written by Gwen Bohnenkamp

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Understanding Your Cat’s Territorial Nature and Behavior

September 2, 2010 in for cats + kittens by Gwen Bohnenkamp

By Gwen Bohnenkamp, Animal Behavior Specialist with Perfect Paws Do you ever think your cat is neurotic? Do you ever wonder if maybe you’re the one losing your mind and your cat is quite normal? You are not alone. So before accusing your cat of being neurotic, or before booting kitty out of your home,…

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Separation Anxiety (Owner-Absent Misbehavior)

September 2, 2010 in for dogs + puppies by Gwen Bohnenkamp

By Gwen Bohnenkamp, Animal Behavior Specialist with Perfect Paws Many dogs experience separation anxiety when left alone. They will often whine, bark, cry, howl, chew, dig, scratch at the door, soil the house or destroy your home and yard. Learn how to reassure your dog and manage this nervous energy. Many dogs experience separation anxiety…

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Reasons for Digging

September 2, 2010 in for dogs + puppies by Gwen Bohnenkamp

By Gwen Bohnenkamp, Animal Behavior Specialist with Perfect Paws If you provide your dog with regular walks, runs, play-time and training, the chances are you will not have a digging problem. However, it’s helpful to know why your dog digs, and how to best manage this instinctive activity. Digging occurs for many reasons. Dogs dig…

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Puppy Basics – Training the First Week

September 2, 2010 in for dogs + puppies by Gwen Bohnenkamp

By Gwen Bohnenkamp, Animal Behavior Specialist with Perfect Paws Start your relationship with your new puppy on the right foot! Know what to expect and what to do as the responsible party for your new friend. Before your puppy comes home it is important to be prepared. Puppy training basics during the first week the…

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Dogs and Puppies Jumping Up

September 2, 2010 in for dogs + puppies by Gwen Bohnenkamp

By Gwen Bohnenkamp, Animal Behavior Specialist with Perfect Paws Jumping, leaping and bouncing are ways your dog shows affection and receives attention. Look at different ways to help them get the benefit without the problems of jumping up. The reason most dogs and puppies jump up on people is because they are happy and excited…

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Pulling on the Leash

September 2, 2010 in for dogs + puppies by Gwen Bohnenkamp

By Gwen Bohnenkamp, Animal Behavior Specialist with Perfect Paws Most leash pulling begins as soon as the dog sees the leash and knows she’s about to go for a walk. If the walk begins out of control, the precedent is set for the entire walk. Here are some suggestions to help you get your dog…

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Obedience Training Your Dog or Puppy: How and Why?

September 2, 2010 in for dogs + puppies by Gwen Bohnenkamp

By Gwen Bohnenkamp, Animal Behavior Specialist with Perfect Paws Obedience training doesn’t solve all behavior problems, but it is the foundation for solving just about any problem. Training opens up a line of communication between you and your dog. Effective communication is necessary to instruct your dog about what you want her to do. Obedience…

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When Will I Be Able To Let My Dog Off Leash?

September 2, 2010 in for dogs + puppies by Gwen Bohnenkamp

By Gwen Bohnenkamp, Animal Behavior Specialist with Perfect Paws Asking when you can allow your dog to be off leash is not a whole lot different from the question, “When will you be able to let your son or daughter take your Porsche or Mercedes out for a spin with his buddies or her friends?”…

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Introducing Your Cat or Kitten to a New Pet

September 2, 2010 in for cats + kittens by Gwen Bohnenkamp

By Gwen Bohnenkamp, Animal Behavior Specialist with Perfect Paws Understand the complexities of managing a multi-pet household, and how your cat might react to a stranger in his home. Here are some suggestions for what to do if you’re thinking of adding another pet to your home. Before bringing a new pet into your heart…

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How Cats Learn

September 2, 2010 in for cats + kittens by Gwen Bohnenkamp

By Gwen Bohnenkamp, Animal Behavior Specialist with Perfect Paws This article is for all of us who would be happy training our cats to just use the litter box instead of our comforter, closet or shoes. This is for owners who would be happy training their cat to use a scratching post instead of the…

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House Training a Puppy

September 2, 2010 in for dogs + puppies by Gwen Bohnenkamp

By Gwen Bohnenkamp, Animal Behavior Specialist with Perfect Paws Great tips to help you get your new puppy on track to being house trained – your carpet will thank you! What To Expect During the House Training Process Unless you can monitor your puppy 24 hours a day, don’t expect the house training process to…

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Excessive Meowing or Vocal Blackmail

September 2, 2010 in for cats + kittens by Gwen Bohnenkamp

By Gwen Bohnenkamp, Animal Behavior Specialist with Perfect Paws Kitty has learned that all she has to do is meow and she gets whatever she wants – food, attention, affection. Often, what starts out as a demand for attention soon becomes a self-reinforcing habit. Now kitty will meow all day just for the fun of…

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