Many common behavior problems
in dogs and cats (and other pets) can be solved with a little detective work and an understanding of how these animals learn.
It’s not uncommon for owners to attribute an animal’s behavior problem to the pet being “dominant,” “jealous,” or
“spiteful”; however, in actuality, the behavior issues usually stem from miscommunication between the owner and the animal.
Remember, animals don’t understand the human spoken language, and placing human emotions (such as jealousy) on animals often results
in further miscommunication and more behavior problems.
To learn more about specific behavior issues such as dogs barking, cats not using the litterbox, or birds biting, click on the logo below to go to the Behavior Help Sheets of the Larimer Humane Society.
Please note that some behavior problems (especially if the occurrence is sudden) may be the result of an underlying medical condition. Please have your pet assessed by your veterinarian. Also, the behavior help sheets are not designed as a “cure-all” for behavior problems; they’re merely a starting point. We recommend a consultation with a certified dog trainer or animal behaviorist for further guidance.
