Why is my cat scratching the couch? Why does my dog chew everything when I am not at home? How can I get my dogs to just get along?
Animal behavior experts will provide answers to those questions and more at the Behavior Symposium on Saturday at Colorado State University.
The event, which is sponsored by the CSU Behavior Club, a student chapter of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, starts at 8:30 a.m. on Feb. 15 in Room 101 in CSU’s Pathology building. It is open to the public. Attendees must register.
Jennie Willis, an applied animal behaviorist in the department of biology at CSU, will speak about the top behavioral issues for cats and potential solutions; Jai Robichaud of the Boulder Humane Society will address behaviors that prompt owners to give up their pets and how to train the animals so they can be adopted; and Suzanne Hetts, a Denver-based animal behavior consultant, will discuss introducing a new dog to canines already in the family.
The day wraps up with a panel discussion at which attendees can ask the experts about specific animal behaviors.
This year’s symposium focuses on the behavioral issues pet owners face and how they can start addressing them.
“Behavior problems are the number one reason people relinquish their pets,” said Willis, who advises the student club. “If we identify the reasons for a behavior, we can start working on a solution that is appropriate and works for everyone in the home.”
The Behavior Club is a veterinary student-run organization at CSU. The club provides veterinary students with educational opportunities and hands-on experience related to animal behavior.