Why Positive Reinforcement Is the Best Way to Train Your Dog
Aversive dog training methods use punishment and intimidation, often leading to physical harm, fear and aggression. Positive reinforcement training, which comes from a gentle, reward-based approach, is much more effective as well as humane. Over the past few decades, we have seen a shift from aversive dog training methods to force-free, positive reinforcement training. Instead of punishing a dog for unwanted behaviors, positive reinforcement training rewards the dog for behaviors we do want. Not only is this a much kinder and safer way to...
Registration for Online Instructor-Led Courses begins August 19!
Looking to implement a new program, learn more about a specific subject and create positive change for pets and people in your community? Be sure to save the date for Maddie’s Fund® Online Instructor-Led Courses! The fall 2024 application window for all 11 offerings opens on August 19, 2024 and closes on August 30, 2024. New this term is Field Services: Tools and Equipment, which will dive deep into mastering the safe, effective and humane utilization of standard-issue field services equipment. “Thank you for effectively...
Create a Backyard Agility Course for Your Dog!
Submission Guidelines Thank you for your interest in writing for Animal Wellness. As the #1 natural health magazine for pets in North America, we take pride in providing our readers with the information they need to make wise health care choices for their animal companions. Our publication embraces the entire holistic spectrum, from physical health issues to the emotional and spiritual well being of our animals. We welcome unsolicited articles and story outlines as long as they focus on holistic healing, whether physical, emotional or...
The Most Common Endocrine Diseases in Dogs and Cats — Part 2
From diabetes to Addison’s disease, a variety of disorders can affect your dog or cat’s endocrine system. This two-part article looks at the most common endocrine diseases affecting our animal companions. Your dog or cat’s endocrine system is made up of glands that secrete hormones to affect her body in various ways. The glands of the endocrine system regulate a range of functions, including metabolism, hair growth, muscle strength, digestion, and reproduction. Like other systems of the body, your dog or cat’s...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Online Instructor-Led Courses, managing arousal in the animal shelter setting webcast and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Webcast: Managing arousal in the shelter settingIf you’re looking to bring new ideas to your organizations about dog and cat behavior then consider joining Maddie’s® Monthly Behavior Connection. This monthly webcast is held on the fourth Thursday of the month at 12PM PT/3PM ET and is an opportunity hear from speakers about behavior medications, modifying animal behavior, assessing and improving animal well-being… Learn More 10 questions to ask...
Wildfire Smoke — How to Protect Your Dog or Cat
Wildfires are getting larger, fiercer and more frequent, which means poor air quality from smoke is becoming a common and widespread problem. Here’s how to protect your dog or cat’s health from its effects. Over the last several years, the wildfire season has become unprecedented in many regions of the world, including the US, Canada, and Europe. Around the globe, in fact, wildfires are growing ever more severe, intense and frequent. Even if you don’t live in or near an affected area, smoke and particulates spread through...
7 Common Household Items Toxic to Cats
Alliums, cleaning products, and low quality essential oils are just a few of the common household items that can make your kitty sick. Cats are known for their curiosity. While this is an endearing trait, it can sometimes get them into trouble. Making sure your kitty stays safe includes keeping her from getting into things that could make her sick. This article highlights seven common household items that are toxic to cats. Check the list to see how many are in your own home, and take steps to prevent your feline friend from coming into...
Not Enough Adoptions or Not Enough Adopters?
[embedded content] Why do so many potential adopters visit a shelter but leave without a pet? Turns out the shelters themselves may have more of a role that you think. Amanda Foster, Assistant Director of Research & Data as well as Heidi Martson, PetSmart Charities Director of Pet Placement Initiatives discuss how five different shelters began implementing people-centric best practices to better understand the WHY behind their adoption conversion rate, and provide you with the tangible tools and initiatives organizations can use today to...
Budget Calculator: Build a Budget Supported by Municipalities & Community Support
[embedded content] Never enough budget: an all-too common problem in animal welfare. HASS wants to showcase a new budget calculator tool created to garner more municipal funding, community support and address the chronic underfunding shelters unfortunately face daily. This webinar, led by APA! President & CEO, Ellen Jefferson, and Senior Director of Research & Development, Maggie Lynch, cover how to use the HASS Budget Calculator and its results to advocate for budgets appropriate to meet the public’s expectations around humane...
Top Reasons to Feed Your Dog Novel Proteins
Gone are the days when dogs only had chicken or beef for every meal. These days, dog parents can opt for a variety of novel proteins. Here are the top reasons to choose them. Novel proteins are becoming more common in dog food recipes, and for good reason. Along with being great for dogs with allergies and sensitivities, they’re also better for the planet and ensure dogs get all the nutrients they need to be the happy, healthy goofballs we love. Here are some reasons to help guide you when considering adding novel proteins to your...
