
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.
Recent Kinship articles by Karen B. London, PhD, CAAB, CPDT-KA
10 Ways to Make Your Dog’s Life Better
Simple resolutions to boost your dog’s happiness, health and well-being all year long
How to Deal With Your Dog’s Begging Problem
It's time to reframe the situation
A Tail-Wagging Dog Isn’t Always a Happy Dog
This body language is not as simple as you probably think
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
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
10 Tips to Give Your Dog a Blissful Vet Visit
Reduce the stress of vet visits – for you and your pup
How to Integrate Training Into Your Puppy’s Daily Life
Here are some tips for fitting training into your action-packed schedule
Three Myths About Playing With Your Dog
Chase? Wrestle? Tug-o-war? Find out which are fair game
There Is More Than One ‘Right’ Way to Socialise Your Puppy
Slow it down, it shouldn’t feel like speed dating
8 Myths About Your Kitten – Busted By a Behaviourist
Forget everything you think you know...
Your Daughter’s Right – You Should Get Her a Dog
A new study found that kids, especially young girls, benefit from having a pup
Is That... Stress Your Dog Smells?
A study finds that your pup can tell – er, smell – when you’ve been doom-scrolling
Daylight Saving Time Confuses Pets, Too
Animal behaviourist Karen London on how ‘springing forward’ causes your dog or cat to lose sleep, too
What Happens When Kids Read Books With Dogs
Spoiler alert: it’s more than just cute
9 Myths About Your Puppy – Busted By a Behaviourist
The internet has a lot to tell you about your new addition. Here’s what’s actually true
How Young Dogs Can Benefit From Having an Older Dog Mentor
Having an older, wiser dog around can be a big plus
Why Does My Dog Follow Me Around?
All the reasons dogs go everywhere we go
Why Your Dog Should Be Your Go-To Stress Buster
You need a break sometimes, and your dog is ready (and willing) to take one with you
Why Do Dogs Sneeze When They Play?
It’s adorable, but there are actual reasons behind the behaviour
Will My New Dog Ever Love Me?
What to do when you don’t feel the close bond you want
Dog Etiquette: How to Train Your Dog to Be the Perfect Guest
Because nobody wants your pup eating the host’s charcuterie platter
Why is Your Young Dog Going Grey?
And why stress could be to blame
How to Teach Your Dog to Poo in the Snow
Snow days are fun – until your pup needs to do their thing outside
9 Reasons Why Dogs Put Their Ears Back
Here‘s how your dog’s ears can clue you into how they’re feeling
To Cry Is Human – and Apparently Canine
Time to whip out The Notebook for a doggy movie night
Who’s Walking Who?
Dog trainer Karen B. London promises you’re not doomed to be pulled down the street forever
“Kitty Language” Is the Book You Need to Finally Decode Your Cat
The author and artist uses informative (and adorable) images to teach cat parents everything about kitty communication
Dog Training 101: What to Teach Your New Dog
In between cuddle sessions, work on these eight basic cues with your pup
Play-Training Can Be Your Solution to Dog Aggression
Behaviour correction, Mary Poppins style: turn a job into a game
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
Use Platform Dog Training to Elevate Your Pup’s Skills
Using platforms are favourites with pro dog trainers – here’s why you should add them to your training to-do list
Are You Making These Common Dog Training Mistakes?
Pro Karen London, PhD shares the most common dog training errors and how to correct themz
Teach Your Dog to Climb Stairs
Tips on how to train your dog to go down stairs
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
How to Choose the Right Friend For Your Dog
Seven signs your pup and their pal have BFF potential
Teach Your Dog to ”Back Up”
There are plenty of benefits to teaching your dog this cute trick
On Your Next Walk, Let Your Pup Follow Their Nose
A ‘sniffari’ gives your dog a chance to be the boss
Prey Drive in Dogs: Fact or Fiction?
Is the term ‘prey drive’ correct terminology or meaningless jargon?
Tips to Prevent Dogs From Peeing On Your Christmas Tree
Five steps to prevent your pup from ‘decorating’ your tree
Decoding Your Dog’s Growls
When your dog growls, they’re expressing their emotions. A study found that you’ll probably be able to understand what they’re feeling
Are Laser Pointers Bad for Dogs?
Learn why these red beams of light are bad for dogs
How to Stop Your Cat From Munching On All of Your Precious Plants
Tips to get your cat to quit eating your greens
Is Your Puppy Sleeping Enough?
Four signs your puppy is ready for a nap
How to Get Your Dog to Stop Resource Guarding Their Stuff
If your dog growls when you get near their food or toys, read this right now
5 Running Games to Play With Your Dog
A few minutes – or even a few steps – are all you need to add joy to your dog’s day
“Help! How Do I Get My Dog to Stop Eating Socks”
How to get your pet to stop chewing on inedibles from clothes to couches
How to Stroke a Cat (Without a Scratch)
There is a right and wrong way
How to Stop Your Dog From Biting the Lead
Most dogs love walking, but some love chaos a little bit more
Are Friends and Family Derailing Your Dog’s Training?
What to do when your best-laid training plans are sabotaged
Why Do Dogs Bark in the Car?
What to do when your dog barks at everything from other cars to people
Why Does My Dog Bark at the Postie?
How to get your pup and the postie to be friends
How to Keep Your Kitten From Making You the Toy at Playtime
Your cat deserves to play, but you deserve to walk away unscathed
5 Signs You Should Get Your Cat a Cat
Because 8 paws are better than 4 when it comes to pushing stuff off the table
Should You Get a Second Dog?
A few things to consider before expanding your fam by four more paws.
What’s the Deal, Mouthy Puppies? Why Bite Inhibition Matters
How to teach your pup to play nice
Why Your Dog Needs a Frozen Kong
Two words: endless entertainment
Turns Out Dogs Can... Smell Time
There’s no time like the present, according to your pet
5 Ways to Stop Your Puppy From Ripping Up Their Toys
How to teach your dog to enjoy, not destroy, their toys
Nine Useful Tricks to Teach Your Dog
Go beyond the basics
What’s Better Than a Tail Wag? A Circle Wag
Also called the ‘propeller wag’ or ‘helicopter tail’, this behaviour is a surefire way to tell that a dog is happy
Why Is My Adult Dog Weeing In the House?
How to re-housetrain a dog of any age
6 Ways to Keep Your Dog Entertained While You’re At Work
Don’t hit pause on your pet’s playtime – these solo activities will help 9–5 fly by for them
How Deep Is the Love For Our Dogs?
The connection between people and dogs is the stuff of legends
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 socialisation
Yep – Chewbacca Is Based On a Dog
Chewie is the space co-pilot we all need
Watch Out for Invasive Ladybirds
Who knew this was something to worry about?
After a Fight, Do Dogs Forgive?
Studies have shown why some dogs choose to be friendly after a fight
Me-OW! Should I Break Up a Cat Fight?
Between actual cats...
Tips to Slow Down a Dog Who Eats Too Fast
Eating fast is more than just unsightly – it’s potentially dangerous
Your Relationship With Your Dog Matters. Here’s How You Can Improve It
Animal behaviourist Dr Karen B. London on how to strengthen your pet-parent bond
Making a Move? Here’s How to Help Your Dog Adjust to Your New Home
Your dog hates moving, too. This dog trainer’s tips will make it easier on everyone
Your Dog’s Food Aggression Isn’t Cute – Here’s How You Can Work On It
No longer associate feeding time with growling time
Why Do Cats Purr?
Surprise: it doesn’t always mean they’re happy
How to Teach Your New Dog Your Name
Your dog might not know your name. Don’t take offence – just play this game
‘Piloerection’ Is Not a Dirty Word
Weirdly, this is what it’s called when your dog raises their hackles. And here’s why they do it...
Does Your Dog Think Every Day is Hump Day?
Advice on how to deal with your dog’s humping habit
How to Teach Your Dog to Take Treats Gently
And save your skin
The Universal Dog Signal That You’re Never Leaving the Park
Bow down, puppers. It’s time to play
Does Your Dog Have Juvenile Onset Shyness?
Turns out, the teenage years aren’t just tough for humans – they can be rough on dogs, too
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
How to Properly Introduce Two Pups
There’s a lot more to it than sniffing each other’s butts
What Are You Smiling At?
There’s a big difference between a dog smiling and showing their teeth
What to Do When Your Partner Doesn’t Want a Dog
Persuasive strategies to convince your partner they do want a dog
How to Keep Your Dog From Freaking Out When You Have Company
Do these things to help your pup (and your guests) feel chill
Playing Tug With Your Dog Is Good Exercise For Both of You
The basics of the tug game and how to trouble-shoot common problems
How to Teach Your Dog to Skateboard
They’ll be doing ollies in no time
The Key to Training Two Puppies At Once
Double the trouble or double the fun?
Why You Should Trim Your Dog’s Fringe
Hint: they can’t see
“Why Won’t My Dog Walk Outside?”
Dog behaviourist Karen B London’s top tips to help get your parked pet moving
Get to the Point: Can Cats Play With Laser-Pointer Toys?
People have strong opinions about this cat toy. Here’s what you need to know
Why Does Your Cat Wake You Up at Night?
You want to sleep, your cat wants to party. Here’s how to deal with it
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
Where Should Your Dog Sleep At Night-Time?
It’s a personal preference, but here are the pros and cons
Your New Dog is Scared of You. Now What?
Five ways to warm a skittish dog to you
Singleton Puppy Syndrome: One Puppy Litter
One doesn’t have to be the loneliest number when it comes to your dog
Do Small Dogs Wee More Often?
Research shows that little dogs may feel the need to scent mark more frequently than big dogs
“Why Is My Dog Obsessed With Chasing Shadows?”
A fascination with lights and shadows is common in high-energy dogs – but it can develop into obsessive-compulsive disorder if it gets out of hand
Dog Life Stages: Puppy Adolescence Is Only a Phase
What to expect when your perfect puppy hits that unruly stage
7 Ways to Build Your Cat’s Trust In You
If your cat still approaches you with a figurative arched eyebrow of scepticism, try these tricks to put them at ease
One Is the Loneliest Number: What to Know About ‘Single Kitten Syndrome’
Why adopting two kittens may be easier (and better for them) than adopting one
The Reasons Behind Dogs’ Love For Belly Rubs
If one hand isn’t stroking a furry dog belly, what are you doing?
Here’s How You Can Avoid the Worst: a Dog Bite to the Face
Step one: never put your face close to theirs
Is Your Dog Sad?
Or are they just peacefully resting? Behaviourist Karen London explains how to tell the difference
Understanding Reactivity and Aggression in Dogs: Two Very Different Things
Apparently even experts have a hard time defining these terms
How to Prepare Your Pup For Daycare and Dog Walkers
Set your pup up for success
Don’t Ignore These 9 Behavioural Signs That Your Dog Is in Pain
Animal behaviourist Karen B London breaks down the silent ways your pet is trying to tell you they’re hurting
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
6 Things to Know About Dog Zoomies
Not counting how fun they are to watch
Noise Sensitivity and Pain in Dogs
Research finds why dogs may suddenly become super-sensitive to sounds
Dream of High-Fiving Your Cat? Here’s How to Teach a Cat Tricks
It takes some patience (shocker), but it can be done
Should Your Cat Sleep With You?
Here are the pros and cons of having a feline sleeping buddy
Uncovered Secrets: Why Cats Don’t Always Cover Their Poo
And how you can encourage them to cover up after doing their business
Do Cats Get Jealous?
Is there a green-eyed monster hiding in that adorable ball of fluff?
Preventing Escape Artists: How to Keep Your Indoor Cat From Running Away
Your kitty’s an explorer. But if you want to keep their expeditions indoors, here‘s how
Your Cat Doesn’t Have to Hate Their Carrier
A behaviourist’s six surefire steps to training a cat to go in a carrier
7 Ways to Stop Your Dog From Scavenging On Walks
If your dog tries to wolf down literally everything in sight, you need this advice
How to Train a Kitten to Fetch
Move over, pups. This is a cat’s game, too
Here’s Why Your Dog Is Terrified of New People
And how to change it
Does Your Dog Hate Citrus?
It’s the one food most dogs can't stand. Here’s why – plus, how to use their dislike of citrus to your advantage
Pick Your New Pet Like a Pro
How to find the (next) love of your life
Is Your Dog All Bark and No Bite?
A viral video gives new meaning to being on the fence
The Benefits of Having Multiple Dogs
Beyond more puppy love and snuggle time
We Answer the Age-Old Question: Why Do Dogs Howl?
How to help a howling dog turn down the volume (or even hit the off button)
How Do I Stop My Dog From Crying In the Car?
Is there anything more annoying than a dog who won’t stop whining? Here’s what to do about it
Why Your Dog Howls When Your Baby Cries
Is your dog showing empathy? Or just plain annoyance?
Dog Life Stages: Puppy Adolescence Is Only a Phase
Don’t worry, it’s just a phase!
Are Gamer Dogs On the Horizon?
Don’t just assume that your dog’s golden years should be spent quietly relaxing – they could be gaming
FYI, Your Dog Can’t Stand When You Do These 7 Things
Trust me, I’m a dog trainer
How to Help an Anxious Dog Conquer Their Fears
Six animal behaviourists share pro tips for boosting the confidence of a fearful dog
A Spoonful of Tuna Helps the Medicine Go Down
Everything you need to know about the difficult task of medicating a cat
Fall Favorite Recipe: Pumpkin and Peanut Butter Dog Treats
Jack-o’-lantern not required.
“Should I Adopt an Adult Rescue Dog?”
Yes! Shelters are full of good, grown-up doggos. Here’s how to find the perfect match.
How to Properly Introduce Two Pups
There’s a lot more to it than sniffing each other’s butts.
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.
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 make it work for your cat
7 Games That Can Actually Teach Your Dog Something
Cue the Schoolhouse Rock! because learning can be fun.
Therapy Dogs Can Help You With Your ADHD
Happy news: Pups can help support your (or your kid’s) everyday needs.
How to Teach a Dog to Fetch
For some dogs, it’s not as simple as just throwing a ball
Chemistry Between People and Pets Is Real (It’s Science)
How the ‘love hormone’ oxytocin connects us with our pups
8 Activities That Keep You and Your Dog Out of the Snow
Tips to avoid boredom when cooped up during winter storms.
Are Dogs Actually Color Blind?
It’s not all black and white.
SOS: Why Does My Dog Pee When I Pet Them?
Keep the faith; you can fix this pee-action.
How to Tell If Your Dog Is a Hugger – Or Not
Boundaries, folks. Boundaries
Some Dogs Are Scaredy Cats — And That’s OK
Not all fearful dogs have been mistreated.
Is Your Dog Giving You the Stink Eye?
Despite plenty of reasons to get mad, an animal behaviorist says dogs rarely express real anger.
How Dogs React to Pregnant Women
Why pups' behavior may change when you’re expecting.
How Do I Break up a Dog Fight?
Keep you and your dog safe in case of a dog fight emergency.
Make Your Dog’s Life Better with Enrichment
Enrich your dog’s life by doing what comes naturally.
Are Dog Parks Good for Socialization?
Help! Should I take my young dog to the dog park for “socialization”?
“Can My Dog Be Trained Not to Dig?”
Stop your dog from digging up your favorite plants with expert advice from animal behaviorist Karen London, PhD.
Driving Your Newly Adopted Dog Home
People do this in many ways, and some are safer than others.