BEHAVIOR
Clinical Case Studies
- Clinical Case Challenge: Animal Behavior Clinic (Dog) Case Description A 2.5-year-old miniature dachshund named Otto, presented to the Animal Behavior Clinic at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University for the sudden onset of aggression to his owners. The aggression consisted of growling, lunging, snapping and biting. Lifting him, attaching a leash and approaching him while resting triggered an aggressive response. ...
- Clinical Case Challenge: Behavior (Dog) Phobias may be related to living or inanimate objects, or noises.
Success Stories
- Love, After First Bites How a little affection and a dash of Prozac turned a dachshund Cujo into a sweetheart Nothing prepared Leslie and George Devol for the Cujo-like behavior of their dachshund, Otto. The sweet puppy they brought home had morphed into a snapping, snarling dog 18 months later. Source: http://now.tufts.edu/articles/love-after-first-bites
- Love, After First Bites Nothing prepared the Devols for the Cujo-like behavior of their dachshund Otto. The sweet puppy they brought home had morphed into a snapping, snarling dog 18 months later.
- Genuine Friendship Comes Full Circle for Scout and Finn Background: In November 2010, Melania and her husband Brian rescued Scout, a beagle coonhound mix from a shelter in Westport, CT, after he had been shipped to New England from North Carolina. He was 11-months-old and in spite of being very shy and seemingly frightened, he eventually came out of his shell. While exhibiting very friendly ...
Research
- Adopting the Neighborhood Stray Several measures can help an outdoor cat transition to a happy — and safe — life inside your home. Here’s some expert advice to guide you.
- Meet the dogs with OCD This story on obsessive compulsive disorder features the translational work of Professor Emeritus Nicholas Dodman, former head of Tufts Animal Behavior Clinic, on canine compulsive disorder (CCD). The piece references two related patient cases Dr. Dodman treated at Cummings Veterinary Medical Center and includes comments from Dr. Stephanie Borns-Weil, current head of Tufts Animal Behavior ...
- The Allure of Catnip Roughly 30 percent of cats don’t respond to it, but there are three other plants that might do the trick.
- Fido, Can you Get the Light, Please? How to teach your dog to imitate things you do — and strengthen your bond with your pet in the process.
- Researchers Seek Genetic Keys to Canine Behavior Two companies are working on what they call the world’s largest canine behavioral genetics study.
- Do Your Dogs Love Watching Television? Here’s What Science Has to Say Nicholas Dodman explains why dogs enjoy watching television.
- Pet Watch: Meet Dr. Kitty Nicholas Dodman talks about the benefits of petting a cat.
- Dogs Help Researchers Sniff Out Genetic Factors Of OCD Tufts researchers collaborated on a study that isolated genetic pathways leading to OCD in canines, which could help understanding and treatment of OCD in humans.
- Newly identified genomic causes of severe compulsive behavior in dogs could further understanding of human OCD Research led by investigators in veterinary and human medicine has identified genetic pathways that exacerbate severity of canine compulsive disorder in Doberman pinschers, a discovery that could lead to better therapies for obsessive compulsive disorder in people. The discovery appears online in advance of print on February 29 in the International Journal of Applied ...
- Newly identified genomic causes of severe compulsive behavior in dogs could further understanding of human OCD NORTH GRAFTON, Mass. – Research led by investigators in veterinary and human medicine has identified genetic pathways that exacerbate severity of canine compulsive disorder in Doberman pinschers, a discovery that could lead to better therapies for obsessive compulsive disorder in people. The discovery appears online in advance of print on February 29 in the International Journal of ...
- Tracing the Roots of OCD in Pets and People Animal behavior research at Tufts holds promise for better detection and treatment of the disorder In 2011, science threw a curveball at Nicholas Dodman and Alice Moon-Fanelli. The two researchers were looking at bull terriers in hopes of finding the gene responsible for a debilitating behavior common in the breed. Up to 85 percent of any ...
- Animal Instinct Tufts scientists seek to put some evidence behind what we intuitively know is a wonderful thing: our special relationship with the animals in our lives.
- Like Minds The similarities between behavioral disorders in people and animals may lead to breakthroughs in the detection and treatment of autism, OCD and other compulsive disorders.
- Doggone DNA Veterinarians are studying inherited health problems in pets in an effort to prevent disease in animals and humans
- The Hoarding Gene Using the behavior of Doberman pinschers to understand the compulsion to collect
At Your Service
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Client Education
- The Primordial Pouch There’s always something new and interesting to learn about cats if you watch their behavior.
- The Art of Bunting Feline experts explain that head rubs actually serve several purposes for the cat and her owner.
- How to Find Your Lost Cat Here’s why they sometimes go “missing” — where they like to hide — and most importantly, how you can find them. Tip: Even indoor cats should wear ID.
- When ‘man’s best friend’ feels more hate than love for an owner Professor Emeritus Nicholas Dodman authors an article for the Conversation US looking at reasons a dog might display fear, aggression, indifference, etc. toward its owner.
- The Top 7 Changes In Cat Behavior Be on the lookout for signs in these key areas of your cat’s daily activities. One may indicate a potential health problem that warrants prompt veterinary attention.
- The Allure of Catnip Roughly 30 percent of cats don’t respond to it, but there are three other plants that might do the trick.
- Do Try This at Home! By taping a simple square on your floor, your cat will join the masses by doing exactly what cats do.
- Making Medical Care Easier Ways to help your dog lean into medical and wellness procedures rather than pull away.
- Lots You Can Do At Home to Make Vet Visits Less Intimidating 10 tips to make handling by the doctor (and you) a much less traumatic experience.
- Dogs Will Be Dogs, Whether Or Not It’s Convenient For You. Dogs come with definite genetic propensities for certain behaviors, making it hard — or impossible — to train them to adjust perfectly to the world of humans in which they live. But there’s a lot you can do to help them meet you at least halfway.
- They’re Talking. Are We Really Listening? Thanks to Dr. Borns-Weil, and a wonderful book on the meaning of dogs’ different barks referred to in the article, I will never again yell at Franklin for barking.
- Dogs: To Hug or Not to Hug The answer is that it depends on the circumstances—there is no blanket rule There’s been a lot of discussion recently about whether it is a good or bad thing to hug a dog. Does the dog like it or tolerate it, or does it cause the dog stress? The answer is, it depends. Source: http://now.tufts.edu/articles/dogs-hug-or-not-hug
- Lick the Habit What’s behind this common bonding behavior
- How to Promote Good Canine Behavior Nicholas Dodman discusses treating aggression in pets. Veterinary Practice News March 18, 2016 http://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/how-to-promote-good-canine-behavior/
- Animal Instinct Tufts scientists seek to put some evidence behind what we intuitively know is a wonderful thing: our special relationship with the animals in our lives.
- Like Minds The similarities between behavioral disorders in people and animals may lead to breakthroughs in the detection and treatment of autism, OCD and other compulsive disorders.
- Bang! Bang! Helping your Dog Manage Noise Phobia Fear of noises is a very common and real problem for dogs. When a dog is exposed to certain noises, such as sirens, smoke alarms, fireworks, kettle whistles and vacuum cleaners, a dog with a noise phobia may pant or salivate excessively, tremble, or run and hide from fear. There are a number of steps ...
- Preventing Everyday Pet Accidents Unfortunately, accidents happen and for even the most careful and dedicated pet owners, sometimes there’s nothing you can do to prevent them. Knowing who to call in the event of an emergency will ensure your pet receives the best possible care. What’s also important to know is that there are some steps you can take ...
- Happy Driving with your Dog! Riding in the car is a very common dog phobia. Fortunately, most dog owners can help their pet overcome this fear by introducing him or her to the car in a step-by-step approach that involves using lots of positive reinforcement. The ultimate objective is to develop a pleasant association with car travel. Causes Car phobias can develop ...
- Boom! Boom! Helping Your Dog with Thunderstorm Phobias Thunderstorm phobia or anxiety is real and a fairly common problem for many dogs. It can be difficult to watch. Before the first sound of thunder, dogs with thunderstorm phobia become overwhelmed and show physical signs of fear. While thunder is just one of many frightening noises, it is treated a bit differently than other ...
- “I’ll Be Right Home” You return from work and find your dog has recently chewed through the screen on your patio door. Your neighbor also reports that your dog has been howling and barking all day while you were gone. Are these scenarios familiar? If so, your dog may be suffering from separation anxiety. While issues with separation can ...
- Giving Pills to Your Pet Having Trouble Giving Pills to Your Pet? Watch this series of videos for tips and tricks
- Not Guilty Bad behavior doesn’t land dogs in shelters. It’s long been thought that behavior problems drive the majority of owners to surrender their pets to animal shelters. …the real culprit for surrenders: the owners themselves.
Stories
- How Cats Think A veterinary behaviorist and alum explains why cats are so different than dogs—and if that means they love us any less.
- Non-Recognition Aggression in Cats This behavior is not uncommon after a vet visit or other excursion made outside the home. Here’s why it happens — and how to minimize its effects.
- Are Dogs Smarter Than Cats? Based on new research, experts are suggesting that the answer points to … “yes.”
- Study on Personality Types The Feline Five include: neuroticism, extraversion, dominance, impulsiveness and agreeableness.
- How Dogs Think A scientist explores how genetics and experience shape the canine mind.
- Feline-Friendly — or Not? A recent study focuses on new ways to assess a dog’s ability to live safely with cats and other small animals.
- The Feline Instinct Understanding a cat’s nature is very helpful should she ever go missing. Here’s why.
- Mood-Stabilizing Medications for cats A properly-prescribed and administered anti-anxiety drug can greatly help to improve an unhappy cat’s quality of life. Here’s how they work.
- Making an Educated Guess Research is helping to hone in on behavioral cues that determine feline-friendliness in dogs.
- Feline-Friendly — or Not? A recent study focuses on new ways to assess a dog’s ability to live safely with cats and other small animals.
- Dear Doctor: A Cat with an Endless Appetite A lot of animals — cats included — have had a difficult time finding enough to eat when living in a feral community-type setting and after adoption become ravenous when they are presented with a decent meal.
- Thinking Inside the Box Have you ever wondered why your cat likes to squeeze herself into the tiniest of spaces? Here’s why.
- 5 Behaviors That Show Your Dog’s Wild Side While your fluffy white Poodle might seem a world away from a wild wolf stalking its prey, there are more similarities between them that you might imagine. Big or small, all dogs have retained a little bit of the wilderness in them—and that comes through in these five common behaviors.
- “Sibling” Rivalry How to recognize that what looks like serious fighting isn’t — and what to do when it is.
- Dear Doctor: Understanding Temperament I have a black cat that I rescued from a shelter five months ago, hoping that I could train him to be a therapy cat.
- Dear Doctor – Grinding away with her teeth My 18-month-old Catahoula/terrier mix seems to have a need to grind away at hard things with her teeth.
- Dear Doctor: Help for a cat in mourning I wonder if you could give me any suggestions regarding my 10-year-old cat Ringling’s behavior.
- Some people remove their cats’ claws. One state may soon call that animal cruelty. Now the debate has reached the statehouse in New Jersey, where the General Assembly last month approved a bill that would add declawing, or onychectomy, to the list of criminal animal cruelty offenses.
- Dear Doctor: Cats and Concussions Is it possible for a cat to suffer a concussion?
- Dear Doctor – How Cats use Scent Glands Cats have scent glands around their faces, and in the act of bunting, they leave their scent mark behind to claim territory, ease anxiety or show affection to us.
- Dear Doctor – The Dog Won’t Pee Where She’s Supposed To I have a golden Lab, and she has a 14-foot by 14-foot fenced-in area in which to run around and go to the bathroom.
- Copy Cats For all they imitate each other, the expression should be “copy dogs.”
- Here’s Why Cats Go Crazy Over Laser Pointers Stephanie Borns-Weil is quoted in this article on why cats are attracted to laser pointers.
- Why You Need to Get Over Your Fear of Behavior Drugs Nicholas Dodman talks about anxiety in animals.
- Why Cats Lick Plastic, and Other Odd Behaviors Explained Nicholas Dodman is one of the experts featured in this article about odd cat behaviors.
- Paying it Forward Twenty years into her career as a veterinary technician, Sandra Robbins continues to evolve as a CVT and VTS by challenging herself in new areas. Learn about how vast the field of veterinary technology is through her story.
- MUSC Pet Therapy program helping traumatized patients Nicholas Dodman’s research is referenced in this article on therapy dogs.
- Getting to the Root Causes of Dog Behavior The Dog Who Hated Surprises
- Psychiatry for Animals “Pets on the Couch” author Nicholas Dodman argues that animals have mental health problems similar to our own, and benefit from similar treatments
- National Symphony Orchestra cellist has composed music felines may actually like Nicholas Dodman says that cats will respond to music “if it’s properly designed and delivered in the cat idiom.
- Cat Behavior: Why Do Cats Rub Against You? Stephanie Borns-Weil explains how cats’ sense of smell dictates why they rub against people.
- How to Get Your Dog to Stop Barking on Planes Stephanie Borns-Weil explains why dogs misbehave on flights.
- Beating boredom, part 3: How to keep dogs occupied when they’re home alone Nicholas Dodman discusses the importance of keeping dogs entertained when they are alone.
- Ever Wonder: Why Do Cats Purr? This feline response happens when the animals are happy—and when they’re in distress—says Tufts animal behaviorist Nicholas Dodman The Tufts Now video series Ever Wonder features faculty and other experts answering questions about which we all have wondered—everything from why leaves change color to why we laugh. You can view the entire series at http://everwonder.tufts.edu, and submit ...
- Las mascotas al divan (Pets on the couch) This article mentions Nicholas Dodman’s research on obsessive compulsive behavior in dogs.
- Study: Big dogs behave quite differently from their smaller cousins Nicholas Dodman proposes that Bull terriers that chase their tails may have autism. He is the first to propose that autistic behavior can occur in dogs.
- Ever Wonder: Why Do Dogs Bark? Stephanie Borns-Weil, V07, a resident specializing in animal behavior at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, explains The new Tufts Now video series Ever Wonder features faculty and other experts answering questions about which we all have wondered—everything from why people laugh to why cats purr. You can view the entire series at http://everwonder.tufts.edu, and submit your own ...