Why should I make my pet work for its food? Most animals are genetically wired to spend a certain amount of time on activities that meet their requirements for survival. For most domestic pets, particularly dogs and cats, these requirements include opportunities to play, explore their environment, rest, socialize, acquire and eat food, and eliminate. Normally, opportunities for sexual activity …
House Training Your Puppy
How long will it take to housetrain my puppy? All it requires are a few basic rules to house-train puppies within a short amount of time, sometimes as little as a few days to a few weeks. This does not mean that the puppy will be able to be trusted to wander throughout the home without eliminating. What the puppy …
Collar and Harness Options for Dogs
There are many types of collars and harnesses that are used for restraining or training dogs, ranging from simple strap/ buckle collars to head halters; in the case of collars and harnesses, one size (or type) does not fit all. “Functionality, comfort and safety should be the prime considerations in any choice.” Functionality, comfort and safety should be the prime …
Canine Communication – Interpreting Dog Language
Dog communication uses most of the senses, including smells, sounds and visual cues. Pheromones, glandular secretions, barks, whines, yips, growls, body postures, etc., all serve as effective means of communication between dogs. Unlike in people, canine body postures and olfactory (scent) cues are significant components of dog language and vocal communications are less significant. People are listeners; dogs are watchers. …
Canine Cognition: How Smart Are Dogs?
What is cognition? According to the Merriam and Webster Dictionary, cognition is defined as conscious mental activities: the activities of thinking, understanding, learning, and remembering. How do we know what dogs can learn, think, understand and remember? You may think that your dog is brilliant. Perhaps he fetches your shoes and can bring the sneakers or the flip flops by …
Do I Need a Trainer or a Behaviorist?
Waving a magic wand won’t produce a terrific dog. A well-behaved dog is a product of genetics, training, and a loving home. For the training part, pet owners often seek outside help. There are many people who work in this field, so here is a simplified list of canine behavior professionals. What is a Dog Trainer? Dog trainers are known …
Finding a Dog Trainer or Dog Behavior Professional: Questions to Ask
There are currently no licensing, education or experience requirements for someone to call themselves a dog behavior professional, so it is important for you to be a knowledgeable consumer when selecting an appropriate professional. Many individuals who use the title “behaviorist” or “dog psychologist” have no educational experience that merits this designation. Trainers are typically individuals who understand basic learning …
Recommended Professional Dog Trainers
– Revised March 2025 – This page contains contact information for dog trainers in the St. Louis and Metro East areas. These trainers have all worked with the Humane Society of Missouri and utilize effective, humane methods that make training fun. Many hold multiple certifications with a variety of organizations. For serious problems such as aggression, always contact your veterinarian …
Use of Dominance Theory in Behavior Modification of Animals
AVSAB is concerned with the recent re-emergence of dominance theory and forcing dogs and other animals into submission as a means of preventing and correcting behavior problems. For decades, some traditional animal training has relied on dominance theory and has assumedthat animals misbehave primarily because they are striving for higher rank. This idea often leads trainers to believe that force or …
