Resources
Behavior Challenges: Resource Guarding
You may have been told to never disturb a pet while they are eating — this is great advice! It’s natural for animals to want to safeguard a limited resource like food, so this is when we most commonly see resource guarding behaviors.
Behavior Challenges: Separation Anxiety
When a dog who suffers from separation anxiety is left alone, they experience fear and panic.
Body Language Resources
Learn about pet body language and what it can tell you about how they are feeling.
Declawing Cats
Declawing is a medical procedure to amputate each toe at the first joint (third phalanx bone). The medical term for declawing is onychectomy. Many people believe it’s the equivalent of cutting our fingernails, but this is not the case.
Dog and Cat Trainer Directory
San Diego Humane Society is pleased to share this directory of known Positive Reinforcement (R+) trainers from primarily around San Diego County and surrounding areas.
Dog Parks: To Go or Not to Go
Dog parks provide an off-leash space where your companion can get exercise and socialize with other dogs and people. For dogs who truly enjoy exposure to new people, dogs, and environments, dog parks can go a long way towards enriching their lives and providing fulfilling experiences.
Enrichment: Indoor Activities
Pets greatly benefit from enrichment, which is defined as an opportunity to engage in species-specific behaviors that meet an animal’s needs in the wild.
Enrichment: Kong Stuffing Pointers
Dogs are naturally inclined to hunt for their food, so they often enjoy being challenged by the process of finding and gathering food!
Enrichment: Outdoor Activities and Dog Sports
There are lots of activities you can do with your pet to provide them with the mental and physical exercise they need. Allowing your pet to do natural activities like digging, chewing, chasing and searching in a safe and appropriate way is incredibly beneficial!
Exercising With Your Dog
Exercise helps you stay healthy and active — and also yields a multitude of benefits for your pup too! Exercising with your dog helps them maintain a healthy weight, keeps their joints and muscles strong and improves their cardiovascular system.
Five Steps to Solve Behavior Issues
If you’re struggling with behaviors like destructive chewing, excessive barking or pulling on the leash, this guide will help you navigate these and other common behavior challenges with patience, positivity and a better understanding of your dog’s point of view!
Introducing Cats
Welcoming a new cat into your family home? Here’s how to make the introduction to your resident cat as smooth as possible!