“Contrived” vs. “Natural” Reinforcers – A Critical Look
We recently saw an article on a blog about the use of negative reinforcement (www.EileenAndDogs.com – http://eileenanddogs.com/2015/07/30/natural-vs-contrived-negative-reinforcement/). One of the main points of the article seemed to be that “natural” negative reinforcement was acceptable, and didn’t cause harm or problems for dogs, while “contrived” reinforcement was to be avoided. The article started by quoting…
Preventing Re-Directed Aggression Among Cats
Redirected aggression problems between cats that have previously lived together amicably is a problem we see fairly often. One case involved two female Siamese littermates who had been best friends and playmates for 2 ½ years. Subsequent to a visit to the veterinarian, both cats began hissing and growling at one another, with one cat…
Snappy Trainers – the original returns!
What is it? The Snappy Trainer is an effective training device, often used in multiples, to correct a large variety of unwanted behaviors. Since the owner can’t always be at the scene of the "crime", the Snappy Trainer is the perfect training aid. How does it work? The Snappy Trainers are set and placed on…
Behavior Genetics, Breed Bans, and Getting the Facts Straight
We read an article in the Denver Post last winter, an Op-Ed piece by Krista Kafer, with a title of “End bans on specific dog breeds”. In the article, she admonishes the town of Breckenridge, which was considering a breed ban at the time, to “keep a few facts in mind”. She then goes on…
Dog Bites and Human Expectations
Here in Arizona, where we now spend the winters, we’ve read about two serious attacks by dogs on people. One was fatal, the other resulted in permanent disfigurement of a four year old little boy. The dog responsible for the fatal attack was euthanized, while the fate of the dog that maimed the child is…
Introducing CAAB Chats
Ever wished you could be a fly on the wall when behaviorists get together and talk shop? Wonder what they think of the latest research, the most current behavior modification or training protocol, or how they educate clients who’ve been exposed to too much behavior nonsense on the web and on TV? Have you been…
What You Don’t Know About Pain in Animals Can Hurt
Consider the Following: An unpublished Banfield study revealed a large proportion of dog and cat owners surveyed (1000 each) aren’t aware that changes in elimination, exercise tolerance, or eating and drinking habits could be signs of disease (JAVMA 2013, 243 (7): 952). Pet owners don’t want their animals to suffer chronic pain, yet few recognize…
Cortisol Vacations For Our Pets?
We recently ran across a blog post by a trainer titled “The Cortisol Vacation.” She was writing about the dangers of chronic stress in dogs and how best to handle it. She pointed out that when dogs become distressed, an adrenal hormone, cortisol, is released. To handle chronic stress, she says, we should first…
Does City Living Stress Dogs Out?
It may be harder to be a dog today than at most any other time throughout the 15,000 years dogs have lived with humans. If that sounds like a surprising statement, let us tell you about a recent experience that led us to arrive at that opinion. We visited Suzanne’s cousin and his family, who…
Celebrating Adopt A Cat Month
June has been Adopt-A-Cat Month – and we almost did. But after visiting a beautiful Siamese mix who needed a home, and a tearful conversation between the two of us, we decided the time just wasn’t right. This is about the third time we’ve come to that conclusion since losing our great Buffett cat a…