Gradually exposing an animal to a scary stimulus (like nail clippers) at a low intensity.

Understanding how animals function requires looking at both their biological needs and their evolutionary survival strategies.

Is this for , professional development , or personal pet care ?

Perhaps the most successful marriage of animal behavior and veterinary science is the certification movement. Founded by Dr. Marty Becker, this initiative trains veterinarians and technicians to modify their clinical environment based on behavioral principles.

Because they can't tell us where it hurts, they show us through behavior. A cat who stops using the litter box isn't being spiteful; they may have arthritis making it painful to step over the box's high sides. A dog who suddenly growls when a child hugs them may be experiencing orthopedic pain.