Did you know cats can be trained? Training can be a great way to provide cats with mental stimulation and exercise! (And it’s a lot of fun.) Here’s a video I made of how to train a cat to sit. “Sit” is a great, simple way to introduce training to your cat. [youtube http://youtu.be/Id0IyTaAuwI] Whether you … Continue reading
Enrichments aren’t just for pets! Zoos and sanctuaries the world over are providing all types of enrichments for their captive wildlife. Last week, I had the privilege of volunteering for and learning from the staff at Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary in St. Genevieve, MO. It was an amazing and enlightening experience. Here’s a short video … Continue reading
A shelter can be a very stressful place for a cat. Here are 2 important (but often overlooked) things shelters can do to help decrease feline stress. These tips are excerpted from a little shelter consult I just did for some friends at a cat shelter. One easy way to promote optimal welfare for shelter … Continue reading
Filmed this interaction between two Asiatic Lions at the Edinburgh Zoo this past week! Several interesting behaviors. What do you think? I see several parallels between their behaviors and domestic cat and dog behaviors. I was at the zoo for a welfare conference, which you should see a post about soon! Continue reading
There is so much to be learned from animals. A year ago today, I said goodbye to my best friend and constant companion, my dog Boston. Throughout his 13 years of doggie adventuring, he taught me countless lessons. I was reflecting on all that I’d learned from him, and thought I’d like to share one … Continue reading
I hope that in the near future, animal professionals and communities can come together to create more effective, more just legislation regarding dangerous dogs; legislation based on behavior and founded in science, not based on breed and founded in prejudice. (Okay, I don’t just hope, I will be working for it!) The future is looking … Continue reading
Welcome to Part 2 of our exploration of tail docking in dogs! (If you missed Part 1, it’s here.) In this post, we’ll be looking at how docking might effect communication as well as behavioral indicators of pain during the procedure. Tails and Behavior Tail carriage and movement provide visual (and perhaps chemical) cues which … Continue reading
If so, you can help out the research efforts of the University of Lincoln as they investigate the welfare of dogs during human work hours. It’s easy, just fill out their survey! University of Lincoln has some amazing minds doing some amazing things for animals. Please consider helping them out by participating and passing the word … Continue reading
Passionately defended, vehemently attacked, and alternatively unrestricted and banned in countries across the globe, tail docking is an issue that’s begged for scientific investigation. Regardless of what side of this often polarizing issue you’re on, I think you’ll be surprised by some of what science has found. I know it’s not nearly as black and … Continue reading
I’d love to find out where readers stand on different issues before I post about them. So, with a tail-docking post in the works, I’d love to know…. Feel free to add more detailed thoughts in the Comments! Continue reading
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