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…
Recently my six-year-old Bichon Frise has stopped answering my commands – particularly if there are distractions around. How can I get her to respond?
First, get a vet to determine whether she is suffering from any form of sensory deprivation. If she is given the all-clear, look at what sort of distractions are making her unresponsive and whether she might be feeling worried. Has anything happened that has made her feel she needs to remain focused on particular things for her own safety?
I’ve got a four-year-old Hungarian Vizsla. On our walks we often encounter horses, and he’s terrified of them and barks uncontrollably. How can I stop this?
Instead of concentrating on stopping the behaviour, think about how you can change his emotional response. If he isn’t frightened of them, he won’t bark. Work out how you can ‘dilute’ exposure to horses and associate them at a low level, where he does not show a fear response, with something he loves. For example, you could place a cloth with the scent of a horse under your dog’s food bowl at each mealtime so your dog starts off forming a positive association with the smell of a horse. I would recommend working alongside a Clinical Behaviourist to progress through a programme – find your nearest at apbc.org.uk
My cat never purrs. Is she unhappy?
Not necessarily – some cats don’t, and some can also purr when they are in pain. I would be looking at other body language signs of relaxation or stress. Signs of a happy cat include facial rubbing against you or around the house, tail up with a hook at the end, and blinking/squinting. Signs of stress can include hiding excessively, dilated pupils, running away from things, walking very slowly and cautiously with low body posture, and hissing, growling or swiping.
Our four-year-old Jack Russell is very sensitive to noise. We’ve tried anxiety coats and medicine, but neither have worked. Any ideas?
Firstly get your dog checked over by your vet – there is a link between dogs with noise sensitivity and pain. Creating a comfortable den area somewhere your dog might typically choose to hide, and plugging in an Adaptil diffuser as close to it as possible will help your dog to relax. Provide chews, stuffed Kongs or LickiMats and sprinkle food in the bedding – all activities which induce endorphins that make the dog feel good. Whenever your dog reacts to a loud noise, immediately produce a toy or tasty treat and create any sort of game with it – this should help your dog to form a positive association with noises. If your dog is sensitive to everyday noises, ask your vet to refer you to a Clinical or Veterinary Behaviourist for a structured behaviour modification programme.