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Dogs + Behavior & Training

  • Barking is a normal and natural behavior for dogs. Underlying physical and behavioral illnesses can trigger barking. Many types of barking can be prevented by ensuring your dog’s needs are met, and by using positive reinforcement to train desired behaviors. This handout provides example scenarios and sample training plans using the ABC method.

  • The Basenji may be the most un-doglike dog on our planet. He does not bark, cleans himself in a manner similar to that of a cat, is a good climber, and is relatively independent.

  • Despite its droopy visage, the joyful Basset Hound is a good-natured, loving dog that plays well with children and is happy most of the time with everyone in its family, including the cat.

  • The Beagle is a sociable, easy-going individual who enjoys meeting anyone and everyone – especially children and other dogs. That said, the breed does have an independent streak, and any self-respecting Beagle is inevitably at the mercy of his nose.

  • The Bearded Collie just loves life. He is an active, shaggy dog with an effervescent personality, always ready to join his people in any activity.

  • The Beauceron is alert, courageous, and loyal, making him an ideal family guardian. He's also eager to please and extremely intelligent, gifted at any task involving learning, memory, and reasoning.

  • Anyone can see why the Bedlington Terrier is called the "little lamb dog." That gentle manner, that lamb-soft coat, those tasseled ears... adorably affectionate and sweet, the Bedlington is the perfect combination of a loving and devoted family pet and a fiery, brave-hearted terrier that can run like the wind on the hunt or defend himself with lion-like courage if provoked.

  • Dogs and cats use aggressive signals to communicate and can often do this without causing injury. It is important to learn to recognize subtle signals to prevent an escalation of aggression. Some aggression reflects underlying medical and behavioral illness. Any aggressive behavior in dogs and cats should be assessed to determine the cause and establish a safety protocol. Aggressive behavior in dogs and cats can lead to serious injury to people and other pets.

  • Many behavioral concerns reflect normal behavior and can be resolved with simple training. Other behaviors reflect behavioral abnormalities or may have underlying medical or physical causes. A veterinary behaviorist is trained to assess and treat both normal and abnormal behaviors and can identify medical conditions that can affect behavior. An accurate assessment from the start can improve the outcome.

  • There is a wide range of non-pharmaceutical products designed to improve a pet's behavior. There is little oversight for many of these products which means that any given product may not work for your pet. Ask your veterinarian before using any over-the-counter product for your pet. The label “natural” does not guarantee a product is safe to use in dogs and cats.