Practical Behavior & Training guides for pet adopters and new pet parents, written by the Paaw team.
Cat body language makes sense when you read the whole body, not one signal alone. Learn when to offer contact, give your cat space, or call a vet.
Paaw Editorial TeamOct 16, 2026Helping a newly adopted dog with separation anxiety means preventing panic while building comfort with manageable absences. Learn how to recognize distress, cover necessary departures, practice alone time, and know when to get veterinary help.
Danielle DeFazioOct 14, 2026Easy dog tricks start with rewarding small, voluntary movements, not getting a perfect performance. Learn how to teach nine behaviors and recognize when to slow down or choose another activity.
Cosette LeahyOct 13, 2026Stopping destructive chewing means preventing access to unsafe objects while making appropriate chewing rewarding. Learn how to handle stolen items, choose safer toys, and tell ordinary chewing from a medical or behavior concern.
Daniel FangOct 11, 2026A cat's affection often shows up in quiet choices, like approaching you or resting nearby. Learn to recognize those signals, read them in context, and offer contact your cat welcomes.
Cosette LeahyOct 9, 2026Furniture scratching usually means your cat has found a satisfying place to stretch, maintain their claws, and leave familiar marks. Learn how to choose a scratcher your cat will use, protect the couch while they learn, and spot changes that need a vet's attention.
Cosette LeahyOct 8, 2026Nighttime meowing in a newly adopted cat can reflect an unfamiliar home, an unmet need, or a health problem. Learn how to check for emergencies, offer the right kind of comfort, and build a bedtime routine that supports settling in.
Daniel FangOct 4, 2026Dog body language makes sense when you read posture, facial expression, and surroundings together. Learn to recognize common signals and respond without pushing your dog past their comfort zone.
Paaw Editorial TeamOct 2, 2026A newly adopted dog's barking is a clue about their needs, surroundings, or health, not simply a problem with obedience. Learn how to spot likely causes, reduce everyday triggers, and get help when barking points to pain or panic.
Paaw Editorial TeamOct 1, 2026A rescue dog who follows you everywhere is usually trying to stay close to the safest, most predictable person in a brand new world. You can tell the difference between normal bonding, stress, and separation anxiety, then teach calm independence without making your dog feel rejected.
Danielle DeFazioSep 28, 2026Basic dog training comes down to teaching a few safety skills clearly and practicing them in tiny pieces. You will learn how to teach sit, come, stay or wait, leave it or drop it, and loose leash walking without overwhelming your dog.
Danielle DeFazioSep 25, 2026Teaching a dog their name comes down to pairing that sound with attention and rewards until they gladly turn toward you. You will learn the first week routine, how to rename an adopted dog, and how to fix common problems without making training stressful.
Chloe FabianiSep 20, 2026Leash training a newly adopted dog comes down to safety, short practice, and rewarding the exact behavior you want. You will know what gear to use, how to start indoors, and what to do when your dog pulls, freezes, barks, or lunges.
Daniel FangSep 16, 2026Crate training comes down to making the crate feel safe before you ask your dog to stay there for longer stretches. You will learn how to choose a crate, build calm time step by step, handle whining, and spot the moments when a crate is not the right tool.
Chloe FabianiSep 13, 2026Rescue dog potty training comes down to preventing accidents long enough for your dog to learn the new routine. You will know when to go outside, what to do after accidents, how to handle apartments and workdays, and when a vet or trainer should step in.
Paaw Editorial TeamSep 9, 2026A high energy label is usually a shelter’s shorthand for what staff have seen, not a final verdict on the dog’s whole personality. Once you understand the difference between energy, stress, fear, and missing manners, you can make a safer and kinder adoption choice.
Paaw Editorial TeamDec 16, 2025Practical advice for pet parents, a few times a month. No spam.