Articles by Karen B. London, PhD, CAAB, CPDT-KA

Karen B. London, PhD, CAAB, CPDT-KA
Karen B. London, Ph.D., is a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist and Certified Professional Dog Trainer who specializes in working with dogs with serious behavioral issues, including aggression, and has also trained other animals including cats, birds, snakes, and insects. She writes the animal column for the Arizona Daily Sun and is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Northern Arizona University. She is the author of six books about training and behavior, including her most recent, Treat Everyone Like a Dog: How a Dog Trainer’s World View Can Improve Your Life.
- behavior
Long-Lasting Chew Toys Are Key to Keeping Solo Dogs Happy
New research shows that chewing (toys, not shoes) reduces stress in dogs left home alone.
New research shows that chewing (toys, not shoes) reduces stress in dogs left home alone.
- behavior
Seriously, Don’t Worry: Puppy Adolescence Is Only a Phase
What to expect when your perfect puppy hits that unruly stage.
What to expect when your perfect puppy hits that unruly stage.
- behavior
6 Reasons Why Dogs Put Their Ears Back
Animal behaviorist Dr. Karen B. London on how your dog’s ears can clue you in to how they’re feeling.
Animal behaviorist Dr. Karen B. London on how your dog’s ears can clue you in to how they’re feeling.
- health
How To Give a Cat a Pill
Everything you need to know about the difficult task of medicating a cat.
Everything you need to know about the difficult task of medicating a cat.
- behavior
An Active Dog Is a Well-Behaved Dog
Why regular exercise can mean a less destructive dog and a happier you.
Why regular exercise can mean a less destructive dog and a happier you.
- behavior
Should I Let My Cat Sleep With Me? Things to Consider About Having Your Cat in Bed
Here are the pros and cons of having a feline sleeping buddy.
Here are the pros and cons of having a feline sleeping buddy.
- behavior
Face It: Your Dogs Need a Break From Each Other
In multidog households, time apart can be a game changer.
In multidog households, time apart can be a game changer.
- behavior
The Reasons Behind Dogs’ Love For Belly Rubs
If one hand isn’t petting a fuzzy dog belly, what are you doing?
If one hand isn’t petting a fuzzy dog belly, what are you doing?
- behavior
What Are the Effects of Sleeping With Your Dog in Bed?
There are pros and cons of sleeping with your dog — for both of you.
There are pros and cons of sleeping with your dog — for both of you.
- behavior | Ask a Trainer
Will My New Dog Ever Love Me?
What to do when your new pup isn’t digging you.
What to do when your new pup isn’t digging you.
- behavior
Is Your Cat a Righty or a Lefty?
A cat’s paw preference can give you insight into their temperament, behavior, and emotions.
A cat’s paw preference can give you insight into their temperament, behavior, and emotions.
- lifestyle
Where Should Your Dog Sleep at Nighttime?
It’s a personal preference, but here are the pros and cons.
It’s a personal preference, but here are the pros and cons.
- behavior
Do Cats Get Jealous? Exploring Feline Emotions and Social Dynamics
Is there a green-eyed monster hiding in that adorable ball of fluff?
Is there a green-eyed monster hiding in that adorable ball of fluff?
- behavior
A Step by Step Guide on How to Clicker Train Your Cat
This popular training technique isn’t just for dogs. Here’s how you can use it for your cat.
This popular training technique isn’t just for dogs. Here’s how you can use it for your cat.
- behavior
Preventing Escape Artists: How to Keep Your Cat from Running Away
Your kitty’s an explorer. Just keep their expeditions indoors.
Your kitty’s an explorer. Just keep their expeditions indoors.
- behavior
6 Steps to Improve Your Dog’s Recall Training
Teach your pup a perfect recall so you can be sure they will come back, no matter what.
Teach your pup a perfect recall so you can be sure they will come back, no matter what.
- behavior
Uncovered Secrets: Why Cats Don’t Always Cover Their Poop
And how you can encourage them to cover up after doing their business.
And how you can encourage them to cover up after doing their business.
- behavior
Get to the Point: Can Cats Play With Laser-Pointer Toys?
People have opinions about this cat toy. Here’s what you need to know.
People have opinions about this cat toy. Here’s what you need to know.
New trends we can totally get behind.
- behavior
Can Your Shy New Rescue Dog Become a Social Creature?
With patience and positive reinforcement, you can do a lot to make up for lost time with socialization.
With patience and positive reinforcement, you can do a lot to make up for lost time with socialization.
- behavior
Do Small Dogs Pee More Often?
Research shows that little dogs may feel the need to scent mark more frequently than big dogs.
Research shows that little dogs may feel the need to scent mark more frequently than big dogs.
- behavior
Reactivity and Aggression in Dogs Are Actually Two Very Different Things
Turns out, even experts have a hard time defining these terms.
Turns out, even experts have a hard time defining these terms.
- behavior
In “Kitty Language,” Lili Chin Draws You a Literal Cheat Code to Your Cat
The author and artist uses informative (and freakin’ adorable) images to teach cat parents everything about kitty communication.
The author and artist uses informative (and freakin’ adorable) images to teach cat parents everything about kitty communication.
And how to change this.
- behavior
Dream of High-Fiving Your Cat? Here’s How to Teach a Cat Tricks
It takes some patience (shocker), but it can be done.
It takes some patience (shocker), but it can be done.
- behavior
Noise Sensitivity and Pain in Dogs
Research finds why dogs may suddenly become super sensitive to sounds.
Research finds why dogs may suddenly become super sensitive to sounds.
- behavior
Here’s How You Can Avoid the Worst: a Dog Bite to the Face
Step one: Never put your face close to theirs.
Step one: Never put your face close to theirs.
- behavior
How to Keep Your Dog From Freaking Out When You Have Company
Do these things to help your pup (and your guests) feel chill.
Do these things to help your pup (and your guests) feel chill.
Keep these two words in mind: Start now.
Move over, pups. This is a cat’s game, too.
- behavior
“Why Does My Dog Run Away From Me?”
Upgrading your pup’s recall training from accidental to intentional.
Upgrading your pup’s recall training from accidental to intentional.
- behavior
How to Teach an Old Dog New Tricks
Your senior dog might move slower these days, but that doesn’t mean they can’t learn new things.
Your senior dog might move slower these days, but that doesn’t mean they can’t learn new things.
- behavior
Shocker: Food Is Still the Best Way to Reinforce Your Dog’s Good Behavior
Social interaction — aka praise — works, too. Who doesn’t like that?
Social interaction — aka praise — works, too. Who doesn’t like that?
- behavior
Play-Training Can Be Your Solution to Dog Aggression
Behavior correction, Mary Poppins style: Turn a job into a game.
Behavior correction, Mary Poppins style: Turn a job into a game.
- behavior
Dog Training 101: What to Teach Your New Dog
In between cuddle sessions, work on these eight basic cues with your pup.
In between cuddle sessions, work on these eight basic cues with your pup.
Why you should choose your words wisely.
- behavior
7 Games That Can Actually Teach Your Dog Something
Cue the Schoolhouse Rock! because learning can be fun.
Cue the Schoolhouse Rock! because learning can be fun.
- behavior
5 Signs You Should Get Your Cat a Cat
People, let me tell you ’bout (your cat’s) best friend.
People, let me tell you ’bout (your cat’s) best friend.
- behavior
What’s the Deal, Mouthy Puppies? Why Bite Inhibition Matters
How to teach your pup to play nice.
How to teach your pup to play nice.
- lifestyle
Do You Have the Puppy Blues?
Don’t worry: It’s normal to feel sad or anxious after welcoming a new puppy into your life.
Don’t worry: It’s normal to feel sad or anxious after welcoming a new puppy into your life.
- health
6 Ways Your Cat Could Tell You They Are in Pain
Here are all the way your kitty is trying to tell you they’re hurting.
Here are all the way your kitty is trying to tell you they’re hurting.
Turns out, they can experience pretty complex emotions.
- behavior
With the Help of Cats, Humans Can Land on Their Feet Too
Turns out, cats have made medical breakthroughs simply by being...cats.
Turns out, cats have made medical breakthroughs simply by being...cats.
- behavior
Do Dogs Follow Bad Advice — Or Ignore It?
It turns out, dogs know a useless instruction when they hear it.
It turns out, dogs know a useless instruction when they hear it.
- behavior
Are Your Cats Playing or Is This a Full-On Scar Vs. Simba Fight?
A recent study breaks down the difference.
A recent study breaks down the difference.
- behavior
A Tail-Wagging Dog Isn’t Always a Happy Dog
This body language is not as simple as you probably think.
This body language is not as simple as you probably think.
- behavior
Ever Ask Your Dog “Why Are You Like This?” DNA Is the Answer — Kind Of
This study says it’s actually less about what’s in their DNA and more about what’s on it.
This study says it’s actually less about what’s in their DNA and more about what’s on it.
- lifestyle
Therapy Dogs Can Help You With Your ADHD
Happy news: Pups can help support your (or your kid’s) everyday needs.
Happy news: Pups can help support your (or your kid’s) everyday needs.
- behavior | Why, Cat?!
Why Does Your Cat Wake You Up at Night?
You want to sleep, your cat wants to party. Here’s how to deal.
You want to sleep, your cat wants to party. Here’s how to deal.
- behavior
Don’t Ignore These 9 Behavioral Signs That Your Dog Is in Pain
Animal behaviorist Karen B. London breaks down the silent ways your pet is trying to tell you they’re hurting.
Animal behaviorist Karen B. London breaks down the silent ways your pet is trying to tell you they’re hurting.
- behavior
Your Cat Hates It When You Frown
According to a new study, cats know what their parents’ facial expressions mean. Just, uh, FYI.
According to a new study, cats know what their parents’ facial expressions mean. Just, uh, FYI.
- behavior
You — Yes, You — Can Get Your Dog to Pay Attention to You
Here are some simple steps to pry your pup away from that one spot in the yard they’re obsessed with.
Here are some simple steps to pry your pup away from that one spot in the yard they’re obsessed with.
For some dogs, it’s not as simple as just throwing a ball.
- lifestyle
Chemistry Between People and Pets Is Real (It’s Science)
How the “love hormone” oxytocin connects us with our pups.
How the “love hormone” oxytocin connects us with our pups.
- lifestyle
Your Relationship With Your Dog Matters. Here’s How You Can Improve It
Animal behaviorist Dr. Karen B. London on how to strengthen your pet-parent bond.
Animal behaviorist Dr. Karen B. London on how to strengthen your pet-parent bond.
- behavior
Is Your Dog Tricky to Train? Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Feel Guilty
It’s important to remember that dogs are individuals, so training isn’t one-size-fits-all.
It’s important to remember that dogs are individuals, so training isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Well-trained dogs have more freedom (and more fun).
Set your pup up for success.
- lifestyle
8 Activities That Keep You and Your Dog Out of the Snow
Tips to avoid boredom when cooped up during winter storms.
Tips to avoid boredom when cooped up during winter storms.
- behavior
How to Teach Your Dog Your Name
Your dog might not know your name. Don’t take offense; just play this game.
Your dog might not know your name. Don’t take offense; just play this game.
It’s not all black and white.
- lifestyle
What to Do When Your Partner Doesn’t Want a Dog
Persuasive strategies to convince your S.O. they do want a dog.
Persuasive strategies to convince your S.O. they do want a dog.
- lifestyle
Should You Get a Second Dog?
A few things to consider before expanding your fam by four more paws.
A few things to consider before expanding your fam by four more paws.
- behavior
3 Pro Tips for Getting Your Dog to “Go” in the Snow
Snow days are fun — until your pet needs to do their thing outside.
Snow days are fun — until your pet needs to do their thing outside.
- behavior
How to Keep Your Kitten From Making You the Toy at Playtime
Your cat deserves to play. You deserve to walk away unscathed.
Your cat deserves to play. You deserve to walk away unscathed.
- behavior
How to Choose the Right Friend For Your Dog
7 signs your pup and their pal have BFF potential.
7 signs your pup and their pal have BFF potential.
- behavior
Parenting a Dog Isn’t So Different From Raising a Kid, After All
OK, OK, don’t come for us. We know dogs and kids are very different to raise, but this study finds they respond to different parenting styles in similar ways.
OK, OK, don’t come for us. We know dogs and kids are very different to raise, but this study finds they respond to different parenting styles in similar ways.
- behavior
7 Ways to Build Your Cat’s Trust in You
If your cat still approaches you with a figurative arched eyebrow of skepticism, try these tricks to put them at ease.
If your cat still approaches you with a figurative arched eyebrow of skepticism, try these tricks to put them at ease.
- health
10 Tips to Give Your Dog a Blissful Vet Visit
Reduce the stress of veterinary visits — for you and your pup.
Reduce the stress of veterinary visits — for you and your pup.
- lifestyle
On Your Next Walk, Let Your Pup Follow Their Nose
A “sniffari” gives your dog a chance to be the boss.
A “sniffari” gives your dog a chance to be the boss.
- behavior
7 Ways to Describe Your Dog — Besides “Smart”
According to animal behaviorist Karen London, using a more specific terms like “biddable” or “bombproof” can help you better understand your dog.
According to animal behaviorist Karen London, using a more specific terms like “biddable” or “bombproof” can help you better understand your dog.
5 tips for keeping your dog out of trouble on Thanksgiving.
- behavior | Ask a Trainer
How Can I Prevent My Dog From Getting Overly Excited When Guests Arrive?
Expert advice for people with dogs who jump, bark, and generally go nuts when people come over.
Expert advice for people with dogs who jump, bark, and generally go nuts when people come over.
- behavior
Is That...Stress Your Dog Smells?
A new study finds that your pup can tell — er, smell — when you’ve been doom-scrolling.
A new study finds that your pup can tell — er, smell — when you’ve been doom-scrolling.
Jack-o’-lantern not required.
- lifestyle
To Cry Is Human — and Apparently Canine
Time to whip out The Notebook for a little doggy movie night.
Time to whip out The Notebook for a little doggy movie night.
Keep the faith; you can fix this pee-action.
- behavior
The Universal Dog Signal That You’re Never Leaving the Park
Bow down, puppers. It’s time to play.
Bow down, puppers. It’s time to play.
- behavior
Can I Pet Your Dog?
Consent isn’t just for humans. Here’s how to respond when the answer isn’t so simple.
Consent isn’t just for humans. Here’s how to respond when the answer isn’t so simple.
A guide to their not-so-secret tells.
- behavior
Nobody Likes to Be Labeled — Especially Your Dog
(Mis)labeling behaviors does more harm than good.
(Mis)labeling behaviors does more harm than good.
- behavior
How to Stop Your Cat From Munching On All of Your Precious Plants
Tips to get your cat to quit eating your greens.
Tips to get your cat to quit eating your greens.