Can food time be play time for shelter dogs? Not only can it, but it’s better that way! That’s just one of the enrichment tips shared by Rebecca Lohnes, Lollypop Farm’s behavior and training manager, at the 2015 Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference. In her presentation, she demonstrated how positive reinforcement training and enrichment exercises reduce… Learn More
Are dogs and cats in shelters developing health and behavior problems because of stress? And does that make adoption more difficult and less likely for those pets? Yes, says board certified veterinary behaviorist Dr. Sheila D’Arpino. On January 14 and February 4, 2016, she’ll be presenting free webcasts on how stress is sabotaging your pet… Learn More
Foster homes can provide a valuable safe harbor for stressed, fearful, or anxious shelter pets, as well as a place where they can learn behaviors that will maximize their chances for successful adoption into a permanent home. For that to happen, however, the foster family must also provide appropriate support for the easing of fears… Learn More
Housing dogs who show aggression to other dogs can be challenging for shelters and rescue groups, particularly in terms of ensuring they get ample exercise and enrichment. Do you know what to do if a dog fight breaks out at your shelter? Ehren Melius oversees all aspects of emergency sheltering for the ASPCA’s Field Investigations… Learn More
The best way to help any cat entering an animal shelter will depend on the cat. Unfortunately, it can be difficult for many shelter workers to tell the difference between a cat who is a social animal, used to humans, but severely stressed out or afraid, and a truly feral cat. Sara L. Bennett, DVM,… Learn More
Want to share the peanut butter love with your favorite dog during Peanut Butter Lovers Month? The dog lovers at Maddie’s Fund® have you covered! The first two come from Kim, our Maddie’s® Adoption Program Manager. “Kongs stuffed with peanut butter and plain Cheerios are a delicious treat for dogs,” she said. “If they get… Learn More
Sometimes it’s just a case of catitude. And sometimes cats have genuine behavior problems. What can shelters and rescue groups do to help them? In a recent presentation at the 2015 American Pets Alive! No Kill Conference, the Austin Pet’s Alive! Cat Behavior Team tackled how to prevent feline behavior problems before they start, ensure… Learn More
It’s a stickily delicious solution to a lot of common dog challenges, and it’s being celebrated during National Peanut Butter Lovers Month! Peanut butter can help relieve stress in shelter dogs, keep dogs in homes occupied and happy, and distract dogs from frightening or disruptive situations. And of course, it can be made into a… Learn More
Can a dog who’s had something terrible happen to her not only try to protect herself from that same thing happening in the future, but the other dogs she lives with, too? She can if she’s Casey the Wonderdog! Being in humane work for the past 36 years, I’ve had the pleasure of sharing my… Learn More
Cats who receive positive attention from human caretakers while in animal shelters exhibit fewer signs of stress and a lower incidence of upper respiratory disease than cats who don’t. These results, reported in the October 2015 issue of the peer-reviewed journal Preventive Veterinary Medicine, are consistent with the authors’ earlier study on petting shelter cats,… Learn More