Pet Behavior Change

09/12/2024

Sharing this post on behalf of Dylan B. of Roanoke, who is looking for a new home for his dog, Valkyrie.

Dylan writes, "Val is a 5 year old pit bull, would need to be a single pet household, loves to go on walks and loves to follow her humans around where ever they go. She will over eat so portioning will need to be taken into account when feeding, and one of my non negotiables is that she must be allowed to be on the couch during the day and bed at night."

If interested or for more information, please text Dylan at (540) 467-3088.

02/21/2024

02/13/2024

07/28/2023

Such a great idea!

05/10/2023

Dogs all over England are smiling today. As of Feb 1st 2024 remote electric (shock) collars will be banned in England. Thank you to everyone who campaigned for 10 years to get this done! The dogs thank you!
https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/media-centre/2023/april/cruel-electric-shock-collars-banned-in-england/

03/04/2023

A reward-based approach is the best way to deal with behaviour issues in dogs. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior recommends the use of reward-based methods for behaviour issues as well as for basic manners. In their position statement on humane dog training, they review the evidence and explain why reward-based methods are best. They say, "Reward-based learning offers the most advantages and least harm to the learner's welfare. Research supports the efficacy of reward-based training to address unwanted and challenging behaviours. There is no evidence that aversive training is necessary for dog training or behavior modification." You can download their full statement on their website:https://avsab.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/AVSAB-Humane-Dog-Training-Position-Statement-2021.pdf

11/01/2022

Great work, Allison and Freddie!

Dr. Maxwell,

Wanted to touch base and share a happy success story. If you recall, Freddie had a terrible time with brushing/grooming in general. I'm happy to report that yesterday we had a full brushing session (approx 15 minutes), and he did not try to bite me or the brush one time!

Thank you so much for your help earlier this year, it has made such a difference!

Best,
Allison

09/22/2022

Sasha Protopopova with the UBC Animal Welfare Program is seeking applications for two graduate positions in Welfare of Companion Dogs in Commercial Breeding Contexts & Behaviour and Welfare of Rabbits. The preferred start date for these positions is January 2023; however, this may be flexible with the right candidate. There are options for pursuing either a MSc or PhD within these topic areas. For more information, and for instructions on how to apply, visit: https://awp.landfood.ubc.ca/2022/08/24/two-graduate-positions-available-welfare-of-companion-dogs-in-commercial-breeding-contexts-behaviour-and-welfare-of-rabbits/

09/16/2022

Puppies learn through the same processes as you—classical and operant conditioning! ⁠
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Classical conditioning involves creating associations between events and experiences. For example, if your puppy has a great experience when they interact with children, they will likely learn that kids are a source of rich, positive experiences and will likely seek them out in the future. ⁠
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Conversely, if a puppy has an unpleasant experience when they interact with kids, they will learn that kids are a source of painful or unpleasant experiences and will likely begin avoiding kids. The same can be said for veterinarians, other dogs, cats, thunderstorms, cars, new parks, or stores…the list could go on! ⁠
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Operant conditioning is the process by which future behavior changes because of what is applied or removed following a behavior—in other words, consequences. Future behavior is either strengthened or weakened. When behavior is strengthened it has been reinforced. When a behavior weakens it has been punished. ⁠
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For example, consider your puppy jumping and receiving petting. If jumping increases in the future, petting has served as a reinforcer for jumping. If jumping doesn’t increase in the future, the petting did not serve as a reinforcer. ⁠
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Alternatively, consider your puppy chasing a bee and getting stung in the process. If chasing bees decreases because of the sting, the chasing has been punished by the sting. If chasing doesn’t decrease, the sting cannot be considered a punisher because it did not have that effect on behavior. ⁠
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Questions on how your puppy learns? Comment below or read our latest blog post for more info!

https://beyondthedogtraining.com/puppy-training/how-puppies-learn/

09/04/2022

Paisley struggled with on-leash greetings with other dogs. After a few sessions with Dr. Woof and consistent work with her owner, Paisley is now able to greet other dogs and become friends! Great job, Paisley!

08/22/2022

06/17/2022

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-stop-cats-pooping-plants_l_62a37542e4b04a61734e66dc

Is your cat using your houseplants as their new litter box? Here are the handy items that will deter this behavior.

06/03/2022

03/28/2022

Hello Dr. Maxwell,

I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to share a little success we had with Ernie today... As you know, we've been considering adopting a second dog. Today, we took him to meet a puppy from the Franklin County Humane Society. We used all the tricks we learned from you, and he did perfectly: he didn't react at all to the puppy or its two humans who were new to him! He even begged the people for pets, and happily let the puppy crawl all over him. We feel so lucky to have worked with you; Ernie's world is opening up in a way we couldn't have imagined when we met you last spring. Hopefully, he'll have a sibling to play with in the coming weeks. Thank you for everything!

Very best,
Sydney

03/24/2022

What could be better than a precious puppy posing for pics? TWO precious puppies, playing the mirror game!

Thank you to the Roanoke Valley SPCA for bringing this brother and sister into our family/friend circle. They will be very well loved!

12/06/2021

My own dogs, Amelia and Thunder, shared a pillow tonight as we decorated our tree. We call them our two-headed monster, with great affection, because they're never apart.

Happy Holidays! 🎄 🐶

~ Dr. Maxwell

08/30/2021

Muzzle Time By: Dr. Megan Maxwell, Phd Click here for original post I often work with dogs who have a history of aggression toward other dogs or people in the form of barking, growling, lunging, snapping, or biting. In some cases, the aggression is quite serious. I have worked with dogs, for example...

06/29/2021

In my June column, I review how to work on gentler treat taking with dogs. Now who wants a biscuit?!

Hand-feeding our dogs using their kibble or treats can be an excellent way to form and strengthen our bond with them, establish leadership and teach all manner of tricks and