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Animal Behaviour and Welfare

The following fact sheets are provided as a guide to help you understand and reduce specific animal behaviour problems in a positive way.  Since every animal has a unique temperament and different experiences we, unfortunately, cannot address every situation. 

We strongly recommend positive reinforcement training methods, however, many pets may have emotional or psychological problems that can not be solved with obedience, so you may need to consult a qualified behaviourist or your veterinarian. In some instances there may be health issues that underlie a behaviour issue, so it is important to have a routine health check with your veterinarian.

Note: If you need the professional assistance to solve your pet's behaviour problem, we recommend you do a web consultation with a Pet Behaviour Consultant from "Pet Behavior.com." The staff at Pet Behavior Problem.com are experienced animal behaviour consultants (veterinarians or animal psychologists), who design unique behavioural therapy programs for each client's animal. 

Dogs - BC SPCA Behaviour Fact Sheets:

• Behaviour problems - Overview: understanding your dog
• Excitable behaviour
• Fear of objects, sounds and new people (for PDF format, 508Kb - click here)
• Anxiety when left alone
• Excessive barking
• Aggression towards other dogs
• Aggression towards people

The American SPCA has additional dog behaviour information that is well written and researched.

Cats - BC SPCA Behaviour Fact Sheets:

• Introducing your new cat to your resident cat
• Indoors or outdoors?
• Bonding with your new cat (for PDF format, 286Kb -click here)
• Litterbox Problems (for PDF format, 80Kb - click here)
• Petting Aggression - Does your cat suddenly bite or scratch you during petting? (for PDF format, 245Kb - click here)

The American SPCA has additional cat behaviour information that is well written and researched.

Rabbits - BC SPCA Fact Sheets:

Below are some topics that provide some basic information that you may find helpful. Click here for general care of rabbits.

• Litterbox training your rabbit
• The benefits of spay/neuter for rabbits
• Rabbit-proofing your home
• Introducing your rabbit to other pets.  Cats, Dogs, other rabbits

The House Rabbit Society has additional well researched information on pet rabbits.