Behavior Helpline

Behavior Helpline

Behavior problems are the number one reason animals are abandoned, abused or surrendered to animal shelters.  Our Home for Keeps program aims to reduce the number of pets surrendered or brought to TAHS through our Cruelty Department.  The program is designed to help people contend with their pets undesirable behavior before they get to the point that they want to surrender or return their animal.  

One way we hope to help both pets and pet owners is by providing a behavior helpline for pet owners looking for assistance with a variety of different pet-related issues.  Our helpline is available to not only those who adopt from TAHS, but to all local pet owners, regardless of where you adopted your pet.  All calls to our helpline go directly to a voicemail box and are returned as soon as possible by one of our staff members. You can contact our Animal Behavior Coordinator at 419-891-0705, ext. 303 or via  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . 

We also offer Dog Training Classes! 

Below is a list of common topics and information that may address your behavior-related concern:

General Concerns

• When the Behavior Helpline Can't Help
• The Benefits of a Spayed or Neutered Pet
• Preparing Your Pet for Baby's Arrival
• Successful Tips to Removing Pet Odors and Stains

Dogs

• Aversives for Dogs (discouraging certain behaviors)
• Bark! Bark! Bark! - Stop Excessive Barking
• The Canine Escape Artist
• Canine Rivalry
• Children & Dogs: Important Info for Parents
• Crate Training Your Dog
• Destructive Chewing
• Dog Toys & How to Use Them
• The Educated Dog
• Enriching Your Dog's Life
• Exercise For Dogs
• The Fearful Dog
• How to Solve the Digging Problem
• Your Dog: Inside or Out?
• Introducing Your New Dog to Your Resident Dog
• Keeping Your Dog Confined to Your Property
• Nothing in Life is Free (using positive reinforcement & training to correct behaviors)
• Overcoming the Fear of Loud Thunder & Loud Noises
• Re-Housetraining Your Adult Dog
• Separation Anxiety
• Submissive & Excitement Urination
• Tether Training
• Understanding Aggressive Behavior in Dogs
• Why Dogs Bite: A Guide for Children & Parents

Puppies

• Dealing with Normal Puppy Behaviors
  • Chewing
  • Nipping & Rough Play
• Developmental Stages of Puppy Behavior
• Housetraining Your Puppy

Cats & Kittens

• Aversives for Cats (discouraging certain behaviors)
• Cat Toys and How to Use Them
• Destructive Scratching
• Developmental Stages of Kitten Behavior
• Feline Social Behavior & Aggression Between Family Cats
• The Fearful Cat
• Introducing Your New Cat to Your Resident Cat
• Managing Your Kitten's Rough Play
• Understanding Aggression in Cats 
• Your Cat & the Litter Box