Archives 2: Q & A's to Dear Dr. Cookie

Please enjoy the archives of letters to Dr. Cookie. We hope you will find the questions & answers entertaining, informative, humorous, inspiring, and insightful! 

Dear Dr. Cookie:

I brought home an 8 week old Shiba Inu today.  I have a 2 and a half year old cat.  The problem is that my cat Chip chased the puppy and proceeds to pin him on the floor and bite him. Chip has always tended to bite to hard when he gives me "love bites."  I have always trusted Chip before this.

Dear Pat,

Even cats that have been raised with dogs will resent an unfamiliar intruder.  It is always important to integrate new pets very gradually.  Your puppy should be kept in one safe puppy-proof room unless you are there to carefully supervise him. Chip is an assertive male and I would assume that he is not being friendly when he pounces and bites a puppy that is intruding in his turf!  Please review the details on how to introduce dogs and cats in the handout entitled ‘Introducing New Pets’ on the QuickFix handout page.

Dr. Cookie:

We have a small cross breed dog who is good in everyway except she barks at anything and everything. If people come to the house she barks at them entering, whilst they are here and when they leave. we have tried everything, ignoring her, making a fuss of her. She is not aggressive with people but will not be quiet when anyone is here. 

Dear Samantha,

Barking IS aggressive.  She may be afraid of strangers but more than likely she is barking as a territorial behavior, too.  Either way, the thing to do is tell her what you want her to be doing.  It is not enough to just ignore her or to simply say ‘no!’.  You need to give her an alternative and ‘sit/stay’ or ‘down/stay’ are fine!  Put a leash on her if you must!  Order my handouts on Territorial behavior in dogs and Basic Obedience.  You should do well with the tips explained in detail.

Dr. Cookie,

My female Alaskan Malamute will be 2 yrs old in April.  She has not had many opportunities to socialize with other dogs when she was younger and she has become quite aggressive when encountering other dogs.  What are the procedures that we can take at this time to help her socialize with other dogs.  Interestingly, there are two male dogs next door that she is very comfortable with.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Dear Mike

There is a critical phase between 6 and 13 wks of age during which time socialization to people and other dogs is optimal.  Her problem does not seem to be restricted to socialization, however, since she is friendly with ‘the boys next door’!  She may defer to them because a) they are extended members of her ‘pack’ and help to defend ‘their territory’, and b) they are males and not rivals to her.  Malamutes tend to be large dogs and you really should minimize the chances of her rumbling with other dogs.  Work on her ‘obedience’ to you with daily practice.  Try her at a group obedience class if you feel more in charge.  A basket muzzle will help to prevent injury to other dogs as well as to adjust her attitude.  Introducing dogs on neutral turf is always invaluable.  Good luck!  

Hi Dr. Schwartz -

I have a 1 1/2 year old Aussie Shepard/Yellow Lab Mix who has recently started getting more and more anxious and aggressive with bicyclists and 
runners. I am now working with a trainer (highly recommended by my vet and dog park people) who has identified the dog as exhibiting 
predatory behavior and we have very recently started a training regime including taking 90 degree turns on walks, hand feeding and very focused one 
on one play. I can already see a positive effect on her and our relationship. Is predatory behavior something an urban dog and owner can live with and 
control? I love this dog unbelievably and would do anything for her. 

Hi PoofKenney,

I'm glad the training is going well, however, your dog trainer is wrong about the problem definition.  This is typical territorial aggression, not predatroy aggression!  There may be an element of fear involved in this as well.  The treatment is working, and that's the important thing I suppose...but if you want some clear recommendations, handouts are available on Territorial behavior in dogs, as well as Predatory behavior (the treatment for which is very different!).  I have no idea how hand feeding him has any relevance on either problem.  Good luck!

Dear Dr. Cookie,

I have a  12 month Lhasa-poo  and he acts like he is insane a couple of times a day. When he is excited he jumps at you and can nip at you face, hands, and feet. He is playing, and you cannot catch him when he starts, because he is too fast. So how do you stop him?

Dear Lynda in Canada,

The best way to stop him is to not let him start!  His play aggression has serious social consequences because he is learning that behaving dominantly, and aggressively so, towards people is fun!  You need to enroll in group obedience classes, take him to nearby parks to play with other doggies, two long walks every day…handouts on Dominance behavior in dogs, Basic obedience, and Why it is important to walk your dog, will help.   

HI,

We have a 3 yr old male Rottie. Several months ago our female Rottie died mysteriously. Since then, the male has become very aggressive - barking loudly at everyone and every dog; charging people; when taken for rides (which he used to love) he barks at everything we pass and lunges against the windows. We are very concerned by this new behavior as he used to be a very gentle dog. 

Dear Lorraine,

I am sorry to hear your Rottie girl died.  The loss of his mate has had serious impact on this boy-dog.  It is also possible, however, that it is partly coincident to his age.  At 3 yrs, he is an adult and the removal of his companion may have put him in charge, so to speak.  His territorial aggression at home and in the car is intense and he is probably empowered by his revised status in the pack.  However, was he with her when she died?  When you say she died ‘mysteriously’, do you suspect foul play?  Let us assume that he is simply behaving as a dominant and territorial male.  Order the handouts on these topics for in-depth discussion.  At the very least, you need to reassert your own leadership over this dog so he does not feel that everything is entirely his decision or responsibility.

Dear Dr. Cookie,

I currently have 2 Pugs, one I have had Woody since he was a puppy and he is now 4 1/2.  I adopted Brutus from the pound about 1 1/2 yrs ago and he is 5 yrs old. Woody and Brutus have been best friends and keep each other company while my husband and I are at work.  Recently my mother and her dog moved into the basement apartment in our home. Brutus started to stare down Woody and attack him. The episodes grew worse and resulted in Woody going to the hospital for a bite on his ear (a bloody mess that looked worse than is was).  I have been keeping them separated since, they only see each other on walks outside the house.  My mother will be with me 6 more weeks. Is there anything I can be doing to help this situation?  

Dear Lesley,

This could be redirected aggression because your Brutus is unable to get to your mother’s dog.  Or, the perception of another dog nearby and on their territory has led to a destabilization of pack hierarchy and Brutus is challenging Woody to become top dog.  Muzzling Pugfaces is really not an option since they basically have no face!  Keep both dogs separate and get Woody to go into a ‘down/stay’ at a safe distance from Brutus (basically, you are helping to redefine their relative ranks).  A step by step description is given in the handout on Dominance behavior.  Their problems may persist beyond the day your mother and her dog leave (the damage is done) so it would be important to regain control. Obedience practice and neutering your dogs, if not already done, would also curb their aggressiveness.   I wonder if it would not be helpful to introduce these dogs on neutral territory, for instance at a park that none of them have been to…perhaps if you can build a ‘fun’ relationship between them all, things will fall into place more peacefully.

Dear Dr. Cookie,

I became the owner of a 1.5 yr old Neapolitan Mastiff through a rescue organization about 1 month ago.  She is a sweet and obedient girl at home, and has learned to live with us and our 3 cats without incident.  The problem is she lunges at strangers when we go out, even when they're quite far away, more than 30 or 40 feet, and if they have dogs, oy vey!  I've tried the simple, quiet "No", the loud insistant "NO!" and putting her down on the ground in a totally submissive position while repeating "NO NO NO" by taking her by the harness with both hands and laying her down.  I've also tried to keep her focused on being on the leash and keeping in the "Heel" position with limited success, but if she's surprised or stressed she cuts loose. 

Dear Barba,

Oy vey is right!  She is way too big a dog to be lunging at unfamiliar people or dogs.  Sounds like territorial aggression to me.  You are doing everything right, down/stay, heel…but also work with her practicing the commands when things are peaceful and calm at home or in your yard.  Bring doggie treats (they don’t call me Dr. Cookie for nothing) – tiny broken bits of treats, tidbits of hotdogs or cheese, yummy stuff – with you on walks and reward her for calm down/stays.  I’d like to see you try a headhalter collar (I like the Halti-collar’) which will allow you to enforce a submissive head position and attitude with very little effort.  A short leash (2 ft.)  will also keep her under better control.  Let me know how you do!

Dear Dr. Cookie,

  I adopted Vivian 2 yrs ago as a tiny kitten (I think she was the runt).  Since then her size has grown marginally, but her temperament has escalated to vicious beast.  She HATES all other cats, even those who just want to play with her.  She growls, hisses and even swipes at cats that get too close to her (including cute harmless kittens), she will keep up this behaviour until she is the only cat in the house.  I periodically go to my parents to visit and take her with me, the two cats there are absolutely terrified of her.  She will spend the entire visit hissing and growling at anyone who comes near her (including me).  She does not want to be petted, picked up or even talked to because she will hiss and growl.  With humans she is even stranger.  My boyfriend and I are the only people who are allowed to pick her up or pet her.  If friends come to visit, she will hiss and growl at them and hide until they are gone. 

Dear Kerry

Well now Kerry.  Cats are not dogs you know.  Some cats are more dog-like in their social natures, but some cats are traumatized when removed from their safe homes.  It is not surprising for her to behave defensively when she is not at home and to behave offensively when strangers enter her home.  Most cats tolerate human visitors, but she does not.  Leave her at home when you travel.  When friends visit, ask them to give her the most delicious treat you can think of to change her attitude.  Most cats do not really like to be handled by strangers and your cat should not be forced to do anything she doesn’t like.  You may not be able to change her basic temperament, but at least don’t make it worse by going against the grain!

Hi Dr. Cookie,

What do you think of Belly Bands on male dogs. Do they really cure marking? I am getting my male Shih-tzu neutered on Feb 22, and I already bred him once. Now when I go to my friends house he lifts his leg and marks her coffee table. Will this stop if I have him neutered?

Dear Joan,

I am not a big believer in gadgets and gizmos.  Common sense is usually the best medicine.  Yes, neutering will help, although the fact that he has had sexual experience and surging hormones will influence his thinking beyond neutering.  Keep him on a leash when you visit your friends and monitor his every move.  Practice sit/stay and down/stay often so that when you make special visits you can expect him to obey you.  Order the handouts on Inappropriate elimination in dogs, and Basic Obedience.  They will tell you everything you need to know.

Dear Dr Cookie,

I have recently acquired an 8 week old doe called Maise. I have had her for just over a week and since being separated from her mother and brother and sisters she seems anxious with being away from them. Is there anything I can do at all to help the situation and is this a common problem?

Dear Jessica,

Baby bunnies, like other baby critters, can experience anxiety when they transition to a new home.  Keep her in a warm and cozy place and cuddle her whenever you can.  Play with fun toys and see if a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel doesn’t give her a nice surface to cuddle to when you are not around.  She’ll be fine!

Dear Dr. Cookie!

I have a neutered male Maltese Terrier who is 5 yrs old . My parents live with us upstairs and, during the day when we all go off to work, Nanook spends his days with mum & dad. My problem is that Nanook has taken to pooing in certain areas of Mum & Dad's dining room and lounge room areas. It appears at times that he deliberately runs upstairs just to do it. It is hard to discipline him for this as most of the time you don't see him do it and there is no point in going on about it after the fact. He has complete run of the house and is able to get outside into the yard through his doggie door, which I might add he is still going to the toilet in the yard as well. He has since been banned from going upstairs which is a shame as my parents really miss him. He is such a dear little man who apart from this is generally well behaved.

Dear Jackie from Down Under!

Doggies mark with urine and with stool.  He is marking their apartment as his own.  The other part of the problem is that he comes and goes through his doggie door.  This is quite convenient for many folks but you are never there to reinforce his desirable toilet activities!  Your ‘little man’ needs to go for walks, on leash, so that you can be there to praise him for appropriate elimination.  This will also help to empty out his bladder and bowel so that he has less left to mark with!  He needs to mark, he just needs to do it outside!  Until he is back on track, perhaps your parents can visit him in your place ‘down under’.  Or, they can keep him on a leash until he can be trusted once again! Okie doke?

Aloha Dr.

I have a yellow lab who is 19 months old and was fixed before he was 1 year old.  He has recently started to growl and snap at us with no warning. You can be petting him forever and then the next instant he will just snap.  I am concerned that he will really bite and hurt my 8 ½ year old or someone visiting.  He is very hyper, gets walked regularly, goes to the bark park, sleeps in the house on his own bed, spoiled and loved very much.  I am afraid if this behavior can't be stopped I will need to find another home because I just can't take the chance with my little boy.

Dear Debby from Hawaii (you lucky thing!!!),

Think of him as an obnoxious teenager.  At 19 mos, he is challenging your authority and would probably be out drinking beer and breaking windows if he could.  Make him work for everything he wants (a walk, your attention, food…) by a sit/stay or down/stay.  Keep your petting brief and make him earn more along the way.  Order my handout on Dominance behavior in dogs, and the one on Basic Obedience will help you to apply training to every day life.  Aloha!

Dear Dr. Cookie,

Recently, I have noticed that my puppy is generating a lot of saliva while riding in my car.  The problem is that he is not swallowing but drooling all over.  Could he be getting car-sick?  What can be done about this?? Once he gets out of the car, he seems fine and active, it's just when he's riding. 

Dear Cho-Kee

Hypersalivation (drooling) is a sign of nausea and fear.  Yes, he could be getting car sick.  Sit with him in the car and go nowhere.  Give him a special treat that he gets only in the car.  Pet him to reassure him, then take him for a walk around the block.  Next, repeat the procedure but go for a short car ride instead.  A step by step program is described in the handout on ‘Phobias’, and ‘Travel with your pet’ would also be helpful to you.  Enjoy your puppy!

Dear Dr Cookie,

We have a Shiba Inu  10 mos. old; we have had him since he was 8 wks old. We love him but he is so destructive! He has chewed the corners of my sofa, digs up my grass in the yard chews on anything plastic or rubber. We buy many chew things for him weekly but he always chews. We play with him all the time and he has gone to puppy school . He is a love he has been raised with six children and is so gentle with the children but eats all their toys!!?

Dear Marilyn

Your little guy needs doggy friends, not just kids.  You also need to make sure that your kids are not encouraging him to play roughly (chase, nip, jump…).  He needs to play with other dogs, go for long walks at least twice a day…and he needs to chew on rawhide bones.  Puppy proof your home.  Your children must put their toys away or they are fair game to the puppy!  They could also be dangerous if swallowed, so take good care of your SEVEN kids! (Handouts: Pets & Kids; Destructive behavior; Play behavior...)  

Dear Dr. Cookie,

My husband and I have a wonderful and very hyper 8 month old neutered male kitten.  He has so much energy and though we try and give him all our attention when we are home, he is bored and lonely by himself in the house for a large part of the day.  Last week we introduced a new kitten (about 6 months at least) into our home from the shelter.  She had her shots and was spayed before coming home with us, and we did our homework on keeping the cats separate and introducing them slowly and with association to food and play to prevent  aggression.  At first we were concerned that the male was attacking her.  He follows her around with his nose stuck to her rear, and is constantly pulling her to the floor by biting her neck.  She doesn't seem to be threatened by this behavior and instead runs right to him.  We are concerned that this behavior is sexual, but are confused as to why they would be acting this way if they are both fixed.  We could be wrong, but since we felt they were being aggressive at first, we have been sprinkling water on him to leave her alone, but it hasn't helped.

Dear Heather,

Sexual behavior (such as the neck grasping you describe) is not entirely due to hormones and can persist in some males even following neutering.  Persistent sexual behaviors are not uncommon, and are usually seen in males that have been neutered after puberty (but not always).  Sounds like they’re getting along just fine.  He is simply relating to her sexually and she is behaving submissively to him.  To discourage his mounting her, keep him occupied with regular play time.  Don’t be afraid to sternly say ‘no, bad cat!’ when he mounts her, but immediately direct him toward a more acceptable game with you!  Don’t be too concerned, it is normal after all and spring is in the air!

Dear Dr. Cookie:

Up until 4 wks ago we had a really lovely and well behaved Scottish Terrier.  One evening in her sleep she urinated on the furniture, it happened again the next day and has continued on a regular basis.  She no longer barks to ask to go in the garden to do her business. She also walks around in a clockwise circle, not chasing her tail and never anticlockwise, she even does it in her bed or on cushions in small spaces.  Our vet said he has come to a dead end with her  treatment and said it may be behaviour problems but he is not sure, please help.

Dear Lynne,

The picture you have painted of your dog’s behavior is: urinary incontinence, compulsive circling, and regression in house training.  It is really important to make certain there is no underlying physical problem:  complete urinary analysis, urine culture, complete blood work.  She may have an unresolved urinary tract infection and the circling could be a sign of discomfort.  She may be having seizures in the form of circling behavior and the incontinence is part of this.  It is difficult for me to say what is going on.  However, if your veterinarian doesn’t know, it is time for a second opinion.  If no medical reason can be found, please contact me again and we will set up a telephone or email consult.  If these tests have already been done, I can review them and use them to diagnose and treat her behavior problems.  Her behavior is, indeed, worrisome and I am available to help you if you need me.

Dr. Cookie;

I have a 12 yr old Lab who will not quit licking his front foreleg. He licked it raw, it has been treated for infection twice over the past 8 months. He has been wearing a head cone at night and when we are gone. We wrap his forelegs with ace bandages when we are at home so we don't have watch him bang into everything with his head cone. This has been going on since late March 2000. It was at that time that our two yr old Lab was killed. As soon as we give him the opportunity, he starts right back at licking and chewing the sores open again.

Dear Scott,

Please accept my condolences on the loss of your young dog.  In my opinion, grief is a form of separation anxiety.  Many would argue that dogs have no cognitive understanding of death, however, at the very least they are eminently capable of understanding the absence of a favorite companion.  Self-mutilation, an advanced form of psychogenic grooming, is one of the symptoms of separation anxiety.  Once a neurotic habit is triggered, it can sometimes continue indefinitely even beyond resolution of the emotions that prompted it.  Please contact me so that we can provide your friend with appropriate help.

Dear Dr. Cookie,

I have a 9 mo old cat.  When she eats, she scratches the kitchen floor, and   all round the bowl or the cabinet like how she scratches in the litter box. Sometimes she would just scratch uncontrollably for almost a half hour. Then after scratching she'll eat a little. Then scratch some more then eat and so forth.  I asked my vet about this behavior but he does not have any conclusions to this.

Dear Tbirsim1,

There are a number of explanations for this unusual behavior.  A ‘displacement activity’ is one that occurs out of context, usually when an animal is in conflict about something.  The scratching seems out of context when a cat is fed and so the scratching is a ‘displaced’ behavior.  Does your cat have any dental or gum disease that might hurt when she eats?  Does she really like the food you give her?  Another possibility is that it is a mild form of compulsive behavior.  On the other hand, it could just be a quirky thing she does that makes her special!  

Dear Dr. Cookie,

I have 2 kittens, one male who is 10 months old and a 4 mo old female (both neutered/ spayed). They both get along fine and are good companions for each other. I have just moved into an ample size apartment, and the male. constantly goes to the main door and meows on the top of his voice. I am not sure if it's because he misses my flatmate (who is away on holiday), or that he has not adjusted to the new apartment. But I remembered that he would meow a lot even when we were at the old place. He would constantly go up to me and just meow. I would then pick him up and pat him. However, he would run away in less than 10 seconds. So I figured it's not the lack of attention either. I don't know what's wrong with him. 

Dear Sharon from Down Under,

Your boy is 10 months old.  Think of him as a rowdy teenager looking for things to do.  Yes, you have reinforced his attention-seeking calls by picking him up and petting him.  BUT, try playing with him before he starts to pace around.  He wants to expand his territory and explore the world, like any healthy teenager.  So give him more activity and reasons to be happy staying at home so he won't want to leave on a 'walk about'!

Hi Dr. Cookie,

I adopted Toby, a 35 lb mixed breed from an animal shelter 5 years ago. He was 1 yr old, then, and had obviously been abused or mistreated.  I take him to the park often for long hikes and runs, and when I feel it's safe, I let him off his leash and he has a ball. Every Saturday morning for the past year, I've been getting together, at a secluded school playground, with a group of dog owners in the neighborhood. We let our dogs off their leashes and they play and run. We stand around and watch them and laugh at their antics. They are mainly black and yellow Labs, Ridgebacks, and a Collie.        Last Saturday, Toby and I went to the dog park as usual and found five or six stalwart dog-lovers grouped in the field, with the dogs running around playing in the  mud. Toby took off and played and ran and herded and barked (he's the only one in the group who does any barking!). Then he returned to the group of people, went over to a woman wearing blue jeans and a red jacket, who was standing in one place for quite a while, and lifted his leg on her trousers! She said, "That's the second time this morning that little devil has done that!"  Needless to say, I was horrified. I apologized profusely and put Toby on his leash again and took him home.  He has never before lifted his leg to a person...and yet he did it twice to this unlucky woman in one hour! I'm afraid I'm going to be asked to leave the "doggie group"! What should I do with him if he does it again?

Dear Martha in Maryland,

Well, I can say for a fact that I have been peed upon by some of the nicest dogs from the best families!  One of them was a 150 lb Rottweiler and all I could think was ‘Gee, I’m so glad he likes me!’.  Why didn’t this woman advise you he had done this the 1^st time?  You do need to be vigilant with boy dogs that can get all excited in the park and start to mark people this way.  It sure can dampen the mood (sorry, couldn’t resist). Ask your parkie friends to be vigilant and to tell him to sit when he approaches them.  Of course, it is really up to you to supervise your own puppy but in case you are distracted, they will be prepared.  Teach him to ‘sit’ instead of ‘going with the flow’!

Dear Dr Cookie

We have a 4 yr old Jack Russell Terrier who is mostly very obedient (for a Jack!).  One nightmare we have is journeying in our car as from the moment we set off he constantly whines until we stop and let him out.  This can be as short as a trip to the park, or as long as a journey cross-country.  We have tried turning around and heading home, ignoring him and rewarding him for good behaviour, but his habit it seems is ingrained. How can we stop this?  

Dear Peter (PW of London, UK),

Some doggies can become very pumped up in the car.  The whining (sometimes persistent barking) is a sign of excitement.  You need to control his energies or at least redirect them.  Teach him to down/stay in and around your home, then in your stationary vehicle, then with the motor running, then around the block.  Give a firm yank on his lead if he misbehaves, and reward him for a calm down/stay with a special tidbit.  You can also offer him a rawhide bone to chew on as you drive.  Good luck!

Dear Dr Cookie:

Our 1 year old Pug, Maggie, is basically a good dog but one thing she does which drives us crazy is she is always chewing on small plastic things and getting things out of the garbage (she prefers tissues and such) to chew on. She's been reprimanded for this MANY times, and seems to know it's wrong, yet does it anyway.  Today, she ate my plastic shaver. 

Dear Laurie

Your Pug puppy needs to chew, so provide her with alternative chew toys.  Rawhide bones of all shapes and sizes (find what she likes best) offer them the most satisfaction.  If you don’t find something to put in her mouth, she will, and you already know you don’t approve of her choices!  An extra walk will also burn off some of that extra energy!  You also need to puppy proof your home (e.g. secure the trash cans and razors) until she settles down…  

Dear Dr. Cookie:

My 5 yr old male cat has been pulling the hair off of his back for quite some time now.  I have taken him to the vet and had skin tests,  tried antihistamines and they did not change any of the behavior. I did get an almost 1 yr old female cat from the shelter about 2 years ago.  They get along well - chase and wrestle each other.  After about a year of her presence, my male cat started pulling his hair.  He seems to pull his hair more when I am gone during the day, some during the night.  Those spots are quite hot to the touch.  Any ideas as to cause and cure?

Dear Lynette,

I don’t think the addition of the second kitty has any relation to this.  What you describe is psychogenic grooming.  Separation anxiety exists in cats too and there is a clear pattern that he does this more in your absence.  Like fingernail biting, a bad habit can continue once it’s acquired, even when you no longer remember why you started nibbling at your nails.  We should arrange a telephone or email consult to discuss the details of your kitty’s history and devise a treatment plan to make everyone more comfortable!

Dear Dr. Cookie,

I own a 3 years old Keeshund his name is Duke, everything started 2 weeks ago when we finished to change the floors on the living room, it was changed from carpet to tile. I never had problem before but now that we have tile floors he started to pee everywhere on the new floor, how can I solve this problem?

Dear Luis, 

Duke’s regression in house training may be territorial marking as he identifies his scent with this new addition to his territory.  The familiar scents trapped in your old carpet must have been very reassuring to him.  Keep him out of the room for a few weeks, unless he is on a leash and with you.  Go back to basics of house training (frequent walks, longer walks after a meal and a nap!).  He’ll settle down if you prevent him from getting into a bad habit and remind him of his manners!  

Dear Dr. Cookie,

I have a beautiful little 11 1/2 month old female Poodle, Mikki is the light of my life.  For the last 3 months, or so, she has been getting one of her stuffed toys (always the same one), puts her mouth across it's nose (sideways), and she kneads like a cat with her front paws.  Sometimes, she hops up next to me, and every night at bedtime (she sleeps with me) she gets that same toy and brings it to bed with her, and does the same thing till she falls asleep.  I call it her pacifier-toy.  When I pick it up off the floor...she becomes somewhat nervous.  I've thought maybe she'd like a companion and have considered getting her a sister Poodle.  

Dear Lee,

I agree, it’s her pacifier toy.  My parent’s dog Joey (I guess that makes him my little brother) is a Golden Retriever and he has a teddy bear that he confides in (he sucks on him).  It’s not really a problem, just an individual idiosyncrasy.  You might want to get a duplicate toy in case something happens to this one.  Get her a sister if YOU want another dog, she’ll adapt either way!

Dear Dr. Cookie:

My cat is plucking her fur. What can I do? She is 3 yr old tabby point Siamese. Neutered female, living indoors in my apartment in Copenhagen. It started suddenly, one day she was plucking a small area clear of any hairs. She was obviously bothered by something, licking and plucking, and darting back and forth. I got her to a vet, who gave her a corticosteroid injection. This helped to the immediate itch and discomfort, but she kept paying special attention to the spot. Later the skin turned thick, and developed some scar-like tissue on it. A few weeks later the situation repeated itself, now on the other side of her chest. Another injection, and switch to hypoallergenic diet (duck and potato, when that became unavailable, rice and venison). No signs of fleas or other parasites were found. Again the immediate irritation went away, but she kept plucking her fur. Now also on her side. The special diet showed no effect, after 6 weeks. I live alone in an apartment, and do not let the cats out. Recently I have worked a lot, so she may be a little lonely. When I am home, she prefers to stay near me most of the time (except when I practice on my harpsichord or recorder). Otherwise she seems to be a happy cat.

Dear Heikki from Copenhagen, Denmark,

Well, this is not strictly a Siamese problem.  Some cat lovers insist that the so called ‘hot blooded cats’ such as the Siamese, Abyssinians, etc. tend to be a bit more neurotic but I don’t think they can claim excessive grooming as their own special vice.  Psychogenic grooming can be licking, plucking, or licking and plucking.  It can be an obsessive compulsive disorder that occurs spontaneously, or it can be triggered by separation anxiety.  In any case, you need to deal with the symptom (plucking, in your case) and what causes it to begin or to persist.  I’d love to set up an email consult to help you both!  Meanwhile, please say hello to the Little Mermaid in your harbor (I have a mermaid collection and love my Royal Copenhagen mermaid dishes!)…

Dear Dr. Cookie,

My wife and I adopted a 2 yr old male Blue Tick Coonhound from our local humane society on Dec. 30, 2000.  He was brought to the shelter by someone who found him running loose.  As a result, we do not know his past history. Cooper was severely malnourished when we adopted him and has about 10 more pounds to go before we level him off. We are crate training Cooper. He has started going to the door when he wants out. He is out of the crate when we are home. We had Cooper neutered on Jan. 22nd.  On Jan 29th I discovered that Cooper urinated in his crate. I removed everything out of the crate to wash and placed an old blanket in the bottom of the crate.  My wife had to leave the house for a couple of hours and put Cooper in his crate.  Cooper had a second accident in his crate while she was gone. For the past 4 weeks he has always been willing to go back into his crate after going out in the morning and getting fed.  He always curls up in his crate and is very content with his tummy full.  Now he is in his crate whining and howling in the mornings.

Dear Errol,

I think Cooper’s deal is that he is bonding to you.  Separation anxiety did not set in until he felt like a member of your family.  Inappropriate elimination and vocalization are 2 of the most common symptoms of separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is a common problem but it is even more common in rescue dogs. Crate training is not for every dog, although it works well for many.  Nonetheless, he needs to be really ready to sleep for a while before he goes in.  Please order my handouts on the following topics to get all the details to help you and Cooper:  Separation Anxiety, How to House train your dog (includes discussion on crate training), Why it is important to walk your dog.

Dear Dr. Cookie:

I rescued my 2.5 yr old Doberman in Aug. 1999.  She was a complete nut case when I first got her.  I'm assuming she was abused and neglected. She was diagnosed with Separation Anxiety by my vet.  This came after she ate my kitchen cabinets and escaped her metal crate.  Over time, she escaped another metal crate, and then a plastic crate (she no longer gets crated!!), she's eaten several items of furniture, and she would pee a river in the same spot every single day. She started becoming 'normal' after training sessions consisted of putting her in a down stay and hanging out with other dogs, she just had to watch me NOT pay attention to her. All was going well, until last week.  The weather has been very bad so I can only take one of my dogs out at a time.  I took my other dog so both would eventually get the exercise they need.  I no sooner left with the other dog (3 yr male Dobie), that she went crazy. According to my roommate, she started crying, pacing, panting.  It lasted for a couple of hours.

  Dear Christine,

Destructiveness is another major symptom of separation anxiety.  Your Dobie’s history of abandonment and abuse certainly increase her risk of developing separation related issues.  The intensity of her distress, risk of injury, and property damage definitely warrant immediate attention.  You say that she had been adjusting until she was separated from you and her housemate. I think it would be important to teach them to walk together, with you.  This takes some practice with ‘heel’, perhaps a coupler on a single leash for both dogs will help.  This setback may be simply that.  Remember that a walk is a territorial pack patrol, and she should not be separated from the pack in this activity! I do not know of any veterinary behaviorist in your area but I invite you to consider setting up a consult with me if things continue to crumble.  I’d love to help you both!

Dear Dr. Cookie,

Our Sunday is a 2 year old female cat. She is a very important part of our family and she is very affectionate. Two weeks ago,  she went out and she was in heat. We have been searching for her but we could not find her. Somebody told us that she saw a cat resembling our Sunday not far from our house. Could you please give us some advice what to do next? We cannot understand why is she not responding to our calls.

Dear Alice,

Well, if you’ve been reading my column for some time, you’d know how strongly I feel about NOT letting cats roam outdoors, especially before they are neutered!!!  Sunday is not coming home because the ‘call of the wild’ is stronger than your calls to her.  What did you expect?  If you do manage to get her back, she should be spayed and kept indoors.  Place posters around your neighborhood, contact your local veterinary clinics, animal control officers, and let them know you at least care enough to find her.  I suppose she did not have any identification on her, which is another no-no, so anyone seeing her will think she is just another unwanted unloved stray.  Best of luck, I do hope you find her and that she is not harmed before you do.

Dear Dr. Cookie

I have a Beagle mix (spayed female) who needs a lot of exercise.  I have a fenced yard, but she always finds a way out.  Worse, my son's best friend has ADD, and has trouble remembering to keep the front door closed, etc. The result is that our little Houdini gets loose on the street nearly every day.  She comes home when she's tired. We've taken her to obedience class, and it has helped.  Unfortunately, my health is not good, and I can't give her the kind of time, training and attention she needs.  We would give her to a good home, but, frankly, her  manners are so bad, and she can be so destructive, that I  would be afraid.  To keep her safe, and to let her get out into the yard more.  I am considering getting an electronic fence which would keep her from escaping to the street once she gets out the front door.  It would also allow me to give her a doggie door to the back yard where she (and my  other dog) could play safely. 

Hi Sarah,

Once a dog figures out how to ‘escape’, the reward of roaming free is overwhelmingly attractive.  As you know from reading my replies to many other dog owners, a back yard is a luxury but it is just not enough to keep a dog in good physical condition or from going stir crazy!  Many dogs that are determined to break away will take the punishment of an electronic zap from a concealed barrier and keep on going.  These fences also do not prevent any unwelcome intruders (people, other dogs/cats, wild animals) from entering your yard.  Put your money in an enclosed pen within your yard, or reinforce your fencing.  This young dog sounds like she needs more exercise.  Perhaps your son is old enough to walk her if you are not…If you really think you can’t handle her, it would be kind to take the time to find a new home that has the experience and time to make her into the civilized dog that we all know she can be!  Handouts you might be interested in trying first are:  Roaming and Escaping; Why it’s important to walk your dog; Territorial behavior in dogs, Basic obedience… Good luck! 

Dear Dr. Cookie,

I have a male (7 months) and a female (1 yr) cat.  She has just come into season but my male has no interest in her.  Is he too young or is there something wrong with him?

Dear Bryan,

First of all, if you are not a serious breeder and just playing around with breeding for fun, don’t.  Have both your pets neutered.  There are way too many folks still not taking responsibility for their contributions to the pet over population.  If you think I’m kidding, just spend some time in an animal shelter and talk to the staff about how many beautiful animals are destroyed every day.  Your male may be too young, or the female may be rejecting him.  Dogs and cats are not as promiscuous as you might think and can be selective about their mates.  Also, the female may be intimidating to him if she is clearly dominant over him.  Either way, get them neutered.  That’s the best advice.  

Dear Dr. 

I have a 5 year old Pug who is so darn picky about going #2.  I can be outside with him for at least a half hour and there are so many times when it looks like he is going to go but he changes his mind.  When he does go he is rewarded with praise and treats so you would think he would look forward to that and just go!  Unfortunately he has to hold it in until I get home which I know is not good for him but at this point in time I don't work that close to go home for lunch and I know if I did he wouldn't go anyway. 

Dear Danielle and Milo, 

Walking your dog is not just so he can empty his bladder and bowel. He needs to sniff around, mark his territory, spend time with you, practice obedience, all the good stuff.  He may need longer walks to stimulate his bowel (some of us are more sluggish than others when it comes to that!) or he may simply have a preference for defecating closer to home.  My parent’s dog (my brother) Joey won’t defecate in their yard at all!  That’s just his way.  You are stressing yourself, and your dog, for no reason.  Order my handout on House training your dog.  Relax!  Be happy!  

Hello, Dr. Cookie,

I have 3 nervous cats.  In 2 wks, we shall be moving to France and I have several possible options.  1) Drive the 12 hours with the cats sedated; 2) Leave them with my in-laws for about 3 wks while we look for a house; 3) Fly them direct to Nice ( I used to handle livestock for the airlines so I am very dubious about them flying); The cats would then be taken to live in our flat in France but they would have no outdoor access, and I worry that this would be cruel…at least they would be with us. 

Dear Collette,

Change, by definition, is stressful.  All your options are stressful to the cats, so it’s really a question of choosing the least stressful one that is also convenient for you.  Obviously, I would not recommend that they go outside but it is even more important to keep them indoors in a strange and temporary home!  That is very stressful, and accentuates the danger of losing them and other risks of injury.  Sedation is no longer recommended (over here in North America) for traveling pets because even though they are frightened, they do not have to cope with additional health risks.  Besides, no sedative lasts for 12 hrs without additional administration on the way.  Can you not find an airline that will allow you to fly with the cats under your seat in the passenger cabin?  That would be the quickest and least painful way for everyone.  Otherwise, perhaps you could drive 6 hrs to your in-laws, and drive the remaining 6 hrs the following day?  Try to keep it simple, that’s the best way. (Recommended QuickFix Handouts: 'Traveling with your pets", 'Moving to a new home'...).  Bon voyage et bonne chance!

Dear Dr. Cookie,

I have a 6 year old cat I adopted from a local Humane Society as a kitten after a park ranger found her and her other 3 week old siblings taped in a box to die.  She used to be a bit timid and quiet (but friendly!) but recently things have changed. A couple years ago, I left home to go to college.  Soon afterwards i began hearing that she was acting strangely.  She craves constant attention.  If someone enters the room, the cat immediately meows and watches them.  She sometimes bites hands in order to get her ears scratched. I recently returned for break and her behavior became stranger.  She tore up some tissue paper for the Christmas wrapping, and climbs on my mother's piano (not something she usually does).  The cat follows me everywhere if she isn't asleep; even as I type she has settled herself on my desk.  If she can't see anyone around when she wakes up, she begins to walk around the house meowing at the top of her lungs until she sees someone, and continues until they pet her or pick her up.  I don't know what to do to get her to stop being so high stung all the time...most cats seem to be ok on their own, but she can't stand it.

Dear Danielle,

Separation anxiety does, indeed, exist in cats.  Some cats, more than others, become very attached to their owners or to particular family members.  Once they begin to act out for attention, they can continue the pattern even though they may have adjusted to their favorite person’s absence (or have they?).  Anyway, she does sound anxious to me.  Can you take her to college with you?  Can your folks get another kitty as a companion (read my handout on Selecting a Pet, and Introducing New Pets beforehand!).  She needs more attention in the form of play, petting, brushing whatever satisfies her.  That way, she won’t have to ‘meow’ for it so much!

Dear Dr. Cookie 

I have 2 cats, littermates, that are 9 years old.  It appears one dominates the upstairs and the other the downstairs.  We have 3 litter boxes downstairs because that's the only place there is room for them.  The upstairs cat likes to sleep in a little cat bed.  The downstairs cat likes to sleep in one of the beds, under the blankets.  Recently, the downstairs cat comes upstairs at night and urinates in the other cats bed.  We've tried separating the food and water dishes, but that doesn't seem to help.  I have gotten new beds and thoroughly cleaned the area.  

Dear Jane,

I’m a bit confused from your description (never having seen your home), but can’t you just confine the misbehaving cat to her bedroom overnight?  Close the door to the little cat bed during the day so the other cat can’t make up for it in daylight!  Seems like the downstairs cat is challenging the upstairs cat’s territory.  See how things go with this simple solution. You can always order the handouts or schedule a consult if necessary.

Dear Dr Cookie -

  We have 2 Yorkshire terriers (4.5 lbs each).  Mine is a neutered male and my mother's is a spayed female.  They are both 6 years old, we have had them all 6 years.   The male has never quite "gotten" house training message and that is partially because I lived in LA where everyone that had a Rottweiler would let them run loose and I was terrified my dog would get mauled. Well, I moved back home (and it has a nice fenced in yard)  and brought the male - he started peeing around the house and soon, the female joined in. Now it is a "peeing free for all!" and it is ruining our home.  My mom is really upset. What I don't understand is - they KNOW better.  Why do I know this?  Because they SNEAK their pees and dumps.  The male will put his ears back when he has done "it" and it is a DEAD give-away. I know from the moment I look at him he went and peed somewhere - and I always find it. I have tried crating them, yelling, praising, being enthusiastic when they pee outside - nothing works. I am getting to the point where I feel like kicking some serious Yorkie butt!!

Dear Chris (LaisOK),

Take a deep breath!  These puppies DON’T “KNOW BETTER” or they wouldn’t be doing it.  They are simply behaving fearfully and submissively because they see you are anticipating their ‘accidents’.  Sounds to me like you never really had them house trained reliably (at least not the male) and that he marked his new territory when you moved home and then they both regressed!  You need to start from scratch, but at least this will give you the opportunity to do it right this time.  Order my handout on House Training your Dog, and Why it’s important to walk your dog!  These will tell you everything you need to know!

Hi Dr Cookie,

I have a problem with my Tenterfield Terrier. Just last week she gave birth to her first litter and unfortunately the pups were stillborn. As you might expect, she was quite distressed when we took them away, and she spent the whole night crying and looking around the house for her pups. The next day, she had seemed to forget about looking for the pups, but she still cries quite a bit, especially during the night. She has now taken to carrying her toys around. The day after the births, she took all her favorite toys from the lounge room and hid them under the bed, one of her favorite places to hide. She now carries them from room to room throughout the day, to be with her wherever she chooses to sleep. She seems quite distant, preferring to sleep alone under the bed, and she will not eat. Can you suggest anything that we might do to make her a little happier, and help her get through this. It breaks my heart every time I hear her cry.

Dear Samantha, 

Poor baby!  She sounds quite depressed and confused.  I hope you have taken her to your veterinarian to make sure there is no medical reason for her lack of appetite and for all the pups to have died (e.g. uterine infection…). She may also be uncomfortable because the milk she has produced has nowhere to go…cool compresses will help as the lactation resolves on its own.  Take her for an extra little walk in the evening, spend time with her, she should come out of this in a few days.  As long as there is no medical problem underlying this sad time, let me know if she is not better in a few days.  We may need to set up an email consult to discuss possible options to help her ‘snap out of this’. 

Dear Cookie:

I am very concerned that my two kittens (5 1/2 months) are already displaying sexual behavior.  The male tries often to mount the female and bites her neck.  She is not interested.  The male also smells her genital area.  They will be neutered on Jan. 2^nd.  

Dear Shelly,

Domestic cats are quite precocious.  Females reach sexual maturity on average by 6 mos., so kittens can and do produce more kittens.  This is a good reason to have your females spayed before they can contribute to their overpopulation.  Males generally are not fertile before the age of 6 or 7 months but sexual play, sexual aggression, and attempts to mate certainly start much sooner.  I’m glad they will be neutered soon!

Dear Dr.,

My 7 month old male German Shepherd has an awful habit of urinating when played with or when getting excited about anything (playing, walking etc) and even urinates on people he meets...help, what can we do?

Dear Annya,

Puppy sphincters take time to strengthen but part of what you describe is behavioral.  Submissive urination is normal in young pups and they usually outgrow this as they mature and gain confidence.  However, urinating ON people is something different.  If you mean that he accidentally piddles on their shoes, this is part of a submissive greeting.  Keep the excitement down by keeping your voices calm.  If you mean that he is actually urinating intentionally on people, this marking behavior is easily curtailed by teaching him (gently) to sit and stay when greeting or meeting people. 

Hi Dr. Cookie

My girlfriend and I are thinking of living together but are a bit concerned about our pets.  I have a 3 yr old Miniature Schnauzer and she has two 3 year old cats. My Schnauzer is playful and loves to instigate play while the cats are in their own world. The cats have never seen a dog let alone something so full of energy.  All my Schnauzer wants to do is play, play, play !  What do we do ??  

Dear Michael,

The cats should be able to fend for themselves as long as they have their claws and the doggy is not seriously aggressive toward them.  It is important to realize that in most cases a dog can do more damage to a cat than vice versa!  You will need to train your dog to respect them (i.e. keep him on leash even indoors until you are certain the cats will not be harmed) and also take your dog for very long walks to keep her tired and less apt to tormenting the cats even in play.  The cats will be under more stress if the dog is invading their home turf (you move into your girlfriend’s place) but it will be stressful if they move in with you or into an entirely new place.  Details are explained in my handout on ‘Introducing New Pets’ and ‘Moving to a New Home with Your Pet’. 

Hi there Dr. Cookie!

I adopted a 3 year old Shiba Inu/Pomeranian female. She is friendly but sometimes is protective of me and snaps at people she even knows and that scares me.  I do not want to muzzle her. What do you suggest?

Dear Linda,

Many toy or small dogs are overly protected as pups and are not well socialized when they are young.  This antisocial tendency is amplified by their understandable fear in a world of what must seem to them to be ‘giants and ogres’!  On the other hand, some of these little doggies become very dominant, and these little Napoleans think they own the world.  Take an obedience class so that you can learn to communicate with her and establish leadership.  Socialize her to other people and dogs in a nearby park.  Take things slowly and you may be able to extend her comfort zone!

Dear Dr. Cookie,

We have a 6 month old Yorkshire terrier, who has come along well with his house training. Our problem is that every time he sees the kids for the first time or if has been in the other room & we call him he becomes excited & urinates anywhere from a few drops to a little puddle. Is there anything that we can do to curtail this problem? He has not been neutered yet, & does this make a difference?

Dear Di1021,

Neutering would be a good idea to prevent other problems but what you describe is not related to hormones.  You may be dealing with both submissive urination and a house training problem.  Check out the QuickFix page and order these handouts: ‘How to House Train Your Puppy or Dog’, and ‘Inappropriate Elimination in Dogs’.  Both problems are explained in detail and are sure to help 

Hi Dr.Cookie,

I have recently purchased 2 cockapoos (Cocker Spaniels x Min. Poodles) but have to have them shipped and I am a little worried because they will be coming in the winter. Do you think shipping is traumatizing to puppies? 

Dear Vicki,

I assume that you mean that the pups will be sent by air freight?  I don’t know much about them but I hope that the breeder has taken care to have them vaccinated, and to select an air carrier with a protective attitude toward shipping live animals and 'climate controlled' compartments.  Many pets are flown all over the world and most do just fine, if precautions are taken to ensure their safety.  They are certainly terrified (some world travelers seem to endure without a wrinkle) but recover quickly when they arrive safely and are delivered into the arms of a loving new Mom or Dad! 

Dr. Cookie,

We own a 16 month old male Cairn Terrier who recently has had several episodes of aggressive behavior with my 26 year old nephew and my husband. We bought our dog when he was 10 months old and have never experienced this type of behavior before with this dog.  Our previous Cairn Terrier (who passed away in May at the age of 16 1/2 years of age), was a female and never exhibited this type of behavior.  Our dog is loving and affectionate with me and follows me everywhere I go.  We are quite worried and want to do whatever we can to rectify this problem.

Dear Cheryl,

Dominance aggression is more common in male dogs and emerges when the dog approaches maturity.  He is still a teenager, but he is flexing his muscles at his ‘rivals’.  Don’t let him!  Take some obedience classes so you can learn the vocabulary of commands necessary to reestablish leadership over your little tyrant! (Suggested handouts: Dominance behavior in dogs, Basic Obedience for your dog…).

Hello Dr. Cookie:

We have a wonderful cat.  She is 18 months old, neutered and declawed.   We have had her over a year. She doesn't give me any grief except she is extremely opinionated.  She meows constantly.  It is not a whine...it is more like a Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom...all the time. We do not believe in smacking the cat...she is rarely bad anyways...but when  you give a smack on the rear and say "quiet" or "no" she meows again,  another smack, "no" another meow... We have no kids, she lives alone in a large apartment and we go to work for 8 hours. 

Dear Andrea,

First of all, you say you don’t ‘believe in smacking the cat’, but you’re doing it anyway.  Don’t.  Enough said.  Secondly, you are gone all day and she has been alone and well-behaved.  Why don’t you play with her? Vocalizing is often attention-seeking behavior.  So give her some happy times!  Play with her, pet her, brush her…give her what she needs so she can stop begging you for it!

Dear Doctor Cookie: 

I have a 10 year old female yellow Lab mix who was the perfect pet up to 2 years ago. Now I am at my wits end with her. I was always able to leave Dabny (and Dusty our husky malamute mix) in the house when we weren't home. Now Dabs has become very destructive. After she ate the cushions on the couch we started keeping them in the garage when away. Then Dabs ate and clawed her way thru the wall and gouged my car door until she opened it and ate the interior of my car. Now she is crated in the garage when we aren't home. She hates it and tries to claw her way out. Her latest bad behavior is peeing in the house (when I am home). We have just bought a new mattress set and she keeps peeing on it.   My husband said I either keep her crated all day, or we will get rid of her. (She has also peed on the couch and on both or our kids beds).

Dear Tammie,

Dabny’s behavior has obviously worsened since confining her to a crate for long periods.  She needed more, not less, exercise and attention prior to being crated.  Separation related behaviors can occur in dogs of all ages but in older dogs it is essential to do blood and urine tests to make certain there is nothing going on (a physical exam is not enough).  Once you have determined that she truly is healthy, I recommend a behavior consult.  At the very least, please visit the QuickFix handout page for information on Separation Anxiety, Inappropriate Elimination in Dogs, and Why it is important to walk your dog.  She needs a LONG walk (45 min. or more) at least once a day, preferably in the morning; a shorter one in the late after noon should be ok at her age.  No dog should be left alone unless s/he is tired enough to have a nice long nap!

Dear Dr. Cookie,

We have a 5 year old yellow Lab Neelix, that we have had since he was a puppy and he has always been a perfect dog. He has had free reign of the house since he was housebroken and we have never had any accidents.   Two weeks ago we moved into a new house (much larger then the last one) and the dog has not adjusted well at all.  He is fine when we are home but when we leave the house, he uses our home as his personal bathroom.  We have tried to confine him in the laundry room while we are away but he has managed to chew through almost all of the door.  Should we go back to crating him like we did when he was a puppy?? 

Dear Sheryl,

Moving is traumatic for everyone in the family, including and perhaps especially the family pet!  Get him used to short absences, take him for long walks so he is tired (and has an empty bowel/bladder), give him a special treat before you leave, and order the handouts on Separation Anxiety, Moving to a New Home, and House Training your Dog, for more detailed explanation and suggestions! Crate Training could make him worse, or it may control damage to your home but will not help him emotionally either…(sort of like putting a bandage over a laceration that really needs stitches!).  

Dear Dr. Cookie:

I have a 1 yr old Bichon Frise/Shih Tzu.  He is very loved and spoiled.  Recently he he has started whining for no apparent reason. Why does he whine and how can we stop it?

Dear Renee,

I really don’t have enough details to tell you exactly why he started to whine but I can tell you that whining is generally an attention-seeking or distress call.  You may think he is spoiled, but by doggy standards he may not be having his needs met.  Try long walks, play time with other puppies, and obedience training as a fun and constructive way to interact!

Dear Dr.,

On several occasions my dog, Abby, has been running in the field behind my home and when I command her to come back to me to go on leash, she "runs away" so to speak. This happened recently at 5 p.m. and we finally "trapped" her on the front porch at 4 a.m. after she had been outside in subzero temperatures for over 8 hours (and on Christmas eve, too!)!  Why does Abby behave this way?  We our older pet owners, and she is just 2 years old. Her breed is black lab/Australian Shepherd so she has very strong herding instincts.  We love her dearly.  I walk her and our Rottie/Husky mix EVERY morning for a mile.  Then I try and let her run the field twice more each day. Every so often so goes "pycho" on me and pulls this stunt.  I am totally stumped and have resigned myself to never letting her run the field behind our house again.

Dear Nancy,

Abby is running away because she can.  She has the opportunity, the curiosity, the intelligence, and the stamina!  Any dog that is not under reliable voice command should not be left off leash.  Once dogs discover that they can run free and have a great time in the process, they will try to do it at any opportunity.  So, you need to prevent the opportunity (keep on leash, fence your property), decrease her desire to roam (longer and/or more frequent walks, dog walker, agility training, more play time with other doggies) and improve your control over her in general (obedience training every day!).  Handouts on Escaping and Basic Obedience training are available on the QuickFix page.

Dear Dr. Cookie, 

My 2 yr. old female Pointer/Lab cross likes to chase cats. The chase is all she's interested in regards to cats. I think it's her nature to track and hunt. She usually gives an indication she sees or smells one which gives me time to give verbal commands. However she will bolt at times which concerns me. I can't trust her around the street yet. Most of the chases take place in a greenbelt behind my home. She will come back to me on her own or at my 'come ' command.  Overall she's very obedient and well behaved. Will she outgrow this behavior or do I need to be more diligent in my training techniques.

Dear David,

As long as she has the opportunity to bolt, and enjoys the chase, she will.  I would not leave her off leash, especially with cars nearby.  Try keeping her on a 6 ft. leash and do obedience training with her in the field as you walk.  If you decide to give her some freedom, let the leash drag…you have a better chance of grabbing or stepping on the trailing leash if she bolts!  Give her more play time with other dogs too, sounds like she could use more diversity in her playmates!

Dr. Cookie,

I have a male Lab/Chow and a male Rottweiler, both 1 year old.  They were introduced to one another as puppies.  I've never had any problems with them. About 3 to 4 weeks ago I got a roommate who brought a female Australian Shepherd into the house.  The first 2 weeks went fine,  but these last 2 weeks have been terrible.  My Lab gets aggressive towards the Rottie, they have had two big fight.  The Rottie shows more of submissive behavior, but after awhile he gets tired and turns aggressive. Today the Lab is getting neutered.  They all have kennels. 

Dear Jaime,

The addition of new pets necessarily changes the dynamics between all the pets in the house hold.  New dogs should be introduced gradually, on neutral territory, like a nearby park.  Chances are, however, that the Aussie’s appearance on the scene instigated an almost inevitable showdown, although it would likely have been less intense.  The two males are entering young adulthood and are working out their social ranks, i.e. who is dominant.  BUT, the fact that one or both is not neutered also triggers sexual aggression, which is extremely intense between males.  All these dogs should be neutered.  The Rottie is apparently unwilling to concede to his ‘brother’, so you need to take some serious measures here to prevent tragic consequences.  Details on all these topics are available in the following QuickFix handouts: Introducing New Pets and Dominance Behavior in Dogs (includes tips on how to restore the peace) …  It might be necessary to ask your room mate to find another place,- his dog is part of what makes the problem complicated, unfortunately, and you have enough to deal with right now.  

Dear Dr. Cookie;

Our cat was diagnosed as diabetic a number of months ago.  Twice a day, we give her shots of insulin and she seems fine.  The problem is, we now have problems taking trips and leaving her for more than overnight.  We tried having people "shoot" her but she does not do well with strangers doing it and freaks out, hissing & relieving herself all over.  To be honest, she doesn't really like strangers in general.  We then tried leaving her at the vet for the weekend.  Although they could give her the shots, she came home with a virus. She'd never been sick before that.  So, now what do we do?  We're nervous about leaving her at the vet again and don't want to risk the lives of our kind neighbors. 

Dear Danna,

It is generally a good idea to introduce a pet, especially one that is not very sociable, to a pet sitter long before an intended trip.  In general, pets with health problems need to be cared for by trained professionals.  Why don’t you contact your veterinarian (or another in your area) and ask if any of their technicians do pet-sitting?  Your designated pet sitter should come over at least several times a day, so that s/he becomes a part of the normal environment.  Take things very slowly.  Then when your cat seems relaxed, teach them how to do the injections (if they don’t already know how…).  It may take many weeks to reach this point, and the pet-sitter should be paid for their time, but in the end, it will be worth the effort!

Dear Dr. Cookie:

I have 2 West Highland White Terriers aged 12 years and 2 years.  Recently they have begun fighting.  They have not drawn blood but sound very vicious.  The 12 year old has always been great with the 2 year old, but the two year old definitely runs the show. The two dogs sleep in our room at night, sometimes both with us and sometimes only the 2 year old.  It all started when the 12 year old tried to get on the bed and the 2 year old was already there. They just growl and snap at one another.  They both have started the fights.  I try to avoid these situations by making sure they are both on the bed at the same time or neither are on the bed.  I have tried spanking both of them and it doesn't help.  I have tried raising my voice to them and that doesn't help.  Someone suggested I spray water at them, and that does not phase them at all.    It is obviously some jealousy. 

Dear CHeath1018,

At 2 years of age, your younger dog is a teenager entering adulthood.  He is challenging your older dog for top rank and your older dog is reluctant to be demoded.  I agree that neither dog should be on the bed if that instigates a conflict.  However, spanking, yelling, or spraying them with water is quite useless.  This is not jealousy, it is normal canine behavior.  Either you let them work it out on their own (since no one is getting hurt), or you can follow the tips outlined in my handout on Dominance behavior in dogs.  Good luck!

Dear Dr. Cookie,

I have a very sweet natured mixed breed dog, who is part Weimeraner.   I live in Florida now and am about to move to Chicago. I am worried about winterizing my dog. Currently she won't urinate by leash, she likes to roam and sniff. She also requires privacy. I will have to leash train her, but I have heard that there are products where she could go to the bathroom in my garage, kind of like a sand box.  Do you know of any products of this nature?

Dear Alice,

Start training her to walk on a leash again now, before you move.  I do not generally recommend that dogs be trained to void indoors.  Too many dogs misunderstand and end up going everywhere but their designated latrine.  Besides, the point of walking your dog is to reinforce house training, give her exercise, the opportunity to socialize…and many other perks.  There is a new product on the market (a ‘dog’ litter), however, unless you have a tiny toy dog who is terrified of the world, just take your dog for a walk!!!   As far as wintering goes, it would help if you were to relocate during the spring or fall, but if that is not possible, she’ll do all right if you get her a coat, until she is used to those Chicago winds! (Does anyone really get used to winter?)

Dear Dr. Cookie,

My cat is destroying my artificial Christmas tree by climbing up it every chance he gets. I tried a pet repellent spray but that doesn't seem to work. Any suggestions?

Dear Laura,

Thanks for bringing this up!  Christmas is a potentially dangerous time for our pets.  Please go to the Topic of the Month for an in-depth discussion and some important seasonal tips. I don't have much confidence in pet repellents.  Keep him away from the tree by closing off the room, or booby-trapping the base of the tree (e.g. double-sided sticky tape, or SCAT MATs that give a mild electrostatic shock- it feels like static electricity!).  Happy Holidays!

Dear Dr. Schwartz,

Could you tell me how one can "test" a dog for aggressiveness?  A few methods I have been told about are whether the dog allows muzzle grab, allows you to stand next to him, and if he looks away first during a "stare-down."  Are there any other ways to tell if a dog is aggressive?  I was told that it is not a good idea to attempt to alpha roll a potentially vicious dog for safety reasons.

Dear  Megan

Aggression is not a single-minded state.  There are dozens of types of aggression, although there are about 10 or so primary categories.  Each type of aggression is associated with a different context, trigger, age, history, temperament…you get the idea.  It is impossible to answer your question because a ‘test’ might trigger an aggressive response because it is understandably frightening to the dog, or an insult to his/her social status.  The test might not provoke a response but the dog could be extremely aggressive in other circumstances.  I do not recommend the ‘alpha’ roll except for young puppies. I would also not recommend staring down a dominant dog as a test! Viciousness is a term that means little in veterinary behavior, except to say that a dog is extremely aggressive.  It does not provide a diagnosis, which is key to providing an appropriate treatment. 

Dr. Cookie:

Is it safe for dogs to take Prozac?  If so what is the appropriate dosage per 10 lbs?

Dear Todd,

Prozac is a psychotropic drug that is used to treat depressive disorders in people.  It is not technically approved for use in dogs although it is prescribed as an extra-label drug by veterinary behaviorists.  Any psychoactive medication should be prescribed by a veterinarian who is qualified to diagnose and treat a pet’s behavior problem.  In my opinion, there are very few reasons to rely exclusively on drugs to resolve a behavioral issue.  Drugs, including Prozac, are meant to complement modification of the pet’s lifestyle that likely underlies the problem.

Dear Dr. Cookie,

My new cat won't groom herself.  We got her from the shelter and she was very dirty.  We thought it was because she was a stray and needed help getting that much dirt, oil, etc. off.  We washed her with a cloth, water only, and brushed out all the mats.  But she hasn't groomed herself since we brought her home.  Is it pos. she didn't learn how to groom?  If so, anyone know how to teach her to groom?  (She is a short hair, young adult.)

Dear   TeCoa,

Grooming behavior, or lack of it, is an indication of a cat’s general emotional and physical health.  On the other hand, a little bit of dishwashing liquid goes a long way to removing grime and is a gentle non-irritating shampoo for pets.  Your new pet may not be grooming herself because her coat could contain distasteful substances or because she is anxious and a bit depressed due to so much upheaval in her life.  Get her cleaned up, take her for a complete checkup, and keep her safe and sound inside your home where she won’t get so dirty ever again!

Dear Dr. Cookie,

We have a 7-month-old Bichon; we have had her since she has been 10 weeks old.  She is a wonderful companion, but at 9 p.m., it becomes Tiffy Time.  She barks, scratches, whines and about anything else she can do to get you to turn off the TV and lights so she can go to bed.  My husband is semi-retired so he spends a lot of time with her during the day; she is only alone a couple hours max a day.  She won't even take a nap during the day if we are in the house.  We have to leave for about an hour just so she will lay down. If we don't she acts just like a tired child, a brat. 

Dear Roy,

She may not be alone for long but that doesn’t mean she is getting enough exercise or training.  She needs to get out and go for long walks, play with other puppies, have some obedience training!  Then by the time you’re ready for bed, she’ll already be crashed! Enrich her schedule so she does not need to act out. Also, it is a good idea to get her used to being left alone or she will become overly dependent.  Order my handouts on: Basic Obedience and Why it is important to walk your dog.  That will get you back on track!

Dear Dr. Cookie,

I have a male Shih Tzu that is about 5 yrs old. For about 2 years whenever we leave the house he starts to jump at the door biting the handle and scratching it. He does this until we are out of site and have driven away. It is like he does not want us to leave but it is really annoying especially when we have guests over and he acts this way. Is there anyway to stop this?

Dear Brian,

This is a form of separation anxiety.  Your job is to get your dog so tired that he is ready to have a nap when you leave, rather than begging you to stay!  A long walk does wonders prior to your departure.  Additional tips are described in detail in the QuickFix handout on Separation Anxiety!

Dear Dr Schwartz

I would like some advice as my cat likes chewing cables and wires and now that I have my computer, there are more temptations than ever! Some of the wires have been hidden and tucked away out of her reach and attention but others are more difficult and wonder if I can spray them with something that will stop her doing this.

Dear Angelique

The best way to deal with this is to 1) conceal the cables/wires any way you can (commercial cable covers are available), 2) close the room where she is most destructive, 3) booby trap the area, 4) provide more entertaining alternatives!  Details are provided in the QuickFix Handouts on Chewing Electrical Cords and Destructive Behavior.

Dear Dr. Cookie

My wife and I have had 4 Boston Terriers in the 34 years of our marriage. We both love the breed. Our latest pet of 12 years recently passed on after a long battle with Cushing’s disease. We now have a new pet that is 2 years old, a beautiful little female Boston. All the dogs we have had up until now were raised as puppies. However, this little dog has this bizarre fear of any hard surface floor.....tile, vinyl, hardwood etc. She will not enter the kitchen at all or any other area not carpeted. This pet was originally one of those Christmas gifts for children bought on a whim.  I surmise that after the novelty wore off the dog was much like a video game...tossed aside. When the kids no longer wanted the puppy, she was tossed in a fenced pen in the back yard and totally abandoned without dog or human companion for the last 2 years. I'm wondering if it is possible that the kids slid her around on a hard floor surface at a very young age causing this problem. It really is not a problem as our house has carpet everywhere except the kitchen and dining room. However on the one occasion I took her to the vet she was petrified when we went in. I thought she was just frightened of visiting the vet, not knowing about her fear of floors. Have you ever heard of this before and if so, do you have any advice.

Dear Curious...Thom,

Poor little girl!  Thank you for this timely question.  I hope that many people will consider the plight of puppies acquired at Christmas or Easter, only to be discarded as they grow up.  There are many reasons why she might be afraid of smooth surfaces but we could resolve this if you care to set up an email or telephone consult.  Perhaps, more than anything, she has already found the cure…a kind, patient, and loving home.  As a fellow BT owner (Georgyanna, 1 yr old already!), I know how addictive they can be.  Your pup might gain some confidence with another BT around…!  

Hi Dr. Cookie,

My 9-month-old Pug was neutered about 2 weeks ago. Ever since then, he acts as if he has never been housetrained. I continually find surprises, even when he has recently been out to take care of business.