My Pet World: Stubborn, Aggressive Terriers

By Steve Dale, Tribune Media Services on Aug 9, 2012

You said you saw a behaviorist (which implies veterinary behaviorist), and Seuda says she can't imagine a single veterinary behaviorist suggesting a shock collar as a treatment to help your dog.

This dog is apparently anxious, and shocking the dog would likely only serve to increase anxiety. Similarly, a certified dog behavior consultant is exceedingly unlikely to suggest a shock collar.

So whom did you hire? Although anyone can hang a shingle on their door and suggest, "I'm a behaviorist," the only people who should say they are behaviorists are Ph.D.-degreed behaviorists and veterinary behaviorists. And those dog trainers offered apparently unenlightened answers.

Sueda says, "Keep everyone safe by avoiding confrontation. So, if you know your dog isn't trustworthy in a elevator, consider a freight elevator, the stairs even. When you see an oncoming dog, there's nothing wrong with crossing the street. And look for visual cues in your dog, starring, stiffening, ears up. Now is the time to back off; don't allow a confrontation to occur."

Yours is a classic example of a pet owner who requires hands-on help from a qualified professional. Check out the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, www. www.avsabonline.org or the Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Behavior, www.dacvb.org.

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Q: My 14-year old cat has been drinking out of the toilet since he was 4 months old. He like toilet water better than water from his bowl. Is this a problem? -- T. D., Henderson, NV

A: "In reality, your cat is still here after 14-years of toilet drinking," says Mesa, Ariz.-based veterinary behaviorist Dr. Kelly Moffat. "Still, the additives (like the contraption that makes the water blue which, hopefully, you don't use) and cleaning products might be harmful. It's not a good idea to let pets drink from the toilet."

Instead, she suggests water fountains for cats, available at anywhere that pet products are sold.

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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 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.