presentation

Animal Protection Officers: Using a Community-based Approach to Measurably Reduce Intake in the Field

Mark Sloat, Program Manager, Austin Animal Center and April Moore, Engagement Manager, Austin Animal CenterMarch 2019

This session will teach approaches that value the human-animal bond, redefine 'animals in need,' and engage community members, shelter staff, and volunteers to solve problems together.

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Basket Muzzle Training

Fear FreeFebruary 2018

Conditioning a dog to be comfortable wearing a muzzle is an important life skill. In this short video by Fear Free you can learn how to do exactly that.

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House Training Your Foster Dog

January 2018

Learn some easy methods to help in house training your foster dog in this short video.

blog

Host a feline communication popcorn party, and help cats!

June 1, 2017

If you’d like your shelter and rescue group staff, volunteers, fosters and adopters — as well as cat loving community-members — to speak cat, it may be time to host a party to watch our free online course, Feline Communication: How to Speak Cat!, together! When you know how to read it, a cat's body…

blog

Through a cat’s nose: How understanding smell can keep cats in homes and reduce stress in shelters

January 10, 2017

Most of us know dogs put a lot of store in how things smell, their noses are legendary for their sniffing ability. It’s not as widely known that the smells in a cat’s environment are a critical part of what makes a cat feel safe and free of stress, whether the cat is living in…

webcast

Helping Shelter Pets find Health, Happiness and Homes with Fear Free

Dr. Marty BeckerNovember 2016

Learn why fear is the worst thing a social species can experience, and how it causes permanent damage to the brain.

presentation

Taking Troubled Tabbies from Naughty to Nice

Sara Cookson and Kristin Hill February 2015

Every rescue encounters troubled cats with issues that go beyond tortitude. The Austin Pet's Alive! Cat Behavior Team will teach you how to prevent behavior problems before they start.

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Physical and Behavioral Development of Kittens for the First Six Weeks of Life

Susan Krebsbach, DVMDecember 2013

Early behavioral development of kittens is governed by the extent to which other body systems and senses have developed. An understanding of both is vital if we are to comprehend the antics of the kittens in our charge.

article

From Helpless Newborn to Skilled Acrobat: Feline Development and the Orphaned Kitten

Susan Krebsbach, DVMApril 2013

Kittens may start out tiny and helpless, but they rapidly develop into some of nature's most agile and active creatures. Making sure they grow up with their social and behavioral needs met is as important as making sure their physical needs are fulfilled, says Susan Krebsbach, DVM.

presentation

Canine Body Language in the Shelter

Dr. Sara Bennett, DVM, DACVBSeptember 2012

Have you ever wondered how dogs communicate? Are we even close to understanding them? Dr. Sara Bennett, graduate of the Purdue Shelter Veterinary Behavior Residency Program, goes through an overview of canine body language and interpretation. She discusses welfare implications of different behavior states, as well as how this can affect and be affected by length of stay in a shelter and the animal shelter environment.