My Pet World: Dog won't listen? Pet may simply not understand your 'language'
Q: My dog doesn't listen to me. What should I do? -- G.H., Baltimore, MD
A: If your dog once did listen and no longer does so, see your veterinarian. Obviously, check the dog's hearing, but there could be another health issue. Dog trainer and certified dog behavior consultant Pat Miller, of Fairplay, M.D., says she once had a Pomerian who competed in agility, and suddenly wasn't taking direction. She says, "It turned out this little dog wasn't being stubborn, but had hip dysplasia."
Miller adds, "You need to find out if the message isn't understood by the dog, or if the dog isn't motivated with a reinforcer to comply." In other words, while we assume the dog understands, that's not always the case; or that treat (reinforcer) may not be tasty enough.
Miller, author of "How To Foster Dogs: From Homeless to Homeward Bound," (Dogwise Publishing, Wenatchee, WA, 2013; $14.95), recommends that you find something fun to do with your dog, and in the process your pup will learn to communicate with you. Examples include organized dog sports like agility (an obstacle for dogs) or nose work (dogs learn to sniff for specific objects).
"Unless there's something physically going with your dog, the responsibility is on your shoulders; your dog is not ignoring you on purpose," Miller says.
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Q: One of my cats, George, has started urinating outside the litter box. I wasn't sure at first which cat was the culprit, but now he's done it twice right in front of us. George is about 5 years old. My veterinarian says the problem is behavioral. With three cats, we have three litter boxes. One upstairs, one is in a bathroom on the main level, and the third is in the basement. The cats are littermates and get along famously. In fact, I'm worried that if anything happens to one of them, the others will mourn terribly. They're all indoor cats. What's wrong? -- C.J, Tampa, FL
A: Certified cat behavior consultant Beth Adelman says when a cat urinates right in front of family members, the problem can likely be traced to one of three issues:
1. It hurts to urinate. A medical problem is responsible, such as urinary bladder stores or cystitis.
2. The litter or box is dirty, or the litter brand was suddenly changed and is not to the cat's liking.
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