Hi, I’m Rosie. I have a degree in psychology and zoology and a post-graduate diploma in companion animal behaviour counselling. I just adore working with animals, and am here to answer your questions...
My cat has started to urinate on our front doormat — not in her litter tray. What could be causing this?
Your first port of call is your vet, to rule out medical causes for the unwanted behaviour. Urine infections, arthritis, and ageing, for example, can all cause cats to stop using their litter tray.
If the vet deems her fit and well, you need to establish if she is spraying (which may be due to a perception of threat from outside the house), or depositing urine (which may be due to a preferred location, her tray not being clean enough, or inadequate substrate), among other reasons.
My dog refuses to come inside when I call him — even if I bribe him with treats. What can I do?
Your dog is telling you it is more reinforcing for him to remain outside than it is for him to come inside, so work out what is causing his behaviour.
Attach a line to his collar whenever you let him out, so that he can’t practise ignoring you. Go outside and calmly bring him in, then ensure coming inside is heavily reinforced with games and treats.
My cat keeps licking herself in a certain patch — and she’s starting to go bald in that area. How can I stop her doing this?
There are various medical issues that can cause overgrooming and it is important that you liaise with your vet about this. Medical problems cause stress, which contributes to medical issues, so it can become a cyclical problem.
Feliway Classic — a diffuser which comforts cats — may help reduce stress in the meantime, and referral to a clinical behaviourist may be required to look at relationships within the home, potential stressors, and making the environment as feline friendly as possible.
My dog becomes aggressive when I show affection towards other pups. How can I stop him being so jealous?
Instead of thinking about stopping your dog from doing something, think about what you would like your dog to do instead and then teach him to do that. Perhaps you could teach your dog to sit calmly while you say hello to another dog? Choose a behaviour your dog already knows and make this far more reinforcing for him than his previous choice of behaviour.
You will need to ensure everyone’s safety, and break down the intensity of your interactions with the other dog, and his distance from the other dog, while you teach your dog the new behaviour.