Behavior
Sometimes, our pets develop habits that make living with them hard. Once you have taken your pet to the vet and determined the cause is not a physical, the process of finding a solution begins. Sometimes a problem is quickly and easily solved; other times an owner must try many things before a solution is acheived. Most cat problems are linked to territorial behaviors; many dog problems are caused by issues involving pack order. Once you examine the root of the problem, our pets' troubling behavior usually makes perfect sense, and we come to realize that the problem is really OUR fault! Look over the links below to find some excellent advice on all sorts of pet problems.

ASPCA Top Ten Behavior Problems covers the most frequently annoying behaviors pet owning humans encounter!

Petfinder Library is a great resource with information on dogs, cats, and birds!

Books we recommend:

"Puppy Preschool" by John Ross and Barbara McKinney. An easy, enjoyable read with great advice on raising a puppy right!

"Don't Shoot the Dog!" by Karen Pryor. This book really has very little to do with dogs; it discusses positive reinforcement and behavior. Karen Pryor has trained dolphins and other wild animals; she has observed that one cannot beat a wild animal into doing things, yet trainers are able to get wild animals to do many things for them. This simple observation has led to a wonderful exploration of how we get animals (and people!) to do what we want, and how attitudes we derive from our punishment-oriented society actually interfere with acheiving our goals.

"How to be Leader of the Pack" by Patricia McConnell. This is a simple, quick book that helps the average person understand the bewildering world of animal heirarchy- the pack order all domesticated animals use to order and understand their world. As much as we may want to have our pets be our equals, it makes them quiet anxious and uncomfortable when they aren't sure who is in charge. Often, pet owners don't even know they are sending mixed messages until AFTER a behavior problem starts. Nip problems in the bud and understand pack order!

The books put out by the Monks of New Skete are pretty good too, but a little dry. I haven't actually been able to finish any (so sleepy!) but what I read was good and everyone I know who HAS read one of their books really likes them. But I'm not too fond of their training collars; I really believe the noise of a metal choke chain is helpful in dog training. A minor issue.