Backed by passion. Proven by science.
A strong behavior program isn’t optional for a shelter; it’s essential. Core to who we are is the belief that we have a responsibility to do everything we can to help the animals that cross our paths.
How we do it
Evidence is everything.
Our behavior team uses training techniques that align with LIMA standards – the least intrusive, minimally aversive methods. These are not only proven to be the most humane, but they are also the most effective.
When we take an evidence-based approach to our work, we are able to track our results and have a clear way to measure our impact. That ripples out to everything that we do.
Publications × Presentations
We’re here to talk about things that we know work
and to discover new ones.
Latest Resources
Top 9 Cat Behavior Challenges
Behavior challenges with cats can seem daunting, like arguing in a language you don’t speak. Let us help.
Inappropriate Scratching in Cats
Inappropriate scratching is ultimately determined by the owner, but is generally directed at furniture, screens, carpets and rugs and other items that the cats finds suitable.
Loose Lease Walking
To teach dogs to walk with you without pulling, you must teach them that they will not be rewarded for pulling and, instead, will be rewarded for walking without pulling.
Visit our full resource library.
Video Playlists
Fraidy Cat Program
Playlist includes:
- Kennel Door Counterconditioning
- Nail Trim
- New Environments
- Pattern Games
- Protected Contact Finger Targeting
- Shaping Relaxed Behavior
- Stationing
- Stranger Ritual
- Fraidy Cat progress videos throughout the program
- and more!
Dog-to-Dog Interactions
Playlist includes:
- Dog-to-dog meets with commentary
- Ethograms
Cooperative Care
Playlist includes:
- Vaccinations
- Leashes
- Nail Trim
- Muzzle
- “Lean-In”
- Shaping Relaxation
Staff/Volunteer Trainings
Playlist includes:
- Autoshaping
- Cats Biting
- Choice Training
- Dogs Barking
- Dominance Theory
- Fraidy Cat Socialization
- Generalization with Stationing
- Go to Your Mat
- How to Conduct a Behavior Consult
- Inter-Cat Conflict
- Interspecies Kindergarten
- Jumping through an Arm Hoop
- Jumpy Mouthy Behavior in Dogs
- Kids and Dogs
- Leash Training
- Leash Walking Exercises
- ‘Look At That’ (LAT) Protocol
- Pattern Games
- Pet Zen
- Resource Guarding Seminar
- Ritualized Introduction to Unfamiliar People for Fearful Dogs
- Stationing on Cue
- Targeting
- The Bucket Game
Targeting
Playlist includes:
Body Language
Playlist includes:
- Ethograms
- Feline-ality Assessment
- Shoulder Rub and Anal Swipe
- Tail flagging or wagging?
“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
– Jane Goodall