BEHAVIOR ISSUES

Behavior Articles to Help You Get Started

Cheryl is always happy to answer your email questions about cat and dog behavior. Below are answers to some common questions. Some are responses to a weekly column she used to write, others are articles she wrote to address the most frequently asked questions. Feel free to browse through these articles to find answers to your behavior questions or download a free copy of Cheryl's book, In Delilah's Eyes (a link can be found under the Services tab). Her book answers many basic behavior questions as well. If you prefer one-on-one answers, then feel free to email. We offer these articles and the free book to help make your life as easy as possible.

Click the titles below to learn more about the behavior topics listed.

Column

Dog Articles

How to introduce pets to a new baby

This article will help to give you ideas on how to get your cat or dog ready for a new human addition to the family. Whether you are going to be a new parent or grandparent, this is a good read a long time prior to the new arrival so you have plenty of time to prepare the furry family members.

Barking Dogs

If you have a problem finding the off switch to your dog's barking, this article will help you teach your dog to learn how to turn the barking off and on.

Dogs who Chew

Does it sometimes feel like you got a beaver instead of a dog because he chews everything in sight, especially your antique rocking chair? Click on this article to learn how to redirect your dog's chewing to more appropriate objects.

Digging Dogs

Our dogs think digging is the most fun ever, especially certain breeds. Learn how to redirect your dog to appropriate digging habits to save your yard and your sanity.

Housebreaking

Teaching dogs appropriate elimination can be one of the most frustrating times during training. We often think we have gotten the message across only to find another puddle or pile. This article will help you get started. Be sure to also look at the chapter on housebreaking in the free book download for further information as many dogs are turned into shelters for this solvable problem.

Crate Training

Dogs are den animals. They enjoy having a safe place to go to when they feel uneasy about something or just want to be alone. A crate, when introduced properly, provides a den-like atmosphere for your dog, especially when your dog is young or new to your household. This article will help you properly introduce a crate so your dog can learn to feel safe and comfortable in one.

Piddle Problems

Not to be confused with housebreaking issues, submissive peeing is a totally different problem, which this article briefly touches on to help people identify it.

Separation Anxiety

A huge problem that cannot be solved in one simple article, this will help you identify the issue and get started working with your dog. Chances are you will need professional help to fully solve this often involved behavior dilemma, depending on your dog's behaviors, but this will help you get started on some simple steps that are often overlooked.

Jumping Dogs

Most people do not appreciate being greeted by a dog who jumps all over them. I you are having problems with your dog jumping on you or visitors, read this article to help you discover some of the common mistakes people make that actually encourage this behavior and how to help start turning it around.

Noise Fears

Does your dog easily startle when there is a loud sound in the house or outside. This article will help you learn how to desensitize your dog to sounds that often startle our dogs. (Please note this is a reprint of an article printed in a paper and at the time the wrong title was used. Don't let that confuse you. Read on! It is about Noise issues.)

Thunderstorm Fears

Many dogs have fears of storms. If they have been a stray, it may be a very valid fear. You can help them overcome some of their fears by desensitizing them a little over the noise. Sometimes, though, the best thing you can do is just give them a safe place to ride out the storm. Here is an article that will help you understand what to do and not to do to help your dog through a storm.

Column

Cat Articles

How to introduce pets to a new baby

This article will help to give you ideas on how to get your cat or dog ready for a new human addition to the family. Whether you are going to be a new parent or grandparent, this is a good read a long time prior to the new arrival so you have plenty of time to prepare the furry family members.

Socializing and Handling Cats

It is important to socialize and handle your cat at a very young age. Here are some tips to learn how to get your cat used to be handled from a kitten. If you already have an adult, the article also addresses how to handle the adult cat who may not always like to be pet. (Also see the article on Biting Cats.)

Cat Destroying with Scratching

Living with a cat can be so rewarding, but those claws can do a lot of damage. Declawing can cause a lot of behavior problems with a cat not to mention that it is unnecessary surgery that causes deformities of the feet. This article will help solve many of the problems faced with cats who like to scratch inappropriately.

Litter Box Issues

When cats decide not to use their litter box, it can cause all sorts of problems in the household. Learn how to solve litter box issues. It may not be as difficult as you think!

Biting Cats - Taking the Pounce and Bite out of Tigger!

Some cats just think it is fun to hide under the couch, wiggle their little behind, and then come pouncing out to bite the unsuspecting ankle of a someone passing by. The cat finds it entertaining; the person--not-so-much. This article will help you take the pounce and bite out of your adorable little hooligan, while still allowing for some fun and games.

Night Owl Kitties

Cats are nocturnal and typically will stay up in the evening and sleep during the day. This can pose a problem for their humans who tend to want to sleep at night. This article will help you come up with some ideas to help you solve the problems that arise living with a night-owl.

Cat Enclosures

Living outdoors can be a dangerous endeavor for cats, but we often want to allow our cats some outdoor time. Building an enclosed outdoor area can be a perfect solution. This article will give you some ideas on how to go about doing this. (Once you get to the article, scroll down to the second page, as the link brings you to the paper where the article was printed.)

Click here for a link to More Articles

Animal Behavior Problems

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Mini-Me Felted Pets

Bringing Cats Indoors

BEHAVIOR ISSUES

Click the titles below to learn more about the behavior topics listed.

Dog Articles

Cat Articles