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:
helpline for a dog helpline for a cat Other Resource links Have General Questions?
See our FAQ

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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Digging is a normal behavior for most dogs, but may occur for widely varying reasons. Your dog may be:

  • ¬¨√¥seeking entertainment ¬¨√¥seeking prey
  • ¬¨√¥seeking comfort or protection ¬¨√¥seeking attention
  • ¬¨√¥seeking escape
  • seeking prey
  • seeking attention
Dogs don't dig, however, out of spite, revenge or a desire to destroy...

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Some dog owners believe that dogs, especially large ones, should be "outdoor only" pets. At the Dumb Friends League, we believe that dogs of all sizes are happier, healthier and safer when they can be indoors with their people the majority of the time. Dogs have a need to be...

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We recommend that you keep your dog indoors, unless you're present to supervise his time outside. Dogs are social creatures and need to socialize with you and the world around them. By walking your dog regularly (at least twice a day), you can provide him with the exercise and mental...

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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...

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Are you unsure whether to have your pet sterilized? Here is some information you should know:

Spaying and neutering helps a pet live a longer, healthier life. It's true! Studies have shown that spayed or neutered pets are less likely to develop reproductive-related health problems. In fact, the earlier in...

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Is your cat more independent than you would like? Is your cat affectionate but only pays attention to you when he decides? A common misperception about cats is that they aren't affectionate, or only give affection on their terms. Another misperception is that you can't train a cat–but you can!...

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Knowing why dogs bite and what to do to keep yourself safe is important. Dogs may bite for the following reasons:

  • Fear or surprise
  • Excitement
  • Pain or sickness
  • Protecting property

Excitement

The noises and movements you make when you play are very exciting to dogs. When dogs play...

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