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Fears & Phobias in Dogs
Jun. 2, 2025
There are many reasons why your dog may be fearful. Learn ways that you can help your dog get over these fears, and what you can do to prevent additional fears.
Crate Training
May. 21, 2025
Crate training is one of the most effective ways to help your pet learn good behavior while keeping them safe. Whether you’ve welcomed a new puppy or adopted an adult dog, a crate can be a valuable tool to set your pet up for success, and with the right approach, crates can become a cozy, safe space for your pet.
Housetraining Your Dog
May. 21, 2025
This method of housetraining is focused on preventing “accidents” instead of waiting for the accidents to happen. The goal is to make it easy for the puppy to do the right thing in the first place. If you already own an adult dog with housetraining problems, you can use this method to start fresh just as you would with a puppy.
Separation Anxiety
May. 21, 2025
Separation anxiety describes dogs that are overly attached or dependent on family members. They become extremely anxious and show distress behaviors of vocalization, destruction, house-soiling or inactivity when separated from the owners. This article covers ways that you can help your pet with this stressful behavior.
Clicker Training Your Dog
May. 21, 2025
Clicker training incorporates a marker (the click) to communicate with the learner that they performed what the trainer was looking for at the very instant the behavior was performed. The “click” signifies to the learner that a reward will be coming. Since dogs don’t speak human (and we don’t speak dog), using a clicker will help to bridge the communication gap.
Introducing Your Dog to a New Dog
May. 21, 2025
Adding another dog to your household can bring you and your current dog more fun and companionship. In the long run, things will probably work out fabulously, but in the beginning it’s a very smart idea to take a few extra steps to make everyone feel good about the new arrangement. This article provides some guidelines for making smooth and safe introductions and ensuring that your dogs’ relationship gets off to a great start.
Preventing and Avoiding Bites
May. 21, 2025
Any dog can bite, regardless of its personality, size, age or breed. According to the American Veterinary Association, 4.5 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs each year. There are ways to reduce the risk of dog bites, though, including learning how to interact with dogs you don’t know and practicing responsible dog ownership to help lessen the chances your own dog will bite.
Resource Guarding
May. 21, 2025
Resource guarding is a fairly common canine behavior issue, and can be among the most serious of behavior problems if it is not managed properly. In the wild, resources are scarce, and wild dogs learned to guard their food, shelter, and other resources from other animals in their environment.
Positive Reinforcement and Rewarding
May. 21, 2025
The best way to train your pet is through the proper use of positive reinforcement / rewards. You need to understand when and how to use them and what will happen if they are improperly used. With training you want your pet to “learn” the desired task and/or behavior.
Cats and Houseplants
May. 14, 2025
Plants add the needed finishing touches to any decor. But, if you have a feline that beautiful plant could become a deadly enemy.
The Litterbox
May. 14, 2025
Is your cat having litterbox problems? Cats may use their litterbox for years and then stop using it for no apparent reason. Most likely there IS a reason they have stopped, and to fix the problem, you will need to figure out what the reason is.
How to Get Some Sleep… and Keep Your Cat
May. 14, 2025
Are you having problems getting some Z’s with your new cat. Here are a few tips to help you get some shut-eye.
Introducing Dogs and Cats
May. 14, 2025
Introducing a new cat to an established canine household or a new dog to an established feline household can be a bit touchy. Use these tips to help establish a relationship that will last for years to come.
Introducing your Cat to Other Cats
May. 14, 2025
Introducing your new cat to your other pets at home can be a tricky process. However, it is one of the most important things to do correctly with your cat or kitten. Here are some hints to ease the change.
Myths About Cats
May. 14, 2025
There are many unfortunate myths about cats still floating around. Read this article for explanations of many of the most common myths.
Traveling with Your Cat
May. 14, 2025
Traveling with your cat may seem daunting, but it can be done! Here are a few things you can do to ensure the safety and well being of your cat when traveling.
Your Vocal Cat
May. 14, 2025
Vocalizing is one way for your cat to communicate with you and with other animals. Some cats “talk” more than others, here are some common reasons why your cat may be talking to you!
Found Kittens? Don’t Kit-nap!
Mar. 4, 2025
Did you find kittens outside? Use this chart to help you determine the next steps you should take.
Indoor Cats – What Do They Miss
Jan. 6, 2025
The list of benefits for indoor cats is long! If you’re on the fence, read more to make an informed decision.
Enrichment for Indoor Cats
Nov. 28, 2022
There are many ways to enrich the life of your indoor cat. Keeping in mind that every cat is an individual, spend some time discovering what your feline particularly enjoys.
Here are some ideas, products and objects that you may consider to enrich your cat’s daily life!
Resolving Conflict Between Cats
Nov. 28, 2022
Multiple cat households are common and keeping the peace is important for the emotional well-being of all cats in the home.
Adopting a Cat from a Hoarding Situation
Nov. 17, 2022
Cats that come from hoarding situations have spent most of their lives with other cats and many times have had very little contact with people. They can be fearful in new situations, however with time, patience, and positive reinforcement techniques these cats can become a part of the family.
Prong Collars, E-Collars, and Choke Chains, OH MY!
Sep. 7, 2021
Using the proper collar and leash is essential for creating an enjoyable experience for your dog, and you, whether attending events, going on their daily walk or exploring new territory! Prong collars, e-collars, and choke chains increase a dog’s discomfort level in their throat area when pressure or shock is applied, or emotionally since the dog may not understand why it’s happening.
Does Your Cat Need Heartworm Prevention?
Apr. 7, 2021
April has arrived and with it comes sunshine, warmer temperatures, and unfortunately, insects. Keeping your cats safe from some of the worst pests, like fleas and ticks, is normally a no brainer, but what about heartworms?
Steps to Take Now to Help Prevent Losing Your Pet
Mar. 10, 2021
Millions of pets go missing every year and can take days, months, or even years to be reunited with their family. Don’t let this happen to you! Take the steps below to keep your pet safe and give them the best chance to be reunited with you should they get out.
How to Prepare Your Dog for Your Return to Work
Feb. 10, 2021
We talked to our Behavior Experts at the ARL to find out how to recognize separation anxiety in dogs and how to best prep your pooch for your new work schedule.
Managing Rough Play
Dec. 15, 2020
Play-motivated aggressive behaviors are common in young, active cats less than two years of age, and in cats that live in one-cat households. Learn ways to discourage unwanted behavior and encourage wanted behavior.
Cats and Christmas Trees
Dec. 7, 2020
Tips from the ARL of Iowa on how to keep your cat from being a scrooge and keeping your Christmas tree up longer!
Cats and Babies
Jan. 23, 2018
When a new baby is coming into the family, you can do things to prepare the cat for this so that the cat can more easily adjust to having a new family member around.
Creating and Maintaining a Bond with Your Dog
Jan. 23, 2018
ou have just come home from the Animal Rescue League with the cutest puppy or most beautiful dog in the world. You want this dog to be Lassie, Rin Tin Tin and Benji, all rolled into one great dog. How do you get there from here?
Felines Need Friends Too!
Jan. 23, 2018
Your feline friends could benefit from having another cat-friend around!
Is Your Cat Vocal?
Oct. 24, 2017
Vocalizing is one way for your cat to communicate with you and with other animals. Some cats “talk” more than others, here are some common reasons why your cat may be talking to you!
























