ArcaMax

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Q: My 2 1/2- year-old has an attachment disorder. She won't let me out of the house without her. It started when she was about a year old. I've tried everything, including medication from the vet. Nothing works. Even when she has dog friends over, when I leave, she gets hysterical. I never crated her, and don't believe it makes sense at this point. Do you have any suggestions? C.A., Cyberspace

A: "You might need hands on help to actually see what's going on, or at the very least a videotape," said Foote .

"Is the dog interfering because she just doesn't want you to leave or does she truly have separation anxiety?" she asked.

Honeckman added, "It would really help to understand what happens while you're gone. Does your dog act anxious after you depart, whining, pacing, drooling, barking, scratching, or even destroying furniture?"

Foote said, No matter what your dog is feeling or what your dog's motives are, there's clearly anxiety going on. And I do agree crate training isn't likely the answer."

Honeckman said, "Depending on what the problem is, and the degree of anxiety your dog is feeling -- medication may help, along with behavior modification."

You likely require the help of a veterinary behaviorist, a veterinary technician certified in animal behavior, a veterinarian with a special interest in animal behavior, a certified dog behavior consultant -- so the good news is that help is out there.

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Q: Clyde was found outside as a six-week old kitten. We love him very much when he doesn't bite us. He's nice when he's sleeping with us, nuzzling and kneading. He's very playful, but then he bites, and hard. And the rougher my husband plays with him, the more he comes back for more. We're tired of the biting; how do we stop this? B.G., McHenry, IL

A: Tip No. 1: "Stop playing rough with him," said veterinary behaviorist Dr. Theresa DePorter, Bloomfield Hills, Mich. "If you believe there's a time he may bite, then take an interactive cat today (such as a fishing pole type toy with feathers) and re-direct him to the toy. Never play with the cat using your limbs, do play with interactive toys, little balls, mouse toys or whatever he likes."

She added to pet your cat gently, and stop before you believe there will be a problem. You may have to adjust your expectations as well as some cats have a more limited tolerance to be petted for very long than others. Never push the cat so far that she feels she needs to bite, which is apparently what's going on now.

Also, DePorter said that a copy of a pheromone, called Feliway MultiCat may help a lot to help you to deal with her.

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