Some behaviour solutions...

The basics
Many of the problems that owners and pets face can be solved by a small understanding of the problem from your pet's point of view. The following list describes some of the more common problems and how we suggest that you can overcome them.

We use no coercive, dominant or aggressive techniques. We have seen on many occasions how they are counter productive, and often increase a problem rather than solve it. If you have a problem that is not in the list please email us, we will be pleased to help if we can.

Use of punishment
If in trying to solve your problems, you are using any forms of shouting, punishment or aggression, this must stop before trying any of the solutions below. Apart from any other issues around the use of punishment in behaviour problems, as you have probably discoveredit doesn't work, anyway!!

Booklets

There must be an easier way
We have a booklet that gives some basic ideas on schooling for your dog, it covers some basic issues like responding to you and things to keep them happy.

It shouldn't happen to a pet
It is very easy to mis-understand how problems are caused in dogs and how to solve them, this booklet details gives an overview of where we go wrong and how to avoid causing problems.

Passing on the help If you find this information useful, please make a donation to help other animals.Thank you
Common dog problems
Confidence building for dogs Many dogs exhibit what appears to be behaviour problems simply because they don't have enough confidence to behave normally. Overcoming fear in dogs Dogs can be frightened of many things. This page gives some insight into fear and some things to try to overcome the problem. Habituation for dogs In order to be happy and confident, dogs need to experience life. This page describes some ideas on getting a dog to be more confident. House training the gentle way Teaching a dog where it is acceptable to relieve themselves, is not difficult. Just like potty training a toddler it just requires some good time-keeping and patience from their owners. Possessive behaviour in dogs Many dogs can cause problems in the home and other places that they frequent by assuming that the territory or property is theirs to defend.	Preventing boredom in dogs Often our dogs are neglected because dogs need more than sitting around all day. Dogs are intelligent beings and as such need some stimulation throughout the day. Being a leader to your dog Dogs can rule our lives simply because we allow them to control us. This can lead to dogs that are bad tempered, jealous and aggressive. Teaching your dog to return Millions of people don't let their dogs run free for fear that they won't come back. Teaching your dog to return is a fairly simple thing to do it just needs some patience and persistence from you. Introducing dogs to visitors One of the major problems dog owners have is introducing the dog to visitors. This page gives some tips to overcome this problem. Seperation problems in dogs Many people have dogs that cannot be left, the most common root is dogs that get attention on demand. Dogs that get over-excitable How to overcome problems with dogs who don't seem able to contain themselves when owners or visitors come to the house.
Common cat problems
Spraying in the house Many cats suffer from this problem, the cause is usually insecurity but there are things you can do to help.	Aggression towards people Many cats are aggressive towards their owners but there are ways to lessen if not solve the problem.
Small animal problems
Coping with unfriendly rabbits Many people have rabbits that bite or run away when approached by humans, they need lots of time and effort but the rewards are worth it.	Introducing new rabbits Rabbits need company, they are sociable creatures but can be extremely territorial. Introducing a new rabbit is possible if it is done carefully.
If you have any questions or comments on any part of our work, please contact us: Animals in Mind, 31 Magdalen Way, Worle, North Somerset, BS22 7PG 01934 516714 - email us