Pet Behavior Tips
Your pet did not read the house rules—and sometimes it shows. Explore practical guidance for common dog and cat behaviors, from barking and scratching to introductions, housetraining, and life changes.
Behavior is Communication
Pets use behavior to express needs, stress, excitement, fear, discomfort, and habits that have worked for them before.
What looks like “bad behavior” may be connected to:
- Medical discomfort
- Fear or anxiety
- Too little enrichment
- Inconsistent routines
- Age-related changes
- Unmet physical needs
- A behavior the pet has unintentionally been taught
- Difficulty adjusting to a new environment
Understanding the reason behind a behavior is often the first step toward changing it.
Tacoma Humane currently provides resources on common concerns such as barking, chewing, digging, crate training, scratching, and housetraining.
SAFETY COMES FIRST
Seek professional help when behavior includes bites, serious fights, escalating aggression, self-injury, severe panic, or risk to people or other animals.
Keep pets separated when needed and avoid forcing interactions while you look for qualified support.
Dog Behavior Tips
Cat Behavior Tips
The National Cat Behavior Helpline is a free, volunteer-run email counseling service that helps cat owners work through behavior problems with their cats. From litter box issues to scratching, not getting along with other pets, anxiety, and more. Their mission is simple: help cats and people live together in harmony, and keep more cats in the loving homes they already have. Owners can email in their questions and receive guidance from experienced volunteers dedicated to helping cats and their families thrive together.
Assistance for A Newly Adopted Pet
If you are looking for pet behavior tips for your newly adopted pet, our partnership with Petszel gives you access to their post-adoption support platform. Petszel has a wide variety of pet behavior articles to help adopters navigate common behaviors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does behavior change take?
It depends on the behavior, its cause, the pet, the household, and how consistently the plan can be followed.
Is my pet being stubborn?
Usually, behavior is more complicated than stubbornness. Your pet may not understand the expectation, may be overwhelmed, or may be receiving an unintended reward for the behavior.
Should I punish unwanted behavior?
Punishment can increase fear and may suppress warning signals without resolving the underlying concern. Focus on prevention, redirection, reinforcement, and qualified professional guidance.
What if behavior is making it hard to keep my pet?
Contact Tacoma Humane’s Pet Support team before making a final decision. Resources, counseling, or referrals may help.
Progress Can Start Small
One calmer greeting. One successful litter box trip. One walk with slightly less interpretive leash dancing. Start with the behavior that matters most and build from there.