Articles by the Behaviorist — Downstay: dog, parrot, and other companion animal training, coaching, and therapy

Downstay is dedicated to helping companion animals and their owners using science-based, compassionate, holistic methods.

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Dr. Alexandria Brown

I can't handle this hummingbird. I think that's the point https://t.co/QdugD8imoT
about a day ago

All in Dogs

Curse of the Good Dog: Dogs and Kids

Jul 26

Jul 26 Curse of the Good Dog: Dogs and Kids

Be smart about kids and dogs, and beware getting into bad habits with your tolerant dog.

Trainer or Behaviorist?

Jun 11

Jun 11 Trainer or Behaviorist?

Dogs, Parrots, Cats, Animal Friends

What is a trainer? What is a behaviorist? How do I know when I need one?

"Dominance" is Dead

Jun 11

Jun 11 "Dominance" is Dead

Dogs, Parrots, Animal Friends

Your pet isn’t trying to “dominate” you.

Socialize Your New Dog: An Infographic

May 16

May 16 Socialize Your New Dog: An Infographic

In case you were wondering, here’s our info on socializing your new dog.

Emotional Support Animal FAQ

Jan 1

Jan 1 Emotional Support Animal FAQ

Here are the questions I hear the most about ESAs.

Anatomy of a Dogfight

Dec 5

Dec 5 Anatomy of a Dogfight

Dogfights are scary for people, but are usually mostly an aggressive display rather than an intention to injure. You'll be surprised how controlled it really is.

Exercise in Treatment of Canine Trauma

Dec 3

Dec 3 Exercise in Treatment of Canine Trauma

Trail running with a dog is freaking magic for both of you.

Tools for toothbrushing

Nov 24

Nov 24 Tools for toothbrushing

Product Review, Dogs, Cats

It's hard to remember to do it, and in some cases it's hard to get your little furball to cooperate. But any dog or cat can learn (or re-learn) to play the fun toothbrushing game.

How does trauma affect animals?

Nov 17

Nov 17 How does trauma affect animals?

Dogs, Horses, Parrots, Cats, Animal Friends

Trauma can have long lasting impacts on the brains of humans, and recent studies have shown that the same is true for our animal companions.

The feral dogs of Costa Rica

Nov 12

Nov 12 The feral dogs of Costa Rica

Costa Rica has a ton of stray or feral dogs, and I met one in particular.

Is Barkbox worth it?

Nov 3

Nov 3 Is Barkbox worth it?

Product Review, Dogs

Fun and peril at the dog park (in 13 easy steps!)

Oct 30

Oct 30 Fun and peril at the dog park (in 13 easy steps!)

Handling other peoples' leash-aggressive dogs

Oct 23

Oct 23 Handling other peoples' leash-aggressive dogs

Getting the most out of human/companion animal socialization

Oct 16

Oct 16 Getting the most out of human/companion animal socialization

Animal Friends, Dogs, Parrots, Cats, Horses

Treat and Train Remote Reward Dog Trainer

Oct 9

Oct 9 Treat and Train Remote Reward Dog Trainer

Dogs, Animal Friends, Cats, Product Review

Occasional Hysterical Reactions to Dogs is Normal, Unfortunately

Oct 2

Oct 2 Occasional Hysterical Reactions to Dogs is Normal, Unfortunately

Muzzle that pooch! Rock that muzzle like a pro

Sep 25

Sep 25 Muzzle that pooch! Rock that muzzle like a pro

Dogs, Product Review

Muzzles aren't about shame! They're about improving your dog's quality of life.

Your pet is missing! Here's what to do.

Sep 10

Sep 10 Your pet is missing! Here's what to do.

Animal Friends, Cats, Dogs, Parrots