Dog Behavior Articles by Scott Sheaffer


Search All Articles


 

About Scott

Scott Sheaffer, CBCC-KA, CDBC, CPDT-KA, is a dog behavior specialist. Scott specializes in the assessment and treatment of fear, anxiety, aggression and phobias in dogs six months and older.

Learn More

Subscribe to Scott's Podcast

Grumpy Dogs Podcast

Explore & Subscribe

Disclaimer
If you have a dog who is aggressive and dangerous to humans, it is important that you immediately consult directly with an experienced and certified canine behavior consultant who specializes in dog aggression to humans. Take proper measures to ensure that your dog is never in a position to injure anyone. The information presented in these articles is for educational purposes only and is neither intended nor implied to replace the need for the direct involvement of an experienced and certified canine behavior consultant who specializes in dog aggression to humans.  Scott Sheaffer and USA Dog Behavior, LLC, are not liable for any incidents or outcomes resulting from following the advice given in these articles.

 

Can dogs be taught to get along with cats?

In one form or another, I am frequently asked some version of this question, “My dog and cat do not get along; can this be fixed?” Just like with so many issues involving animal behavior, the answer can be thorny. Let me explain some basics about dog-cat interactions.

Read More

Scott's 60-Second Video Dog Tip: Do Dogs Protect Their Owners?

A question I'm asked all the time is whether dogs protect their owners. Get the answer in this 60-second video.

Read More

Should you give your dog a command only one time?

The question as to whether or not you should repeat a command to a dog is one I am asked all of the time. Put a group of dog trainers together and ask them this question and you won’t get 100% agreement. For this article I will use the word “command”, but dog behavior consultants and specialists almost exclusively use the word “cue” for a number of reasons.

Read More

The Story of Patches, the Dog That Was Spanked

Things had changed for Patches (not his real name) by the time I saw him. But let me start at the beginning. Patches is an All American dog of many breeds it seems – and he is beautiful. The original owner had to surrender Patches to a rescue organization because of her failing health. She could no longer take care of Patches.

Read More

Have you owned your once-in-a-lifetime dog yet?

There are things in life you have to experience to understand. Your first love. A first child. Your once-in-a-lifetime dog. If you have to ask, “What’s a once-in-a-lifetime dog?” you haven’t had one yet. And, by the way, you only get one. The Dog Gods deem it so.

Read More

Can Dogs Get Depressed?

Dog owners sometimes notice their dog appears sad or listless and wonder if dogs can get depressed in the same way that humans get depressed. The short answer to this question is “yes”. Dogs can get depressed in ways that are similar to human depression.

Read More

Why Your Dog Likes Some People and Not Others

You’ve noticed that your dog appears to like some people more than others. Even if your dog sometimes shows aggressive tendencies toward people, he or she might not be bothered with certain people. Why is this?

Read More

How to Have a Successful Outing at the Dog Park

Some dog behaviorists, behavior consultants and behavior specialists will not take their personal dogs to dog parks – ever. I am not one of those people. If you use some common sense and follow the guidelines below, you and your dog can both have a fun and stimulating time at the dog park.

Read More

Myths About Dog Behavior That Just Won’t Go Away

I’ve witnessed too many dogs unnecessarily suffer because of misunderstandings about dog behavior. These misunderstandings are seen everyday in dog owners and even some dog trainers. It’s just a lack of knowledge about dogs for the most part; the following might shed some light on some of the most common misconceptions.

Read More

4 Wishes Veterinarians Have for Their Dog Owning Clients

Here is a list of 4 items presented in order of least important to most important of things that can greatly improve your veterinarian’s relationship and effectiveness with your dog.

Read More

Scott Sheaffer’s 15 Fundamental Guidelines for Living with Dogs

There are 15 principles in the dog behavior world I find myself repeating on a daily basis. Understanding and acknowledging these truths will greatly improve the relationship we have with our dogs. I’ve outlined these concepts below.

Read More

When should I euthanize my dog? 

“When should I euthanize my dog?” is a question I’m frequently asked. I make it my policy to never tell dog owners if or when they should euthanize their dog. Please remember, no one can make this decision for you – not a dog trainer, not a behaviorist, not a veterinarian, no one. This is a decision that is ultimately best made by a loving owner.

Read More

“I shouldn’t have to reward my dog with treats.”

Some dog owners feel they shouldn’t have to reward their dog for doing certain expected behaviors. They tell me they’re already paying for their dog’s vet bills, food and housing – that should be enough to get their dog’s loyalty.

Read More

Does your dog dislike being touched? Here’s what you can do.

Dogs can become fearful of many things through no fault of their own. Examples include: noises, riding in cars, touch, veterinarians, animate and inanimate objects, etc. The list is virtually endless.

Read More

Legal Implications of Dog Ownership, The “One Bite Rule”

There are numerous laws regarding dog bites. One that is important for dog owners to be aware of is known as the "one bite rule". Simply stated, the one bite rule means that dog owners have limited liability the first time their dog bites a human (this rule does not apply to dog-dog bites).

Read More

Service Dogs, Frequently Asked Questions

The state of affairs in defining and regulating service dogs is in flux to say the least – it’s the Wild West. Governmental entities, including the federal government, are looking at ways to more tightly control the definition and use of these dogs.

Read More