What are the chances shelter staff can tell the difference between friendly and feral cats, even after three days of observation? Around 75 percent.

The ancient Greek word for cat was “ailuro,” which means “tail waver.” Unfortunately, says veterinary behaviorist Dr. Karen Overall, the message of the feline tail, as well as other feline signals have been lost on many modern observers.

Dogs who have an unrecognized fear of noise are at greater risk of developing behavior problems that may result in their surrender to a shelter. Additionally, these dogs may panic and bolt, even overcoming crates, locked doors and other attempts at safe confinement, thus being picked up by animal control agencies, often far from home.

Famed animal behavior expert Karen Pryor, author of the landmark training book Don’t Shoot
the Dog and one of the founders of the clicker training movement, has a simple recipe to turn
down the volume caused by dogs barking in shelters.

A round-up of new and interesting findings from the world of shelter behavior.

What kind of home is right for that dog in your shelter? Is it safe to adopt him into a home with children, cats, other dogs? Is he a dog who might display aggression toward people?

Looking for a way to make a difference in
your shelter’s population of homeless pets?
It may be time to update your thinking
about lost and missing pets.

Shelter dogs who receive just 20 minutes a day of simple training get adopted almost 50 percent more often than untrained dogs.

Adopting a puppy means you’ve added four paws, a wagging tail, and a whole lot of laughter and love to your family. But right after your new addition has put a permanent paw print on your heart, he may start eating the sofa. Did you make a mistake? And what can you do to get your happy home back?

For shelter cats, efforts to reduce stress, watch for behavior changes, get long-term residents into foster homes, and improve adoption performance will pay off in terms of improved animal welfare and lives saved.