Pet Behavior Articles
The following links and articles are being provided for the pet owning public and for veterinarians who have an interest in animal behavior. These articles were chosen due to the value their content has in providing education in the field of animal behavior. These articles do not necessarily stand as the official position of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB). The views and opinions expressed in these publications are solely the viewpoint of the author and not of AVSAB. We hope that these articles can provide some insight into this diverse field.
John Ciribassi DVM, DACVB


The following links are to the web site of the Denver Dumb Friends League. Founded in 1910, the Dumb Friends League is a national leader in providing humane care to lost and abandoned animals, rescuing sick, injured and abused animals, adopting pets to new homes, helping pets stay in homes, and educating pet owners and the public about the needs of companion animals.

Behavior Tip Sheets - Dogs

Behavior Tip Sheets - Cats

These articles were written by Dr. Suzanne Hetts and Dr. Daniel Estep. Drs. Hetts and Estep have PhD degrees in animal behavior and focus much of their time in educating the public on various topics in the field:

Personal Example of the Human-Animal Bond

Administering Medication to Animals

Assessing Behavior Problems

Canine Personality

Redirected Aggression in Cats

Cats and Small Boxes

Dogs and Children

Feline Friendliness

Fido Welcomes Baby

Fraidy Cats

Labeling Behaviors

Modifying Emotions

Punishment and Alternatives

Training Equipment

Using Crates for Dogs

When Puppies Bite

Why Cats Meow

The following articles were submitted by Dr. Janice Willard:

Adding Dogs to Households

Adding Cats to Households

Malicious Motives and Feline Motivation

What Type of Litter Does Your At Prefer

Why Do Dogs Roll in Smelly Things

The following link will take you to an article written by Kristine Alpi and Barbara Sherman. Dr. Sherman is a veterinarian and a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists:

The Well Behaved Dog

The following link is to an article by Dr. Valerie Tynes which appeared in the September 2008 issue of Veterinary Medicine Magazine. The article deals with 10 Behavior Related myths that can threaten the life of the pet due to inadequate information.

10 Life-Threatening Behavior Myths

This link is to an article in the December 2009 issue of Veterinary Medicine Magazine on Puppy Socialization moderated by Dr. Kathy Meyer.