The subject of this month’s commentary – horses, dogs, learning, and motivation—began coming together in my mind years before it found its way into words.
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After revisiting the topic the human-canine bond and owner loss last month, I knew revisiting owner loss and the human-feline bond also had value.
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This month I revisit a topic I first wrote about in 2002: the Human-Canine Bond and Owner Loss. Why now? Because the increased lack of that knowledge about canine behavior and the bond makes it easier not to think about what will become of the dog if something happens to the owner. But is that the kind of legacy we want to leave for our dogs?
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Do you sabotage you pet’s behavior? Most of us do at one time or another. But if we do it often enough when our animals misbehave, soon we may perceive any related beliefs that fuel the sabotage as true.
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Does companion animal behavior influence the make-up of the animal’s microbiome? Or does the microbial makeup of the animal’s microbiome influence companion animal behavior? Or maybe some of both?
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After a hectic few months, it’s time for a January Break for the residents of the little house on the hill. Now to see if the pets agree…
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Do you consciously or subconsciously impose Ten Holiday Commandments on your pets during the holiday season? I used to–Until I discovered there’s a solution for this irrational human behavior.
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Although companion animal spay and neuter has ancient roots, its contemporary incarnation includes an intriguing mystery.
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Are you guilty of catastrophizing companion animal behavior? If so, it might be affecting your animal’s health and behavior.
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Self-Initiating Behaviors in Cats and Dogs
Self-initiating behaviors occur in both cats and dogs. Think of them as those behaviors these animals display on their own in a particular context without any apparent training from us or any other person. However, the effect these behaviors on humans may differ dramatically depending on whether a cat or a dog displays them.
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