Animal Behavior Information 

If you are having behavior issues with your pet PHS/SPCA can help with the following tip sheets. If you need extra help with behavior, please call our free Behavior Helpline at 650-340-7022, ext. 183 (ext.186 for Spanish). You may also request help by submitting an Online Behavior Help Application.  A trained Behavior staff member will return your call within 72 hours. 

Our Behavior Department is funded entirely by donations and obedience class fees. Much of the department’s day-to-day work is supported by volunteers. To volunteer, please contact Brian Probst at 650-340-7022 ext. 328 or email him at [email protected].

Books on Dog Behavior

About Dogs

  • The Dog Who Loved Too Much by Nicholas Dodman
  • The Good Little Dog Book by Ian Dunbar
  • How to Teach an Old Dog New Tricks by Ian Dunbar
  • The Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson
  • Leader of the Pack by Patricia McConnell
Books on Cat Behavior
About Cats

  • Claws and Purrs by Peter Neville
  • Twisted Whiskers–Solving Your Cat’s Behavior Problems by Pam Johnson
  • Cat Watching by Desmond Morris

Behavior videos

Adjusting dog’s schedule once shelter in place is lifted

Clicker Training Cat

Doggy Workout 1

Dog Parkhour

Mental Stimulation for Your Dog

Social Distancing While Walking Dog

Keeping Indoor Cats Entertained

Doggy Workout 2

Tips on Leash Walking

Preventing Cat From Scratching Furniture

Spaying & Neutering My Cat

Polite Greetings

Setting Kittens Up for Success

Shelter Dogs Love TLC and Enrichment

Teaching dogs to  not pick things up on walk

Critter Corner Fourth of July Safety Tips

When to give your cat a break

Helping new puppy settle in 

Teaching dog to not jump

Jumping and pulling on leash

Positive muzzle training

Socializing your puppy

Curbing a biting puppy

Dog’s first Thanksgiving

Dog Toys

Improving Dog’s Manners Outside

Indoor Exercise

Shy Dog

Potty Training

Improving Puppy’s Manners

Harness Tricks

Improving Dog’s Recall

Returning to the Office

Loose Leash Training

Excited Dog

Dog Barking at Other Dogs

Dog jumping on guests

First time dog owners

Shy Pup

Demanding Pup

Recall for dogs

Keeping dog from kitchen countertops

Pets and the holidays

Teaching “Leave It”

Walking tips

Introducing dog to new puppy

Catch me if you can

Crate training

Training your dog to be a Pet Assisted Therapist

Teaching puppy recall 

Door dashing dog

Prepare shy dog for tense situations

Treating training with new pup

Social butterfly dog

Tinkling pup

Taking your dog to events 

Outdoor dining with your dog

Exercising your dog during hot days

Refocusing dog’s attention 

Socializing puppy