Animal Behavior Tips

Animal Behavior Tips

from

Palmyra’s Pet Lady

Q: My dog is terrified of thunderstorms. Is there anything I can do to help him overcome his fear?

A: The sound of thunder can send some dogs into a complete panic. People often condition dogs to be more fearful during a storm by comforting the dog. This actually rewards the fearful behavior. To help a dog during a storm ignore any fearful behavior and reward calm behavior. Distract the dog with treats or a favorite toy. If a dog is responding with fear to the noises of a thunderstorm, the dog can be desensitized to the sound of thunder using a recording and the following steps.

1. Teach the dog to sit and stay.

2. Find or make a recording of a thunderstorm.

3. Play the recording very quiet at first and repeat the sit and stay exercises using food as a reward and distraction.

4. Gradually increase the loudness and reinforce the dog for any calm behavior.

Cheryl Falkenburry has been an animal behaviorist for over 20 years helping people all over the world understand mind-boggling animal behavior. Send questions to her at cheryl@centerhillschool.com. For complete information on this and other animal behaviors, log on to her website at www.centerhillschool.com.

Animal Behavior Tips

from

Palmyra’s Pet Lady

Q: My cat doesn’t like my boyfriend. How can I help everyone get along? I don’t want to get rid of either one of them!

A: Animals often have difficulty accepting someone new in their human’s life. This person comes in and takes over what was once the animal’s place. Be sure to include the cat in things you and your boyfriend do. Have your boyfriend engage the cat in play with a favorite toy before he turns his attention to you. If the cat is attacking him when he first walks in the door, have your boyfriend carry little balls of tinfoil in his pocket and have him toss the tin foil balls in front of the cat to distract the cat and send the cat chasing something other than your boyfriend. Feed your cat whenever your boyfriend comes over. Put the bowl on the floor near where your boyfriend is sitting. Have your boyfriend drop little pieces of dry food around where he is sitting. This will help the cat realize that your boyfriend being around means one more human in the house to spoil the cat!