Learning Center

Understanding Reinforcement Before Correcting the Behavior One of the most common concerns dog owners mention is, “My dog jumps on everyone who comes through the door.” For many people, the first instinct is to tell the dog “No,” push them away, or repeatedly ask them to get down. While these responses are understandable, they often don’t address why the behavior is happening. In some cases, they may even make the jumping more likely to occur in the future. Understanding a fe

Presenting Concern A 6-year-old intact male Goldendoodle was presented for consultation after developing sudden inappropriate urination throughout the home immediately following a family relocation. Prior to the move, the dog had been reliably house-trained for several years. The owners also reported an increase in separation-related vocalization, including whining and crying when left alone. Assessment Rather than assuming the behavior represented a lapse in house training,

"We had recently moved into a new home when our 6-year-old Goldendoodle suddenly began urinating throughout the house after years of being completely house trained. At the same time, he became increasingly anxious whenever we left, whining and crying much more than he ever had before. We were frustrated and worried that this behavior had become his new normal. Rather than focusing only on the accidents, West Virginia Animal Behavior helped us understand why the behavior was o

Quick Answer Behavior is how animals—including our pets—interact with their environment to meet their needs, respond to changes, and communicate with others. Every behavior serves a function, meaning it helps the animal achieve something important, whether that’s obtaining food, avoiding danger, seeking comfort, or communicating a need. Recognizing that behavior has a purpose is the first step toward understanding your pet’s emotions and improving their well-being. When we vi

If behavior is the answer, what is the question? Long before I began graduate study in animal behavior, I learned one of the most important lessons of my career while working as a Behavior Support Professional for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. On my first day, I met a non-verbal young woman who spent much of her time rocking her wheelchair back and forth. Staff described this as one of her "behavioral problems." Their concern was understandable

The Fourth of July is one of the most difficult nights of the year for many dogs. Fireworks are sudden, unpredictable, and loud — and unlike a thunderstorm, they don't follow any pattern a dog can learn to anticipate. For dogs with noise sensitivities, the holiday can trigger genuine fear responses that are distressing to watch and hard to know how to handle. Here's what the science of animal behavior tells us actually helps. Why Fireworks Are So Hard on Dogs Dogs experience

As pet owners we say things like our pet is behaving badly or their behavior is aggressive, but what is behavior? The scientific...

Are you looking to improve the bond between you and your canine companion? Do you want to better understand your dog's behavior and...

Are you struggling with your pet’s behavior and not sure where to turn for help? Look no further than a reputable animal behavior...