My Pet World: Cats don't care what we wear -- or don't wear
Q: Happy, our 2-year-old Bichon Frise, goes for walks, gets lots of people time and has chew toys. The problem is, between 4 and 5 a.m., Happy starts to bark. We take him out, but he doesn't need to go potty. He's raring to play! We thought a peanut butter Kong toy would keep him busy, but still he barks before dawn. We've tried keeping him awake later at night and exercising him before bed time. Any suggestions? -- K.W., Madison, TN
A: Buy a pair of earplugs and wait it out. I understand why you did what you did, but taking Happy out and offering him the Kong toy with peanut butter amounted to rewarding him. No attention is not rewarding. Totally ignore Happy when he barks in the morning, which at first will make you very unhappy, as the barking will likely intensify as he ups the ante, desperate for your attention.
You might try to relocate Happy at night. I'm not sure where he sleeps, but he might be more content in your room and stop barking. If he currently sleeps in your room, try moving him to the basement or a bathroom with a closed door. This might help, or Happy could become absolutely inconsolable separated from you -- and bark even louder. Also consider asking your veterinarian about using Benadryl or melatonin to help Happy sleep through the night.
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Q: When we put Sammy, our 9-month-old terrier mix, outside, he wreaks havoc on our yard, constantly digging holes. He even chews on my plants. I've caught him in the act, rubbed his nose in it and swatted him with a rolled up newspaper, but nothing works. He has plenty of toys outside. Can you offer a cure? -- M.P., San Diego, CA
A: Sammy sounds like a perfectly normal young, energetic terrier, and he doesn't need a cure. You, however, need to understand what terriers are all about.
Do you want Sammy outside because he's no better behaved inside? If so, see a dog trainer or certified dog behavior consultant for assistance.
Another option: Create a place in the yard (perhaps within fencing) where Sammy can play. Use interactive toys that dispense food, such as Busy Buddy or Kong toys (available at pet stores). Some owners even create a terrier pit to bury the toys.
Do keep in mind that a backyard is not a babysitter. There's nothing wrong with simply not allowing Sammy outside without supervision. Instead of worrying about what he does "wrong" out there, make sure he does right by keeping him otherwise occupied. Dogs don't connect the crime with the punishment. Swatting Sammy with a newspaper or rubbing his nose in the flowers he's destroyed teaches him nothing, except to distrust you.
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