Problem Behaviors (barking, scratching, aggression)

We’ve all been there: it’s 3:00 AM, and your cat is performing a dramatic solo at your bedroom door. While meowing is a primary way our feline friends communicate with humans, excessive cat meowing can quickly turn from “cute conversation” to a stressful household problem. In our years of working with feline behavior, we’ve found […]

Dog jumping up on people is one of the most common and annoying problem behaviors. While your dog sees it as an enthusiastic, attention-seeking greeting, your guests may see mud, torn clothing, or a safety hazard. The reason your dog jumps is simple: it works. They jump up, and they immediately receive attention—even if that

Cat scratching furniture is not an act of spite; it’s an essential, natural behavior driven by three core needs: maintenance, marking, and stretching. If your cat is tearing up your sofa, it simply means you haven’t yet provided an alternative surface that is more appealing than your upholstery. The key to solving this problem is

Chewing is a natural, necessary, and healthy behavior for dogs. It relieves stress, keeps jaws strong, and aids in dental hygiene. However, when it focuses on your sofa, shoes, or drywall, it becomes destructive chewing. The key to success is understanding why your dog is chewing and using targeted chewing solutions dogs to redirect dog

Dog counter surfing—the act of a dog using its paws or mouth to steal food or items from kitchen countertops—is a behavior that is deeply frustrating for owners. This behavior, often called dog food stealing, is highly self-rewarding: your dog gets a delicious prize (food!), which makes the behavior stronger every single time. To successfully

Aggression is a complex, often terrifying behavior in cats, ranging from playful nips to full-fledged attacks involving biting, scratching, hissing, and swatting. If you are dealing with a cat that seems unpredictably volatile or exhibits regular cat aggression towards humans, it is a serious issue that requires intervention. Successfully implementing aggressive cat training requires understanding

Few things are as frustrating for a cat owner as discovering a puddle outside the litter box. If you’ve asked, “Why does my cat pee outside box?” you’re not alone. This behavior, known as inappropriate cat urination, is the number one reason cats are surrendered to shelters. It’s crucial to understand that your cat isn’t

Dog separation anxiety (SA) is one of the most challenging behavioral issues dog owners face. It’s more than just a dog missing its owner; it’s a genuine panic disorder that occurs when a dog is left alone. The frantic behaviors—like destruction, barking, and house-soiling—are not acts of defiance, but signs of extreme distress. Successfully managing

Excessive barking dogs are a common source of stress for owners and neighbors alike. Barking is a normal form of canine communication, but when it becomes constant, it’s a sign that your dog is over-stimulated, anxious, or bored. The good news is that with consistent quiet dog training and a bit of detective work into

“Managing Excessive Dog Barking: Causes & Solutions,” “Dealing with Cat Aggression Towards Other Pets,” “Understanding & Addressing Resource Guarding in Dogs.” Our beloved dogs and cats bring immense joy, but sometimes, their natural instincts can manifest as challenging problem behaviors. From incessant barking that strains neighborly relations to intense feline spats and possessive doggy habits,