Virtual Pet Behaviorist

The following articles contain possible solutions to the behavior issues you and your pet may be dealing with.

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Adopting a Puppy Mill Dog
If you’ve adopted a dog who came from a puppy mill, congratulations! Y...
Puppy mill, adopt, commercial breeder...
Adopting a Shelter Dog
Shelters have lovable dogs and cats of all shapes, sizes and ages...
adopting, adopt, shelter...
Aggression Between Cats in Your Household
Some cats just won’t give peace a chance...
Cats, aggression, fighting...
Aggression in Cats
Aggression is the second most common feline behavior problem seen by a...
Feline, cat, kitty, kitten...
Aggression in Dogs
Aggression is the most common and most serious behavior problem in dog...
Aggressive, aggression...
Barking
Barking is one of many forms of vocal communication for dogs...
Barks, yaps, vocalizes...
Bathing Your Dog
Most dogs don’t mind getting and staying dirty...
Bathe, bath, wash, grooming...
Begging at the Table
What happens when you walk into a house and encounter the delicious ar...
Begging, begs, people food...
Behavior Problems in Older Cats
The Effects of Aging As they age, cats often suffer a decline in func...
Old cat, older cat, elderly...
Behavior Problems in Older Dogs
The Effects of Aging As they age, our dogs often suffer a decline in ...
Old dog, older dog, elderly...
Behavioral Medications for Cats
Cats are considered perfect pets by many people because they’re relati...
Medication, medicine, drugs...
Behavioral Medications for Dogs
Over the last two decades, the role of the domestic dog has undergone ...
Medication, medicine, drugs...
Bridling Your Horse: The English Bridle
Bridling is a fundamental part of tacking your horse in preparation fo...
Bridling, bridles, English bridle...
Bridling Your Horse: The Western Bridle
Bridling is a fundamental part of tacking your horse in preparation fo...
Bridling, bridles, Western bridle...
Bringing Home a New Horse
Horses are very social animals who will group together and form herds ...
New horse, bringing home...
Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth
Why It’s Important Brushing your dog’s teeth isn’t just about fresh...
Brush, brushing, teeth...
Canine Body Language
Dogs are very expressive animals...
Body language, dominant...
Cat Toys
Although they’re much safer inside from disease and danger, most house...
Toys, fun, play, playtime...
Cats Who Eat Plants
If cats are meat eaters, why does yours sometimes prefer salad? Actual...
Eats plants, chews on plants...
Cats Who Play Rough
All kittens and young cats need to play...
Plays rough, bites, scratches...
Cats Who Suckle and Lick People
Some cats like to lick or suckle on people and clothes...
Chew, lick, lick arms...
Charging Through Doors
Dogs try to charge through doors for a variety of reasons...
Runs out the door, door dashing...
Children and Pets Living Together
Your child can develop a safe and satisfying relationship with the fam...
Children and pets, kids and dogs...
Choosing a Cat or Kitten
Thank you for using the ASPCA's Virtual Pet Behaviorist...
Choosing a cat, choosing a kitten...
Choosing a Puppy from a Litter
Introduction These guidelines are intended to help you evaluate puppi...
New puppy, breeder, shelter...
Choosing a Shelter Dog
Thank you for using the ASPCA's Virtual Pet Behaviorist...
Choosing a shelter dog, select...
Choosing Playmates for Your Dog
Just like us, dogs are social animals, and many enjoy spending time wi...
Friend, good match, playmate...
Clicker Training Your Pet
What Is Clicker Training? Clicker training is a method of animal tra...
Clicker, training, positive reinforcement...
Compulsive Behavior in Cats
The word “compulsive” describes the repetitive, irresistible urge to p...
Licks, sucks, chews, wool sucking...
Compulsive Behavior in Dogs
The word “compulsive” describes the repetitive, irresistible urge to p...
Spins, paces, chases tail...
Compulsive Behavior in Horses
The term stereotypy describes a sequence of behaviors that’s repeated ...
Stereoypy, stereotpyies...
Coprophagia (Eating Feces)
The act of dogs consuming their own or other animals’ feces is known a...
Coprophagia, eats poo, eats poop...
Counter Surfing and Garbage Raiding
Dogs are naturally curious and love to get into everything...
Steals food, raids garbage can...
Cribbing
The term cribbing is used to describe the behavior of a horse who rest...
Cribbing, stereotypy, stereotypies...
Daycare for Dogs
Dog daycare providers can help you meet your dog’s needs for attention...
Daycare, day care, play with other dogs...
Desensitization and Counterconditioning
Systematic desensitization and counterconditioning are two common trea...
Desensitization, desensitize...
Destructive Chewing
It’s normal for puppies and dogs to chew on objects as they explore th...
Chews, destroys, destructive...
Destructive Scratching
Cats like to scratch. They scratch during play...
Scratches, claws, nails...
Digging
Some wild dog relatives, like foxes and wolves, dig dens to raise thei...
Digs, claws, dirt, scratches...
Dog Bite Prevention
According to a survey conducted in 1994 by the Centers for Disease Con...
Dog bites, prevention, safety...
Dog Parks
Dog parks are becoming more popular all across the United States...
Dog park, play with other dogs...
Dogs Chasing Bicycles, Skateboards and Other Moving Things
Many dogs like to chase really fast-moving things, including people on...
Chases, lunges, wheels...
Dogs Chasing Cars
Some dogs like to chase fast-moving things, including motor vehicles...
Chases, runs into the road...
Dogs Chasing Cats
Dogs chase cats for two reasons. Some want to play with cats...
Chases, tries to catch cats...
Dogs Chasing Children
Dogs who chase children need to be assessed by an experienced Certifie...
Chases, children, kids...
Dogs Chasing Runners
Most runners can recount a scary incident involving a dog charging out...
Chases, goes after runners...
Dogs Chasing Wildlife
Predatory behavior in dogs is normal...
Chases, hunts, kills animals...
Dogs Who Are Hand Shy
Many dogs love to be petted and actively seek attention from everyone ...
Hand shy, handshy, shies away from hands...
Dogs Who Are Reactive on Leash
Many dogs lunge and bark at other dogs when on-leash, a behavior that ...
Leash reactivity, aggressive on leash...
Dogs Who Are Sensitive to Handling
Most dogs enjoy being touched by people...
Afraid of being touched, afraid of handling...
Enriching Your Cat's Life
Free-ranging and feral cats lead complex and busy lives...
Bored, enrich, enrichment...
Enriching Your Dog's Life
Boredom and excess energy are two common reasons for behavior problems...
Bored, enrich, enrichment...
Enriching Your Horse's Life
Studies have shown that captive animals live healthier, less stressful...
Enrichment, toy, play...
Escaping from the Yard
Dogs are naturally territorial and like to patrol familiar areas...
Jumps fence, escapes, digs out...
Exercise for Dogs
Dogs are born to work for a living...
Overweight, bored, exercise...