March 10, 2006

Ask the Animal Behavorist

Pet owners seek help on pets’ spraying, urinating and chewing

By Maureen Strenfel
Animal Behaviorist, Humane Society Silicon Valley

Q: I have a 6 month-old male cat that was neutered two weeks ago. He has always been a scaredy cat, but lately he has been particularly afraid of my husband, even though he has never harmed my cat. Now he is starting to spray on my husband’s clothes! Please help me!

A: Have your husband feed your cat very special treats (cut up chicken, fish, baby food, etc.). Do not force the cat to sit in his lap or come close. Do talk to your vet about the spraying...it can have a medical reason. For more information, visit
http://www.hssv.org/LIBRARY/PDF/Behavior/cat_spray.pdf

Q: My dog, a maltese, is 11-months-old and is, for the most part, very well behaved. However, he has recently started urinating on the furniture or on people when he is being held. This behavior seems quite strange in light of the fact that he appears very happy and normal otherwise. Can you give me some possible cause for the urinating?

A: Do check with your vet about a bladder problem first. Next, alter/neuter the dog in case it is a social behavior (marking). For more information read our information sheet on submissive urination in dogs at:
http://www.hssv.org/ LIBRARY/PDF/Behavior/ piddles.pdf

Q: We have a 4-month-old female chihuahua/doberman pincher mix. She destroys everything! She literally tore out all the sponge from a dog bed. Everything she gets a hold of, she tears it up. She chews on our wood chairs! Please I need your help.

A: This is normal puppy behavior to chew. You need to supervise the pup 100 percent of the time when she is loose and give her appropriate chew items such as stuffed KONGS, natural bones and Nylabones. When you are unable to supervise your pup, confine her to a crate or use a tie down. Please visit our website for information on how to crate train your dog, use a tie-down and deal with chewing behavior. In the meantime, take your pup to a training class ASAP.

http://www.hssv.org/LIBRARY/PDF/Behavior/crate_training.pdf
http://www.hssv.org/LIBRARY/PDF/Behavior/tie_down.pdf
http://www.hssv.org/BEHAVIOR/train_nation.htm
http://www.hssv.org/LIBRARY/PDF/Behavior/faq_chewing.pdf