Pet Resource Center
Getting help for your pet
Regardless of your dog or cat's behavior, we offer several free options to help!
Our team of behavior specialists provides enrichment, daily training, and when necessary, additional behavior support to pets in our shelters so that they become the best possible candidates for adoption.
Other resources
Schedule a Behavior Help Line appointment:
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If you allow your cat to wander around outside on her own, without your supervision, she is susceptible to any of the following tragedies:
- Being hit by a car
- Ingesting a deadly poison, like antifreeze or pesticide
- Being trapped by a unhappy neighbor or picked up by animal control ...
Crate training your dog may take some time and effort, but can be useful in a variety of situations. If you have a new dog or puppy, you can use the crate to limit his access to the house until he learns all the house rules, such as what he...
Puppies explore their world by putting things in their mouths. In addition, puppies are teething until they're about 6 months old, which usually causes them some discomfort. Chewing not only facilitates teething, but also makes sore gums feel better. While it is perfectly normal for puppies to chew on furniture,...
It is normal for dogs to explore the world with their mouths. However, chewing can be directed into appropriate items so your dog is not destroying items you value. Until he has learned what he can and cannot chew, it is your responsibility to manage the situation as much as...
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Well-socialized cats are more likely to have well-socialized kittens. Kittens "feed" off of their mothers' calm or fearful attitude toward people. Although feeding time is important, it's also vital to include petting, talking, and playing in order to build good "people-skills" in your kitten. Kittens are usually weaned at six...
Although feeding time is important, it's also vital to include petting, talking, and playing, in order to help your puppy build good "people-skills." Well-socialized mothers are more likely to have well-socialized puppies. Puppies "feed" off their mothers' calm or fearful attitude toward people. Puppies are usually weaned at six or...
Many behavior problems in dogs are the result of boredom or excess energy. Toys offer mental and physical stimulation and enrichment. Directing your dog's energy into play with toys can prevent or help resolve such problems as digging and chewing on furniture, shoes or shrubbery.
Toys We Recommend
Interactive Toys:
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It is easier to train rabbits if you understand that their behavior is usually motivated by one of three things:
- Their natural need and inclination to chew and dig
- Their need to communicate and our tendency to require words for understanding communication
- The social structure as seen...
Digging is a normal behavior for most dogs, but may occur for widely varying reasons. Your dog may be:
- ¬ôseeking entertainment ¬ôseeking prey
- ¬ôseeking comfort or protection ¬ôseeking attention
- ¬ôseeking escape
- seeking prey
- seeking attention
Cat owners sometimes have difficulty understanding why their cats, who seem to be friendly and content one minute, may suddenly bite and scratch them the next. While overstimulation isn't aggression, the response may appear aggressive. Cat owners however can find some relief, knowing that this behavior is normal and is...
It's often important to manage situations while you're working towards a final solution. In dog ownership, this means setting up your home and life in a way that prevents or discourages your...
Dogs with separation anxiety exhibit behavior problems when they're left alone. Typically, they'll have a dramatic anxiety response within a short time (20-45 minutes) after their owners leave them. The most common of these behaviors are:
- Digging, chewing, and scratching at door or windows in an attempt to escape...
What stresses your pet? A trip to the veterinarian? Overnight guests? Thunder and firecrackers? Leaving him alone? Clipping his toenails? Stress and anxiety often cause behavior problems in our pets. Stressed-out cats may have litter-box problems or begin fighting with other pets. Anxious dogs may be destructive, escape, urine mark,...