Category: Behavior

Sometimes dogs grow out of digging, but this is not usually the case. Some dogs will stop digging as they get older, but others will not. Some breeds, such as terriers, were bred to dig. In those dogs, the behavior is more likely to continue. While some dogs will not naturally grow out of digging, there are steps you can take to curb the behavior.

Tips to Stop a Dog from Digging 

So your dog is getting older and the digging continues. If he’s just digging random holes, that’s annoying. If he’s digging around the fence line to try and escape, that’s dangerous. Either way, you want the behavior to stop. Here are some things to try:

Try a Natural Repellent

If there’s a specific spot that has captured your dog’s interest, make the area less appealing by applying a natural, herbal yard repellent like No Dig!

Give Them More Playtime and Toys 

Some dogs dig out of boredom. Giving them lots of interactive toys, taking them on more walks, and spending more time playing with them can help to relieve their boredom and stop the digging.

Don’t Leave Them Outside Alone for Extended Periods 

There are many reasons your dog should not be left alone outside for long periods, so let your dog inside. That may be all it takes to stop him from digging.

Remove Potential Prey

If you notice your dog always digs in the same spots, he may be hunting for burrowing animals or insects. If you see signs of animals, call a company that will safely and humanely remove them from your yard. 

Add Physical Barriers 

If the digging is around your fence line, add barriers by burying the fence one to two feet, burying chicken wire along the fence line, or partially burying rocks along the border of the fence. 

If none of the above methods are doing the trick, consider enlisting help from an animal trainer who can work with you and your pet to come up with a plan that will work for you. 

Punishing cats will often lead to more behavior issues and may make your cat fearful of you. It is not recommended. When your cat displays behaviors you don’t like, your first thought shouldn’t be punishing him. Instead, try to determine why your cat is engaging in the inappropriate behavior and take steps to correct it. For example, if the cat is scratching your furniture, provide several scratching posts throughout the house. Also, yelling or hitting are never acceptable punishments for cats and will never yield the desired results.

Tips for Changing Your Cats Behavior

Often, changing undesired behavior in your cat is as easy as changing the environment. Here are a few examples: 

• Scratching Furniture: Cats have to scratch. If they are scratching your furniture or walls, yelling at them to stop will be completely ineffective as it’s a thing they need to do. Instead of looking for ways to punish the cat, simply provide them with scratching posts. Place a post in all areas of the home where the cat spends time. When you observe him scratching furniture, redirect him to a nearby scratching post.
• Urinating Outside the Litter Box: Many cats will not go in a dirty litter box, and many cats don’t like to share. Some issues with urinating outside the box are as easy to solve as adding more litter boxes—as a general rule, you should have one litter box per cat plus one additional box—and keeping them clean by scooping at least once a day. Note: If a cat that has always gone in the box is suddenly urinating in inappropriate places, it could be due to a medical condition. Schedule a visit to your vet to rule out a urinary tract infection and other issues.
• Rough Play/Biting: When your cat plays rough or bites, you may be tempted to swat him on the nose or otherwise show him who is boss. This can lead to a fearful cat or a cat who feels like he needs to fight harder to protect himself. Instead, realize that your cat is very likely just playing. When he gets too rough, immediately stop playing and walk away. Also, provide toys that are appropriate for pouncing and “hunting,” so your cat will have a way to participate in these normal cat behaviors.

Yelling, hitting, and other physical punishments are not likely to make the undesired behaviors stop and will result in a fearful cat that doesn’t trust you. If you’re at the end of your rope, contact an animal behaviorist for advice tailored to your situation.   

Cats scratch furniture because it’s often at a height that allows them to stretch and because they find the rough fabric ideal. Scratching is a necessity for cats, so you can’t stop the behavior altogether. What you can do is try to redirect their scratching to appropriate objects, such as scratching posts. In the meantime, try adding corner guards and other barriers to protect your furniture.

Tips For Redirecting Your Cat’s Scratching 

While cats may not be as easy to train as dogs, it is possible to get a cat to scratch where you want. Here are some tips:

Scratching Posts 

You’ve probably seen those kitty condos covered in carpet. While those are a spot from which your cat can survey her kingdom or take a nap, the material is not ideal for scratching. Instead, choose scratching posts with a rough material, such as burlap or sisal. At least one of the posts should be three feet tall to allow your cat to fully stretch while scratching.

Where you place the scratching posts is just as important as the types of scratching posts you choose. Place a post near where your cat is already scratching (close to your furniture for example) and another near where he sleeps. If there are spots your cat frequents, you can place them there as well.

Introducing the Scratching Posts 

Show your cat the posts and make scratching noises on them. If you have a kitten, gently take his paws and make scratching motions with them. For older cats, sprinkle catnip to spark interest. Also, put some of your pets favorite toys near the post and spend time playing with them nearby.

Protect Your Furniture with Nail Caps 

Nail caps are in inexpensive vinyl product that is placed over cats’ claws which prevents damage from scratching. Some brave cat owners apply the caps themselves, but it’s much easier to have the vet do it. Once applied, they will last about four to six weeks.

It might take a while for your cat to use to the new scratching posts, especially if he’s gotten use to scratching your furniture. Every time you see him scratching your furniture, simply redirect him to the post. When you see him using the post, praise him. Over time, he’ll lose interest in the furniture. 

Signs that your dog swallowed something include vomiting after eating, bloated stomach, and refusing food. Some blockages are an emergency, but you should always visit your vet if you suspect your dog has swallowed a foreign object and they are displaying symptoms or acting abnormally. A bloated stomach in particular needs immediate attention, but any blockage caused by swallowing a foreign object could be life threatening.

Waiting For The Object To Pass Could Be Deadly 

It’s true that in some cases the object will pass safely, but you’re taking a big chance by waiting instead of visiting your vet. Sharp objects can pierce the bowel, toxic items can cause poison to spread, and string can become tangled around the intestine.

Another potential side effect is that a blockage can restrict blood flow and cause bowel tissue to die. This condition, called peritonitis, is often fatal.

Instead of taking chances, let a vet assess the situation and advise on the best course of action. The vet may be able to remove the object with an endoscope. In some cases, surgery may be required to safely remove the item.

Prevention Is The Best Medicine

Some dogs are cautious about what they eat while others just wolf down anything and everything: gravel, socks, pennies, etc…

It’s impossible to watch your dog 24/7, but you can help to prevent issues by keeping the areas he frequents free from objects he may swallow. Do a quick check of the yard every morning, and make sure trash, clothing, and other items in the home aren’t easily accessible.

When it comes to dog toys, choose tough toys that aren’t easily torn into many pieces. Also, supervise play time and once a toy it damaged, throw it away.

If you suspect your dog has swallowed something, get to the vet as soon as possible. The sooner treatment is given after your dog swallows a foreign object, the better his chances for a full recovery. 

In order to get your cats to like each other, start with a proper introduction. This includes four steps outlined below. After that, or if the cats have already been introduced, there are some tips you can try to help them get along. It might take some time, but if you’re patient and persistent, your cats can most likely learn to be friends.

Four Steps To A Proper Introduction

Isolation

Place the new cat in a room with everything they need including a litter box, food, water, and toys. Feed your other cat on the other side of the door. Over a few days, move the food bowls closer to each side of the door until they are right up against it.

Sight/Scent

This step involves sub-steps. You shouldn’t move on to the next step until the cats seem okay with the current step.

• Swap out the blankets between cats, so they will get used to each other’s scents.
• Prop the door open just enough for the cats to see each other.
• Put one cat in a carrier and place it in a room with the other cat.
• Confine the old cat in the isolation room and let the new cat explore the house.

Initial Meeting

Allow your cat to enter the isolation room with the new cat. Be there to observe, and be prepared to intervene in case a catfight breaks out. Offer treats and have lots of toys on hand. If either cat becomes aggressive, it’s time to stop for the day. Don’t worry, you can try again tomorrow! After about ten minutes, wrap up this first meeting.

Increase Time Together

If things are going well, slowly increase the amount of time the cats spend together by adding 5 or so minutes each time. If at any point the cats fight, separate them and then give it a day or two before trying another meeting. 

After The Introductions Have Been Made

Whether you just introduced a new cat or you’re trying to get two cats you’ve had for a while to get along, here are some tips that might help:

• Cats Like Their Own Spaces And Their Own Stuff: Try having two of everything including food and water bowls, litter boxes (one per cat plus one additional box), beds, etc… If they have their own, they won’t have to fight over them. Also, don’t force them to be in the same space. Let them come and go and be sure that each has a favorite comfy spot where they can steal away for a catnap.
• Ease Congestion: Are there spaces in your home where your cats tend to bump into each other and get into a tiff? If so, add kitty walkways or tubes along the walls to avoid that situation.
• Lots Of Playtime: Spend time playing with your cats to burn off energy and relieve stress. Playtime should be separate until they are getting along and then you can play with both cats together.
  Some cats take months—or even longer—to warm up to each other, so be patient. Even if they’ll never be best friends, most cats will at least learn to tolerate each other. 

Dogs stare at you while you eat because they want what you’re eating. In the wild, dogs stare at the pack leader as he eats. This is how they let him know they are hungry and hope to get his scraps. You’re the pack leader, and they are hoping you’ll share your meal.

How to Curb Staring During Meal Time 

Because this behavior is a natural instinct, curbing it completely can be difficult. You can, however, take steps to not encourage staring.

NEVER Feed Your Dog from the Table 

Unless you want your dog planted next to your seat at the dinner table for every meal for the rest of his life, do not toss him a treat from the table. Even if you only do it once, he’ll never forget. He’ll spend the rest of his life waiting patiently for a repeat. If you want to share your table scraps, you need to take your plate away from the table and put some space between the dog staring and you giving him the food so he doesn’t associate the two.

Ignore Him 

You can’t say “bad dog!” enough to eliminate a natural instinct. Instead, completely ignore his staring. Over time, this may help minimize the behavior.

Feed the Dog First 

Some pet owners have had success with feeding their dogs before they sit down for a meal. If your dog is full, he may be less interested in whatever is on your plate. Of course, some dogs can never get enough, so don’t expect this to be 100% effective.

Why do dogs stare at you while you eat? They want your food! If it really bothers you, or if you’re having company, simply crate your dog (if he is crate trained) during mealtime to eliminate the problem. 

Vinegar and citrus oil are two things you can spray to stop your dog from digging. Commercial dog repellent sprays are also available. These methods will not work for all dogs, so it may take some trial and error to discover what works for your dog. Whether you choose a homemade or commercial product, such sprays are a good starting point for pet owners who want to curb this behavior.

Why Dogs Dig 

The reasons dogs dig are as varied as the methods to try and stop it. If you know why he is digging, you may be able to prevent the behavior even without the use of sprays. If your dog is digging, he may be trying to:

•  Escape the Yard: If digging is along the fence, it’s pretty obvious what your dog is trying to do. This is one of the most troublesome types of digging because it puts your dog in danger. If your dog is digging to escape, block the area around the fence with chicken wire or rocks to prevent him from getting out of the yard while you work on stopping the digging. 
• Cool Off: Digging holes and then resting inside them means your dog is digging to cool off. Aside from not leaving your pet outside on hot days, you can also be sure to provide adequate shade and plenty of water.
• Hunt Prey: If you see signs of burrowing pests near the spots where your dog digs, he is likely hunting. Call a humane exterminator to safely move the gopher, mole, or other animal out of your yard.
• Relieve Boredom: Digging is fun! At least some dogs think so. If your dog is digging as a game or to relieve boredom, introducing lots of new toys and additional playtime may curb the behavior. 

Are Commercial Sprays More Effective than Homemade?

Not necessarily. Just like humans have different tastes, so do dogs. The spray is simply adding a repellant to the area, and what will repel one dog may not repel another. If you don’t want to spend money for a commercial spray, try the homemade sprays first to see if you get the desired results. 

There are many things you can spray to stop your dog from digging, you just need to find what works best for your pup!  

There are many possible reasons why cats suddenly attack their owners including misguided play, a show of dominance, fear, or a medical issue. The good news is that, with time and patience, the issue can usually be corrected.

Dealing with an Aggressive Cat 

While a cat doesn’t apply the same lethal force as a large dog, their attacks can be scary, painful, and leave their owners bloody. In other words: Cats attacking their owners isn’t something that can be ignored. The first step in correcting the behavior is discovering the cause. Possible reasons include:

Misguided Play

Cats and kittens love to play, and they need to be taught what kind of play is acceptable and what kind is not. Make sure your cats have plenty of toys, and toss new toys into the mix on a regular basis so your cats won’t get bored. 

Fear 

When a cat is afraid or stressed out, they may attack just because they don’t know what else to do. One way to help your cat deal with fear is to make sure they have access to a place that makes them feel safe. This may be a perch atop a kitty condo, an enclosed bed, or even access to a rarely used room. If their fear seems extreme, consult a vet for advice.

You’re the Prey 

Cats are hunters. It’s a natural instinct. This is similar to play, but look at it more like practice. They are honing their skills for when they are ready to chase their next insect or rodent. Encourage them to stalk other items, such as the dot from a laser pointer or a toy mouse tied to a string. Redirecting this behavior may help to turn their attention to their toys, rather than your legs, the next time they want to practice hunting.

Medical Issues 

If your typically docile cat is suddenly aggressive, there is a good chance that a medical issue is to blame. When cats are in pain, they often show signs of aggression. If you suspect this may be the cause, a visit to the vet should be a priority.

There Is Hope 

 If you can pinpoint the cause of a cat suddenly attacking their owner, a resolution can often be found either on your own or with the help of a vet or animal behaviorist. This isn’t usually behavior that will go away on its own, so deal with the issue head on as soon as possible for the best results. 

If your normally well-behaved dog is suddenly chewing everything, it is likely because he is bored, stressed out, or anxious. If there has been a change in the dog’s environment or routine that could also trigger the sudden chewing. You can try a few things to curb the behavior, but if it doesn’t work, you’ll want to enlist the help of your vet or an animal behaviorist.

Tips To Stop Destructive Chewing

You come from work to find yet another dog bed has been shredded, your favorite pair of shoes has been destroyed, or the sofa you saved up for is now down a cushion. Your dog’s sudden chewing is frustrating for sure, but it can also be dangerous as he could swallow materials that may cause an intestinal blockage or other issues.

Here are some things you can try to stop the behavior:

• Buy Some New Toys: Provide appropriate chew toys for your pet and redirect them to those toys any time you catch him chewing. Toss toys once they are damaged and refresh the stash with new toys regularly to keep your dog interested.
• Doggy Day Care: If your dog is chewing everything when you’re away, he could be bored or lonely. Consider sending him to doggy day care, especially if you work long hours. If that’s not possible, hiring a dog walker is another way to break up your dog’s day.
• Treat For Separation Anxiety: Anxiety is a very common cause of destructive chewing—and it will not get better on its own. Treatments will vary based on the severity of the anxiety, but the first step is to talk with your vet or an animal behaviorist to work out a treatment plan.
  If your dog is chewing everything, don’t just ignore the problem. If simple DIY fixes, such as buying new toys, don’t help, talk to your vet. It might take some trial and error, but with a little patience you’ll be able to correct this behavior and help your dog to be happy and healthy.
• Preventative Measures: It is also important to keep items your dog may chew out of your dog’s reach. When you are not around to supervise him, keep your pup in a chew-safe area. 

 

Preventing access and removing the temptation of food left out are two ways to stop your dog from counter surfing. A dropped dab of peanut butter, cookie crumbs, and the drippings of a piece of steak are just a few of the many delicious things your dog may associate with your kitchen counters, so it’s no mystery as to why he checks out those counters any chance he gets. While he’s hoping to get lucky and snag a treat, you just want to make the behavior stop. Keep reading for a few tips to help you do that.

Lead Him Not Into Temptation 

It’s kind of silly if you leave food out and then get mad if your dog is tempted by it. Remember that “food” to your dog can be anything from a few crumbs to an entire cake that wasn’t properly covered. When you’re done cooking or getting a snack, be diligent about putting everything away and wiping down the counters. After a while of not finding anything tempting, your dog will stop associating the counters with bonus treats.

Eliminate Access 

When you are preparing food, don’t allow the dogs in the kitchen. It’s too easy for them to slip a snack off the counter while you turn around to grab additional ingredients or stir whatever is on the stove.

Proper Training

The eventual goal is to teach your dog not to jump on the counters even if his favorite kibble is covering it from end to end. Here’s a technique that has been successful for many pet owners:

• When he jumps on the counter, show him a treat and say “down.”
• Once he’s firmly on the ground, say “good down” or whatever praise you choose, and give him the treat.
• Doing this repeatedly when you see him on the counter will teach him he’ll get a treat when he’s on the floor, not the counter. 

Don’t get frustrated if it takes a while for your dog to catch on. Every dog learns differently. Plus, if your dog is already used to snagging snacks from the counter, it will take longer for him to unlearn the behavior.