John Ciribassi, DVM, DACVB

Aggression is the most common behavior problem presented to veterinary behaviorists followed anxiety related disorders (separation anxiety, phobias). Traditionally, dominance aggression is most often diagnosed, especially when evaluating owner directed aggression. As a result of the label "dominance" being applied in these cases, owners were often directed to establish themselves as higher ranking over the dog through the use of a variety of physical means (punishment, alpha rolls, leash hangs, pinch and shock collars, etc.).

Cats are not asocial animals nor are they small dogs. Cats are social animals and are individuals.

Symptoms of anxiety, distress or panic exhibited when animals are left alone. Separation anxiety can be characterized by pacing, drooling, vocalization, destruction, and elimination which are not related to other behavioral disorders. All or some of these behaviors can be present.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCA's) block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine from synapse causing higher levels of these neurotransmitters to remain in the synaptic cleft and to exert greater effect on the postsynaptic receptors. Clomipramine is the most serotonin specific of the TCA's.

Why is it so critical to understand body postures in dogs? There are several reasons why this is an important topic with any discussion of dog behavior. By understanding how dogs communicate we can diminish the amount of miscommunication that occurs between people and dogs, it can help us better predict future behaviors in the dogs we interact with, understanding how dogs communicate can help reduce the incidence of dog bites, and it can increase the enjoyment people can have in their relationships with their dogs.

For many fractious dogs, it's safer to work with them on an exam room table instead of the floor.

Biting in puppies is a normal, though undesirable, behavior. Here are relatively easy ideas that you can pass along to clients to help them get through this period of puppy development.