Understanding Coprophagia: Causes and solutions for your pet
Coprophagia, the consumption of feces, is a behavior that many pet owners find concerning and unpleasant. While it is more commonly observed in dogs, it
Understanding Separation Related Distress: Causes and solutions
Separation Related Distress is a common behavioural issue that affects both dogs, cats and other animals, causing significant distress when they are left alone. This
Preparing your pets for New Years Eve
As New Year’s Eve approaches, the festive season brings celebrations, fireworks, and excitement—but it can also be a time of extreme stress for our pets.
What food to avoid giving your pets this Christmas
The holiday season is a wonderful time for sharing and celebrating, and it’s only natural to want to include pets in the festivities. However, many
Compassion fatigue in animal workers
Compassion fatigue has become an increasingly recognized and pressing issue among those who dedicate their lives to animal care. Those in the Veterinary field, animal
When your dog digs (in the rubbish)
Dogs are naturally curious creatures, and sometimes that curiosity leads them straight to your rubbish bin. While it can be frustrating to come home to
What to do when your dog forgets everything: Understanding adolescent dogs
Adolescence is a challenging phase not only for teenagers but for our canine companions as well. Many dog owners experience frustration when their well-behaved puppy
The psychology of animal play: Why play matters.
Play is an integral part of an animal’s life, providing numerous benefits that extend beyond simple entertainment. Understanding the psychology of animal play reveals its
Working like a dog: Understanding and caring for working dogs.
Working dogs have been invaluable companions to humans for centuries, performing tasks that range from herding livestock to detecting explosives. These astute, energetic, and highly
Understanding canine communication: Beyond barking and body language
Effective communication is essential for understanding and strengthening the bond between humans and dogs. While barking and body language are well-known aspects of canine communication,
The impact of early socialisation on animal behaviour and welfare
Early socialisation is a critical period in an animal’s development that profoundly influences behaviour and welfare throughout his life. Understanding Early Socialization Early socialisation refers
Volunteering in a rescue centre or shelter
As a COAPE student you are encouraged to offer time to your local shelter, should you have one in your vicinity, and this is something
Your Pet’s Love Language: Positive Reinforcement and Consent
As animal behaviourists, we often emphasize the importance of building strong, trusting relationships with our pets. Central to this is the concept of showing love
Rethinking how to assess animal wellbeing
As our understanding of animal behaviour and welfare continues to evolve, it becomes increasingly necessary that the frameworks used to measure these elements evolve alongside
COAPE’s core beliefs
For over 30 years, COAPE International has been at the forefront of teaching ethical, kind and compassionate approaches in the realm of animal behaviour education,
Unveiling the complexity of animal emotions
As humans, we are intimately familiar with emotions such as anger and jealousy. But what about our companion animals? Do animals experience these complex emotions,
Do you need a trainer or behaviourist?
In the realm of animal care and training, the roles of animal trainers and animal behaviourists often intertwine, yet they serve distinct functions in the welfare and behavioural management of animals.
Consent in cats
In the realm of animal behaviour, understanding the concept of consent is essential for fostering healthy relationships between humans and their pets. While consent may seem straightforward in human interactions, deciphering it in the context of feline behaviour requires a deeper understanding of their communication cues and body language.
Surprising facts about the minds of pets
The intricate minds of our beloved pets never cease to amaze us, revealing layers of intelligence, emotion, and unique cognitive abilities
The importance of mental stimulation for pets
In the dynamic world of pet care, addressing the physical needs of our animal companions is only part of the equation.
Nurturing the bond between animals and people
The bond between companion animals and people is a profound and transformative connection that extends beyond mere companionship. As an animal enthusiasts and advocates of holistic animal care, understanding and nurturing this bond is at the heart of what we do at COAPE International.
Navigating the First Year of Puppyhood: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting and joyful experience, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges and responsibilities. The first year of owning a puppy is filled with memorable moments, growth, and learning for both you and your new companion.
Health benefits of having pets
Pets have a special place in our hearts, providing unconditional love and companionship. Beyond the joy they bring, scientific research has increasingly revealed that having pets can significantly impact our physical, mental, and emotional health. From reducing stress to improving cardiovascular health, the benefits of pet ownership are both profound and diverse.
Navigating Life’s Spectrum: Understanding the behavioural nuances of sharing your life a blind cat
Cats are known for their remarkable sensory abilities, particularly their keen sense of sight. However, some cats face the world with a unique perspective – as blind companions. Sharing your life with a blind cat comes with challenges and rewards, but understanding their behaviour and needs can pave the way for a fulfilling and enriching relationship.
Unleashing Knowledge: COAPE International and the Power of Online Animal Behaviour Education
In an era dominated by technology and connectivity, online education has transformed how we learn and expand our horizons. This shift is no different in the realm of animal behaviour education, where COAPE International stands out as a beacon of excellence.
DIY Dog Enrichment Toys: Sparking Joy and Mental Stimulation
Keeping our canine companions mentally stimulated and engaged is essential for their well-being. DIY dog enrichment toys offer a fantastic way to challenge your dog’s cognitive skills, relieve boredom, and provide a joyful outlet for their instincts.
THE AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIER
The American Pit Bull Terrier, commonly referred to as the Pit Bull, is a breed of dog that has been the subject of controversy due to its reputation for aggression and violence. Despite this reputation, many advocates of the breed argue that these negative stereotypes are largely based on media sensationalism and the actions of irresponsible owners, rather than inherent traits of the breed itself.
Understanding the behavioural ramifications of owning a blind dog
Being the guardian of a blind dog can present unique challenges and require very specific adjustments to accommodate their needs. While blindness affects a dog’s physical abilities, it’s essential to recognize that they can adapt remarkably well and continue to lead fulfilling lives. Understanding the behavioural ramifications of caring for a blind dog is crucial for providing appropriate care, ensuring their safety, and promoting their overall well-being.
Preparing Your Cat for a Vet Visit Using Positive Reinforcement
Visiting the veterinarian is essential to maintaining your cat’s health and well-being. However, many cats find vet visits stressful and overwhelming. Fortunately, with the proper preparation, patience, time and positive reinforcement techniques, you can help your feline friend feel more comfortable and relaxed during these visits.
When Should a Puppy Start a Positive Reinforcement Puppy Class?
Bringing a new puppy into your life is an exciting and joyous experience. As a responsible dog guardian, one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your puppy’s well-being and development is enrolling them in a positive reinforcement puppy class.
Choosing the Best Toys for Your Dog Based on Breed
Choosing appropriate toys for your dog is essential. It’s important to provide this stimulating source of enjoyment to all ages of dogs, not just to puppies. When choosing toys, consider your dog’s breed and personal preferences, as this can play a significant role in finding the most suitable options that interest your individual dog.
When barking gets too much…
Barking serves as a natural means of communication for dogs, yet excessive or frequent barking poses a common challenge for dog owners and often strains relationships with neighbours. While some level of barking is expected, an excess of it frustrates owners and indicates potential stress or unmet needs in dogs. Understanding the reasons behind a dog’s barking is crucial, as there is always a motive behind it, and it becomes our responsibility to decipher what our dogs require.
Why we discourage aversive products and techniques
Dogs hold a special place in our hearts; many consider them beloved companions. To fulfil their crucial role as companions in a predominantly human-orientated world, dogs need to be guided. Teaching a dog life-skills is about so much more than training – it equips him with skills that allows him to be a successful dog living in human households. This includes being trained to eliminate outdoors, refraining from excessive barking, and behaving appropriately around visitors and children, among other things.
When cats roam…
No matter how much our cats love us and rely on the care we provide, some still prefer to spend time outdoors, while others are content observing the world from the comfort of a window seat. Many cats enjoy occasional wandering, whether a short stroll in the garden or a long, late-night prowl. But what drives this urge to explore, and how can we ensure the safety of adventurous cats when they roam?
You’ve got a new puppy; what now?
You’ve done the research, you’ve chosen the puppy, and you’re about to bring him home. The day you collect your puppy is so exciting, but it can be unsettling for him as he leaves his mother and litter mates, maybe for the first time ever. Here are some things to remember to ensure you’re ready to take care of him in the best possible way.
Teaching your cat to use her scratching post
Cats are wondrous animals, and most cat guardians would agree that they make the most amazing companions. Usually our cats are easy housemates, but sometimes, some natural behaviours could cause tension if its not expressed in the correct context.
Top Training Tip: Jumping up
First rule of not having a dog jump on you: Don’t let her learn how to do it! If, however, your dog is already jumping
Top Training Tip: Recall
Most dogs love running around off lead, but before you give your dog full park freedom it’s vital for his safety that you know he
Why you shouldn’t hug your pet
Hugging is a natural way for us to express our affection for the ones we love, but when it comes to our furry family members,
Preventing Over-Attachment
Coping during lockdown and preparing for when you go back to work. During this time of lockdown or self-isolation many of us have found ourselves
Why we don’t use punishment
Like any field, the science behind how animals learn has changed drastically over the years. Unfortunately, not everyone has kept up with the new information
Preparing your pets for New Year’s celebrations
The last day of the year is full of celebrations. It’s a way of saying goodbye to one year and welcoming the next. It’s a
Caring for a senior pet
We all know that our senior friends will need to be cared for in a different way, but do you know what is considered “old”
Responsible Pet Ownership
Written by COAPE International What does it mean to be a responsible pet owner? Most animal welfare organizations use the 5 freedoms as a guideline: Freedom
Neutering and Spaying your Pet
You’ve probably heard your veterinarian tell you to neuter or spay your pet. You’ve probably heard friends and family recommend it as well. Some of
Why not to dress up your pet
Whilst quite a lot of people think it’s cute to dress up their pets, we would like you to consider the following before you either
Feeding a diabetic pet
So, your pet has been diagnosed with Diabetes, what now? Since 2011 the diagnosis of diabetes in pets has increased by 32% in dogs and
Top Training Tip: Ankle Biting
I remember as a child visiting my best friend. They had a little dog who would welcome you into the house with a wagging tail,
Top Training Tip: Drop It
Teaching your dog to “drop it” is not only for a game of fetch or tug, but for anything undesirable that your dog may pick
Top Training Tip: Loose leash walking
We love walking our dogs – it’s a great way to get outside, get some fresh air and to exercise. Walking is equally beneficial to
Top Training Tip: Why you shouldn’t hug your dog
Hugging is a natural way for us to express our affection for the ones we love, but when it comes to our furry family members,
Top Training Tip: Teaching your cat to come when called
Many people think of cats as independent and aloof animals, but the truth is that cats benefit from training as much a dogs do. Teaching
Top Training Tip: Brain Games
Brain games are activities that enrich our dogs’ lives by giving them something to keep them mentally busy, without them having to exert a large amount of energy,
Crate Training: How and Why?
Crate training is more popular in some parts of the world than in others, but there are some misconceptions about it as well. Crate training
COAPE International Announcement
In September 2018, COAPE UK announced that in future, the exclusive international rights to present COAPE Approved distance learning courses in English in Companion Animal
Cat to Dog Introductions – A Step By Step Guide
You’ve just got a new cat and your head is filled with pictures of cuddling cats and dogs, but the reality is that if your
New Baby? No Sweat
You’ve just discovered that you are expecting your first child and are naturally elated. But once things calm down, you start to wonder – what about my pets? How will they cope? How do I ensure they welcome the baby and still get what they need?
Dog Behaviour
Even though the field of Canine behaviour therapy is rapidly expanding and new information relevant to dogs is coming out daily, it is shocking to find out what is still being taught by “old school” trainers and behaviourists.
Cat Behaviour
The general belief has been that cats can’t be trained or their behaviour can’t be modified. That is completely untrue!
Whose Dog is this Anyway?
Training a puppy is very much an activity for the whole family.
‘Tis the Season to be Merry
It is that time of year again where we all get into the spirit of giving.
The Intricacies of Animal Behaviour and Training
The field of Behaviour is an interesting one. To help our pet owners make educated decisions about which methods they choose to employ, we’re going to put as much information about modern pet behaviour and training out there as we can.
How to recognize a good puppy school
We often get asked “what constitutes a GOOD puppy school?” by our students and clients. Those questions prompted this article, to make this information available to everyone out there who is thinking about getting a puppy.
My dog is trying to do what?
There are so many reasons why behaviours manifest and whilst they may all present similar ‘signs’, the underlying reason is vastly different.
Housetraining your puppy
The first thing everyone wants to know when acquiring a new puppy is how to housetrain him. This article gives great tips on how to best housetrain your new puppy.
Digging problems
Does your dog dig up your garden? The best way to stop the endless excavations is to create a safe, allowed digging area for him where he can dig to his heart’s content.
Defining Obedience Problems & Behavioural Problems
People can confuse behaviour problems for obedience training problems. Here’s a quick tip on which behaviours fall into which categories.
Training your cat to use a litter box
Contrary to popular belief, cats are not born litter box trained. Find the quick way to house-train your kitten.
Toys for your dog
Dogs of all ages need toys, not just when they’re puppies. The best form of stimulation for your dog when he’s alone is chew toys.
Toys for your cat
Cat toys need to be activated – moving – in order to make them fun for felines. Find some interesting ways to keep your cat interested and engaged.