Q: We just rescued a 6 month old puppy from our local animal shelter. He isn't housebroken and I don't know what to do! My kids think crate training the dog is mean, but I just can have him messing up the whole house! What do you suggest I do?
A: The key to quickly house training a dog of any age is a crate. By using an airline style crate or cage as your dog's den, you teach your dog not to soil it's sleeping area. Initially, you will want to acclimate your dog to the crate by leaving the door open and rewarding him with treats for exploring it on his own. Gradually begin shutting him into the crate for short periods of time (5-10 minutes) and reward him for being in there alone. Young dogs can be left alone in their crates for 4-6 hours; any longer than that, and you run the risk of accidents. If you must be gone longer than 6 hours, you will want to arrange for someone to come into your home and give your pup a chance to relieve himself midday. Remember to get your dog onto a regular feeding routine as quickly as possible--if you feed at the same time everyday, you will find that your dog's potty schedule is predictable as well (most does need to go to the bathroom within 20 minutes of eating). Once your dog is used to the crate, you can use it anytime you can't keep an eye on him. This will decrease the chance of random accidents in your home. Regarding your kids thinking the crate is "mean:" Crates encourage your dog's natural instincts to sleep in a den, and as such, are one of the most humane things you can do for your pet.
Q: I think my dog is lonely. My neighbor says he cries and barks all day while I'm at work. Should I get him another dog or a cat as a companion?
A: Not necessarily. First, a determination must be made as to why your dog is barking and crying. We need to determine how long the barking/crying persists (all day, on and off throughout the day, just after you leave, etc.), when does it occur (only when you leave for work, for example, or any time you leave the house?), does the dog bark/cry if you leave the house and someone else is home with him? All of these factors are important because they help to determine whether incessant barking is a sign of simple boredom or whether it is a symptom of underlying anxiety. Separation anxiety does occur in dogs and owners who try to treat it solely with the addition of a companion pet find that their problems only multiply. Additional animals may only increase the first pet's anxiety and can intensify other behavior problems. My best advice here is to seek out the help of a local, professional behaviorist who can help you determine why the barking is occurring in the first place.
Q: I am so frustrated with my neighbors and their cats. The cats use my flower bed as a litter box, chase the birds away from my bird feeders, and make a nuisance of themselves yowling all night long. I have spoken to my neighbors about their cats, but they just shrug it off and tell me that "cats will be cats." Is there anything I can do?
A: Despite what many outdoor-cat owners believe, they are indeed responsible for the behavior of their pets. Cats are territorial, but their territories often extend beyond their owners' property lines. Responsible cat ownership means knowing where your cat is at all times. Cats can be trained to stay in their own yards and keeping cats indoors at night assures their safety and the solitude of the neighborhood for other residents. As with dogs, spaying or neutering a cat will make it less likely to roam the neighborhood (and get into fights). With regard to keeping them out of your yard and plants: There are many products on the market (some toxic, some not) designed to discourage cats from using your plants as a toilet area. Not all of these products are effective for every individual cat, so you may have to try several to find the one which works for you. In addition, dog feces, large stones, upside down mousetraps, and chicken wire mesh can also be used to discourage cats from using your plants. Motion sensitive style sprinklers which douse the cats with water may also be effective. Tan bark and wood shavings should not be used if you have a cat problem as they are extremely attractive "litter" choices for them.
Q: We just moved into a new house and our 4 year old cat is driving us crazy. He is not using his litterbox. Instead, he urinates on our bed and in our laundry basket, sometimes right while I'm in the room! Help!
A: First, you should have your cat examined by your veterinarian in order to make sure there is nothing physically wrong with him. Once you have ruled out a medical reason for the inappropriate urination, then you can assume the problem is behavioral. A move can be very stressful for any pet. It sounds like this is the case for your cat. The best thing to do for a cat when you move is the following: Place the cat, his litterbox, food bowls, toys, and bed in a small, enclosed area (for example a bathroom or laundry room). Keep the cat in this one room for a couple of weeks. Gradually begin letting your cat explore the rest of his new indoor territory with you there to supervise. Continue to confine him at night. Once he seems comfortable with his new surroundings, you can begin letting him have free range inside your house. Keep the first litterbox in it's same location (the bathroom or laundry room in our example) AND add a second litterbox in an area he frequents. The rule of thumb is one litterbox per cat plus one, so two litterboxes for one cat. If your cat was indoor/outdoor at your old house, you can begin introducing him to his new outdoor territory gradually, and while supervised, AFTER acclimating him to the new indoor situation first.
