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Do Cats Learn If You Punish Them?

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.   

Does Mud Bay Take Dogs?

Mud Bay helps many homeless pets find their forever homes, but they do not take dogs from owners. They do hold adoption events throughout the year in partnership with local animal rescue groups, however.  

Rehome Your Dog Yourself To Give Him The Best Chance At A Happy Home 

One of the best options for pet parents who have decided they can no longer keep their dog is to rehome their dog themselves. It might seem overwhelming and it will likely take some time, but it is the best way to ensure that your dog goes to a safe and loving home.

There are resources available to help you find the right home. One of them is Rehome. This free service allows you to create a profile for your dog, connect with potential adopters, and accept applications. 

You’ll also find advice about how to screen adopters, how to present your pet in the best light, and much more.

Visit the website to learn more about finding a great home for your dog. 

Why Is My Cat Scratching Furniture?

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. 

How Do I Rehome My Mastiff?

You can rehome your Mastiff by putting in some time to understand what your dog needs and then find a new owner that can properly care for her. Rehoming is about finding a place for your dog that she can be safe, loved, and given what she needs to thrive and be happy.

What Does Your Mastiff Need?

Mastiffs are a fun and interesting breed, but as a dog owner, you know that all dogs are different. They have their own personality traits and quirks that make them special. You need to consider all of these things about your dog to ensure that she’s going to the right owner.

Does she have a problem with small animals? Is she a barker or extremely defensive? Does she have any health issues? Write down as much as possible about the good and not so good traits of your Mastiff, so you can let prospective adopters know all about her. This helps to ensure that she ultimately goes to the best home for her.

Rehoming with People Nearby

You should take the time to talk with friends and family and let them know that you have to give up your dog. You might find someone you know who would like to be her new owner. Giving her to someone you already trust can help you rest easy at night. Just make sure that they have the room and the means to provide her with what she needs.

You might also find people in your area that you don’t know and who would like to be her new owner. As long as you learn as much about these people as possible and are sure she’ll be in good hands, you can rehome with them. However, you should always charge a rehoming fee to anyone that you don’t know. This shows that the new owner is willing to invest in having a dog.

However, rehoming fees also help to reduce the risk for your Mastiff. Some people are looking for dogs they can use for fighting or that they can sell to labs. They don’t want to pay for the animals they get, so the rehoming fees help to keep your Mastiff safe.

Rehoming with Online Sites

Online pet adoption sites are another good way to rehome your Mastiff. Just be sure you’re using a reputable site geared toward pet adoption rather than a typical want-ad site. Rehome is a good solution. It’s a platform from Adopt-a-Pet.com that lets you set up a profile for your dog. This profile can include videos, pictures, and a bio.

The bio should be detailed and honest, including the elements mentioned above. This helps to ensure that the adopters will have a good idea of whether they’ll be a good fit for your dog or not.

Once people start to apply to adopt your Mastiff, you can review the applications. Rehome even has advice on what to look for when reviewing new owner applications. You’ll then choose the best new owner for your dog. The service is free for owners to use and provides you with control over who gets your dog.

How Do I Know If My Dog Swallowed Something?

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. 

Why Do Dogs Chew Up Kleenex?

Your dog chews up Kleenex because he finds the texture appealing, and holding down the tissue box while he shreds what’s inside may make him feel like he is killing his prey. Aside from it just being fun, dogs may engage in destructive chewing because they are bored, stressed, or anxious. No matter the cause, this behavior can cause issues, so pet owners need to find ways to address it.

Is Chewing Kleenex Dangerous? 

If your dog swallows a small amount of Kleenex, it’s not likely to hurt him. Larger amounts, however, can cause serious blockages. Also, if your dog gets used to chewing clean tissues, he’s more likely to chew dirty tissues.

Stopping the Behavior

The easiest way to stop your dog from chewing Kleenex is to limit access. Simply moving your tissue boxes to a higher shelf may be all it takes to solve the problem.  

Of course, you can’t rely on only prevention, and that’s why proper training is so important. A strong “Leave it” or “No” command should be all it takes for your dog to drop what he’s chewing. If that’s not the case, you should revisit training for his safety.

You’ll also want to provide alternatives, which means buying lots of chew toys in various sizes and textures. Replace them as they become damaged, so your dog always has something new and interesting to destroy.

Chewing Kleenex is a common behavior, but because it poses a potential danger to your dog, it’s a behavior you should work to stop in order to prevent a blockage or other issue that will land your pet at the vet. 

Does Animal Control Pick Up Cats?

In most locations, animal control will pick up stray cats. Whether or not they accept owner surrenders varies by location. If you’re considering giving up your pet to animal control, it should be with the understanding that they may be put down. If you’re calling about stray or feral cats, that fact should be a consideration as well.

Pet Cats 

If you need to rehome a pet cat, animal control should be a last resort. While most facilities do their best for the animals in their care, many still euthanize healthy animals because they simply do not have the space to care for them. If you can’t keep your cat, he deserves a chance at a happy life with another family.

Instead of surrendering him to animal control, consider finding him a new home yourself. The Rehome website can help you do this. You’ll find lots of expert advice and tools that simplify the process of finding your cat a loving new home.    

Stray Cats 

A stray cat is one that lived with humans at one point, but is now either lost or abandoned. You can tell if a cat is a stray because he will allow you to approach him, may meow or purr, and might beg for food. Depending on where you live, it is required that stray cats are reported to animal control. Even if it is not a requirement, it may still be a good idea to let them know, as many pet owners who lost their cat turn to animal control first.

If you are willing, let animal control know that you are able to care for the cat should no owner come forward. That way, you can ensure the cat winds up in a safe situation.

Feral Cats

Feral cats are cats that were born outside and are not socialized. This means they will usually not make good house pets. Some people find feral cats to be a nuisance and call animal control about them. If they are picked up, they are almost always put down immediately as they are not considered adoptable.  

As a humane alternative, consider these options instead:

  • Get in touch with a local TNR group (trap, neuter, release) to see about having the cats fixed. This prevents the population from growing while allowing them to live out their lives.
  • Research humane methods of deterring cats from coming on to your property. Ask the TNR group about this too, as they will likely have lots of advice. 

While animal control may pick up cats depending on your situation and location, it may not be the safest solution for the animals. Whether you need help rehoming a pet or assistance with feral cats, help is out there in a way that is safe for the cats.  

Where Can I Put a Dog Up for Adoption?

You can put a dog up for adoption on free pet adoptions sites, such as Rehome, which provides a platform to connect with a wide pool of potential adopters. You could surrender your dog to a rescue or shelter, but many responsible pet owners look for ways to find a new home for their dog in a manner that allows them to make a decision about who adopts the pet.

Taking the Time to Find the Right Home 

If you’ve come to a decision that rehoming your pet is the right thing to do, it’s important to take the time to choose a home where your dog will be safe and happy. Committing the time and energy to find a new home for your pet is best for your dog. Getting your pet in front of as many people as possible is the key to garnering a lot of interest in your dog, and the website Rehome helps you do just that without charging you a fee for any of the services.

You’ll be able to create a detailed profile of your dog and then anyone with interest in the pet can submit an application right through the site. Rehome provides detailed guidance about what to look for in potential adopters, so you’ll have confidence in your decision. Once you’ve selected a home for your dog, the adopter will pay a rehoming fee directly to Rehome, and 100% of that fee will be donated to helping more animals get adopted. 

I Don’t Want to Find a Home Myself 

If you don’t want or cannot to take the time for find the perfect home for your dog, there are other options including surrendering the dog to a shelter or finding a rescue that is willing to take the dog. Locating an organization that has the space and resources to find your dog a good home is the better choice. Some shelters still euthanize for space, while rescues keep the dog for as long as it takes to find new home.

If you must put your dog up for adoption, there are resources to help you find a home where your dog will be happy, so you can have peace of mind that you did the right thing by your pet.  

Does Ammonia Keep Dogs Away?

Ammonia is an effective way to keep dogs away, but it should be avoided as it can also be harmful to pets. Dogs’ sensitive noses are irritated by ammonia, which is why it’s an effective repellent—but it’s not just irritating. If consumed, it can cause damage to the throat and stomach.

Safer Alternatives For A Dog Repellent 

Would you like to keep your dog away from your garden, stop him from going to the bathroom near your car, or keep him off the new sofa? Avoid potentially harmful ammonia in favor of safer alternatives including:

  • Vinegar: A simple spray made from a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water is often effective in keeping dogs from digging or frequenting certain areas of the yard.
  • Citrus Peels: Citrus peels are another effective deterrent for use outdoors. For the best results, pulse the peels in a food processor or slice them in order to release the oils. 

What If Nothing Seems to Work?

Some dogs are more persistent than others when it comes to getting what they want. If none of the repellents you try are doing the trick, you may have to install a gated fence around your garden or install a dog run in the section of the yard you want him to play in. Also, your dog may respond to additional training to teach him to respond to commands like, “No!” and “Leave it!”

Whether your dog is a puppy just starting to figure things out or you’re dealing with an old dog who doesn’t want to give up his old tricks, with some patience and trial and error, you’ll find an effective way to keep your dog away from forbidden areas. 

What Do I Do With A Pregnant Stray Cat?

If you find a pregnant stray cat, you should help it if possible. What that means exactly will vary based on your own knowledge of cats and your resources. Leaving them on their own to give birth outside could be dangerous for the mom and is almost always dangerous for at least some of her litter.

Helping A Pregnant Stray 

The first thing you may want to do, especially if you do not have experience with pregnant cats, is contact a local cat rescue for advice on your best options. Prior to calling, note the difference between stray (a cat that once lived in a home and became lost or was abandoned) and feral (cats who were either born outside or spent so much time outside that they do not tolerate human interaction.) This will be an important factor in the advice the organization offers to you.

If the pregnant cat is a stray and you are determined to help her finish out her pregnancy and give birth, the shelter or rescue should have plenty of advice and resources for you. Once her babies are born and weaned, the mom and her babies can be placed up for adoption. When you get to this point, you can work with the rescue or shelter to figure out the best solution for the mama cat and kittens. If you want to rehome the cats yourself, visit the Rehome website to create profiles for the cats. You’ll also find lots of valuable information about finding a suitable forever family.