The Sacramento SPCA website contains a wealth of written information about dogs and dog behavior issues, as well as links to other resources. The following table will direct you to the information most appropriate to your situation.
Unless the table below advises you to set up a consultation to address your dog’s behavior issues, PLEASE READ THROUGH THE INFORMATION IN THE RECOMMENDED RESOURCES AND TRY THE SUGGESTED SOLUTIONS BEFORE CONTACTING THE SACRAMENTO SPCA ABOUT YOUR ISSUE.
If you’ve done that, and the solutions in our handouts haven’t helped, you can get further help from the Behavior and Training department by visiting our Behavior Helpline Page. We will review your issues and get back to you as soon as possible by email.
If you do not have email access, you can leave a phone message at 916-504-2848. Leave your address in the message and we’ll mail a helpline form to fill out and return.
| ISSUE: | RESOURCES: |
| General topics of interest to dog owners. The Sacramento SPCA Behavior and Training department strives to keep current with the latest information on dog behavior and the dog/human relationship. Check this list of articles to give you a better understanding of your furry family member. |
The Educated Dog How to Get Your Dog to Behave Inside Dog or Outside Dog Who’s a Good Dog? Dog Parks Ian Dunbar, Ph.D. Patricia Mcconnell, Ph.D. Marin Humane Society |
| Did you just adopt an adult dog? Adult dogs go through quite an adjustment process when introduced into a new home. Consult these many resources to help your new dog make the best possible start in his new life with you. |
Management Crate Training for your Dog or Puppy Dog Parks Dog Toys and How to Use Them Dog to Dog Introductions Inside Dog or Outside Dog Introducing Cats and Dogs Housetraining Your Dog or Puppy |
| Is your dog a puppy? Puppies are adorable, but they have a lot to learn! It’s up to you to socialize them, help them learn good manners, and teach them not to leave puddles on your carpet. These resources tell you how. |
Puppy Development and Socialization Puppy Chewing Puppy Nipping, Biting and Rough Play Management Housetraining Your Dog or Puppy Crate Training for your Dog or Puppy |
| Is your dog an adolescent? You thought your puppy had calmed down, but now that he’s almost grown, he’s back to chewing, jumping on you, playing rough, or not listening to you. Maybe he’s also starting to get into disagreements with other dogs. What’s happened to your sweet pup? He’s a teenager now! These resources will help you cope. |
Puppy Development and Socialization Puppy Chewing Puppy Nipping, Biting and Rough Play Chewing and Destructive Behavior How to Get Your Dog to Behave Leadership |
| Is your dog a senior? New behavioral issues can show up with senior dogs due to health problems such as incontinence, loss of hearing or vision, pain due to conditions like arthritis, or even confusion and memory issues. |
Senior Dog |
| Are you having problems with house training your dog? | Management Housetraining Your Dog or Puppy Cleaning Pet Stains and Odors Submissive and Excitement Urination |
| Does your dog bark too much? | Barking |
| Is your dog destructive (chewing, digging, stealing food off counters)? | Aversives and Deterrents for Dogs Chewing and Destructive Behavior Digging |
| Is your dog an escape artist? | Escape Artist |
| Does your dog jump on people? | Jumping |
| Does your dog get “mouthy” or plays too rough with people or with other dogs? | Puppy Nipping, Biting and Rough Play |
| Do you think your dog has separation anxiety? | Separation Anxiety Handout Fill out our Separation Anxiety Diagnostic Questionnaire |
Is your dog showing aggressive behavior such as:
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In order to help you with any issue involving aggressive behavior, we must schedule you for a behavior consultation so we can assess your dog and determine the best course of treatment for that particular dog. Click here for information on our consultation program and to get started in scheduling a consultation. You may also want to read this information about different kinds of aggressive behavior: Aggression Handout Canine Rivalry |
| Is your dog fearful, shy, or anxious: | In order to help you with any issue involving fearful behavior, we must schedule you into a behavior consultation so we can assess your dog and determine the best course of treatment for that particular dog. Click here for information on our consultation program and to get started in scheduling a consultation. In the meantime check out these handouts: Fear of Thunder and Loud Noises The Fearful Dog Submissive and Excitement Urination |
| Do you have concerns about your dog interacting with children or with a new baby? | In order to help you with any issue involving inappropriate behavior towards kids, we must schedule you into a behavior consultation so we can assess your dog and determine the best course of treatment for that particular dog. Click here for information on our consultation program and to get started in scheduling a consultation.In the meantime check out these handouts: Children and Dogs Together Helping Kids Avoid Dog Bites Pets and Your New Baby |
