Blog

Do dogs’ personalities vary depending on their coat color? That’s what a reader asked, and here’s what science tells us about the answer. Q: I’ve heard that Labs have different personalities depending on their color. Is that true? A: That’s a persistent myth about many breeds, including Labrador retrievers. For instance, chocolate Labs are thought […]

No, you can’t get herpes from your cat. But feline herpesvirus is common in cats, usually causing mild symptoms but sometimes much more serious. Here’s what I told a reader. Q: My cat has been diagnosed with feline herpesvirus. What is it, and can she transmit it to me? A: First, the short answer, to […]

Of course this is partly a proud father moment. My daughter, trainer Mikkel Becker, is being featured by Barcroft Animals as she helps dogs and a pet pig with behavior challenges using reward-based methods. But it’s more than just a proud father moment. Mikkel is the Chief Trainer for Fear Free, and her strength, compassion, […]

We all know we need protection from the sun. What about our pets? Here’s what I told a reader who asked about her cat’s love of sunbathing. Q: My cat loves to nap in the sun. Why is that, and do I need to worry that he’ll get sunburned? A: Cats have made their way […]

Just like this time every year before, my mailbox is full of pleas for help from owners of pets, mostly dogs, who are terrified of fireworks, thunderstorms, and other loud or unusual noises. I’m hearing about it from my clients, and dealing with it in my own dog Quixote. I don’t know if noise phobias […]