Shy Dogs Survey

February 2016

Behavior Dogs Alive! Solving Eight Common Behaviors that Happen in Shelters

Mike Kaviani and Regan GoinsApril 2020

Learn practical and manageable solutions for common canine behaviors and increase your lifesaving immediately.

Playing with Your Dog- Part One

August 2019

Who doesn't like to play? Dogs play because it's fun, but it also helps them to develop coordination, strength, and confidence.

What To Do If Your New Dog Is Aggressive

August 2019

Aggression is a form of communication. Keep pets and people safe by preventing aggression from occurring.

Why Train Your Dog?

August 2019

Training your dog to respond to cues establishes a common language that will help you communicate with your dog. Having a common language will make it easier for you both to bond.

Teaching Your Dog to Say Please

August 2019

A dog who sits every time they want something (e.g. attention from people) is much easier to live with than a dog that hasn't learned to say please and jumps up or barks when they want something.

Teaching Your Dog to Settle

August 2019

Goal: Teach your dog to settle down and be quiet when you cue them to "settle". With this cue, your dog can readjust their body but must stay lying down in one place.

Teaching Your Dog to Sit

August 2019

Goal: Teach your dog to put their rear end on the floor when asked to "sit".

Teaching Your Dog to Touch

August 2019

Goal: The cue "touch" (hand targeting) directs your dog to target your palm with their nose.

Teaching Your Dog to Walk on a Loose Leash

August 2019

Goal: Teach your dog how to change their stride to stay close to you on a loose leash without pulling. It will take time, patience, and consistency.

Dog - The Right Rewards

August 2019

Reward-based training is humane, fun and helps you build a communication style with your dog. Reward based training also bonds your dog more closely to you and your family.

Ways To Train Your Dog

August 2019

The best way to train your dog is by using humane methods that focus on rewarding dogs for good behavior. Here are few ways to train without pain or fear.

How to Handle the Leash

August 2019

A leash is a great management and training aid for your dog. The leash keeps your dog safe, preventing your dog from running away from you and into traffic, chasing other dogs and small animals, and jumping on people.

Reducing Stress During Handling

August 2019

Some dogs might like to be petted, but get stressed when you try to brush them, clean their ears, and/or hold their paws. Be patient with your new dog and teach them how to feel safe around you.

Scent Games for Dogs

August 2019

Dogs rely on their sense of smell to identify the world. Imagine how much fun you and your dog will have if you encourage your dog to find stuff you need or a game to keep them occupied.

Teaching Your Dog To Stay

August 2019

Goal: Teach your dog to remain in a sit, down or stand with the cue "stay." When and where to use "stay".

Teaching Your Dog to Come When Called

August 2019

Goal: Teach your dog to come close to you when you give the cue "come."

Teaching Your Dog to Down

August 2019

Goal: Teach your dog lie down on the ground when you give the cue "down."

Teaching Your Dog To Drop It

August 2019

Goal: Teach your dog to drop or let go of objects in their mouth with the cue "drop it."

Teaching Your Dog to Go to Bed or Mat

August 2019

Goal: Teach your dog how to go to their bed or mat and lie down.

Teaching Your Dog to Leave It

August 2019

Goal: Teach your dog to ignore things you don't want them to have or pay attention to with the cue "leave it."

Introducing Your New Dog to Your Dogs

August 2019

Dog relationships are like people relationships. Some dogs will become playmates, others will enjoy the companionship of another dog and others just aren't interested in other dogs.

Introducing Your Dog to New Dogs

August 2019

Introductions between your new dog and unfamiliar dogs can be easy, but other times it may be challenging. The best results come from being slow and careful.

Introducing Your New Dog to People

August 2019

If your dog enjoys meeting new people, follow the tips below to help those greetings be successful.

Improving How Your Dog Responds to Cues

August 2019

Incorporate the 3 D's (distractions, distance and duration) into training each cue into a well trained behavior. Here are ways you can help your dog learn how to respond to cues the way you want them to!

Helping Your Dog Adjust to a New Home

August 2019

Your new dog might need a few weeks to months to completely adjust to their new home, depending on the new environment and the dog's personality. This is normal - it's important for you to respond appropriately and help your new dog adjust.

Children and Dogs - How to Keep Interactions Safe

August 2019

Children and dogs can be great, lifelong friends, but it is up to us as their guardians to keep their interactions safe. Children may not be able to read a dog's stressed body language, and injuries can occur.

Dogs Riding in Cars - Safe Transport

August 2019

Many dogs need time to get used to car rides; it should be done slowly and carefully. Here are some tips for traveling safely.

Food-Dispensing Toys for Dogs

August 2019

By offering your dogs meals in a food-dispensing toy, your dog has something to play with, instead of your furniture or favorite shoes and they get exercise.

Crate Training Your Dog or Puppy

August 2019

Crate training can help your dog in many ways, such as providing them with a safe place to rest when unsupervised, keeps them from chewing human belongings, and aids in potty training.

Cat Pheromones

August 2019

Cats communicate through natural messages released in the air called pheromones. Pheromones for cats are commercially available and can have many positive behavioral and physiological effects.

Reducing Outdoor Stressors for Indoor Cats

August 2019

Seeing the outdoors can be entertaining and engaging for an indoor cat, or it may cause stress. Because even the sight of another cat, when not properly addressed, can evolve into serious problems, it is important to assess and tackle any change in your cat's behavior right away.

Cats and Kids

August 2019

Cats can greatly enrich your children's lives and teach them many valuable lessons about the human-animal bond. There are a few things to consider to make this endeavor a success for your family as well as for your cat, and to ensure happy and safe interactions for all.

Assessing Your Dog's Stress

August 2019

It's important to recognize signs of stress in your new dog as you get to know them. Some dogs will adjust to stressful situations more easily than others.

Dog - Basic Training - Level 1

August 2019

Basic Dog Training - Level 1

Adopting a Fearful Cat

August 2019

Most cats are fearful at first in a new environment and will adjust in time. However, if fear isn't addressed, it can develop into serious behavioral and health problems.

Cat - Hiding Behavior

August 2019

Hiding behavior can be a normal in cats and give them a sense of security. Cats can hide to rest, to enjoy their favorite spot, or if they are scared.

Keeping Your Cat Happy Indoors

August 2019

It is important to provide enrichment for cats living indoors. Enrichment makes the indoors more exciting and provides an outlet for excessive energy.

Should I Let my Cat Outside?

August 2019

Indoor cats and outdoor cats encounter different challenges and risks. Whatever your choice is, it's important to keep your cat healthy and safe.

How Can I Keep Cats Out of My Yard?

August 2019

Seeing the outdoors can be entertaining and engaging for an indoor cat, or it may cause stress. If you only have one indoor cat, observe carefully to see if unfamiliar outdoor cats are visible and causing them stress.

Cat Aggression Toward a Dog when Outdoors

August 2019

Aggression toward a dog when being outdoors can be a normal survival response. However, always take any aggressive episodes seriously.

Cat - Afraid of Anything New

August 2019

Fear is common and a perfectly normal, innate, and adaptive behavior in all animals. However, if fear isn't addressed, it can develop into serious behavioral and health problems.

Cat - Afraid of Noises

August 2019

Fear is common and a perfectly normal, innate, and adaptive behavior in all animals. However, if fear isn't addressed, it can develop into serious behavioral and health problems.

Introducing Your Cat to New People

August 2019

Have a plan in place for when you have visitors and want them to meet your cat. Make sure to balance your guest's enthusiasm with your cat's needs.

Introducing Cats and Dogs

August 2019

With time, many cats and dogs can live together in peace. The key is to have carefully managed introductions. Don't rush your pets into anything that they are not comfortable with.

Introducing Cats to Other Cats

August 2019

Some cat-to-cat introductions go smoothly, while others may take weeks or months before the cats co-exist with each other. The best way to do this is to go as slowly as necessary, and make every interaction a positive one.

Introducing Cats and Kids

August 2019

The first few days in a new home are often quite stressful for any cat and, on the other hand, very exciting for a child! Make sure to balance your child's enthusiasm for spending time with your kitty with their need for adjustment and alone time.

Helping a Shy or Fearful Cat Adjust to Your Home

August 2019

Fear is common and a perfectly normal, innate, and adaptive behavior in all animals. Be proactive in managing your cat's fearfulness or shyness.

Cat - Fear of New People

August 2019

Fear of unfamiliar people is common and can be seen in all cats. Cats may need some time to adjust to a new home and new people.

Cat - Afraid of Children

August 2019

Children can be overwhelming to cats. Fear in the presence of children is common. However, if fear isn't addressed, it can develop into serious behavioral and health problems.

Cat - Afraid of Familiar Dogs

August 2019

Fear of a dog in the same household can be a symptom of an underlying problem. Always take it seriously.

Cat - Afraid of New Dogs

August 2019

Fear of an unfamiliar dog is common, but can be a symptom of an underlying problem. Always take it seriously.

Cats - Afraid of Familiar Cats

August 2019

Fear of other cats in the household can be a normal and adaptive behavior, but can lead to more serious problems. Always take it seriously.

Cats - Afraid of New Cats

August 2019

Fear of unfamiliar cats can be a normal and adaptive behavior, but can lead to more serious problems. Always take it seriously.

Cat - Aggression when Disturbed by a Cat while Resting or Sleeping

August 2019

Aggression toward another cat when disturbed while sleeping can be a normal startle or even survival response. However, always take any aggressive episodes seriously.

Why is My Cat Afraid of Me?

August 2019

A newly adopted or fostered cat, or even a cat that has been in the home for a while, can be scared of you for various reasons.

Cats Who Are Afraid of People They Know

August 2019

Some cats behave fearfully even in the presence of familiar people. They may feel scared if they can't get away from the person when being approached.

Cat - Aggression when Chased by a Cat

August 2019

Aggression toward another cat when being chased can be normal survival behavior or it can be a symptom of an underlying problem. However, always take aggressive episodes seriously.

Cat - Aggression During Play with Other Cats

August 2019

When dealing with aggression between two cats that appear to be playing, it is important to understand that play behavior is natural, especially in kittens.

Cat Aggression When Approached By People

August 2019

Cats don't speak our language, so often aggression is the only way they can communicate to us that they are uncomfortable. Fear is the most common reason for aggression./p>

Managing Fear Aggression in Cats

August 2019

Fear is a debilitating feeling and can lead to very serious behavioral issues in cats. It is an underlying reason for aggression and always needs to be taken seriously.

Cat Aggression when Approached by a Dog

August 2019

Aggression towards a dog when approached can be a normal survival response. However, always take it seriously as it can lead to serious fights and injuries.

Cat - Aggression when Approached by a Cat

August 2019

Aggression towards another cat when being approached can be a symptom of an underlying problem. However, always take aggressive episodes seriously.

Cat - Aggression when Reprimanded

August 2019

Cat - Aggression when Chased by a Dog

August 2019

Aggression towards a dog when being chased can be a normal survival response. However, always take aggressive episodes seriously.

Cat Aggression Toward New Dogs

August 2019

Aggression toward a new dog can lead to serious injuries to the dog, but also to the cat and should always be taken seriously.

Cat - Aggression when Touched or Petted

August 2019

When cats display aggression when touched or petted, it can stem from many different motivations. It always needs to be taken seriously.

Cat - Aggression when Brushed or Groomed

August 2019

When cats display aggression when brushed or groomed, it can stem from many different motivations. It always needs to be taken seriously.

Cats - Overstimulation

August 2019

Many cats exhibit overstimulation or petting-induced aggression. Cats vary enormously as to the extent and duration to which they like petting or handling.

Grooming an Aggressive Cat

August 2019

It is very important to be cautious when grooming an aggressive cat. Injuries from scratching or biting can be severe and serious.

Cat Bites to People

August 2019

Aggression is a serious behavioral issue in cats. It can result in severe injury to humans, so any cat bite to a person needs to be addressed.

Cat Aggression Toward Familiar People

August 2019

It is important to address aggression towards family members early. Even mild forms of aggression, when not properly addressed, can evolve into serious aggression.

Cat Aggression Toward New People

August 2019

Many cats are not comfortable around strangers, or certain strangers in the home. Aggression is a serious behavioral issue in cats and is a symptom of an underlying problem.

Cat Aggression Toward Children

August 2019

It is very important to ensure happy and safe interactions between kids and cats. Cat aggression towards children is particularly dangerous.

Cat Aggression Toward Familiar Cats

August 2019

Aggression between cats who live together is fairly common. Some fights are obvious, and some can lead to serious injury. Other fights are more subtle, and you may not immediately notice them happening.

Meowing When Left Alone

August 2019

It is a common belief that cats are not social. This is not true! Newer studies have shown that some cats crave human social contact just as much as dogs might.

How Can I Stop My Cat From Meowing Too Much?

August 2019

Cats can learn to communicate with us, just as we learn to communicate with them. Cats meow or vocalize to get our attention, or express discomfort or pain.

Continuous Meowing or Vocalization

August 2019

Each cat has their own personality. Some cats are more vocal than others, and most cats can learn to vocalize to communicate with humans.

Cats - Destructive Scratching

August 2019

Cats are loved for their companionship, playfulness, and fun they provide to a home. However, when people and cats live together, some natural feline behaviors can lead to destruction of property and injury to guardians.

Cat Aggression Toward People

August 2019

Aggression is a serious behavioral issue in cats, and unfortunately it is not uncommon. Aggression is a symptom of an underlying problem and always needs to be taken seriously.

Finding Professional Behavioral Help for Cats

August 2019

These days behavioral advice can be only an internet search away, but how do you know you are getting the best advice for your specific situation by a qualified expert?

Cat - Aggression During Play

August 2019

The term "play aggression" can be misleadingas it can lookslike intense playand occur in cats of any age. Cats with play aggression can target other cats, dogs,or even people in the household.

Playing With Your Cat

August 2019

Play isn't just for kittens; adult cats enjoy play too! Play strengthens your bond with your cat and provides them with needed mental stimulation and physical exercise.

Bringing Your New Cat Home

August 2019

Introducing a cat into a new home can be easy or extremely stressful. A cat's normal reaction to a new place can be to run and hide. Others are curious about the new home right away and want to explore as soon as they exit the carrier. If the cat is allowed to adapt to a new environment at her own speed, everything generally works out. Some cats take minutes or hours; other will take days, weeks, or even months to get comfortable. The length of time needed to adjust to a new territory will depend on the cat's temperament, past experiences, and whether there are other animals present. A normal adjustment period usually takes one to two weeks.

Inappropriate Elimination in Cats

August 2019

If your cat is urinating or defecating outside the litter box, we certainly understand your frustration. Luckily, this is a treatable condition in most cases. A medical exam, as well as a few simple changes can help to re-establish proper litter box use.

Litter Box Problems

August 2019

If your cat is urinating or defecating outside the litter box, we certainly understand your frustration. Luckily, this is a treatable condition in most cases. A medical exam, as well as a few simple changes can help to re-establish proper litter box use.

Litter Box Tips

August 2019

If your cat is urinating or defecating outside the litter box, we certainly understand your frustration. Luckily, this is a treatable condition in most cases. A medical exam, as well as a few simple changes can help to re-establish proper litter box use.

Scratching Posts

August 2019

Cats scratch on things for two reasons: to shed their claws and to mark their territory. To save your furniture from damage, you need to provide your cat with a scratching post or two and teach him how to use it.

Urine Marking in Cats

August 2019

If your cat is urinating outside the litter box, we certainly understand your frustration. Luckily, this is a treatable condition in most cases. A medical exam, as well as a few simple changes can help to re-establish proper litter box use.

Keep Them Happy at Home

Rebecca Lohnes, MS, CDBC, ACCBC, Behavior and Training Manager, Lollypop FarmJuly 2019

In this workshop Rebecca Lohnes of Lollypop Farm discusses various strategies and programs aimed at helping to address behavioral issues in the animal's original home before they are relinquished to a shelter. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's^® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

Terrified Tigers and Other Ferocious Felines: Working with Different Cat Personalities

Rebecca Lohnes, MS, CDBC, ACCBC, Behavior and Training Manager, Lollypop FarmJuly 2019

In this presentation, learn about how to work with cats with different personalities and behavioral challenges. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's^® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

Solutions for the Top Five Reasons Dogs are Dying in Shelters

Mike Kaviani, Director, Orange County Animal Care and Aaron Caldwell, Dog Behavior Co-Manager, Austin Pets Alive!March 2019

The presentation will provide you with practical and manageable solutions for the top five reasons dogs are dying and being killed in shelters today.

Saving Dogs with Behavioral Challenges

Aaron Caldwell, Dog Behavior Co-Manager, Austin Pets Alive! and Mike Kaviani, Director, OC Animal CareMarch 2019

Viewers will learn about cutting edge ways to solve non-shelter created behavior problems in shelter dogs.

Housetraining - Building Healthy Elimination Habits

August 1, 2019

With a good plan, your new dog can quickly learn to use the outdoor bathroom area you establish.

Get Your Pit Bull-Type Dogs Adopted with the Canine Good Citizen Program

Carrie MorrisMarch 2018

Through a partnership with Best Friends Animal Society, Austin Pets Alive! embarked on a six-month pilot program to test the effectiveness of Canine Good Citizen Training on adoption rates. The results have been jaw-dropping!

Small Changes, Big Results for Cats

Mike Keiley and Bryn Conklin RogersMarch 2017

Learn how making a few small, easy-to-implement changes can spiral into more programs, lower intake and decrease euthanasia at an open admission adoption center.

Fostering and Socializing Unsocial Kittens

January 2017

The good news is that many unsocialized kittens can learn to not only tolerate interaction with humans but even enjoy it.

Avoiding Dog Fights in the Shelter

Ehren Melius October 2015

Dog-to-dog aggression can be challenging, but there are myriad ways to keep your canines happy and safe.

Getting Big Dogs Out of the Shelter via Canine Good Citizen Training

Marian Cannell and Amy LewisFebruary 2015

Through a partnership with Best Friends Animal Society, Austin Pets Alive! embarked on a six-month pilot program to test the effectiveness of Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Training on adoption rates.  The results have been very good and show a clear adoption rate difference between dogs who undergo training and those who don’t. 

Saving All the Little Dogs: Small Dog Behavior Issues

Faith Wright and Deaven WilsonFebruary 2015

Do you know how many small breed dogs are euthanized in your community shelter?  In Austin, Texas in 2008, it was many more than would have been expected (roughly 500).   Do you know that nearly ALL of them can be saved and although many are marked "aggressive", they rarely are?

Taking Troubled Tabbies from Naughty to Nice

Sara Cookson and Kristin Hill February 2015

Every rescue encounters troubled cats with issues that go beyond tortitude. The Austin Pet's Alive! Cat Behavior Team will teach you how to prevent behavior problems before they start.

Helping Cats Who Hiss and Hide: Pre-Webcast Survey Results

November 2013

On November 14, 2013, Maddie's Fund^® presented the webcast Helping Cats Who Hiss and Hide: Assessment, Behavior Modification and Re-Homing Strategies for Shy and Fearful Cats, with Dr. Sheila D'Arpino, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist. Those who registered for the live webcast filled out a short questionnaire regarding their own experiences with shy and fearful cats.