Q. We recently adopted a puppy from a no-kill shelter and love him to pieces. However, whenever he can’t see us, he barks and whines uncontrollably. I have no doubt it is stemming from the way he was discarded, but it’s getting out of control. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

-Julie Hink, Bartlett, Illinois

A. First of all, thank you for giving this pup a home. The advice to reduce your pup’s anxiety about being alone will vary with many factors, which I don’t have. Dog’s who panic at being left alone have separation anxiety and there are detailed ways to try to reduce that anxiety including some medications. However, this may just be a puppy who is adjusting to being left alone. I would seek the advice of a veterinarian who has an interest in behavior concerns, or a reputable Certified Professional Dog Trainer who uses reward based training. I would also consider reading The Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson. This book will help you determine if your dog’s behavior is abnormal, or just needs some time and training. The book also will help you learn about the proper way to “crate train” your puppy.

-Steve Brammeier, DVM, Kingsbury Animal Hospital
St. Louis, Missouri

A. There’s a difference between a puppy who is bored and just doesn’t want to be left alone and one who has or is developing separation anxiety. If he’s destroying his surroundings when left alone, possibly even injuring himself to get to you, you may have a serious problem brewing. Check with your vet or find a reputable behaviorist to work with. If your puppy doesn’t seem to be overly destructive, he may just be working out his new home and surroundings. He definitely needs to feel secure and he needs a reasonable level of activity and human interaction. Establish a routine, making sure you allocate time for play, exercise/walks, feeding, and quiet/sleep time. A crate for feeding and sleeping is a great way to protect your dog and your home, and to help him develop a sense of security. Always use the crate as a positive, not a punishment, and never plan to leave him there constantly. He still needs your time and attention.

-Mick Trick, Shelter Manager, Save The Animals
Foundation, Cincinnati, Ohio

Q. Our Rat Terrier is a messy eater. She puts food in her mouth, moves it to another room, then slowly eats it. How can I prevent this?

-TJ Johns, Gainesville, Georgia


A. Your “messy” eater is really a normal dog. Many dogs will move their food to a different location to eat it in smaller bites. Basically the solution to this problem is not how to change your dog’s behavior, but how to manage a normal behavior so that it isn’t messy for the [guardian]. One solution is to put up a barrier that keeps your dog in the kitchen and give her a throw rug to eat on. You might also try hand feeding your dog. This sounds a little tedious, but it is a good way to help maintain your position as “leader” for your dog. Food is a primary resource for dogs and if all her food comes out of your hands, you are a powerful resource.

-S. Brammeier

A. Moving food is generally a sign that your dog is feeling a bit insecure. She may just need a little more privacy and to eat in an environment where she feels safe and in control. A carrier or crate is a great tool for giving your dog a “safety zone” of her own where she can eat in peace with a minimal mess. Find a quiet, low-traffic spot for her crate. Establish a routine; feed her in the same place in the same way every time. For example, in the morning you may let her out in the yard, prepare her food, place it in the crate then let her in, closing the crate door behind her. She’ll likely catch onto the new routine quickly and hopefully be a much tidier eater from now on.

-M. Trick

Q. My neutered male indoor cat has suddenly become obsessed with going outside. He yowls loudly at the front door and fights to escape when I’m about to enter or exit. How can I calm him down?

-Claire Simpson, Phoenix, Arizona


A. In a perfect world, every indoor cat would have a safe outdoor enclosure to enjoy being outdoors, but we live in the real world. Even though you can understand why your cat wants outside, the behavior at the door and the potential danger at escaping make this behavior understandably undesirable. Technically, you could train your cat to sit by the front door with the reward being getting a harness put on for a supervised outdoor experience. You probably would need the help of an experienced trainer to do this. There may be cats hanging around the front part of your house, possibly marking it as their territory. If this is the case, there are devices available to attach to a garden hose that will send out a water spray to discourage these cats. There are also devices of compressed air with motion detectors that you could place near the inside of your front door that would make a noise and send out a stream of air every time your cat came near. Hopefully, this adverse stimulus would eventually discourage your cat from crying at the door. Then if you can provide a screened window, or some other way for your cat to safely experience being at least near to the outside, he may seek that opportunity instead of being fixated on the front door.

-S. Brammeier

A. You’re right to try to keep your cat indoors. The easy answer is to let him out and hope for the best, but that exposes him to a litany of dangers to himself, you, and your home. Your cat may be reacting to the scent of another cat around your front door. If a neighbor allows his cat out he may be leaving his mark. There are two suggestions you may want to try. First, plug in a pheromone diffuser such as Feliway, near your door. I’ve had hit-n-miss success with such products, but some cats do seem to respond to them. Second, distract your cat. Add and rotate new toys and cat furniture. When he’s whining at the door, play with a feather on a string from behind a corner. Toss a ping-pong ball with him. Pick him up and rub his favorite spot. Positive experiences that hold his attention go a long way in moving your cat away from inappropriate behavior and the front door.

-M. Trick


* The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Tails Pet Magazine Group, Inc. Please consult your veterinarian before making any major decisions for your pet.

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