Advice from Tuna the Tax Cat: Donate your Tax Refund
Tuna the Tax Cat is back with some advice for 2022: Donate your tax refund! Holy meow—it’s the biggest one yet! The Oregon Office of Economic Analysis recently announced that a $1.9 billion “kicker” (the largest kicker on record!) will be available to Oregon taxpayers in 2022! When it’s time to file your 2021 state […]
Understanding your Feisty Cat
Cat owners sometimes have difficulty understanding why their cats seem friendly and happy one minute and are biting and scratching the next. These behaviors are part of the normal patterns of almost any animal species. Cat bites are seldom reported, but probably occur more frequently than dog bites. Aggressive cats can be dangerous and attempting…
Your New Cat and the Litter Box: Start Off Right!
Most cats have specific preferences about pretty much everything related to their litter boxes. Each cat is different! By following these suggestions and learning about your cat’s preferences, you’ll be able to keep your new cat happy and using her litter boxes. Cats are generally fastidious with their litter box hygiene habits. It serves us…
Re-Housetraining Your Adult Dog
Remember that you and your new dog need some time to learn each other’s signals and routines. Even if he was housetrained in his previous home, if you don’t recognize his “bathroom” signal, which may be nothing more than sniffing or staring at you, you might miss his request to go out, causing him to […]
Two Puppies or One?
At the Oregon Humane, we are careful about placing two puppies together in one home because we know how much work it is to raise both of them properly. Puppies are individuals and each puppy needs early socialization and training. They need to learn human language and what pleases us (such as going potty outside […]
Potty Training your Puppy
Puppies have to go potty. It’s teaching them where we want them to go that’s important. Potty training requires patience and consistency. The following procedures will help minimize house-soiling incidents, but please remember that it is normal for your puppy to have accidents in the house while they are learning. The more consistent you are […]
Obsessive Compulsive Behavior in Dogs
It’s estimated that 2% of dogs suffer from obsessive compulsive behavior, according to the Animal Behavior Clinic at Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. The specific cause can vary as can the level of intensity. Common drivers are generally conflict and stress. Dogs who have been chained or confined, resulting in social isolation or the […]
Why is a Dog’s Growl Helpful?
Although no one wants to hear their dog growl, it’s important to keep in mind what a crucial communication tool it is for dogs. This audible warning signal is a very effective way for dogs to keep the peace and a way for a dog to communicate when he is feeling uncomfortable. A dog who […]
Go to your Mat
“Go to your mat” is a powerful cue to teach your dog. Your dog will learn to relax on his bed instead of jumping up on visitors, barking at the window, or tripping you up in the kitchen. Use it when you are working at your desk, watching TV, cooking dinner, answering the door, visiting […]
Doggie Daycare, Pet Boarding and Pet Sitters: Choosing the Best Option for your Dog
What do you do when you need to leave home and your dog can’t come with you? Choosing the right boarding facility or pet sitter for your dog is key for a stress-free trip! Whether your dog will be staying at home with a sitter or going to a boarding facility, try to pick an […]
