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Q. We have two cats: one male and a female. The male cat keeps sniffing the female’s butt while following her around. He does this for hours on end. Why does he do this, and how can we get him to stop?

—Adriane Garrett, Golden, CO


A. He loves her. She loves him not, but is too polite to say! Inform him that he’s not as alluring as he thinks, and ask him to back off when he gets obsessive by uttering a loud “ah, ah.” Provide distractions, like a Kong toy with kibbles and a cat dancer. For indoor cats, give some outside space via a cat aviary or cat fencing system. Consult a holistic veterinarian to help get him more balanced.

—Marta Williams is the author of Learning Their Language and Beyond Words and Ask Your Animal: Resolving Behavioral Issues through Intuitive Communication.

Q. A 6-month-old Lab whom I just adopted from MSPCA bites me when he gets excited. I’ve tried behavioral techniques to stop this, but they’re not working. It’s now dangerous, in that he is bruising my arm and breaking skin through a winter coat! He is 50 pounds at this point and housebroken as of just last week. He’s a gorgeous dog and apparently quite bright. What do you think of lemon juice in the mouth? Please help, as this is dangerous and frightening as well.

—Denise Richardson, MA


A. This can be complicated because there are numerous reasons why dogs bite. In this circumstance, it appears that your dog is trying to dominate you. Giving him “structure” would help to eliminate the problem. I do not know what behavioral techniques you have previously used, but I can assure you that lemon juice is not the answer. The biting is a symptom of the dog’s dominant mind-set, and this is what must be addressed. Your dog should always have a training collar on when in the home and a short cat leash attached to the collar. As he begins to fall into that dominant mind-set and becomes “mouthy,” take hold of his leash and “jerk” it upward in a quick motion. If this doesn’t help, try walking him slowly and keep him at a heel position ... remember to lead him; don’t allow him to lead you. This procedure teaches him that YOU are the dominant one. Stay calm. If you become loud and excited, he will too. If these tips don’t help, I suggest you consult a local professional dog trainer.

—Alex Brooks is founder and operator of the Alex Brooks Midwest Canine Behavioral and Socialization Center in Des Plaines, IL.

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