ArcaMax

More information on separation anxiety, and also crate training, is available in "Decoding Your Dog," authored by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, edited by myself, Dr. Debra Horwitz and Dr. John Ciribassi (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, New York, NY, 2014; $27).

As for your dog's fear of men, your best bet is to enlist professional help to appropriately assess your dog. A veterinary behaviorist or certified dog behavior consultant will be able to help.

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Q: We took in a stray mixed-breed dog. Cody is adjusting well to our home -- except for our dozen cats. He's an active dog and only wants to play. Unfortunately, some of the cats hate dogs and attack him. He interprets this as play and won't leave them alone. Why can't they all just get along? -- K.G., Frankfort, KY

A: Clearly, you're an animal lover and mean well. I'll bet many of your cats are also rescued, but I wonder if some of them had previous nasty experiences with dogs. More likely, Cody -- in cat language -- is merely coming on too strong. His efforts to play are being perceived as rude and perhaps even threatening.

Leash Cody when you're home so you can pull him away from the cats if necessary. What's most important is that you teach him not to chase the cats and, even better, to ignore them. With one or two cats, it's an easier task than with 12. Another handy hint may be to teach your dog to target (touch his nose to your hand). It's a great tool for redirecting his attention. For example, if Cody spots any of the cats while you are present and he seems about to attempt to jump or chase, have Cody target at you.

Eventually he may also learn to speak cat. If the cats allow, touching his nose to a cat's nose is like shaking hands in cat language.

Of course, it sounds easy in a column. For real-life help, you might want to contact a professional dog trainer.

Make sure your cats have plenty of escape routes, particularly up high. Examples include the window ledges, bookcases, on top of furniture, etc. It's important to show the cats how they can easily escape so they know that Cody won't trap them. Cats need to feel safe, as well as to feel that they're in control.

A positive and upbeat dog training class would work wonders in helping you communicate with Cody. Face it: It's the cats' house and they merely allow you, Cody and any other family members to live there.

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Q: Can dogs learn by watching TV? -- C. S., Cyberspace

A: Learn what? I'm unsure what you're expecting your dog to learn by watching TV, how to invest in the stock market or how to retrieve a tennis ball, but either way the answer is "no."

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