PET BEHAVIOR

Animals speak a language all their own, and we can help you translate!

Pet Behavior Help
We’ve got all the information you need to make life with your pets happy and fulfilling. If you have additional behavior-related questions or concerns after reading the information below, please send your questions to behaviorhelpline@richmondspca.org. You may also call 804-643-SPCA. Please note: Your question may be used anonymously to educate other pet owners in the future. If you would prefer that we not use your case as an educational tool, please indicate that in your message to us. Our free behavior support and training is a component of the Richmond SPCA's lifesaving Project Safety Net program.

Continuing Education and Pet Training

Click here to visit our training calendar and view upcoming educational opportunities, including courses offered through University of Richmond Continuing Education.

Dog Behavior Information

The Benefits of an Educated Dog
Keeping Your Dog at Home
Crate Training Your Dog
Preventing Destructive Dog Behavior
Housetraining Your Puppy
Housetraining Your Adult Dog
Introducing Your New Dog to Other Pets
Equipment for Your New Dog 
How to Use a Head Halter 
Dog Toys and How to Use Them
Mouthy Behavior in Adult Dogs
Puppy Mouthing and Biting
Puppy Chewing
Puppy Socialization - The Rule of 12
Puppy Development and Training
How to be the Leader of Your Pack
Fear of Strangers
Fear of Children
Fear of Storms and Loud Noises
Resource Guarding
Separation Anxiety
Dog Handling
The Barking Dog
The Canine Escape Artist
Canine Rivalry
Understanding Aggressive Behavior in Dogs
How to Solve Digging Problems
Children and Dogs: Important Information for Parents
Why Dogs Bite: a Guideline for Children
Inside or Out? - Making Your Dog Part of the Family 
Submissive or Excitement Urination
Successful Cleaning to Remove Pet Odors and Stains

Cat Behavior Information

Litter Box Problem Prevention - Starting Out Right With Your Cat
Solving Litterbox Problems
Inappropriate Scratching
Introducing Your New Cat to Other Pets
Facts About Declawing
Cats: Indoor vs. Outdoor
Cat Toys and How to Use Them
Developmental Stages of Kitten Behavior
Feline Social Behavior and Aggression Between Family Cats 
Managing Your Kitten’s Rough Play 
Successful Cleaning to Remove Pet Odors and Stains
The Fearful Cat
Understanding Cat Aggression Towards People
Your Cat Needs a Tag!