Behavior

Dr. Benjamin Hart discusses a problem commonly encountered by practitioners--fighting between a client's dogs. Dr. Hart considers one potential cause of this problem: the owner inadvertently undermines the pack hierarchy. He describes a method for quick resolution of aggression between two normal dogs whose owner has created instability and aggression by interfering with the social order. His advice: Show the dogs that you reinforce the same social hierarchy they do. Keep in mind that there are various causes of interdog aggression and that other causes will require different interventions.

Using two-inch standard binder clips to induce pressure on the neck, just behind the ear, the researchers obtained positive results.

National Report -- A new genetic finding could help identify dogs at risk for compulsive disorder.

London, England -- A tour of the United Kingdom by Cesar Millan next year has prompted several U.K. animal welfare, behavior and training organizations to band together for a campaign that warns of possible dangers associated with some of Millan's training techniques.

Caring for young can trigger development of new neurons.

In this video, Drs. Lynette and Benjamin Hart discuss how they were inspired to research behavior in Asian elephants and what they've learned.

Behavior problems are often difficult for veterinarians to successfully treat and can cause owners endless frustration.

Veterinarians with extensive experience discuss the risks versus the benefits of early puppy socialization in a roundtable format.

Fearful and anxious pets require a gentle approach by you and your staff to minimize and hopefully reduce the pet's fear and prevent escalation. Test yourself against the advice of two skilled veterinarians, and see if you and your team members are doing all you can to increase safety for veterinary personnel and owners and enhance dogs' emotional well being in your exam room.

Canine behavior problems can be a real challenge to correct, but with a little forethought and the right information, owners can easily prevent most common problems.

Fear aggression is triggered by a stimulus that appears threatening to the dog.

Housesoiling is the most common behavior problem for which cat owners seek help.

Feline behavior problems can be a real challenge to correct, but with a little forethought and the right information, owners can easily prevent most common problems.

The diagnosis involves collecting historical information about the pet that reveals hyper-attachment to the owner, anxiety at the time of the owner's departure and owner-absent behavior problems for which other medical and behavioral causes have been ruled out.

Fears and phobias may be due to a pet's genetics, learned from an unpleasant experience or result from inadequate socialization.

One of the most crucial steps in working up a dog aggression case is assessing the danger inherent in the situation.

Canine behavior problems can be a real challenge to correct, but with a little forethought and the right information, owners can easily prevent most common problems.

Fractious cats are an inevitable part of small animal practice.

A practical guide to canine aggression.

A practical guide to feline human-directed aggression.

A guide to understanding the behavior of pet rabbits

A practical guide to choosing the right benzodiazepine for your patient.

A practical guide to dealing with pet behavior problems

A practical guide to treating storm phobia.

A practical guide to choosing the right serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors

A practical guide to diagnosing and treating intercat aggression

A practical guide to feline social organization and communication.

The most common behavior problem of cats is inappropriate elimination (IE).

Fearful and anxious pets require a gentle approach in the clinic or hospital, to minimize and hopefully reduce the pet's fear and prevent escalation.

Use shower curtains to keep caged animals anxiety levels low.