by Joshua | Jul 31, 2019 | Dog
Their name intrigued me. Funda Nenja translates to “Learning with a dog” in isiZulu. Their mission inspired me: “Our aim is to improve the quality of life for both township children and their dogs. The concept of ‘learning with a dog’ incorporates animal welfare and...
by Joshua | Jul 30, 2019 | Dog
City life is not easy for all dogs. For the outgoing canine “extrovert” it’s a walk in the park — new friends and adventures around every corner. For the more reserved or fearful dogs, however, it can be a nightmare. One of the unique challenges for dogs in...
by Joshua | Jul 30, 2019 | Dog
The human-dog interspecies relationship is unique: dogs and humans have evolved alongside one another, sharing the same environmental niche for thousands of years. Dogs have the ability to interpret our slightest gestures, read our facial expressions, and respond to...
by Joshua | Jul 25, 2019 | Working Animals
Navigating one’s daily tasks isn’t always easy — especially while living with a disability. Fortunately, there are service dogs that can be trained to do all sorts of tasks for their humans, and make significant improvements to their handlers’ lives. They might open...
by Joshua | Jul 19, 2019 | Shelter
The San Joaquin kit fox is a small endangered species of fox that lives in Mexico and the southwestern United States. Its scat is small — these foxes are only about 5 pounds. The almond-sized scat pellets are usually the same color as the desert ground. Biologists...
by Joshua | Jul 19, 2019 | Parrot
A parrot is an iconic part of a pet store; many people have strong memories of visiting pet stores as children and being amazed by a big red macaw, or delighted by flocks of colorful lovebirds. Even now, many companion birds are bought after a visit to a store that...
by Joshua | Jul 19, 2019 | Exotics
I heard a soft, high-pitched whine with an ascending tone from our 5-year-old female African warthog. I looked at Sophia, to see her stopped, stiff and still. It was early evening, and she was out for a walk with me and another trainer as part of her enrichment...
by Joshua | Jul 19, 2019 | Cat
As trainers and behavior consultants, we’re often tasked with telling clients things that they might not want to hear. We’re experts in knowing what needs to be said — in identifying behavior challenges and creating ways to address them — but sometimes we can all...
by Joshua | Jul 19, 2019 | Horse
I have ridden horses for over 40 years, successfully competing at 3-star eventing and grand prix dressage. I have been an Australian representative rider and an EFA Level 3 coach. My many years of coaching, from amateurs through to elite-level riders, has taught me a...
by Joshua | Jul 19, 2019 | Horse
Haven’t we all been there? The reminder card for the dog’s vaccinations drops on the mat, and we prudently place it under a magnet on the fridge door. Our intention is good; we will ring the vet and make that appointment just as soon as we have a moment. Three weeks...
by Joshua | Jul 1, 2019 | General, Cat
The world of animal behavior consulting is always changing—we’re seeing new clients in unique situations, working with individual animals, learning about innovative techniques and cutting-edge research, and trying to navigate business, marketing, and social media....
by Joshua | Jul 1, 2019 | Husbandry, Dog
Bilateral cataracts are a condition that many dogs face as they age. While most do not see a reduction in their quality of life, this was not the case for Jeter, a 9-year-old terrier mix. After observing that he had low contrast sensitivity causing him to walk into...
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