Behavior Resources for Adopted Pets

Meeting your dog’s needs should include plenty of outlets for them to practice species-typical behaviors.

Dogs who are anxious or stressed when left alone can exhibit a variety of challenging behaviors.

Like any other behavior, a dog needs to learn how to settle comfortably in a crate, should you decide to use one.

Good leadership and direction is important to set your dog up for success.

Helping them become more comfortable and confident in their bubble, and watching them learn to explore the world as they expand that bubble is an experience that makes it all worth it.

“High arousal” is a term to describe a dog that gets over-excited and exhibits behaviors like jumping, mouthing (grabbing your body or clothing with their mouth), humping, raking with their front claws etc.

If you are thinking of having a multi-species home, choose your companions thoughtfully and do introductions carefully, positively and slowly.

Selecting a trainer for your dog is one of the most important decisions you will make for them. It can also be one of the most confusing.

To help a dog who exhibits these behaviors successfully navigate the world, it’s important to meet them where they are by having realistic expectations for what life with them might look like, managing their environment to help them be as successful as possible, and teaching them alternative behaviors to growling, barking, and lunging when they see the same exciting or stressful stimulus.

Whether you are introducing a new dog into your family with children, or welcoming a new baby into a home with an existing dog or dogs, there are some key principles to take into account to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort.

Having a multi-dog household can be enriching for both the dogs and the humans in the family, but it requires diligent planning and management to ensure that everyone can live together in harmony.

The goal of this procedure is not for your dog to walk perfectly at your side, but rather to walk on a loose leash and still be allowed to explore the environment politely.