Articles
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A head halter, also known as a head collar, can provide better control and safety for some dogs. For head halter training to be successful, a proper fit is required, along with gentle leash handling and positive reinforcement training.
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A place of height is a place of dominance for many birds. It can be a territorial claim and position of control. Unless trained properly, birds placed on high locations like the shoulders or on top of their cages are more likely to try and "run the show." This handout outlines how to avoid these problems.
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Phobias related to thunderstorms and fireworks cause dogs to suffer, and they can increase in intensity over time. Behavior modification combined with medication can be used to reduce a dog's level of fear. This handout provides some helpful information for immediate treatment of firework and thunderstorm phobias.
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When a beloved family member dies, the survivors mourn the loss — including other pets. While dogs and cats may not fully grasp the significance of death, many pets exhibit behavioral patterns that suggest that they have been affected by the loss. This handout provides guidance on how to help your pet through their grief.
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House training is best accomplished with patience and positive reinforcement. Teaching a cat to be well house-trained makes them a more enjoyable pet and a welcome guest. Many cats nearly house train themselves, but it's important to meet cats' needs to ensure they maintain desirable habits for a lifetime.
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House training is best accomplished with a consistent program that relies on supervision to prevent mistakes and positive reinforcement for elimination in designated locations. Though house training can be time-consuming, when done properly, the foundational training will last a lifetime.
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Cats are very good at hiding signs of pain, so cat owners need to be very observant to recognize behavior changes that indicate their cat needs help. Some of the most common behavior changes are associated with grooming and litter box habits. This handout describes these and other changes to watch for, as well as advice on how to support your aging cat.
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Communication is essential in any relationship. Dogs and humans use vocalizations and body language to communicate. With training, humans can learn to accurately translate the utterances and postures of their dogs and dogs can learn to recognize human speech and gestures.
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Inappropriate elimination generally refers to urination and/or defecation in places other than the litter box. The behavior is sometimes referred to as ‘house soiling’. Inappropriate elimination may be due to a medical condition, a behavioral disorder, or both. Treatment is very specific to the underlying cause.
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Tail wagging enhances a dog’s ability to communicate. Different positions, speeds, and even the direction of tail wagging mean different things. It is always important to observe and interpret the tail wag in conjunction with all the dog’s postures.