Recent Articles

Low Stress Toothbrushing

April 14, 2021

Recommended by veterinarians, daily toothbrushing is one of the best ways to slow the progression of dental disease, lengthen the time between professional cleanings, and has many other benefits to your pet’s overall health. When you brush your pet’s teeth it’s okay if you aren’t perfect. It is more important for your pet to be comfortable and willing to accept frequent brushing.

Behavior Supplements in Dogs and Cats

April 1, 2021

Many colleagues and pet owners ask about the use of supplements in the treatment of behavioral issues. There is limited documented evidence on the use of these supplements, but to address this demand for information, here is what we know is being used and impressions from what experience and data are available.

Training Series: Target Training Dogs with Touch

March 17, 2021

Targeting is teaching your dog to touch a part of their body such as a paw, shoulder, hip, or nose to a specific object. The most common use is asking the dog to touch their nose to a person’s hand. Teach and practice this behavior in the house first. Then around your yard, and on walks where the environment is naturally more distracting.

Nail Boards: An Alternative to Clipping Nails

February 19, 2021

Many dogs do not like having their nails trimmed and some are outright petrified. Dogs can be taught to file their own nails using a nail board. Dogs learn to scratch on the board using a scratching or digging motion. Nail boards can be purchased or hand made using a board, duct tape, and coarse or medium sandpaper. Learning to use the Nail Board Dogs learn quickly how to use a nail board with minimal training. You shape the behavior by breaking down the completed behavior of scratching the board into smaller steps, rewarding your dog for completing each step.

Cats and High Places: Keeping Them off Counters and Tables

February 17, 2021

Since this behavior started, they have tried several methods to deter him from jumping up, including yelling at him, placing him back on the floor, and recently started using a squirt bottle to keep him off. None of their techniques are working and they are quickly becoming frustrated. Why do cats often find counters and tables so appealing? Cats instinctively like high places. Cats make use of vertical spaces, much like their ancestors used rocks, bushes, and trees.     There is food on counters and tables (even small traces that we might not detect) and they take the gamble that

Traveling with Pets

February 3, 2021

Whether you are planning a move or traveling for leisure, taking your pet along with you can be stressful for both of you. General Travel Tips: Visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) website, and research the requirements and regulations for the location(s) you will be traveling to and through.    Work with your veterinarian to create a timeline for necessary vaccinations, completion of health certifications, and other area-specific requirements, such as rabies titer testing.   Research the departure and arrival destination requirements regarding pet identification tags or registration, kennel markings, and ISO-compatible microchip information.    If you will be staying

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Low Stress Handling® Silver-Level Certification

Individual Certification at this level demonstrates to clients and employers the individual’s dedicated interest in Low Stress Handling®. Hospital Certification at this level demonstrates to clients and staff the hospital’s commitment to appropriately training staff in Low Stress Handling® methods.

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