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Behavior & Training

Welcome to our library of useful behavior training and medical articles. Check back often as we add new articles regularly!

These articles are all in PDF format and require Adobe Reader. If you don't have Reader, you can download it for free here.



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Ask a Trainer

Do you have a pet behavior question or problem you'd like to discuss with one of our behavior trainers?

Submit Questions

Canine behaviors we can help troubleshoot by phone or email:

  • house training
  • basic obedience
  • house manners
  • leash skills
  • crate training

If you have questions that fit the above criteria, you can submit your questions by clicking "submit questions" or call call our Canine Behavior Help Line at 816-986-4461 and leave a voice message. We do our best to reply within 48 hours. 

Behaviors we cannot give advice on the phone or email:

  • aggression (growling, snapping, or biting) towards people or other animals.
  • severe separation anxiety

For assistance with these more concerning issues, please start with a visit to your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical concerns and speak with a certified canine behaviorist. 

 

 

 

Seasonal Tips

Keeping pets cool in the summer

Despite their “fur” coats, domesticated animals like cats and dogs depend on humans for protection from elements such as hot temperatures and humidity. Here are some quick tips to ensure a cool and comfortable summer season.

  1. On days when the heat index reaches the 90's, keep the four-legged family members inside, with shortened bathroom breaks. Always leave cold water within reach in case your pet needs hydration.
  2. Be especially sensitive to older or overweight animals in the hot weather. Snub-nosed dogs such as bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers, Lhasas apsos and shih tzus, as well as those with heart and lung diseases, should be kept cool in air conditioned rooms as much as possible. 
  3. Good grooming can stave off summer skin problems, especially for dogs with heavy coats. Shaving the hair to one-inch length - never down to the skin - which robs your dog of protection from the sun and helps overheating. Cats should be brushed often. 
  4. Never leave your pet alone in a vehicle - heat exhaustion can be fatal. Even with the windows open, a parked car can quickly become a furnace in no time. 
  5. Animals don't know when enough is too much. They can seem happy sitting in the sun, but become overheated quickly. ALWAYS monitor your pet while they are outside.
  6. The right time for playtime is in the cool of the early morning or evening, but never after a meal or when its too humid. 
  7. When the temperature is very high, don't let your dog stand on hot asphalt. His or her body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum. 
  8. Do not apply sunscreen or insect repellent product to your pet that is not labeled specifically for use on animals. Ingestion of sunscreen can result in drooling, diarrhea, excessive thirst, and legarthy. The misuse of insect repellent that contains DEET can lead to neurological problems. As always, consult your veterinarian if you see any of these signs, or suspect your pet is ill. 

 

 

 

 

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