Written by By Pat Koven LVT, KPA-CTP, Sandra Robins BS, CVT, VTS (anesthesia & analgesia), CPDT-KSA, KPA-CTP, Katharine Schwarz, RVT, KPA-CTP What is targeting? Targeting is teaching your dog to touch a part of their body such as a paw, shoulder, hip, or nose to a specific object. The most common use is asking the … Continued
Category: Behavior Bytes
Nail Boards: An Alternative to Clipping Nails
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Written by Christine D. Calder, DVM, DACVB Many dogs do not like having their nails trimmed and some are outright petrified. Dogs can be taught to file their own nails using a nail board. Dogs learn to scratch on the board using a scratching or digging motion. Nail boards can be purchased or hand made … Continued
Preparing for Mat Training: Setting the Mood
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By Pat Koven, LVT, KPA-CTP Uses Teaching your pet to go to a mat (stationing) can be used to: give him space (a portable safe haven) from visitors and create his own “go to” spot. keep him out of the kitchen during mealtimes or from counter surfing. take the mat to the veterinarian and station … Continued
Applying A Muzzle 101
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Written and Photos by Colleen S. Koch, DVM, DACVB Disclaimer: if a dog needs to be muzzled, it should be sedated. Just because we can do something does not mean we should; it is important to consider the long-term impact of the interaction on the pet. The owner should be encouraged to desensitize their dog … Continued
Three Tips To Reduce Barking In Your Dog
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By Christine D. Calder, DVM, DACVB TIP 1: Block the view but not the light. Photo courtesy of Pat Koven “Out of Sight, Out of Mind” There are many different sights and sounds that stimulate barking out the window. Your dog is less likely to bark at what she can’t see. Window film is easy … Continued
Applying Eye Drops with Low Stress Handling™
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By M. Leanne Lilly, DVM,DACVB At some point in many dogs’ lives, they will require eye drops. This might be a one-time event to examine the eye or it may be multiple times per day to treat chronic disease. Regardless of the cause, applying eyedrops need not be a struggle for you or the pet, … Continued
Litter Box Basic: How to Choose the Best Box for Your Cat
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By Christine D. Calder DVM DACVB #1: It is all about the size: The bigger the box the better. Ideal size is big enough for the cat to turn around in the box without touching the sides of the box (1 ½ times the length of your cat from nose to base of the tail). … Continued
How to Apply Flea & Tick Prevention To Even The Most Wiggly Dogs
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By Laurie Bergman, VMD, DACVB Many dogs don’t enjoy having topical parasite (flea and tick) control medications applied. Even though these medications aren’t painful, like an injection, the dogs may not like the feeling of something wet on their skin or the smell. Some dogs just don’t like having to stay still. The easiest way … Continued
Medication Station
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By Christine Calder, DVM, DACVB Over a lifetime, chances are your cat is going to need medication. However, getting a cat to take that medication is a different story. Utilizing a medication station can help you teach cats that taking medication can be a positive and stress free experience. Step 1: Choose a mat. This … Continued
Clear Communication When Leash Walking
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By Ashley Elzerman, DVM, DACVB As we adjust to new COVID-19 procedures in our hospital I find I am moving dogs around the hospital more than ever. Clients watch as we walk their dogs from curb-side check in, through the hospital to our treatment area and then back out to the car. When walking a … Continued