Behavior & Training

Dog Behavior and Training

Information sheets for common dog behavior and training challenges (scroll to cat resources).

  • A tan and black mixed-breed dog with upright ears and a pink collar, sitting on snow and looking up at the camera.

    Separation Anxiety

    Separation anxiety is a common behavioral issue in dogs, characterized by excessive stress when left alone.

    Separation Anxiety
  • A woman walking a black dog on a leash in a grassy outdoor area with cloudy sky overhead.

    Loose Leash Walking

    Teaching a dog to walk politely on a leash is a journey. Leash pulling is natural for dogs, and it takes time and consistency to change this behavior.

    Loose Leash Walking
  • A adorable light brown puppy lying on the floor with a pink ball in its mouth.

    Puppy Biting

    Puppy mouthing or biting is a very normal behavior as your new puppy discovers the world around them.

    Puppy Biting
  • A tan dog with a pink collar standing in a grasses and bushes with snow on the ground, and a background of trees and shrubs.

    Recall

    Imagine calling your dog/puppy and they instantly abandon whatever they’re doing, eyes locked on you, tail wagging, sprinting back with joyful enthusiasm.

    Recall
  • A sleeping dog with a brown and white coat resting its head on a striped armrest near a Christmas tree decorated with lights and ornaments.

    House Training

    While some dogs might have histories of being house-trained, most will need a refresher in a new home.

    House Training
  • A gray puppy lying inside a black metal crate on a hardwood floor, next to a soft bed with a blue border.

    Crate Training

    Crate training is a highly-recommended tool for both dogs and puppies. If used correctly, it can establish a safe place that your pet enjoys!

    Crate Training
  • A group of four people, including two children and two adults, sitting on a bench in a room with two dogs sitting in front of them.

    Dog to Dog Introductions

    Bringing a new dog home when you have other dogs in the home should be done carefully.

    Dog to Dog Intros
  • A black and white cat lying next to a brown dachshund on a gray sofa.

    Dog to Cat Introductions

    Even dogs who have a history of living successfully with cats should be introduced slowly. Every animal is different.

    Dog to Cat Intros

Cat Behavior and Training

Information sheets for common cat behavior and training challenges.

  • A gray tabby cat lying on a bed, resting its head on a pillow with a wooden headboard in the background.

    Scratching

    Scratching is normal, healthy feline behavior, not misbehavior!

    Scratching
  • Close-up of a black and white cat lying on a tiled floor, looking at the camera.

    Litterbox Issues

    If your cat is experiencing litterbox issues, we recommend.

    Litterbox Issues
  • Black cat lying on a wooden surface outdoors, with a lattice fence in the background.

    Indoor or Outdoor Cat

    We recommend indoor-only cats. If you’re considering outdoor access, follow our tips.

    Indoor or Outdoor
  • Two cats lying close together on top of a quilted blanket, in front of a window with a wooden frame, with a orange multi-tiered decorative item nearby.

    Cat to Cat Introductions

    Taking the right steps to properly introduce your new cat to existing cat(s) in the home is very important.

    Cat to Cat Intros
  • A cat and a dog sitting side by side on a stone ledge in front of a wooden fence.

    Cat to Dog Introductions

    Allowing cats to get comfortable slowly while hopefully avoiding litterbox issues, stress, or fights.

    Cat to Dog Intros