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.
![Dog lying on blanket, chewing on a bone]()
behaviorLong-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.
![German Shepherd puppy pulling at a branch]()
behaviorSeriously, 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.
![Russian Toy Terrier with ears back]()
behavior6 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.
![A brunnette woman petting her black cat sitting on her desk while she prepares to give him a pill]()
healthHow 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.
![Man running with dalmatian dog on a leash in a backyard with grass]()
behaviorAn 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.
![woman with dark hair lying in bed with striped cat, both asleep]()
behaviorShould 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.
![Woman spending time with dog]()
behaviorFace 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.
![Woman scratching belly of Shiba Inu while sitting on lawn near bush on summer day in yard.]()
behaviorThe 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?
![Woman wearing a black t-shirt and jeans laying on the couch with her dog taking a nap]()
behaviorWhat 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.
![Small striped kitten raising one paw to play with a feather while sitting on a bed]()
behaviorIs 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.
![Woman and dog sleeping together in bed]()
lifestyleWhere 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?
![Training a cat sitting with leash and harness on.]()
behaviorA 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.
![Gray and white cat walking out the door]()
behaviorPreventing 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.
![man unleashing dog in a park]()
behavior6 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.
![Maine coon cat using the litter box.]()
behaviorUncovered 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.
![A kitten sneaking up on a laser pointer with big, interested eyes.]()
behaviorGet 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.
![Woman holding dogs at an animal shelter]()
New trends we can totally get behind.
![Woman sitting in a cafe with her dog.]()
behaviorCan 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.
![Woman walking her small black dog outside on leash.]()
behaviorDo 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.
![Great Dane puppy and Husky meeting on leash out side.]()
behaviorReactivity 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.
![Woman With A Book And Her Cute Cat At Home.]()
behaviorIn “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.
![Stylish woman sitting on a bench with her Boston Terrier dog.]()
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.
![dog hiding under a couch afraid of noises]()
behaviorNoise 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.
![A woman playing with her dog making a kiss face at it.]()
behaviorHere’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.
![Puppy hides under the couch in fear]()
behaviorHow 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.
![Pregnant young woman playing with her Alaskan malamute at home.]()
Keep these two words in mind: Start now.
![cat playing fetch]()
Move over, pups. This is a cat’s game, too.
![A woman trying to call her brown dog to come back while out walking.]()
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.
![A senior Retriever/Terrier mixed breed dog shaking hands with its owner.]()
behaviorHow 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.
![Trendy man embracing a large dog at sunset. The man is wearing a black beanie the dog is wearing a pink bandana. The dog is licking the mans face.]()
behaviorShocker: 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?
![A man with long brown hair playing tug -of-war with his Golden Retriever dog outside on a wet tennis court]()
behaviorPlay-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.
![Adorable puppy focused on learning commands at home in living room]()
behaviorDog 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.
![A woman smiling at a dog on a couch.]()
Why you should choose your words wisely.
![A woman with curly black hair playing with her white labradoodle dog outside]()
behavior7 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.
![Two black cats staring out window.]()
behavior5 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.
![pet lover concept with mini dog on woman leg. sitting in room at home]()
behaviorWhat’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.
![Woman holding little english bulldog puppy in her hands and they are looking each other.]()
lifestyleDo 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.
![Red cat with squinted eyes laying in a basket closeup]()
health6 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.
![Cute portrait of young woman hugging cat at home at porch on a blue striped couch]()
behaviorWith 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.
![dog looking at a person's hand]()
behaviorDo 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.
![Gray striped cat and white cat playing on cat tree.]()
behaviorAre 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.
![Dog playing with orange ball toy at the beach on a sunny day]()
behaviorA 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.
![Two colorful Great Danes illustration.]()
behaviorEver 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.
![Two Black women with curly hair laying on the grass with their senior dog laying between them]()
lifestyleTherapy 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.
![White cat switching on lamp on couch]()
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.
![Sad boxer rests on owners lap, dog doesn't want to be touched]()
behaviorDon’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.
![]()
behaviorYour 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.
![Dog on leash sitting on a colorful street and looking attentive at their pet parent]()
behaviorYou — 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.
![Dog playing fetch with tennis ball in long grass]()
For some dogs, it’s not as simple as just throwing a ball.
![Man hugging his fluffy white dog happily]()
lifestyleChemistry 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.
![Couple hugs their merle Boxer]()
lifestyleYour 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.
![illustration of multi-colored dogs]()
behaviorIs 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.
![Trendy woman in a green coat walking her cute dog in a white jacket in public]()
Well-trained dogs have more freedom (and more fun).
![Dog walker crossing a street with three dogs]()
Set your pup up for success.
![shaggy brown dog plays in the snow outside]()
lifestyle8 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.
![A woman wearing a yellow headband and a white off-the-shoulder shirt with blue jeans and platform black flower boots kneeling next to her black Poodle mix dog on the lawn outside]()
behaviorHow 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.
![Dachshund dog sits between two people]()
lifestyleWhat 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.
![Sealyham Terrier and golden retriever playing in the grass]()
lifestyleShould 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.
![Person with two small dogs that won't poop in snow]()
behavior3 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.
![A kitten playing with a mouse cat toy.]()
behaviorHow 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.
![Two mixed breed dogs, one white with brown spots and one black, both biting on a S-shaped teal chew toy int he grass outside]()
behaviorHow 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.
![]()
behaviorParenting 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.
![A woman with curly black hair sitting in front of a dark purple and yellow backdrop while looking down affectionately at her two cats sitting on her lap]()
behavior7 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.
![Smiling veterinarian examining medical documents of a Bulldog standing on her examination table]()
health10 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.
![A little puppy Jack Russell terrier is smelling the grass in the park with red dog-collar.]()
lifestyleOn 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.
![A woman lying on the floor laughing with her dog.]()
behavior7 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.
![A dog resting its face on a dinner table.]()
5 tips for keeping your dog out of trouble on Thanksgiving.
![Big dog says hello to a dinner guest sitting at the table]()
behavior | Ask a TrainerHow 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.
![Illustration of a woman hugging a dog]()
behaviorIs 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.
![A white and brown Jack Russel Terrier dog standing on a white wooden chair behind two stacked pumpkins on the chair with him]()
Jack-o’-lantern not required.
![]()
lifestyleTo 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.
![A Boston terrier hanging out in a teal blue chair]()
Keep the faith; you can fix this pee-action.
![Bernese Mountain Dog with tennis ball in his mouth play bowing in the grassy backyard]()
behaviorThe 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.
![A woman kneeling down to pet a dog sitting in a pile of colorful leaves in the woods next to the dog's owner]()
behaviorCan 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.
![Dog is biting his dog harness to take the dog for a walk]()
behaviorNobody 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.
