Behavioral Issues · Kinship

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behavioral issues

Dog barking? Cat scratching? Our experts have tips to help all sorts of behavior and aggression issues so your pet can earn that “good boy!” (or girl).

Two dogs meeting each other for the first time.

Here are the steps you should take.

Woman leashing up her dog for a walk outside.

You’re happy to see them, too. But you’d be even happier if they didn’t create a mess.

Dog staring into space at home.

Turns out they’re not daydreaming after all.

Ask a Vet

Pet health question that’s not an emergency? Our vet team will answer over email within 48 hours. So, go ahead, ask us about weird poop, bad breath, and everything in between.

Woman petting nervous dog outside in the grass.

It’s OK — they don’t suddenly hate you.

Dog hiding under the sofa and afraid to go out because he heard fireworks.

How to keep your dog mentally and physically safe this New Year.

Puppy licking man's legs outside in a field.

And what you can do about it.

Dog biting his nails outside in the grass.

Is that an OK habit for them to have?

Two dogs being playful outside on a grassy hill.

In moderation, it’s normal. Excessively? It’s not.

Cat staring at cat inside the house.

What exactly is going on?

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Try these free training programs from our friends at Dogo to help with new dog life and basic obedience.

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Two dogs playing outside in the grass.

Take these steps to respond to the problem.

Cute Pit Bull puppy laying down in a crate.

If you like expert tips, you’ve come to the right place.

Woman walking her dog in nature.

If your dog jumps at the sight of cars and cowers in front of kids, consider these safe, relaxing spots.

Small brown dog scratching at carpet at home.

That is not a toy.

Sad dog staring at someone getting ready to leave their house.

All those things you’re doing to get ready may be the culprit.

One dog sniffing another dog, outside on a leash.

Some good ways to keep everybody safe.

Couple walking their new puppy outside in the grass.

And learn how often they have to go outside.

Woman trains with a young husky on a dog training field

The questions to ask and credentials to look out for to find the right trainer for your dog, according to a pro.

Two dogs staring at each other on a walk outside.

Stop them before a stare turns into a fight. 

Woman's dog howling outside.

They are loud.

A woman embraces her American Staffordshire terrier dog outdoor in the backyard.

These sweet pups need advocates, this National Pit Bull Awareness Month, and always.

Dog Sitting on Dog Bed.

And why the scratching sessions seem never-ending.

Disobedient dog pulling on the leash.

You may have wondered if you're the one causing the problem.

Couple smiling and holding their small fluffy dog.

Please remember to look at shelters and purebred rescues for your dream pup.

Woman scolding dog for being naughty at home.

It’s not the best thing they do by any means.

Small black Dachshund dog on the beach sniffing rocks.

That is not a treat, pal.

Great Dane puppy and Husky meeting on leash out side.

Turns out, even experts have a hard time defining these terms.

Picky dog doesn't want to eat his kibble at home.

A veterinary nutritionist shares what you can do if you’re being held hostage by your dog’s particular palate.

Dog whining at his owner at home.

When the whining never stops, it’s time to do some detective work.

Little schoolgirl happy to see her dog before or after school.

Noisy school buses and crowds of roving children are a terrifying phenomenon for some dogs.

Woman walking her brown poodle outside.

Seriously, when will it end?

Labrador dog wants to eat breakfast.

It's time to reframe the situation.

The yellow bandana is part of a new international movement for reactive dogs. Dogs wearing yellow are often signalling that they need space and could become reactive if approached by another person or off-leash dog.

Not all dogs like to be approached—The Yellow Bandana Project is trying to help communicate their needs.

Young woman smiling confident hugging dog sitting on bed at bedroom.

And when will it stop?

Woman feeding her two dogs outside.

And other incredibly valid bowl-safety questions you’re probably asking.

Large brown dog refusing to walk outside.

“Labeling a dog as stubborn is often an easy way to shift the blame from a problem with the relationship to a problem with the dog.”

Woman walking her small white dog outside in the grass.

It depends...

Shy black dog walking with owner at the park.

Pro tips for boosting the confidence of a scaredy-cat dog.

Two fearful adolescent dogs peeking through a slightly open door

Turns out, adolescence isn’t just tough for humans—it can be hard on dogs, too.

Scared tan dog against brick wall background

Remember, dogs have more than one emotion.

A Young Man and His Pup at the Pet Shop.

Every pup can benefit from a little retail therapy—and you deserve to feel at ease, too.

A woman with two playful dogs running after her.

Kinship Collective dog trainer Robert Haussmann’s pro tips for getting a hyped-up dog to chill out.

Golden retriever puppy upside down playing with a mans hands and attempting to play bite.

Those little razor teeth are no fun.

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem.

As a behaviorist, the South Dakota governor's actions horrify me for several reasons.

Kristi Noem, governor of South Dakota, pauses while speaking during the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Dallas, Texas, U.S., on Sunday, July 11, 2021.

The Trump VP contender is under fire for this heinous act of cruelty.

Woman training cute white puppy to behave and new tricks in summer meadow.

It is powerful enough, even for the tough cases, and it is the best choice—here’s why. 


Dog Parson Russell Terrier breed is playing in green park with his owner.

That’s not food, bud.

Woman holding her puppy in her lap while he tries to bite her.

Those little teeth are sweet, but they definitely don’t feel good on your hand.

Puppy dog with guilty look lying on the floor.

Yes, we have to talk about it.

Young woman holding her large dog in her arms outdoors.

Did you get a dog for emotional support and now they are the one who needs it?

profile portrait of grumpy a ginger dog, inside on a golden retro velvet armchair

This study found that cranky pups are actually very fast social learners.

Labrador retriever licking their lips

What to do when your dog has questionable tastes.

Dog Barking In Nature Next To Its Owner.

Two trainers advocate against using these devices—here’s why.

Dog barking

The top five reasons dogs bark—and how to get them to relax a bit.

Paw and Spin slow feeder bowl in baby pink with varying kinds of treats on and around it against a blue background

No more cleaning up saliva-covered kibble.

single puppy standing outside

One doesn’t have to be the loneliest number when it comes to your dog.

A dog looking up with a cute face

Using these tips, your skittish dog will warm up to you.

a whining puppy

It’s the saddest sound in the world.

Dog laying on the ground guarding toy in mouth

If your dog growls when you get near their food or toys, read this right now.

Mixed dog laying on the floor int he sun with an unsure look on her face

When your dog growls, they’re expressing their emotions. A study found that you’ll likely be able to understand what they’re feeling.

Owner walking two Dalmatians downtown

Dog trainer Karen B. London promises you’re not doomed to be pulled down the street forever.

Tan Chihuahua dog laying on aqua rug looking down shamefully

How to re-housetrain a dog of any age.

A woman wearing a knit sweater holding a dog close on the floor of her bedroom.

Train your dog to stay calm when they’re on their own — instead of sad-singing “All By Myself” until you come home.

Shiba inu dog sitting on kitchen counter in a trailer home

Celebrity dog trainer Victoria Stilwell’s pro tips for keeping paws off your charcuterie platter this holiday season.

Afghan hound dog mid jump in an open grass field

If your dog loses their sh*t over anything—from a squirrel to a guest. Here are some tips to curtail that.

Big dog says hello to a dinner guest sitting at the table

Expert advice for people with dogs who jump, bark, and generally go nuts when people come over.

Dog with sleep startle reflex. Woman lays on her couch and gently wakes up her dog

“Let sleeping dogs lie” is more than just a confusing old saying.

White Shepherd mix dog wearing a pink muzzle while sitting on the grass with sunset cliffs and the ocean in the background

How the misunderstood training tool actually empowers dogs to be “happy, fulfilled, and living their best lives.”

Small tan dog on the lap of a woman in a protective stance

Dog trainer Robert Haussmann’s tips for dealing with a protective dog that’s taken their duties too far.

A dog resting its face on a dinner table.

Because your pup is not too proud to beg.

Adult German Shepherd dog plays with a puppy on the lawn

Don’t worry; it’s just a phase!

A woman kneeling down to pet a dog sitting in a pile of colorful leaves in the woods next to the dog's owner

Consent isn’t just for humans. Here’s how to respond when the answer isn’t so simple.

illustration of multi-colored dogs

It’s important to remember that dogs are individuals, so training isn’t one-size-fits-all.

2 dogs playing

If you adopted puppy siblings — and they fight nonstop — you could be dealing with littermate syndrome. Here’s everything you need to know.

German Shepherd puppy pulling at a branch

What to expect when your perfect puppy hits that unruly stage.

Man running with dalmatian dog on a leash in a backyard with grass

Why regular exercise can mean a less destructive dog and a happier you.

Dog lying on a brick street with a leash

Dog behaviorist Karen B. London’s 7 tips to help get your parked pet moving.

Man in park struggling to hold his Pitbull dog who is pulling on a leash

Dog trainer Robert Haussmann’s tips for turning a stressful walk into a chill stroll.

Young Man With Retriever Puppy

The research is confusing — here are some guidelines.

Woman sitting in a cafe with her dog.

With patience and positive reinforcement, you can do a lot to make up for lost time with socialization.

Stylish woman sitting on a bench with her Boston Terrier dog.

And how to change this.

A woman playing with her dog making a kiss face at it.

Step one: Never put your face close to theirs.

Puppy hides under the couch in fear

Do these things to help your pup (and your guests) feel chill.

Dog barking on the sidewalk in front of a pink wall

You can live in a quiet house again.

A woman trying to call her brown dog to come back while out walking.

Upgrading your pup’s recall training from accidental to intentional.

Puppy looks up while sitting next to a puzzle toy with food.

Plus 6 stylish slow-feed dog bowls.

A man with long brown hair playing tug -of-war with his Golden Retriever dog outside on a wet tennis court

Behavior correction, Mary Poppins style: Turn a job into a game.

two dogs meeting on leashes

 Trainer Charlie DiBono warns against these greetings on all fronts.

Golden retriever dogs chasing each other through a yard in play.

These apparent canine meccas can pose real risks to your dog’s overall safety.

pet lover concept with mini dog on woman leg. sitting in room at home

How to teach your pup to play nice.

Australian shephard and Corgi mix play fighting outside

A PSA to pay better attention to our best friends’ body language.

Scruffy dog tugging on leash as owner is pulling it

Instead of focusing on the negatives, here’s what you should do instead.

Golden Retrieve dog running in the grass outside, playfully chasing a flirt pole held by a man in blue jeans

Get out the toys and puzzles.

Small black puppy chewing on a Kong toy.

When those little razors start biting, keep these tips in mind.

Two colorful Great Danes illustration.

This study says it’s actually less about what’s in their DNA and more about what’s on it.

African American man with braids sitting on his bed using his computer with his dog next to him also looking at the computer

Like most things in 2023, there’s a Zoom link for this.

Small dog humps its teddy bear toy on the room floor

No less than 7 animal behaviorists weigh in on what’s behind all of this bumping and grinding.

Dog looking out of a red half-door

Dog trainer Pat Miller’s pro tips for preventing your pup from darting out the door.

A woman sitting on her bed, holding her dog's paw in her palm.

Dog trainer Robert Haussmann’s tips for teaching a pushy pup that there are friendlier ways to get what they want.

OK, OK, don’t come for us. We know dogs and kids are very different to raise, but this study finds they respond to different parenting styles in similar ways.

Bulldog standing in the lawn in front of a plain wood Pickett fence

Dog trainer Robert Haussmann’s tips for calming down a dog who’s protective of their turf.

A blonde woman wearing a longsleeved green jumper and sneakers sitting in the open trunk of a SUV car with her arm around her Golden Retriever dog sitting next to her

Celebrity dog trainer Victoria Stilwell explains how to crate-train a dog with an intense fear of being in the car.

A puppy nibbling on a woman's pant outside in the grass.

Dog trainer Robert Haussmann’s tips for dealing with an attention-seeking puppy.

Dachshund dog freezing on a rock during a walk

Suddenly, your neighborhood sidewalk has some new installation art: your frozen dog.

A Boston terrier hanging out in a teal blue chair

Keep the faith; you can fix this pee-action.

A small white Terrier mixed breed dog sitting on the couch with its collar in its mouth looking at its pet parent, a brunette man relaxing on the couch while another dog looks on form the side

New York Rep. Linda Rosenthal’s new bill puts pups first.

Richard Rosenthal is protecting animals who have historically gone underrepresented in the criminal justice system. These are his stories.

Dog is biting his dog harness to take the dog for a walk

(Mis)labeling behaviors does more harm than good.

Woman in yellow wide leg pants standing next to a man with jeans holding the leash of their small adult dog in a grassy area

Kinship Collective dog trainer Robert Haussmann’s tips for helping an adult dog learn to go outside in a new environment.

Female dog trainer raising a treat above a beagle dog's head

“America’s Veterinarian” and the founder of Fear Free Pets, Dr. Marty Becker, on how this method makes vet visits, training sessions, and grooming appointments less stressful for pets.

Dog in high contrast lit hallway standing near a food bowl

It’s a gut thing: Your dog’s GI issues could be linked to their mental health.

A woman sitting with her arm around a dog enjoying a view of water.

There’s nothing to fear but fear itself — and a dog who won’t stop shaking when it thunders.

White dog laying on the couch looking guilty

Celebrity dog trainer Victoria Stilwell on how to keep your dog from using your living room as a toilet.

Brown dog with merle coat running towards the camera on a forest path with a woman standing in the fall distance calling out to him

Kinship Collective dog trainer Robert Haussmann’s tips for getting a stubborn pup to listen up.

Owner serving dog food

No longer associate feeding time with growling time.

A shy looking dog sitting on a couch.

Not all fearful dogs have been mistreated.

A woman sitting on a couch with a dog.

Dogs and cats can’t read self-help books, so a veterinary behaviorist explains how your pet may benefit from being in treatment.

A golden retriever running in a field.

Dog trainer Robert Haussmann’s pro tips for walking a pup that wants to chase everything that moves.

Greyhound dog biting and pulling his leash held by a woman in a red dress in the grass

Most dogs love walking, but some love chaos a little bit more.

Two dogs acting rowdy at the lake while a person tries to calm them down

Don’t blame the dog — instead, figure out how to help them succeed.

White and brown puppy destroyed a stuffed toy

How to teach your dog to enjoy, not destroy, their toys.

Playful Chihuahua with toy in mouth laying on an orange dog bed

How to get your pet to stop chewing on inedibles from clothes to couches.

Woman looks eye to eye at Pharaoh's dog on floor in bedroom

Internationally renowned dog trainer Victoria Stilwell's tips for training pushy puppies.

Close up shot of a brown dog sniffing upward out of frame with blurry grass in background

Is it time to teach your dog some boundaries?

Three golden retriever's playing in the grass.

Keep you and your dog safe in case of a dog fight emergency.

Barking dog on the leash outdoors. Russian spaniel at a walk misbehaving or being bad tempered

Same! Here’s how I got my pup to stop barking and lunging at everything that moves on walks.

Overhead shot of woman knitting a pair of purple socks while her four dogs lay on her for attention

The more, the merrier…except when it’s not.

Two dogs playfully standing next to each other outside.

Why relationships change in multi-dog households.

A puppy walking without a leash outside next to owner

Look, I get it — your dog is amazing and well-trained. But that doesn't mean I want them approaching my dog without a leash.

woman petting small dog that is feeling stressed

Tips on helping a dog deal with their daily stress.

A woman walking a dog on a leash and a dog barking at something.

Even a mild-mannered dog can turn into a wild thing when feeling trapped.

Aggressive dog barking while standing in the grass

It can be a difficult, heart-wrenching decision — this advice can help.

Boxer dog sits in back of car with head in the front

Is there anything more annoying than a dog who won’t stop whining? Here’s what to do about it.

Border Collie dog peering behind white fence

How to get your pup and the mail carrier to be friends.

English bulldog looks through a snow-covered gate

A viral video gives new meaning to being on the fence.

A couple int he living room playing with a laser on the couch with their dog

Learn why these red beams of light are bad for dogs.

training dog chewing blanket

A (seemingly) unstoppable nibbling obsession with all the blankets.

A persons arm around a dog in a park.

Experts agree: breed doesn’t have anything to do with it.

A man holding a dog with an unsure look on its face.

What to do when your dog barks at the men in your life.

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