Fluff and Feathers

05/08/2026

03/19/2026

Super interesting! When it comes to mixing breeds, you never know how the dogs genetics will interact with each other. Genetics can affect behavior no matter how to dog is raised or by who. Ethical breeding works with bloodlines that are proven through titles, championships, certifications, etc. of stable dogs or purpose-bred dogs. There is no current ethical doodle standards to follow, creating a mixed bag of what you’re going to get. These are considerations to make when choosing your next dog, as well as information to chat more thoroughly about with your breeder, trainer, and veterinarian to make the best decisions for yourself and/or your included family

🐕 A new study from the RVC has revealed that three popular designer Poodle-crossbreeds (often generically called Doodles), Cockapoos, Labradoodles and Cavapoos, often display higher levels of undesirable behaviour than their purebred parent breeds. As the first UK study of its kind, these findings challenge widespread public perceptions that these Doodle breed dogs are easier to train or especially suited to family homes with children compared to purebred dogs. The results also provide vital information which can assist prospective owners deciding which type of dog to welcome into their family.

➡️ Read more: https://rvc.uk.com/designer-crossbreeds

03/13/2026

My search and rescue dog Ramona (basset on the bottom) is constantly training to continue her skills and refine them to be able to help the community be reunited with their missing pets. It is such a joy to be around such accomplished dogs and handlers!

Here at Dogs Finding Dogs, we train our dogs every weekend. There is always room to improve our handling skills.

This past weekend we ran tracks that had been laid last weekend. I am so proud of these teams that confidently and proficiently nailed those tracks even after sitting for a week.

03/13/2026

I see this often, and it sets adopters up for failure. Look, I get it, I worked at a rescue for 6 years full time. It is a business, and you need animals to be adopted to make profit to pay employees and continue the mission of saving animals who need to be rehomed.

As a behavioralist and trainer, I meet with these people after the adoption. I often get told phrases like…
“This is not the dog that was advertised to me”
“This is not the life I envisioned with a dog”
“If I would have known, we would have went with a different dog”
“I am so attatched to them now, so I can’t rehome them, but life with them is unbearable”
“I’m starting to resent my dog”

If rescues were more up front of their animals behaviors, it would actually align more with their missions than sugar coating the behaviors so they seem more adoptable to more people than they really are. It sets adopters up for failure and causes dogs to be brought back. Then the rescue gets to say “to no fault of the dog” or bash someone for not “waiting it out.” Sure, it happens as the rescues describe, but it usually is not the dogs fault or the adopters but the rescue for not marketing the dog appropriately.

03/11/2026

Another very quick reunion of a missing cat to their very loving home! Yesterday, I finished with my morning clients, got the call, and turned right around to go out and help! Ramona found where the cat had been hanging out, but we were unable to locate the cat on the track. It’s fairly common, as the cat likely ran to hide when he heard/saw us before we saw him. I advised feeding stations where the cat was likely hiding and at their house, as a lot of pets will try to come home at night but not be let in due to us sleeping. They went the extra mile for a fast recovery! It was a great start to my morning! 💙

I have great news! Jedidiah is home. From his Mom: "We put food outside the door and I slept on an air mattress inside to listen for him. He came home and life is good again. What a wonderful organization you have! We will make another contribution to honor Ramona today. Thanks for being so patient and helpful; much appreciated."
One more precious pet is reunited.

03/02/2026

Parrot biting behaviors are common reasons why people reach out to me for behavioral help. In parrots, most caretakers run into these behaviors often. Your parrot should not be biting you, and it’s not just apart of caring for parrots.

Hi, I’m Melanie, and I am a multi certified animal behavioralist and trainer through my business Fluff and Feathers. I have over 20 years of experience working with parrots, and over 10 years professional experience training animals of all species, including in zoos and aquariums across the United States.

I am hosting a class on decreasing parrot biting behaviors in Lancaster, PA at Saturday March 7 at 11:00am. I posted promoting the event here, but I got so many people wishing they lived closer and could attend. Thankfully, it has worked out that we will be able to livestream it virtually for anyone who wishes to attend, even if they cannot make it in person. This will still be an in person class for those who are local!

All attendees will be able to receive a recording of the entire class, including me demonstrating different skills. If you can’t make it live, it’s no issue! It’s also helpful to review. The recording will be available indefinitely, so watch it as many times as you need!

Everyone of all experience levels and species will find value in this class, and I’m excited to share the work I do with you!

Sign up here! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ow-my-parrot-bit-medecreasing-parrot-biting-tickets-1981438714534?aff=oddtdtcreator

02/28/2026

This is an important take on this topic that you might not have considered

02/25/2026

Got a parrot with a big personality… and an even bigger bite? 🦜
Join the “Ow! My Parrot Bit Me!” class to learn practical, science‑based strategies for reducing biting and building a calmer, more trusting relationship with your bird.

Whether you're a new parrot parent or a seasoned bird lover, this class gives you tools you can use right away to create safer, happier interactions. Taught by professional behavioralist and trainer Melanie Canatella. B.S., CPBT-KA, CPDT-KA, Fear Free Certified Trainer, with Fluff and Feathers ().

Get Tickets Here: https://www.thatpetplace.com/articles/workshops

11/07/2025

It’s always a great time at Humane Domain!

Natalie and Melanie enjoying enriching and training the chickens!