Taking a few effective measures can help keep your cats safe and sound. There are a variety of reasons cats might chew on and/or eat nonfood items. Felines might chew if they are bored or have too much excess energy. Highly stressed or anxious cats often chew as a self-soothing technique. Chewing on or ingesting nonfood items can not only be destructive, it can be very … [Read more...]
Why You Shouldn’t Toilet Train Your Cat
Teaching the behavior causes more problems than it solves. In “Meet the Parents,” Robert DeNiro’s character owns a cat named Jinx that has a unique talent: The cat uses the toilet instead of the litterbox. At first thought, the idea of your cat using the toilet instead the litterbox may have great appeal. Who wouldn’t like to avoid scooping the litterbox. However, the … [Read more...]
Veteran Embarks on New Career Training Service Dogs
ABC Dog Training Student Helps Veterans With PTSD Russell Steed is currently enrolled in Animal Behavior College’s (ABC) Dog Trainer Program. The U.S. Navy Veteran has embarked on a second career training service dogs and founded a program in his Benton, Arkansas community, I Got Your Six (no affiliation with the national coalition). ABC: What drove your interest in … [Read more...]
Family-Friendly Dog Breeds
Some of the best canines for children There’s nothing better than being able to give children the opportunity to grow up with dogs in the home. They can become best friends from an early age. Having a dog teaches children how to responsibly care for others, how to share and to be kind to animals in general. Every year, the American Kennel Club puts out a list of the most … [Read more...]
Buyers Guide: Tasty Cat Treats
Tempting and tasty morsels for discerning felines Owners around the world know the benefits of healthful treats for cats. Fortunately, there are a wealth of new (or new-ish) yummy products designed specifically for rewarding our feline friends. Cats thrive on positive reinforcement and keeping treats on hand is the perfect way to train them. A cat has a hunter mindset that … [Read more...]
Uncommonly Good Dogs
While not large in number, these 14 unusual breeds are mighty in looks and personality. One of the messages of the American Kennel Club (AKC) is, “a dog breed for everyone.” In other words, everyone can find the right combination of personality, activity level, trainability, body type, hair length, and overall size wrapped up in a canine package. And while most people are … [Read more...]
Can Cats Be Trained?
How Cat Trainers are Saving Feline Lives Most people believe that a cat’s behavior and personality are just the result of a lottery, and you either win or lose. When a cat’s behavior becomes too aggressive or destructive, an owner, at best, might learn to deal with it. At worst, she might abandon her cat at the nearest animal shelter. When dogs exhibit aggressive or … [Read more...]
Canine Behavior Modification: Critter Chasing
How to stop your dog from pursuing (and terrorizing) other animals. It’s only natural for dogs to chase other animals. Whether it’s cats, chickens, horses or rabbits, chasing is an instinctive behavior in canines. However, just because it’s natural for your dog doesn’t mean it’s okay. Chasing other animals can be dangerous, both for the object of the chasing and your … [Read more...]