Enrichment Involving Human Interaction Saves Lives

Enrichment Involving Human Interaction Saves Lives

Summary: The transition into an animal shelter is a stressful event for an animal, regardless of their previous life circumstances. Stress is linked to many difficulties, including failing to pass a shelter’s temperament test and potentially being euthanized....
Gentle Yoga for Gentle Dog Trainers

Gentle Yoga for Gentle Dog Trainers

Introduction Dog training is hard, mentally and physically taxing work for the dog as well as for their human trainers. In essence, dog training is stressful. Successful dog trainers require both patience and calmness, states that, I believe, can be more easily...
Issue 28 Table of Contents

Issue 28 Table of Contents

CAT: When Extra Sweet Turns Sour: Supporting Cats with Behavior Changes Related to Feline Diabetes by T Hamboyan Harrison, CCBC, ACSB-C, SBA, FFCP DOG: Gentle Yoga for Gentle Dog Trainers by Eve M. Riley, PhD, KPA-CTP, RYT200 HORSE: The Effects of Saddle Fit on Horse...
Issue 27 Table of Contents

Issue 27 Table of Contents

CAT: Case Study — Excessive Vocalization in a Cat by Kate Luse, CCBC CAT: Environmental Considerations When Treating Feline Osteoarthritis by Morgan Redell HORSE: Recognising Signs of Pain in Horses: A Checklist for Horse Owners and Caregivers  by Sarah Johnson, BSc....
Helping Dogs and Their People Be More Active, Together!

Helping Dogs and Their People Be More Active, Together!

Summary: Exercise is important for dogs and humans, but the research on this topic can be confusing and seem contradictory. This article reviews the benefits of physical activity for dogs and humans, gives an overview of some of the most common challenges to...
Case Study: Excessive Vocalization in a Cat

Case Study: Excessive Vocalization in a Cat

Summary: A case of a cat who vocalized day and night in the presence of her preferred human companion, across a wide variety of contexts — including if her guardian tried to take a nap. Resolution was almost completely achieved through intentional extinction,...
Multisensory Enrichment for Shelter Dogs

Multisensory Enrichment for Shelter Dogs

Summary: Originally published in Issue 3 of The IAABC Foundation Journal, this article focuses on practical, creative, low-cost ways to provide multi-sensory enrichment to sheltered dogs.  I have worked in the animal industry for over 18 years. I currently work at the...
Formal Assessment Tools for Dog Behavior Consultants

Formal Assessment Tools for Dog Behavior Consultants

Summary: A review of formal and semiformal tools that have been developed to quantify and assess dog behaviors. Some have been validated by academic research, others have not been studied formally, but are in regular use in shelters. Pros and cons are listed for each...
Non-Recognition Aggression in Cats

Non-Recognition Aggression in Cats

Summary: When a cat is taken out of their home and then taken back, for example to the veterinarian, they can experience “non-recognition aggression.” Even cats who previously had a strong affiliative relationship can fail to recognize each other under...
SMARTER Goal Setting for Animal Professionals Part 2

SMARTER Goal Setting for Animal Professionals Part 2

Summary: SMARTER is a mnemonic used to define measurable goals. This article builds on the concept of SMARTER goals introduced in part 1 and gives examples of how trainers and behavior consultants can give their clients goals that meet the last 4 criteria (Relevant,...
Adoption Events: Skills, Ethics, and Best Practices

Adoption Events: Skills, Ethics, and Best Practices

Summary: Getting cats and dogs through the shelter and onto the next stage of their lives is understandably the main thing shelter staff and volunteers are focused on, and adoption events are one way to make this happen. However, adoption events are complex and can be...
Issue 26 Table of Contents

Issue 26 Table of Contents

DOG: A Framework for Behavior Modification and Training Plans to Help Build and Maintain Resilience: The Resilience Rainbow by Bobbie Bhambree, CDBC, CPDT-KA, and Dr. Kathy Murphy, BVetMed, DPhil, CVA, CLAS, MRCVS DOG: Teaching Polite Play by Christina Young BSc,...
Teaching Polite Play

Teaching Polite Play

Summary: Most people who add a dog to their family are excited to see their dog play with canine friends. Not every dog is a paragon of social skills, however, so it is important for trainers to be able to show their clients how to recognize signs of impolite play....
Environmental Cues in Service Dogs

Environmental Cues in Service Dogs

Navigating one’s daily tasks isn’t always easy — especially while living with a disability. Fortunately, there are service dogs that can be trained to do all sorts of tasks for their humans, and make significant improvements to their handlers’ lives. They might open...
Helping Pet Store Parrots Live Their Best Lives

Helping Pet Store Parrots Live Their Best Lives

A parrot is an iconic part of a pet store; many people have strong memories of visiting pet stores as children and being amazed by a big red macaw, or delighted by flocks of colorful lovebirds. Even now, many companion birds are bought after a visit to a store that...
Dogs Who Witness Trauma

Dogs Who Witness Trauma

Summary: Experiencing trauma is known to be a cause of stress and associated behavior problems in dogs, but what about witnessing the trauma of others? This article reviews what we know about behavioral responses to witnessing trauma in other animals, and discusses...
The Equine Microbiome: Diet, Disease, and Behaviour

The Equine Microbiome: Diet, Disease, and Behaviour

Summary: Gut bacteria play an important role in digestion and overall health in horses, including their behavioral health. This article introduces the equine gut microbiome and explores how changing a horses’ diet could influence their welfare through...
Issue 25 Table Of Contents

Issue 25 Table Of Contents

DOG: Case Study: Luna — Reactivity To Other Dogs Part 2 by Jen Gumas CDBC, CPDT-KA, CBATI DOG: Living and Learning with a Blind Dog by Micaela Frank, CDBC, CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP DOG: Using Innate Stress Coping Styles to Inform Behavior Management Strategies by Gavin Fraser...
Living and Learning with a Blind Dog

Living and Learning with a Blind Dog

Summary: Blind dogs can live full and happy lives, but they need some special attention to their training and behavior. Whether they were born without sight or lost their vision later in life, blind dogs can respond well to behavior modification protocols that were...
Case Study: Luna — Reactivity to Other Dogs Part 2

Case Study: Luna — Reactivity to Other Dogs Part 2

Summary: A case of dog-dog reactivity in an energetic older dog, is made more complicated by the client’s specific situation and set of needs, and then turns into human-directed aggression as their living situation becomes more stressful. Working within Luna’s...
Case Study: Dancer — Isolation Distress in a Horse

Case Study: Dancer — Isolation Distress in a Horse

Summary: An anxious mare’s behavior problems are made worse when she’s taken away from her herd. A history of physical punishment when alone, and frustration on the part of the client exacerbated her isolation distress further. A program of desensitization...
Is a Busy Parrot Really a Happy Parrot?  

Is a Busy Parrot Really a Happy Parrot?  

Summary: As bird owners, we are quickly taught that toys are super-important for parrots. We need to keep them busy to avoid boredom and stereotypical behavior, and to keep them healthy. Keeping parrots occupied is indeed an important part of bringing them in to our...
Parrots Need You! The Lacey Act and USDA-APHIS

Parrots Need You! The Lacey Act and USDA-APHIS

Summary: Two new sets of regulations, from different parts of the US Government, are poised to create serious problems for parrot caregivers, avian veterinarians, rescuers, and breeders. This article looks at the legal foundations of the proposed amendments to the...
Brie Breathes Easy: Training a Cat to Enjoy an Inhaler

Brie Breathes Easy: Training a Cat to Enjoy an Inhaler

When I took Brie to the emergency vet, his respiration rate was over 80 breaths per minute. His two-day stay in the oxygen kennel receiving IV fluids and additional medications brought his respiration rate back into the normal range. The veterinary specialist...
Continuing the Virtual Classroom at SPCA Monterey County

Continuing the Virtual Classroom at SPCA Monterey County

In November 2020, the IAABC Foundation Journal published our article on switching to online dog training classes due to COVID. We wanted to present a follow-up article to show the progress of our program and some of our observations. Client stats Clients have enjoyed...
Case Study: Luna — Reactivity to Other Dogs Part 1

Case Study: Luna — Reactivity to Other Dogs Part 1

Summary: A case of dog-dog reactivity in an energetic older dog, is made more complicated by the client’s specific situation and set of needs, and then turns into human-directed aggression as their living situation becomes more stressful. Working within...
Sex in the Psittacine

Sex in the Psittacine

Summary: The dedication most parrot caregivers have to their avian companion’s wellbeing, combined with their air-conditioned, artificially-lighted indoor lifestyles, means they are in perfect shape to want to reproduce. If they’re not careful, caregivers...
Working with Shy Dogs in a Class Setting

Working with Shy Dogs in a Class Setting

Summary: Not all shy dogs need one-on-one work, and not all caregivers are capable of finding that environment. A class for shy dogs can work, if the environment is properly set up and a skeleton lesson plan is thoughtfully prepared. This article gives some tips and...
Issue 24 Table Of Contents

Issue 24 Table Of Contents

DOG: Who Keeps The Dog? Advice From A Pet Custody Expert by  Karis Bryen, CDBC, Accredited Family Mediator DOG: Case Study: Luna — Reactivity To Other Dogs Part 1 by Jen Gumas CDBC, CCPDT-KA, CBATI DOG: Working With Shy Dogs In A Class Setting  by Alicia L....
Case Study: Jumbo — Extreme Fearfulness in a Cat

Case Study: Jumbo — Extreme Fearfulness in a Cat

Summary: What do you do when your newly-adopted cat refuses to stop hiding under the bed? 4-year-old Jumbo had a rough start in life, and now he was in danger of losing another home. When Certified Cat Behavior Consultant Hongfei Li was called, his caregiver was at...
Enrichment for Snakes (And Other Reptiles)

Enrichment for Snakes (And Other Reptiles)

Summary: An enriched environment for reptiles under captive management isn’t just a tank with some extra objects in it. To really enrich the lives of our reptiles, we need to be creative and introduce some novelty into their lives. This article introduces...
Issue 21 Table of Contents

Issue 21 Table of Contents

SHELTER | DOG: Pet Parent Support Network: Creating a Successful Alternative to Surrender Through a Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive Approach by Beverly McKee ACDBC, CPDT-KA SHELTER | DOG: The Dead Dogs on My Phone by Paige Kim DOG: Pushing ALL My Buttons: Dogs...
Issue 23 Table of Contents

Issue 23 Table of Contents

DOG: Consent Behaviors for Veterinary Procedures by Natalie Rogers SHELTER: Everyone Is on the Behavior Team: How ASPCA’s eLearning Platform Broadens and Deepens Behavior Knowledge for Shelter Personnel by Renee Dunaway and Amy Duskiewicz HORSE: Equine Advocacy by...
Issue 22 Table of Contents 

Issue 22 Table of Contents 

EXOTICS: A Physiotherapy Program for Bears at Animals Asia’s Vietnam Bear Rescue Centre by Kate Shipton (BVetMed MRCVS) and Sarah van Herpt (BSc, MSc, CVN) DOG: All the Worst Puppy Problems: Housetraining Hang-Ups by Jess Erace LVT CPDT-KA CTDI DOG | SHELTER: Claire:...
Spotlight on Research: Courtney Graham

Spotlight on Research: Courtney Graham

Courtney Graham is a PhD candidate working with kittens in the Companion Animal Behaviour and Welfare Lab at the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph. She is currently investigating the effects of socialization and early management strategies for...
Ask the Ethics Committee

Ask the Ethics Committee

The IAABC Ethics Committee is a team of volunteers that adjudicate on ethical matters for the IAABC. Their role is to evaluate complaints about violations of our Professional Code of Ethics, as well as offer original thought and guidance for the future of our...
Equine Advocacy

Equine Advocacy

Summary: Horses suffer when they’re misunderstood, and seen as tools to meet human needs. These sensitive animals are subjected to pain and fear because the humans in their life have not developed a relationship with them based in understanding and compassion. This...
The Welfare of Captive Fish

The Welfare of Captive Fish

Summary: Of all the species we keep as pets, fish are perhaps the least well-understood and least cared about in terms of their behavioral welfare. Recently, however, scientists have been researching fish cognition and learning that these animals have sophisticated...
All the Worst Puppy Problems: Housetraining Hang-Ups

All the Worst Puppy Problems: Housetraining Hang-Ups

Summary: Housetraining is often one of the first encounters a new dog guardian will have with the realities of animal training. It can also be one of the more stressful. This article explores and offers insights about how a behavior consultant might successfully...
Cat-Cat Play: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Cat-Cat Play: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Summary: Play is an important part of cats’ wellbeing, and in a multi-cat household it can provide exercise and enhance social bonds. Cat guardians should be able to recognize when play is healthy and when it is showing signs of turning into non-play aggression...
Claire: A Case Story

Claire: A Case Story

Summary: A case study of a shelter dog that came from a serious hoarding situation in Southern California. This dog initially showed significant avoidance and fear-based behaviors around unknown people. However, she was highly affiliative with other dogs and whilst...
An Interview with Dr. Lauren Finka

An Interview with Dr. Lauren Finka

Dr. Lauren Finka is a postdoctoral researcher in animal welfare at the University of Nottingham Trent in the U.K. Her specialization is in feline behavior, particularly in sheltered cats. Dr. Finka recently co-authored a research paper entitled “Providing Humans With...
A Guide to Socializing Older (Fractious) Kittens

A Guide to Socializing Older (Fractious) Kittens

Summary: Fosters are often called on to help increase affiliative behaviors, and decrease distance-increasing behaviors in older kittens that are showing signs of being undersocialized. This article explains what this process looks like for kittens who are outside...
A Tribute to Dr. Pat Anderson

A Tribute to Dr. Pat Anderson

Dr. Patricia Anderson, CPBC, was a much-loved and respected member of IAABC, who sadly passed away on July 26th this year. To honor Pat’s contributions to IAABC’s Parrot Division and especially to The IAABC Foundation Journal, we are republishing her...
The Dead Dogs on My Phone

The Dead Dogs on My Phone

Summary: Grief is a natural, unavoidable part of life with dogs. Especially for those of us who work in shelter and rescue. This article is a meditation on grief and the importance of witnessing and remembering the shelter dogs that come and go in the course of our...
Case Study: Tommy, Fear of Clippers

Case Study: Tommy, Fear of Clippers

Summary: How counter-conditioning and desensitization was successfully used to change a 21-year-old gelding’s fearful behavior towards clippers. Constructional Approach Training was used as the first part of the behavior modification intervention plan, followed...
Case Study: Human-directed Aggression in a Horse

Case Study: Human-directed Aggression in a Horse

Summary:  A horse who showed signs of aggression towards humans and other horses becomes worse when corrected with physical punishment and natural horsemanship techniques. As a result, he’s placed in a barren environment with minimal social contact....
Chicken Enrichment

Chicken Enrichment

Summary: As backyard chickens grow more popular as pets, it is important for animal behavior consultants to be able to support chicken caregivers in providing for their behavioral wellbeing, even if they’re being called in to help with a different species. This...
Deaf dogs: A Unique Communication

Deaf dogs: A Unique Communication

Summary: Training deaf dogs can be accomplished with the use of gestures and some creativity. Hand signals as well as facial gestures can be successfully used to train a deaf dog. This article showcases a variety of cued behaviors displayed by a deaf Dalmatian, using...