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Behavior & Training

  • The Harrier is a typical scent hound: born with a love of the hunt and the desire to follow his nose wherever it leads. But he's more than that when he's given the chance. He's a mild-mannered sort, tolerant and good with children.

  • A head halter, also known as a head collar, can provide better control and safety for some dogs. For head halter training to be successful, a proper fit is required, along with gentle leash handling and positive reinforcement training.

  • Phobias related to thunderstorms and fireworks cause dogs to suffer, and they can increase in intensity over time. Behavior modification combined with medication can be used to reduce a dog's level of fear. This handout provides some helpful information for immediate treatment of firework and thunderstorm phobias.

  • When a beloved family member dies, the survivors mourn the loss — including other pets. While dogs and cats may not fully grasp the significance of death, many pets exhibit behavioral patterns that suggest that they have been affected by the loss. This handout provides guidance on how to help your pet through their grief.

  • House training is best accomplished with patience and positive reinforcement. Teaching a cat to be well house-trained makes them a more enjoyable pet and a welcome guest. Many cats nearly house train themselves, but it's important to meet cats' needs to ensure they maintain desirable habits for a lifetime.

  • House training is best accomplished with a consistent program that relies on supervision to prevent mistakes and positive reinforcement for elimination in designated locations. Though house training can be time-consuming, when done properly, the foundational training will last a lifetime.

  • Cats are very good at hiding signs of pain, so cat owners need to be very observant to recognize behavior changes that indicate their cat needs help. Some of the most common behavior changes are associated with grooming and litter box habits. This handout describes these and other changes to watch for, as well as advice on how to support your aging cat.

  • Communication is essential in any relationship. Dogs and humans use vocalizations and body language to communicate. With training, humans can learn to accurately translate the utterances and postures of their dogs and dogs can learn to recognize human speech and gestures.

  • With the elegance of a deer, the Ibizan Hound can leap great heights from a standstill. Unlike most sight hounds, the Ibizan Hound usually barks when chasing. She is fast, sweet, and beautiful, yet few people have ever met one.

  • These hardworking dogs are tough and energetic, but don't be fooled – they are people-dogs. Cheerful, friendly, inquisitive and playful, they are definitely happiest when they have a job to do, such as playing ball, herding, agility and obedience activities.