Remember, nearly all common behaviors can be traced back to instinct. Barking, digging, marking, and chewing all served distinct purposes in the wild. Dogs become frustrated if their natural instincts are constantly suppressed. Rather than fighting these instincts or punishing the dog for doing what comes naturally, it’s far more productive to find acceptable ways… [Read More]

A number of scientific studies on human and animal social interactions stress the importance of play. Humans and our pets are unique in that we play our entire lives.The fact that humans and pets stay playful as adults is a significant part of what makes our relationship special. Just like people, dogs and cats need… [Read More]

KONG rubber chew toys can be used as easy and effective training tools. With just one KONG, you have a reward, retrieval, and food-dispensing toy. KONG can be used as a training tool for almost any type of training — quiet times, crate training, recall, and retrieving all work better with KONG. Also, use it… [Read More]

Indoor crates are highly effective training tools and can provide a safe and quiet retreat for your dog. When introducing your dog to a crate, make the crate as comfortable as possible with a soft bed or blanket. Start your dog’s crate training by stuffing a KONG toy with a favorite treat. Let your dog… [Read More]

A classic source of dog-owner frustration is chewed-up shoes, books, furniture, etc. Chewing is a natural and beneficial behavior, and it plays a vital role in your dog’s physical development — especially in puppies. Like humans, dogs have two sets of teeth in their lives. The 28 baby teeth erupt through the gums between the… [Read More]

Separation anxiety, the fear of isolation, can cause your dog to show undesirable behavior and stress. Common behavioral problems associated with separation anxiety include excessive barking and whining, property destruction, depression, or hyperactivity. These problems could be a reaction to the stress of being alone and the uncertainty of your return. Many trainers use mock… [Read More]

Some canine behavior problems, such as house soiling, affect only the pet’s owner. Excessive barking, on the other hand, can result in unhappy neighbors. Puppies bark to express themselves verbally and are entitled to a little expression. However, continual barking, for long periods of time, is a sign that your pet has a problem that… [Read More]

Having a new baby in your home is stressful for everyone — including your dog. Here are some insights for easing the transition. • Never leave a small child alone with a dog, even if they are very familiar with each other. This is especially important if you have more than one dog, because a… [Read More]

Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist Karen B. London, PhD, uses play and KONG toys to treat aggression. Learn her tricks. I regularly use play to treat aggression, and KONG toys are a big part of the success I have with these cases. Play is undervalued in the field of dog behavior, both as reinforcement and as… [Read More]

Learn how today’s zoo professionals are using positive reinforcement training. It’s an exciting time to be a zookeeper. Today’s zoo professionals are using their creative and behavioral talents to teach wild and potentially dangerous animals how to participate in their own care and ultimate survival. From daily body weights and exams to voluntary blood sampling,… [Read More]