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"We will be forever grateful to SCFAW for its kind and compassionate support and education in helping us to trap and socialize all our feral cats and kittens seven years ago. Today, we no longer have feral kittens being born each spring, but now have 5 wonderful furry little companions in our home. You have done a tremendous amount of work in our area, and have made a noticeable difference. We are happy to continue supporting SCFAW in its urgent mission to offer education and affordable spay/neuter services for companion animals. You have always been there for us, and we are glad we are able to help with a bit of support for SCFAW in return! As always, thanks for all that you do!" 
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Difficult Dog Behaviors
EXCESSIVE BARKINGThere are some very good reasons why dogs bark and that we want them to bark. Barking can serve as an “alarm” that someone is approaching or an unexpected noise was heard. As working dogs, they need to communicate, for instance in herding sheep. Then there’s the other kind of barking—the kind that neighbors complain about. The links below may be able to help... "Excessive Barking: A Common Behavior Problen" This link covers all types of canine communications, the triggers and characteristics of why dogs bark, and general principles for controlling undesirable barking. "So How Can I Make Blackie Stop Barking Up a Storm" Provides practical advice for minimizing the nuisance aspect of barking. "Puppy and Dog Barking Training Info" Discusses how barking becomes a pleasant pastime for some dogs and how to redirect that energy. "Barking Dogs” (.pdf) This article offers wise counsel on listening to what your dog is telling you when he barks to best understand how to address it. Dogs with separation anxiety exhibit behavior problems when they are left alone. This heart-rending condition has many causes, and naturally as many ways to address it. Here are some very informative links to help you and your dog. "Separation Anxiety" This comprehensive link for a nationally recognized organization offers the fundamentals about why dogs have separation anxiety, how to tell if your dog does, what to do and what not to do. "Separation Anxiety: Canine-Style" This link offers quick and practical “what to do” advice, then links back to the HSUS article above. "Help Your Dog Survive Being Alone, Without Destroying Your Home!" This is a very down-to-earth basic guide for determining and treating basic separation anxiety and the more “serious” version. There is also a reading list at the end of the article for learning much more on this topic. "Separation Anxiety" (.pdf) This article covers the basics in a very focused, short list-based way. Dog aggression is a very serious behavioral problem, likely the most serious one pet owners face. According to sources below, if understood, addressive canine behavior it is largely preventable. "Understanding Aggressive Behavior In dogs" (.pdf) This link provides important information on types of canine aggressive and a helpful list of what to do. "Dealing with the Aggressive Dog" Gives some interesting statistics on dog biting and the roots of canine aggression, as well as detailed descriptions on types of aggression. "The Development and Correction of Canine Aggression" Provides a comprehensive discussion of canine aggression, including critical periods of socialization, factors that influence aggression, types of aggression, how to prevent it, the genetic link + environment, treatment, and even how to avoid dog attacks. "Grrr!!" Uncle Matty takes you through the key stages of coping with dog aggression, helping you gain insight that will help you make the right decisions. "Dog-related Conflicts” (.pdf) This article provides a fact sheet to explain generally what your rights and responsibilities are when experiencing conflicts with dogs. "Dog Aggression" This link from nationally-recognized HSUS offers wise advice on how to stay bite free in your interactions with dogs. "Dogs Must Be Taught Not to Bite" Gives constructive age-related guidance to address this common problem in dogs. "Dog Bite Law" This is a link to a very informative data-driven site about the statistics of dog bites and the Dog Bite Law. SHY OR FEARFUL DOGSShy dogs come in all ages, sizes, and breeds, including mixed breeds. Shyness ranges from mild discomfort to utter panic, and can result in many undesirable behaviors. Read on to find some helpful resources on this difficult topic. "Shy Dogs FAQ" This link offers a helpful resource about the whats and whys of shy dogs, as well as some important ways to help your dog (and you) overcome shyness. "How Do I Know if My Dog Is Shy?" Offers a list of ways to know if your dog is shy and some of the root causes. It also offers a very nice chart on dog behavior by breed, helpful in understanding your dog better and selecting a future pet based on such characteristics. "How to Help a Shy Dog Be More Secure" Offer a concise five-point guide for how to help your dog feel more secure. A must-read! "How to Help a Shy, Timid Dog" Gives practical advice on building your dog’s confidence enough to be able to take him or her to an obedience class to bring about the “happy dog.” "Helping the Shy or Fearful Dog" (.pdf) Provides comfort and hope to the shy dog owner, and advice for turning the situation around. TEMPERAMENT TESTINGTemperament testing can be a great tool for determining the personality of your puppy or dog, Shelters use it, and you can, too. "Temperament Testing" This link provides a chart-based guide to testing the puppy (under five months old) and dog (over five months). "Temperament Evaluation" Offers a guide to temperament testing Pit Bull breeds specifically, but can easily be transferred to all breeds. A good basic guide, with charts for ease of implementation. "Testing a Dog's Temperament" Provides a comprehensive guide for testing the temperament of a dog you are considering bringing home from a shelter or breeder. "How to Temperament Test a Dog" Offers a six-step guide to testing. "Temperament Testing in the Age of No-Kill" (.pdf) by Nathan Winograd. For some history and understanding about the use of temperament testing in shelters, this article gives a very clear view of its practices and best uses. REHOMING YOUR DOGDespite our best efforts to address and resolve behavioral problems, sometimes circumstances lead to considering that a new home may be the best option for your dog. "How to Find Your Pet a Home" (.pdf) This comprehensive 16-page guide developed by the world famous Best Friends Sanctuary in Utah helps you to consider all options and how to go about finding a new home for your dog, if that is what you decide is best. "Alternatives to Surrendering Your Cat" (.pdf) Before making the final decision to rehome your dog, consider the discussion in this link and its practical alternatives to surrender. |
