Canine and Feline

Behavior and Training
A COMPLETE GUIDE
TO UNDERSTANDING
OUR TWO BEST FRIENDS



Canine and Feline

Behavior and Training
A COMPLETE GUIDE
TO UNDERSTANDING
OUR TWO BEST FRIENDS

By Linda P. Case
With Illustrations by Bruce MacAllister

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Canine and Feline Behavior and Training:
A Complete Guide to Understanding Our
Two Best Friends
Linda P. Case
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Printed in Canada
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 12 11 10 09


dedication

in loving memory of
My Father, Robert Palas
Whose wisdom, compassion, and positive outlook continue
to guide me
AND
The animal companions who are no longer with us,
but live forever in our hearts:
Dogs – Fauna, Stepper, Roxie, Gusto, Sparks, and Nike
Cats – Mac and Nipper

v


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table of contents
PREFACE / xv
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS / xvii
ABOUT THE AUTHOR / xix

SECTION 1 – DOMESTICATION, SOCIAL BEHAVIOR, & COMMUNICATION
CHAPTER 1
The Beginning of the Friendship – Domestication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
The Evolutionary History and Taxonomy of Dogs and Cats / 2
Domestication: Scavenging Wolves and Opportunistic Wildcats / 5

Social Organization: Why Dogs Are Not Cats and Cats Are Not Dogs / 8
The Social Groups of Dogs / 9
Social Behavior of Cats / 12

History of Dog Breeds and Breed-Specific Behaviors / 15
History of Cat Breeds and Breed-Specific Behaviors / 19
References and Further Reading / 22

CHAPTER 2
Behavior through the Life Cycle: Newborns to Seniors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
The Early Weeks: Neonatal and Transition Periods / 27
Neonatal Period / 28
Transition Period / 28
Practical Applications / 29

Sensitive Period of Socialization / 30
Learning to Be a Dog / 30
Learning to Be a Cat / 32


vii


viii

Contents

Puppy Play vs. Kitten Play / 33
Socialization with Humans / 33

Weaning / 36
Juvenile (Adolescent) Period and Adulthood / 38
Senior Pets / 39
References and Further Reading / 41

CHAPTER 3
Social Behavior and Communication in Dogs and Cats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Olfactory Communication / 45
Urine Marking / 46
Feces Marking / 49
Allorubbing in Cats / 49
Scratching in Cats / 50

Auditory Signals / 50
Dog Vocalizations / 51
Cat Vocalizations / 53

Visual Signals / 55
Distance-Reducing Signals – Greeting / 56

Distance-Reducing Signals – Play Solicitation / 60
Distance-Increasing Signals – Offensive Threat / 63
Distance-Increasing Signals – Fear / 65
Distance-Increasing Signals – Defensive Threat / 67

Predatory and Feeding Behaviors of Dogs and Cats / 68
Predation Sequence and Feeding Behavior of Dogs / 69
Predation Sequence and Feeding Behavior of Cats / 70

Social Relationships of Dogs / 72
Social Relationships of Cats / 75
References and Further Reading / 77


Contents

ix

SECTION 2 – HOW DOGS AND CATS LEARN – TRAINING TECHNIQUES
AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
CHAPTER 4
How Dogs and Cats Learn: Principles of Learning Theory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Classical (Pavlovian) Conditioning / 82
Operant Conditioning (Instrumental Learning) / 87
Reinforcement vs. Punishment / 89
Types of Reinforcing Stimuli for Dogs and Cats / 92
Primary and Secondary (Conditioned) Reinforcers / 94
Value of Reinforcing Stimuli / 95

Habituation and Sensitization / 96

Social Learning / 97
References and Further Reading / 101

CHAPTER 5
Practical Applications: Training and Behavior Modification Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
The Roles of Classical and Operant Conditioning / 104
Positive vs. Negative (Aversive) Control of Behavior / 106
An Historical Perspective / 106
More about Aversive Stimuli / 106
Maximizing Pleasant and Minimizing Aversive Stimuli / 109

Training Preparations / 110
Identify Objectives and Goals / 110
Select a Training Program or Behavior Modification Technique / 111
Develop a Reasonable and Achievable Training Schedule / 111
Evaluate Progress / 111

Selecting Primary Reinforcers / 112
Using a Conditioned Reinforcer / 112
Clicker as a Conditioned Reinforcer / 113


x

Contents

Getting Started / 114
Timing and Schedules of Reinforcement / 114
Successive Approximation (Shaping) / 119
Prompting vs. Free-Shaping / 120


Behavior Chains and the Premack Principle / 122
Fading Cues and Attaining Stimulus Control / 124

Behavior Modification Techniques / 127
Extinction / 127
Systematic Desensitization / 129
Counter-Conditioning (and Counter-Commanding) / 129
Flooding / 130

References and Further Reading / 131

CHAPTER 6
Training and Problem Prevention for Puppies and Kittens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
The Newly Adopted Puppy and Kitten / 133
The First Day / 134
Establishing a Regular Daily Schedule / 136

Socialization / 136
House-training Puppies / 139
Litter Box Training Kittens / 142
Teaching Puppies to Accept Isolation / 145
Preventing Nipping in Puppies / 147
Teaching Kittens to Play Gently / 149
Teaching Puppies to Chew Appropriate Items / 151
Preventing Objectionable Climbing and Clawing in Kittens / 152
Introducing a New Puppy or Kitten to Other Pets / 154
Introducing a Puppy to a Resident Adult Dog / 154
Introducing a Puppy to a Resident Adult Cat / 155
Introducing a Kitten to a Resident Adult Cat / 155

Introducing a Kitten to a Resident Adult Dog / 156

References and Further Reading / 157


Contents

xi

CHAPTER 7
Teaching Dogs and Cats Desirable Behaviors and Good Manners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Preventing Problems and Building Bonds / 159
Basic Manners Training for Dogs / 160
Teaching Sit / 161
Teaching Down / 163
Teaching Stay / 164
Teaching Wait / 171
Teaching Walk on a Loose Lead / 172
Teaching Come When Called / 176

Training a Well-Mannered Cat / 179
Training Cats to Use Specific Sleeping Areas / 180
Training a Cat to Come When Called / 181
Training a Cat to Walk on a Harness / 181

References and Further Reading / 183

SECTION 3 – UNDERSTANDING AND SOLVING COMMON
BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS
CHAPTER 8

Elimination Problems in Dogs and Cats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Elimination Problems in Dogs / 187
Incomplete House-Training / 188
Marking Behavior / 192
Submissive/Excitable Urination / 193
Other Causes of House Soiling in Dogs / 195

Elimination Problems in Cats / 195
Inappropriate Elimination / 195
Treatment for Inappropriate Elimination / 199
Marking Behavior in Cats / 202
Treatment for Marking / 203
Pharmacotherapy for House Soiling in Cats / 206

References and Further Reading / 207


xii

Contents

CHAPTER 9
Unruly and Disruptive Behaviors in Dogs and Cats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Dogs: Jumping Up / 211
Factors to Consider / 211
Training an Alternate and Incompatible Behavior / 213
Approaches to Avoid / 214
Shaping and Practicing / 215

Dogs: Destructive Behaviors / 215

Exploratory Chewing / 215
Chewing as a Result of Boredom / 219
Chewing (or Stealing) as Attention-Seeking Behaviors / 221

Dogs: Problem Barking / 222
Repetitive Barking / 223
Attention-Seeking Barking / 225
Punishment and Problem Barking / 227

Dogs: Problem Digging / 229
Dogs: Overly Active (Hyperactive) / 230
Cats: Furniture Clawing / 232
Cats: Jumping Up on Counters/Furniture / 233
Cats: Nocturnal Activity / 235
Cats: Excessive Vocalization / 236
Cats: Plant Eating and Pica / 239
Eating Houseplants / 239
Pica (Eating Non-Nutritional Items) / 239

References and Further Reading / 240

CHAPTER 10
Separation, Fear, and Anxiety Problems in Dogs and Cats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Normal vs. Problematic Anxiety and Fear Reactions / 245
Separation Anxiety / 246
Risk Factors and Predisposing Temperament Traits / 247

Behavioral Signs and Diagnosis of Separation Anxiety / 249



Contents

xiii

Treatment of Separation Anxiety (Dogs) / 250
Reducing Dependency on Owner / 250
Counter-Conditioning Pre-Departure Cues / 253
Desensitization to Isolation / 254
Management Approaches / 256
Adjunctive Drug Therapy / 256
Ineffective Treatments for Separation Anxiety / 259

Prevention of Separation Stress / 260
A Cautionary Note: Separation Anxiety or Something Else? / 261
Treatment Protocol for Cats with Separation Anxiety / 264
Fear-Related Behavior Problems / 265
Common Fears in Dogs and Cats / 266
The Role of Avoidance Learning in Maintaining Fear-Related Behaviors / 268
Treatment of Fear-Related Behavior Problems / 269

References and Further Reading / 273

CHAPTER 11
Problem Aggression in Dogs and Cats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Overview of Aggression / 279
Problem Aggression in Dogs / 281
Dominance-Related Aggression / 282
Possessive Aggression / 289
Territorial Aggression / 293
Fear-Related Aggression / 295

Ineffective Treatments for Aggression Problems in Dogs / 300

Problem Aggression in Cats / 301
Inter-Cat Aggression in Multiple-Cat Homes / 302
Aggression toward a Newly Introduced Cat / 303
Aggression toward Humans / 304

References and Further Reading / 308


xiv

Contents

APPENDIX 1 – Recommended Books / 311
APPENDIX 2 – Resources and Professional Associations / 313
APPENDIX 3 – Sample Dog Behavior History Profile / 315
APPENDIX 4 – Sample Cat Behavior History Profile / 320
GLOSSARY / 324
INDEX / 327


preface

W

e are a nation of dog and cat lovers. Never before in our history have we
spent more time, emotional energy, and money on a group of animals who
are kept solely for companionship. In the United States alone, we share our
homes with over 65 million dogs and more than 75 million cats. Americans

spend more than 12 billion dollars per year on pet food and 9 billion dollars on veterinary care. This devotion is further evidenced by the increasing popularity of pet superstores, dog parks, training centers, luxury boarding kennels, dog sports, and doggie
daycare centers. Moreover, the relationships that we have with our dogs and cats are
not inconsequential. During the 1980s, recognition of the human-animal bond led to
serious research into the roles that pets play in our lives. These studies have shown
that pets provide significant benefits to our emotional, physical, and social well being.
It is clear that dogs and cats are here to stay, and learning more about their behavior,
communication, and response to training is of interest to owners, students, and pet
professionals in a variety of fields.
Working with dogs and cats in any capacity requires an understanding of
species-specific behavior patterns, learning theory, and training techniques. Although
dogs and cats are equally matched in popularity as pets, their social behavior, relationships with people, and the types of challenges they present can differ dramatically.
Canine and Feline Behavior and Training: A Complete Guide to Understanding Our Two
Best Friends is written to provide well-researched and accessible information about how
dogs and cats behave, learn, and respond to training. The format that is used allows
comparison between dogs and cats and promotes understanding and respect for
each species in their own right. My primary intent with this book is to provide in-depth
information about the behavior and communication patterns of domestic dogs and cats,
and to promote positive approaches to training and behavior modification. Content
focuses on the development of well-adjusted and well-behaved companion pets and
on the use of appropriate and humane training techniques to prevent and solve problem
behaviors.
The organizational structure of the book examines dogs and cats sequentially
within topical sections. This allows readers who have an interest in both dogs and
cats to compare and contrast their social behaviors, communication patterns, and
problem behaviors. For those who are interested primarily in either dogs or cats, clear
xv


xvi


Preface

delineations between the two species are provided within chapter subheadings to
allow for quick reference. The book is divided into three sections. The first explores
domestication, developmental behavior, social behavior, and species-specific behavior
patterns of dogs and cats. Emphasis is placed on learning to recognize and correctly
interpret communication signals of dogs and cats. Because so many homes today
include multiple pets, social relationships within species and between pets and their
human caretakers are explored in detail. The second section of the book examines
learning theory and its application to companion animal training and problem
prevention. Topics in these four chapters include the use of learning theory in training
programs, principles of behavior modification, and manners training for young and
adult pets. Training instructions incorporate the principles of classical and operant
conditioning and are designed for teaching desirable behaviors to dogs and cats
and preventing problem behaviors. The underlying theme throughout the book is the
promotion of training to build and maintain strong and positive bonds between owners
and their pets. This paradigm recognizes and addresses the behavioral needs of dogs
and cats, as well as owner responsibilities to reliably provide for those needs. Problem
behaviors and their solutions are addressed in depth in the final section. Content in
these three chapters emphasizes understanding the underlying motivations and causes
of undesirable behaviors, the importance of exercise, mental stimulation, and companionship in pets’ lives, and the use of methods that can successfully modify unwanted
behaviors while still preserving the pet-owner relationship.
This book is written for both professional and hobbyist dog trainers, cat fanciers, and
pet owners who are interested in understanding their pets better and learning how to
best care for their companion animals. It can also serve as a textbook for a variety of
professional programs in companion animal care and training. Chapters include more
than 50 illustrations and photographs depicting communication signals of dogs and
cats and various training techniques. Numerous sidebars are included to spotlight new
information and to outline training steps, while boxes present personal case studies.
This format is accessible and user-friendly and will encourage the practical use of

the principles and training techniques that are outlined in the book. Finally, it is my
sincere hope that the reader comes away from this book not only with an increased
understanding of behavior and training, but also with the book’s intended message of
appreciation, tolerance, and empathy for the many dogs and cats who contribute so
very much to the quality of our lives.

Linda P. Case
Mahomet, Illinois
June 2008


acknowledgments

T

his book would not have been possible without the help of numerous friends
and colleagues who read and critiqued drafts of the manuscript. Their
suggestions and help have been invaluable and have contributed significantly to
the content and clarity of the book. I am deeply grateful to Rebecca Buraglio,
Jill Cline, April Hammer, Susan Helmink, Erica Jewell, Jessica Lockhart, Sandy Myer,
and Pam Wasson. Special thanks to my mom, Jean Palas, who read every word of the
manuscript, and provided me with many insights and countless hours of enjoyable and
challenging discussions about behavior, training, and our relationships with dogs and
cats. All of the illustrations in this book are the work of Bruce MacAllister, who is not
only an outstanding artist, but a longtime friend. Individual photographs were generously
contributed by acquaintances, family, and friends; my appreciation for these goes to
Meg and Paul Bender, Idil Bozkurt, Diana Chaytor, Justin Frisch, Jon Mnemonic, and
Glen Peterson. Many of the photographs are the work of Heather Mohan-Gibbons,
whose understanding of dog behavior and ability to think “one second before the dog”
allows her to capture often-missed intricacies of behavior. Special mention also to Jim

Robertson for his stunningly beautiful wildlife photography and for being a kindred
spirit in his respect for all of the animals with whom we share this world. Finally, credit
must go to David Rosenbaum, my acquisitions editor, whose enthusiasm and dogged
(pun intended) persistence got me up off of the couch with the dogs to get started on
this project. My thanks also to Chris Gifford, my editor, for her positive attitude, infinite
attention to detail, and willingness to graciously consider my endless modifications and
cogitations as we progressed through the editing process together.
And, as always, boundless gratitude goes to my husband and best friend, Mike, who
continues to provide enthusiasm and support for all of my writing projects, invaluable
computer help, and, most importantly, that needed time together, running and hiking the
trails with our family of dogs. I hope that everyone enjoys reading the results of our hard
work as much as I enjoyed the process.

xvii


xviii

Acknowledgments

In addition, Delmar Cengage Learning and the author would like to thank the following
individuals for their review of the manuscript throughout the development process:
Anita Oberbauer
UC Davis
Gary L. Wilson
Moorpark College
Janice Siegford
Michigan State University
Dr. Glenn Wehner
Truman State University



about the author

L

inda P. Case owns AutumnGold Consulting and Dog Training Center in
Mahomet IL and teaches canine and feline behavior and training at the College
of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois. She is the author of numerous
articles on companion animal behavior, nutrition, and healthcare and has written
three other books: The Dog: Its Behavior, Nutrition, and Health, The Cat: Its Behavior,
Nutrition and Health, and Canine and Feline Nutrition: A Resource for Companion
Animal Professionals. Linda and her husband share their lives with three dogs, Cadie,
Vinny, and Chip, and two cats, Tara and Pumpkin Joe, and enjoy running, hiking, and
traveling with their dogs.

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SECTION 1
Domestication, Social Behavior,
& Communication


CHAPTER

1


The Beginning of the
Friendship – Domestication

W

ithout a doubt, the dog and cat are the most popular companion animals in the United States. According to a biannual survey conducted
by the American Pet Product Manufacturers Association, there are
more than 65 million dogs and 77 million cats living in homes today.
Moreover, approximately one-third of dog lovers share their lives with two or more
dogs, and almost half of pet-owning homes include multiple cats! So what exactly
was it that brought humans and dogs, and humans and cats, together so many
years ago? And, more importantly, what characteristics of these two species have
enabled them to forge the strong and ongoing bonds with their human caretakers
that are so important to us today?

THE EVOLUTIONARY HISTORY AND TAXONOMY
OF DOGS AND CATS
Anyone who lives with both dogs and cats will emphatically affirm that the
dog and the cat have some significant and important behavioral differences.
In fact, it is often said that some people are “dog people” while other folks are


The Beginning of the Friendship – Domestication

Chapter 1

“cat people” – a distinction that has much to do with respective differences
between the natural behavior patterns of the two species. Despite these differences, however, when viewed in the context of evolutionary history, dogs and
cats are actually quite closely related. Both dogs and cats are classified within

the taxonomical order “Carnivora,” a group of mammals that evolved approximately 40 to 60 million years ago and which today includes 17 families and
about 250 species. The very first carnivores were collectively referred to as the
Miacidae family. This was a very diverse group of small, slender, tree-dwelling
predators, somewhat weasel-like in appearance. About 30 million years ago,
the viveravines branched off from the miacines. Viveravines are now considered
to be the oldest ancestor of the domestic cat, and miacines are the ancestors
of our present-day dogs. Included with the dog in this group are the ancestors
of the other extant (presently existing) canid species (wolves, jackals, coyotes,
and foxes), as well as the bear, raccoon, and weasel. The viveravines further
branched into two primary lines. One produced several of the large and nowextinct prehistoric cats, including Smilodon, the sabertooth tiger. The second
line included Dinictis; a small cat that later evolved into several distinct cat species. Dinictis is considered to be the primary cat ancestor of all cat species alive
today, including our domestic cat.

figure 1.1 Timber Wolf (Canis lupus); The
domestic dog’s wild progenitor species

Photograph by permission; Jim Robertson; Animals in the
Wild.com

10533_01_P01 FPO

Photograph by permission; Jim Robertson; Animals in the
Wild.com

Photograph by permission; Jim Robertson; Animals in the
Wild.com

Today, along with our domestic dog, the other canid species that are found
in North America include wolves (two species), coyotes (one species), and
foxes (five species) (Figures 1.1 through 1.3). No present-day wild cousins of

the domestic cat are found in North America, but subspecies of the wildcat live
freely in Europe, Northern Africa, and parts of Asia. Canid and felid species are
classified within separate families, the Canidae and Felidae, respectively, within
the order Carnivora (Sidebar 1). Carnivores are so named because of a set
of enlarged teeth (the carnassials) which comprise the enlarged upper fourth

figure 1.2 Coyote (Canis latrans)

figure 1.3 Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)

3


4

Section 1

Sidebar 1

DOMESTICATION, SOCIAL BEHAVIOR, & COMMUNICATION

CLASSIFICATION OF THE DOG AND CAT
Taxonomy refers to the present-day classification of a species. The domestic
dog’s genus is Canis and its species is familiaris, correctly expressed as
Canis familiaris or C. familiaris. The Canidae family also includes the wolf,
coyote, dingo, fox, jackal, and Cape hunting dog.
The domestic cat is classified as a member of the Felidae family. Like the
dog, the cat (Felis catus) is considered to be a domesticated species that is
taxonomically distinct from its progenitor species, the African wildcat (Felis
silvestris lybica). This family includes the four genera Felis, Lynx, Panthera,

and Acinonyx. The species included in these genera are considered to be the
true cats, all existing as carnivorous predators. The Felis genus is comprised
of 26 cat species, including the domestic cat, Felis catus.

TAXONOMY

CAT

DOG

Phylum

Animalia

Animalia

Class

Mammalia

Mammalia

Order

Carnivora

Carnivora

Family


Felidae

Canidae

Genus

Felis

Canis

Species

catus

familiaris

premolar and the lower first molar on each side of the mouth. Both dogs and
cats have these dental adaptations, which are efficient for shearing and tearing prey. Carnivores also have small, sharp incisors at the front of the mouth for
holding and dissecting prey, and four elongated canine teeth that evolved for
predation and defense.
Interestingly, despite these dental modifications, not all of the present-day species that are included in the order Carnivora are strict carnivores. Some, such as
bears and raccoons, are omnivorous and at least one species, the Giant Panda,
is primarily vegetarian. This diversity is of practical significance when comparing
the feeding behavior and dietary preferences of our present-day dogs and cats.
Although both evolved as predatory species, the dog is decidedly more omnivorous than the cat, which is classified as an obligate carnivore. As we will see,
these differences significantly affect the predatory and feeding behaviors, and the
type of food-related behavior problems that each species tends to develop.