each year, thousands of animals are euthanized because owners reach the end of the leash in trying to correct behavior problems like aggression, reactivity, excessive barking and destructive
