Crystal's Animal Behavior Consulting

08/24/2022

Einstein's chillin' like a villain.. can he pull it off?

06/26/2022

Nicholas Alexander, King of the hallway. He liked to claim walkways as 'his' by making others walk around him.

06/25/2022

Lola is enjoying the grass near a playground - learning that kids aren't dangerous should be both fun, and safe.

06/21/2022

Is this seat taken?

06/20/2022

Einstein is always reluctant to get up on a rainy morning

06/18/2022

Pepper is ready for his father's day weekend of R & R

06/12/2022

Einstein is a perfect receptionist, trained at

06/11/2022

My Mr. Pepperoni knows what he wants

05/06/2022

Give treats after a grooming session to help encourage a positive association.

https://bit.ly/3K4RLN9

05/05/2022

When you go to the veterinarian’s office, never put the carrier on the floor. Cats like being high up and feeling more secure. Place the carrier on a bench, chair, table, or even on your lap will help to reduce stress during the visit. Learn more tips like this at https://bit.ly/3ry6tWP.

04/04/2022

This is amazing!!

Fast Delivery Worldwide

03/16/2022

Spring is almost here! Miss Squirrel enjoyed last year's dandelion bloom. This time between winter and spring makes cats anxious, restless and frusterated. Dealing with a frustrated feline?

250-574-0430 Texts welcome

03/05/2022

This is the human equivalent of a stranger running up to you and hugging you. Being friendly does not negate the need for physical space.

As a dog owner and professional dog trainer I feel it’s very important for everyone to understand this ! ~ Dave McMahon 

03/01/2022

Cats can successfully co-habitate if their need for personal space is met.

Cat conflict?

250-574-0430 or [email protected]

02/27/2022

A collaboration with cat behaviorist, Dr. Mikel Delgado! And starring my newly adopted cats: Mambo (black longhaired kitty) and Shimmy (grey & white tuxedo kitty).

02/22/2022

Loud and unpredictable noises like fireworks and horns can frighten animals. If your pet is stressed by noise, try these tips to provide your pet some relief:

02/22/2022

Cat language is subtle, and just the location and position of their body means so much.

12/29/2021

Do you see this too under the bathroom door?

Many pets experience hyper-attachment to a particular person. This may be so extreme that the pet cannot relax when the favorite person isn't around. It seems cute and harmless to have your pet in LOVE with you, but it can cause them quite a bit of distress.

What to do?
Reward your pet for calm, happy behavior when the favorite person isn't around. Try to have this happen at least weekly.
Use strong scented articles of clothing in a pet bed to leave a 'reminder' of the favorite person when they aren't around. This will have to be 'freshened' every few days to keep a strong scent.
Day cares and dog-walking facilities are excellent places to distract dogs when their owner is away.

Start young, and remember, even if it is cute, hyper-attachment is a slippery slope that can lead to mental distress for pets.

12/23/2021

Self care! It's very important to our mental health, and it's important to our animal friends, too. Especially with the hustle and bustle of the holidays, our routines and diets are disrupted. Keep as close to your pet's routine as you can - this is a stressful time for them, and they rely on us to keep their world safe and happy!
Bast is enjoying a brushing session here, which involves more playing with the brush then actual brushing. Enrichment and routine don't have to be complicated.
Have a wonderful holidays, everyone!

12/11/2021

Who's helping with supervising the Christmas wrapping? The holiday season is upon us, and it's important to remember and consider our pets during this stressful time. Make sure that your pet's schedule isn't disrupted too severely this Christmas, and be sure to provide them with plenty of enrichment items to help mitigate all of the holiday stress. Cardboard boxes, snowballs, KONG toys, wrapping paper (without ribbons), and paper bags are all delightful toys. Have fun! Reach out to me if your pet is struggling this holiday season @ 250-764-4143

11/23/2021

Separation anxiety is not a new problem - many pets, both dogs and cats, feel anxious when their humans leave for the day. Sometimes dogs won't eat or drink, and sometimes animals destroy property to try and dissipate the anxiety. We can help build good coping skills by not making a big deal about coming or leaving the house. Comforting when you leave, and celebrating when you come home are normal human behaviors, but they send the message to our pets that we are worried about leaving them, too. Be a strong leader and ignore your pet for a few minutes before leaving and a few minutes when coming home.

11/17/2021

Enrichment is such an important element of both human and animal mental health - it prevents boredom, and decreases anxiety and stress. Most of us feed animals from a bowl, but our cats and dogs have evolved to be hunters, and that instinct is still strong. Feeding puzzles are available for both cats and dogs, but something like an egg carton or a ice-cube tray can substitute. Be creative! Play kibble hide-and-seek, or have a training session or game of catch. Stimulate their brains, and you'll find the bond you have with your pet will deepen.

11/04/2021

Whenever you're training a new behavior, such as being comfortable alone, or desensitization to crowds, sounds, or other overwhelming things, short trials are better than a marathon. Just like other skills, short bursts of stressful situations, followed by a pleasant, relaxing experience, will help your pet learn that being alone or in a crowd won't be forever, and that they CAN tolerate the discomfort. Emotional resilience is important for everyone, even our furry friends. Start small, praise success, and watch the bond between you and your furry friend deepen.

10/26/2021

Music can soothe the soul! Leave relaxing music playing when you leave the home, like sounds or music your animal is used to. TV noise, or relaxing sounds of nature, or classical music have all been proven to reduce stress and promote calm behavior in animals and humans. Play the music when you're having a nice, relaxing petting session to give it extra value and meaning to your pet. Sometimes, the simple things can make a big difference!

10/21/2021

The keys to calm behavior for cats and dogs is very similar to humans, and one of the most important is EXERCISE: Be sure to exercise your pet or take them on a walk so they burn off extra energy! Playing ball in the yard, or for cats, trailing a string around releases feel-good hormones and energy, and makes for a content, calm pet (or person). Call me at 250-764-4143 for problems with anxious pets

10/13/2021

It's been a lot of learning, but I have finally achieved the title of certified Nutrition Advisor by Royal Canin! Thank you to Lakeshore Animal Clinic for all of your support. You can find me in clinic if you'd like to test my knowledge.

10/07/2021

This is the barking spot. This is spot that Einstein observes the street outside, and barks at anything he deems threatening.
Many people can point out their dogs' barking spots, too. This is an example of normal dog behaviour that doesn't always work well with our human lives - excessive barking can be disruptive to neighbours and annoying for owners. What to do?
First, discourage sitting at the barking spot - find an activity that's rewarding and time consuming, like chewing a bone, hide and seek, and set these to a routine, like a 'coffee break'. Giving dogs something to break up the day, and anticipate, will distract them from sentry duty. Second, if the barking is happening, take a time out and engage them in a play session. Punishing the barking doesn't work well - dogs will sometimes think your yelling and displeasure is directed at the barking target, not themselves!

08/26/2021

​Cats have evolved to try and conceal when they are sick. Watch for these signs and call your vet if you're not sure.