My Pet World: Shelter Dog's Odd Behavior Could Indicate Health Problems

A: "This is a predator behavior," says Urbana, IL-based behavior consultant Linda Case, author of "Canine and Feline Behavior and Training: A Complete Guide to Understanding our Two Best Friends" (Delmar Publishing, Clifton Park, NY, 2009; $81). Just as an outdoor cat may return home with a bird or a mouse (often still alive and kicking), Jordan is offering gifts from her indoor "hunt." In all likelihood, she's yowling out of excitement.

Case suggests enriching Jordan's environment -- which will also benefit your other cats. Increasing the number of toys isn't nearly as important as rotating the toys your cats do like, so there are always novel toys being added (everything old is new again). Also, Case suggests hiding food delivery toys and having your cats "hunt" for them to get at least some of their daily food. These toys are made for dry food; if you feed moist, put a dollop into some plastic tops (the kind you'd use to keep the food fresh) and urge your kitties to "hunt" for these.

"Another idea is to clicker train your cat to do things -- jumping from one chair to another or sitting on command. Clicker training is wonderful mental stimulation," says Case. Jordan may need more stimulus than most cats. Also, it's very important to interact with Jordan daily using a fishing pole toy or Cat Dancer.

Place novel (cat safe) materials around the house: paper bags, empty boxes, etc. And create your own toys: wine corks, plastic tops from milk cartons, etc. Offering lots of activities and mental exercise may satisfy Jordan's yearning for stimulation, allowing her to taper off hunting socks!

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Q: When people visit our home, the dog nibbles at their ankles. How can we stop this? -- S.H., Cyberspace

A: "Dogs may do this for many reasons," says dog trainer and certified dog behavior consultant Brenda Aloff, of Midland, MI. "Does this feel like play? If you are comfortable that it's play, then attempt to redirect the behavior. The second the dog looks like it will go for someone's ankles (or even better, before this happens), toss treats or a toy in the other direction. If you do this consistently, the dog will learn to go the other way when people walk by. For better control, you might even leash your dog when people visit."

Aloff, author of "Puppy Problems? No Problem! A Survival Guide for Finding and Training Your New Dog" (Dogwise Publishing, Wenatchee, WA, 2011; $39.95), points to a great lesson which applies to many behaviors: "To modify behavior, you must prevent rehearsal of the undesired behavior. The more the new desired behavior is practiced, the more quickly it will create a new neural pathway in the brain."

If your dog isn't merely playing but demonstrating aggression, for now, leash the pet when you have company, or even put the dog in another room so everyone stays safe. Seek hands-on help from a dog trainer or certified dog behavior consultant.

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Steve Dale welcomes questions/comments from readers. Although he can't answer all of them individually, he'll answer those of general interest in his column. Write to Steve at Tribune Media Services, 2010 Westridge Drive, Irving, TX 75038. Send e-mail to PETWORLD(at)STEVE DALE.TV. Include your name, city and state. Steve's website is www.stevedalepetworld.com; he also hosts the nationally syndicated "Steve Dale's Pet World" and "The Pet Minute." He's also a contributing editor to USA Weekend.