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New Puppy Owners Apply Training Principles to Teach New Behaviors

Jan 10th, 2012 – Once people understand training principles, they can apply them to many different situations. Read how one puppy owner applied one technique to track her puppy's... Read More »

MannersMinder (Treat & Train) Helps Solve Resource Guarding with Other Dogs

Jan 6th, 2012 – The MannersMinder (Treat & Train) can be used to help in multiple dog households. In this case, one owner used it to help fix her dog's resource guarding. Read More »

Dog Product Review:  Jonesy’s Favorite Things!

Dec 24th, 2011 – A lot of new dog products come out each year. Here are some of Jonesy's favorite things of 2011! Read More »

Cat Injections: Training Your Cat to Love Injections Without Ruining Your Relationship

Dec 20th, 2011 – Is it difficult to give your cat injections? Do you worry that ensuring your cat gets proper veterinary care will ruined your relationship? Learn how to train your... Read More »

Learn to Earn Scavenger Hunt: Super Fun Dog Class Game for Training Dogs Self Control

Dec 5th, 2011 – The Learn to Earn program is designed to teach dogs self control and train humans how to be consistent and gain leadership. In this dog class game, clients had a... Read More »

Behind the Scenes: Student Behavior Session with Dr Yin

Nov 27th, 2011 – A behind the scenes look at a behavior session for staff and volunteers. Here, we worked on training cats! Read More »

Dog Class Games:  A Fun Learn to Earn Scavenger Hunt!

Nov 19th, 2011 – Dog class games make learning much more fun for both dogs and their people! Here are some of the missions our students will have to complete on our Learn to Earn... Read More »

Training a Cat to Be Quiet: My Cat Meows Too Much, What Do I Do?

Oct 22nd, 2011 – Training a cat to be quiet is as simple as rewarding quiet behavior and removing the reward for meowing. Here's how to stop the incessant meowing. Read More »

World Rabies Day: How Vaccinations Can Stop Epidemics

Sep 26th, 2011 – September 28th is World Rabies Day. Third world countries, like Bali, are examples of why it is important to vaccinate your pets. Read More »

Puppy Socialization: Stop Fear Before it Starts

Sep 9th, 2011 – Puppy socialization is a critical part of a dog's development. Its important for puppies to have good experiences with as many different people, animals, objects, and... Read More »

Dr Yin’s Top 10 Dog Training Tips

Sep 2nd, 2011 – Have you gone to a dog training class or lesson and left with your head swimming? Find Dr Yin's Top 10 Dog Training Tips here. Read More »

Attention Men: Even Among Salmon, Polite, Gentle Males Get More Sex

Aug 25th, 2011 – What message can salmon give us about the importance of being nice? One study shows, that being big and strong and bossing others around isn’t always the best... Read More »

Preventing Dog Bites: Stop Dog Aggression Before It Starts

Aug 14th, 2011 – When dogs bite, it is rarely out of the blue. Signs usually show up long before the first bite occurs. Read this article to find out how to stop dog aggression before... Read More »

Dog Sports: A Weave Pole Problem Can Be a Sign of a Shoulder Injury

Aug 10th, 2011 – Dogs who play in dog sports are more likely to get hurt. Find out one way to tell if your dog has an injury, just by observing their gait. Read More »

Outfox® Field Guard: How to Enjoy Summer Without the Fear of Foxtails

Aug 7th, 2011 – Foxtails are a dangerous threat to dogs in California that like to go hiking. The Outfox® Field Guard is one way to protect your dog from these pesky weeds. Read More »

How to Greet a Dog Ebook: Free Download for One Week Only!

Aug 7th, 2011 – Learn how to greet a dog appropriately, and what to avoid, with this ebook. Read More »

Cat Meows Vary By Situation.  Can You Identify Different Meows?

Jul 31st, 2011 – Cat meows vary in pitch and duration, depending on the situation. Find out what researchers discovered about how well people can identify different cat meows. Read More »

People Seem Slow to Learn New Tricks

Jul 27th, 2011 – A study shows that people are slow to learn new tricks when it comes to interacting with their dogs. Find out one real life scenario where repeating cues... Read More »

Is This REALLY Funny?  Dog Attacking Its Own Foot

Jul 24th, 2011 – A video that has gone viral on the web brings up concerns for veterinarians. Should people really be laughing at the video of the dog attacking its own foot? Read More »

What’s the Benefit to the Dog?  What to Consider Before Getting a Dog

Jul 20th, 2011 – Before getting a dog, its important to consider how the dog will benefit from the relationship and to choose the right dog for your lifestyle. Read More »

Kids and Dogs: How Kids Should and Should Not Interact with Dogs

Jul 18th, 2011 – Can kids and dogs live peacefully together? Find out how kids should and should not interact with dogs in order to help keep everyone safe and happy. Read More »

How to Teach a Cat to Use a Cat Door

Jul 17th, 2011 – Have you tried to teach a cat to use a cat door? Here is one simple way to train your kitty to go through the door. Read More »

Why Its Risky to Have Wild Animals as Pets

Jul 15th, 2011 – Why are wild animals dangerous to keep as pets? For one, they are not behaviorally adapted to living with humans. See what a 40 year study involving undomesticated... Read More »

Why Should You Vaccinate Against Parvovirus?

Jul 14th, 2011 – Parvovirus is a potentially fatal illness that can cause dogs to drop like flies. Since many people are now questioning the use of vaccinations, why is it important to... Read More »

Puppy Vaccinations: Why Puppies Need a Series of Shots

Jul 13th, 2011 – Why do puppies need a series of shots? The frequency of puppy vaccinations are based on their immune system. Read More »

Free Downloads from drsophiayin.com

Jul 12th, 2011 – All of the free downloads from drsophiayin.com, in one convenient location. Read More »

Perfect Puppy in 7 Days: Print Version Available for Preorder

Jul 10th, 2011 – Perfect Puppy in 7 Days: How to Start Your Puppy Off Right will soon be available in print. Preorder your book today! Read More »

Excessive Barking:  Why Some Dogs Bark and How to Fix It

Jul 10th, 2011 – Excessive barking usually starts out as an occasional bark but builds up intensity over time. Find out why some dogs bark so much and what to do to fix it. Read More »

Cats Hunting Wildlife: Why It Is a Problem and What to do About It

Jul 6th, 2011 – A cat's hunting instinct can have a major impact on the local wildlife. So why do well fed house cats feel the need to hunt? Read More »

Dog Training Tip: Why Cigarettes are More Addicting than Heroin and How It Applies to Dog Training

Jul 4th, 2011 – Here's a dog training tip on how a high rate of reinforcement can improve your success as a trainer. Read More »

Scent Rolling: Why Do Dogs Like to Roll in Smelly Scents?

Jun 30th, 2011 – Scent rolling is common in dogs. So why do dogs like to roll in smelly scents? A study on wolves may shine some light on the subject. Read More »

How to Prevent Damage from a Destructive Dog

Jun 27th, 2011 – A destructive dog can be an expensive companion. Here's one way to curb your dog's costly habits. Read More »

Unwanted Guests in Your Yard?  One Way to Keep Outdoor Cats and Dogs Off Your Property

Jun 23rd, 2011 – The Scarecrow animal deterrent system works to keep outdoor cats and dogs off your property. Read More »

Testicular Implants in Dogs Make Dr. Yin Wonder… Who’s Looking?

Jun 21st, 2011 – What looks like a jelly bean but feels like a gummie bear? No it's not something edible. It's a testicular implant for dogs. Read More »

Cloning Cats: Rainbow and CC Prove That Cloning Won’t Resurrect Your Pet

Jun 21st, 2011 – Cloning cats may seem like the perfect solution to bring back your beloved pet. However, Rainbow and her genetically-identical daughter, CC, prove that cloning won't... Read More »

A Dog with Diabetes: Drinking Too Much Water May Be a Sign of Trouble

Jun 16th, 2011 – A dog with diabetes presents with all the classic symptoms after the dog's observant owner picked up on the fact that something wasn't right. Read More »

Meowing Cats and Barking Dogs: Why Are Some Pets So Vocal?

Jun 13th, 2011 – Constantly meowing cats and barking dogs can get on their owners' nerves. Here's how to train those vocal pets to quiet down. Read More »

June is Adopt a Cat Month: Training Your New Cat to Stop Scratching Furniture

Jun 9th, 2011 – June is Adopt a Cat Month! Most people's biggest fear when it comes to getting a new cat is what to do if the cat starts to scratch their furniture. Read More »

FACEBOOK CONTEST: Low Stress Handling Book (and DVD) and How to Greet a Dog ebook

Jun 5th, 2011 – Encourage your friends to “Like” our Facebook fanpage and join our mailing list. Once we reach 5000 fans on Facebook, 5 people will receive free Low Stress... Read More »

Kitten Socialization

Jun 4th, 2011 – Why is kitten socialization important? Every year, thousands of stray kittens are fostered and adopted out. The foster caretakers do their best to address the... Read More »

Compassionate Vet Care: Handling Pets in a Pet Friendly Manner

Jun 2nd, 2011 – Petcare professionals got into the profession because they love animals. But to truly provide compassionate vet care you have to start handling pets in a pet friendly... Read More »

Secret to Dog Training

May 29th, 2011 – The secret to dog training is straightforward—reward desired behavior and remove rewards for unwanted behavior. Dr. Yin provides examples and explains the nuances... Read More »

Win a Free Nerdbook!

May 24th, 2011 – Enter to win a free copy of "The Small Animal Veterinary Nerdbook" Read More »

Free Dog Bite Prevention Week Resources

May 20th, 2011 – In honor of National Dog Bite Prevention Week, Dr. Sophia Yin presents some unique educational resources including an animated PSA and canine body language poster. Read More »

Preventing Dog Bites by Learning to Greet Dogs Properly

May 17th, 2011 – Preventing dogs bites can be as simple as learning to greet dogs correctly. Dr. Sophia Yin presents 8 tips for approaching, greeting, and interacting with dogs safely. Read More »

Dog Bite Prevention Week: Poster on the Body Language of Fear and Aggression

May 15th, 2011 – Download a free poster: Recognizing the body language of fear and anxiety in dogs. Read More »

Dog Bite Prevention: Dogs Bite When Humans Greet Inappropriately

May 13th, 2011 – Two of the most important steps in dog bite prevention are for humans to learn how to greet dogs correctly and to read dog body language so they know when to leave a... Read More »

Neutered Male Dogs Can Still Have Sex

May 9th, 2011 – Can neutered male dogs still have sex? As a veterinarian, I regularly recommend that intact dogs be neutered, for one, as a means of population control. It’s a... Read More »

Pokey Dog Lags on Leash

May 4th, 2011 – Does your dog lag on leash? Q) I have a three year old male, neutered Shih Tzu named Pocky. My problem is that while other dogs drag their owners on walks, I have to... Read More »

Scooting Dog Draws a Crowd

Apr 28th, 2011 – Question about a scooting dog: I have a 7-year old Cocker Spaniel mix who has this annoying habit. I’m wondering if there’s really a way of training her out of it.... Read More »

Manners Minder Use During Rehabilitation

Apr 23rd, 2011 – The Manners Minder/Treat&Train has many useful applications. Canine rehabilitation specialist, Sarah Johnson, of Fit Dogs, used the Manners Minder after her Border... Read More »

Vegetarian Cat?

Apr 20th, 2011 – Can cats be vegetarians? Several owners have asked me, “I’m a vegetarian and a cat lover. Are there vegetarian diets I can buy or make for my cat?" Read More »

The Father’s Day Gift: A Cattle Dog Puppy!

Apr 13th, 2011 – Dr. Yin recounts how she trained her father’s Australian Cattle Dog puppy to behave perfectly in just seven days, using the Learn to Earn Program. Read More »

Win a Free MannersMinder (A.K.A. Treat & Train)

Apr 5th, 2011 – Win a MannersMinder (Treat & Train), or a Low Stress Handling, Restraint and Behavior Mod of Dogs & Cats Book and DVD. Just submit a video testimonial! Read More »

Win a Low Stress Handling book and DVD

Mar 22nd, 2011 – Contest Announcement. Win a free copy of Low Stress Handling, Restraint and Behavior Modification of Dogs & Cat book and DVD. Read More »

Jonesy the Jack Russell Terrier Goes for a Run

Mar 19th, 2011 – A Jack Russell Terrier goes for a run as a warm-up for keeping even busier. He explains how high energy can be combined with good manners. Read More »

Jonesy the Jack Russell Terrier: My New Facebook Fanpage. It’s All About Me!

Mar 18th, 2011 – Jonesy the famous Jack Russell Terrier has a Facebook Fanpage. He loves to run, jump, and karate kick, and hates dogs who get in his face. Read More »

Tips on Surviving a Dog Attack

Mar 8th, 2011 – When a dog attacks, what do you do? Keep yourself safe from dog bites by staying calm and cool. Read More »

Obese Dogs Drive Dr. Yin to Contemplate Opening a Doggie Fat Farm

Mar 4th, 2011 – Dr. Yin sees so many obese dogs that she wants to open a canine fat farm. She explains how to put a portly pooch on a diet and exercise plan. Read More »

Play Dead or Bang: A dog trick that’s both fun and can train calm behavior

Feb 24th, 2011 – Lie on your side, play dead, and put your head down are calm dog tricks that are fun to teach and will help your dog maintain self control. Read More »

Litter Box Problems Could Be Due to Physical Ailment

Feb 17th, 2011 – If your cat is defecating outside the litter box, the problem might be medical. A veterinary exam will tell you if kitty just can’t help herself. Read More »

Animal Behavior Research: Is this study Blind or Double Blind?

Feb 9th, 2011 – Double blind studies are tough to do in animal behavior research. Dr. Yin explains what they are and how study designs vary. Read More »

What to Do When Your Cat Poops Outside the Box

Jan 31st, 2011 – While most cats are fastidious about eliminating in their litter box, many will poop outside the box some time during their life. Read More »

How to Safely Sleep With Your Pet

Jan 25th, 2011 – Be safe when sleeping with your pet by keeping him parasite-free, clean, and healthy, so you can avoid zoonotic diseases that pass from your pet to you. Read More »

Are Shock Collars Painful or Just Annoying to Dogs?  A 2004 Study Reveals Some Answers

Jan 24th, 2011 – Are shocks collars painful? A study finds they are, that shocked dogs are more fearful and anxious, and that fear carries over into non-training situations. Read More »

Six Cold Weather Safety Tips for Dogs and Cats

Jan 19th, 2011 – Keep your dogs and cats safe in cold weather by keeping them warm and away from salt and other toxins. Read More »

Cold Weather Safety for Dogs: Insights from a Sled Dog Veterinarian

Jan 18th, 2011 – A sled dog veterinarian explains what cold-weather breeds need to thrive in extreme conditions. Read More »

Shock Collar or Leash When Exercising Dogs on Town Streets

Jan 17th, 2011 – Does a shock collar provide the same control as a leash when exercising a dog around town? It depends on the dog and the owner; a lot can go wrong. Read More »

Tips for Dealing with Urine Spraying in Cats

Jan 15th, 2011 – Urine spraying in cats can be caused by stress, outdoor cats, litter box hygiene issues, or feline spats. It can almost always be treated. Read More »

Fighting Cats Leave Family Frazzled

Jan 11th, 2011 – Everyone’s stressed when cats are fighting. Learn how to keep a truce and actually train them to like each other. Read More »

Get Fit with Your Dog: My New Year’s Day Dog-Human Exercise Workout

Jan 2nd, 2011 – To get fit with your dog, combine your workout with exercises that reinforce your dog's training and challenge your dog physically and mentally. Read More »

Parrots for Pets

Dec 29th, 2010 – Parrots for pets are brilliant, charming, and social, but these characteristics can make them very demanding pets. Read More »

Best Holiday Wishes from Dr Yin

Dec 24th, 2010 – Dr. Yin says don’t forget to keep your pets safe during the busy holiday season. Read More »

What to Do if Your Dog Raids the Litter Box

Dec 21st, 2010 – When a dog raids the litter box, there are many simple solutions, some inexpensive and others more elaborate. Read More »

Smooch Your Pooch: A Cute Children’s Book with Unsafe Suggestions

Dec 13th, 2010 – Smooch Your Pooch is a cute kids’ book but it's filled with unsafe suggestions that can cause children to be bitten. Read More »

Bad Dog Breath: Dogs’ Breath Can Be Worse Than Their Bite

Dec 9th, 2010 – Bad dog breath is often a sign of serious dental disease. A thorough cleaning under anesthesia can sweeten your pet's breath. Read More »

Day 1 of Training Match to Sample

Dec 6th, 2010 – In the Training Match to Sample Game, Dr. Yin starts by teaching Jonesy to fetch a toy she taps. His mediocre results reveal a lot about his learning patterns. Read More »

Dog Pointing Cue Test: Two Jack Russell Terriers Flunk But Scottie Passes with Flying Colors

Nov 29th, 2010 – A research study found dogs can understand human pointing cues to infer the location of food. Dr Yin performed the dog pointing cue test on 2 JRTs who flunk the test... Read More »

Do Dogs Understand Pointing Gestures Better Than Young Kids?

Nov 26th, 2010 – A study looked at whether dogs understand pointing as well as children do. It found children perform better, but dogs get it when you point away from your body. Read More »

Is Your Dog Smarter if he has a Bigger Brain?

Nov 23rd, 2010 – Is your dog smarter than your cat because his brain is bigger? It turns out that brain size is not a measure of intelligence and cats can learn many tricks as quickly... Read More »

Can Large and Small Dogs Play Together Safely?

Nov 19th, 2010 – Can large and small dogs can play together safely at the dog park? They can if everyone recognizes the signs of canine fear and stress and supervise their dogs so that... Read More »

Barking Dogs: Noise or Communication?

Nov 15th, 2010 – Barking dogs are not just barking randomly. Dr. Yin's research was the first to show that dog barks vary based on context, emotional state, and that individuals dogs... Read More »

How to Greet a Dog

Oct 31st, 2010 – It's essential that people learn how to greet a dog properly if they hope to avoid scaring dogs and avoid being bitten. Inappropriate greetings are a common reason... Read More »

Raw Food Dog Diet

Oct 12th, 2010 – If you've considered putting your pet on a raw food dog diet, read what board certified veterinarians recommend first. Read More »

Nocturnal Cats

Oct 9th, 2010 – If your nocturnal cats are keeping you awake, don't worry, this article will provide you with tips for changing their nocturnal pattern and training quiet behavior at... Read More »

Behind the Scenes at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, IL

Oct 4th, 2010 – A special tour of the Shedd Aquarium reveals how sea lions are trained, why Beluga whales like tongue rubs, and why sea otters make terrible pets. Read More »

Low Stress Handling Lab in Chicago at Narnia Pet Behavior and Training

Oct 4th, 2010 – At a low stress handling lab in Chicago, attendees learned how to keep dogs comfortable and happy while at the veterinarian or the groomer. Read More »

Review of “The LOVE THAT DOG Training Program” by Dawn Sylvia-Stasiewicz and Larry Kay

Oct 1st, 2010 – The LOVE THAT DOG Training Program is based on positive reinforcement and developing a relationship with your dog while training the basics. Read More »

Bat Rabies Alert

Sep 21st, 2010 – Bat rabies is on the rise, and rabid bats have been found interacting with dogs. Keep your dog’s rabies vaccination up to date. Read More »

Want a Cuddly Pet? Rats as Pets

Sep 20th, 2010 – Rats as pets are affectionate, smart, clean and sweet. Find out if a rat would be your perfect pet and the type of care needed to keep one healthy and happy. Read More »

Dog Park Etiquette

Sep 16th, 2010 – For the dog park to be a safe place for all dogs to enjoy, the dogs need to have social skills and the humans need to supervise. Find out what's appropriate and... Read More »

A Successful Behavior Technician Conference at the Oquendo Center in Las Vegas

Sep 13th, 2010 – At a behavior technician conference, Dr. Yin talks about psychopharmacology in a way that actually engages everyone for two hours. Read More »

Bird Diets: Birds Need More Than Seeds

Sep 9th, 2010 – While humans tend to think that bird diets should consist of seeds, it turns out that seeds are like potato chips and french fries for kids. They're junk food. Find out... Read More »

Chicken Training

Sep 6th, 2010 – Chicken training may seem impossible but it turns out chickens can be trained quickly to perform many tricks. As a result, chickens are used as a teaching tool for... Read More »

Dog Jumps Through Hoop: Part 1

Sep 2nd, 2010 – Dr. Yin teaches a dog to jump through a hoop by making the trick fun and rewarding. In just two sessions, she’s jumping through the hoop. Read More »

Dog Jumps Through Hoop: Part 2

Sep 1st, 2010 – After Dr. Yin teaches a dog to jump through a hoop, it’s an easy transition to making the hoop with her arms and having the dog sail through. Read More »

Piddling Pooches: Excited Urination in Dogs

Aug 30th, 2010 – Control excited urination in dogs by teaching them a new greeting routine that teaches them to remain calm but still happy. Read More »

Calaveras Man Killed by Pitbulls: A Lesson about Pitbulls or About What Not to Do with Dogs?

Aug 25th, 2010 – Man killed by Pitbulls. What's the lesson? That if any dog barks and lunges at people or animals and you can't get him focused back on you, seek help because he could... Read More »

Dog Potties in the House: Is My Male Shih Tzu Just Being a S&*#

Aug 16th, 2010 – When a dog potties in the house, it's time to go back to potty training basics. He has to learn that not only is it good to potty outside but that indoors is off... Read More »

Cat Bites When Petted: When Purr Turns to Bite, Fangs for the Memories

Jul 10th, 2010 – If your cat bites when petted, she may be telling you she’s had enough. Find out why this behavior is so common and what you can do to improve your relationship. Read More »