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Karen Wild, Author at PawPrintPets

PawPrintPets

Making You & Your Dog Happier

How to keep your cat happy

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A lot of us have super friendly cats – when they want to be. They enjoy fuss on their own terms. Some are all over us and can’t cope when we decide we want to sleep, racing around the house and peering into our snoozing faces. How can we make sure those cats are kept happy so that behaviour issues don’t develop?

A stressed cat will show it by toileting out of their tray, spraying up furniture, hiding, fighting with other cats, and sleeping a great deal (more than you even thought possible). They hide so many signs that often when I am called in to help, the problem has become so big that it takes a long time to help resolve.

Helping a cat with issues doesn’t always have to cost you time and energy. If cats don’t get along in the house, you can do a lot to help them. Cats like places to get up and away from each other, and often will prefer coming and going through separate exits of the home, or at different times. With a bit of planning, you can help each cat to have their own space, because location is very important to cats. And, surprise surprise, they don’t like to share very often.

To help cats get away from each other, cat multiplay towers are ideal, but a simple shelf can suffice. Some of us purchase beautiful wooden ones that are a piece of furniture in themselves. After all, it will be in our home! Any climbing tower, complete with scratching posts, swings, holes to hide in and platforms to look down from, give a fantastic use of the aerial space cats often occupy when free to roam outdoors compared to our ground-level rooms. Don’t be put off if your cat isn’t interested straightaway. Any new addition to a home is likely to be treated with suspicion, so give it time. If after about six weeks, they still aren’t keen, try it in a new place because it’s most likely the cats don’t like the exposure in that particular location.

Cats can compete for food or water bowls, so purchasing one set of bowls per cat, plus one, is an excellent tactic. When placed in different rooms, these allow cats to occupy their own food station territory to resolve squabbles. Additional, large litter trays encourage a cat to choose these more readily. Some cats prefer lidded trays, so that they can perform in peace away from other cats’ prying eyes. And don’t place litter trays next to feeding stations; many cats are understandably particular about eating dinner next to the toilet!

Yes, cats are known to be inscrutable, but their behaviour tell us more about them than we often think. Did you know that if your cat is wagging her tail at you that is not a good sign? (She’s angry.) Or what it means if her pupils are dilated? (She’s scared.) Or if she’s kneading your leg? (She s showing appreciation.) Getting straight to the point, The Purrfect Guide to Thinking like a Cat doesn’t waste time on lengthy and complicated explanations that you will never finish reading let alone put into practice. Instead, in brief instructions the book explains how to understand your cat s behaviour and how you can adapt your own behaviour to make the most of your relationship. 

Make sure your cat is happy

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Are you a cat person or a dog person? The nice thing is, you don’t need to pick one or the other to love. We love animals, no matter what species. It’s just that dogs are more involved with our lives a lot of the time, and cats come and go as they please. So this means cats are all fine, aren’t they?

The quick answer to this is – no, they aren’t, and we miss the signs because cats don’t make it obvious! Cats do not have the same number of facial muscles as dogs, largely because they probably haven’t needed us to communicate with in quite the same way as dogs. They are a fascinating and lovely species, so let’s learn more about them.

Cats can and do suffer myriad behaviour problems, often without obvious complaint. Their problems appear quietly, with a range of initially annoying but easy to ignore issues such as the occasional spat with a neighbourhood cat, or scratching the furniture now and again. However, these issues can develop into more obvious signals that all is not well; spraying urine indoors, toileting in the bath, or leaving for good.

The saddest thing about stress and behaviour problems in cats is that many problems can be easily resolved by us owners making the right choices for them for toys, companionship and exercise – it goes far beyond them turning their noses up at the bowl of tasty dinner that you presented.

What kinds of things do cats not always cope well with? Well, a key one that people do not realise is that many cats do not like to be in multiple cat households. They do not always like to share their space with other cats (and sometimes aren’t keen on humans being around either). Never feel like your cat needs a companion just because they are an ‘only’ cat. In a multiple cat household, many cats in one home territory cause stress-related issues such as spraying, inappropriate toileting, as well as aggression.

How about cat toys? Well, they need to move in a certain way, and to make sure your hands are out of reach! Fishing rod toys, have a long rod to protect hands and prevent cats learning that human hands are to be grabbed or scratched.

Even for older cats, scratching posts, toys, and boxes can attract them away from testing out their claws and scent marks on furniture and wallpaper. 

To make toys more interesting and to guarantee you know what’s inside, a refill tub of catnip can be obtained separately. Just visit your local pet shop (call first to check their Covid safety regulations!) and you can choose from a wide selection.

Next week we will look at more ways to help your cat, so stay ready to pounce on the next column! 

Yes, cats are known to be inscrutable, but their behaviour tell us more about them than we often think. Did you know that if your cat is wagging her tail at you that is not a good sign? (She’s angry.) Or what it means if her pupils are dilated? (She’s scared.) Or if she’s kneading your leg? (She s showing appreciation.) Getting straight to the point, The Purrfect Guide to Thinking like a Cat doesn’t waste time on lengthy and complicated explanations that you will never finish reading let alone put into practice. Instead, in brief instructions the book explains how to understand your cat s behaviour and how you can adapt your own behaviour to make the most of your relationship. 

Thinking of getting a pup?

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House of Fraser’s tweet which does NOT give us the right idea of what owning a dog is like nor should be either. Saddening really.

If you are still tempted, before you read on, can I suggest you think again. Getting a puppy during lockdown is likely to lead to big changes when we are finally free from restrictions. You will be back into a routine – working, school, social time… if you don’t think this affects you, think again.

Puppies are expensive

Puppies are very expensive. At the moment they cost three times what they did before the pandemic. There is reduced supply of quality litters, meaning that you’ll most likely fund a puppy farm or opportunistic amateur. It’s the equivalent of buying an old banger car from a layby without any chance to test drive, that costs three times as much but you pay it just because you are in a rush and the kids are moaning.

A new puppy needs planning, care and attention. From finding a puppy training class, to pet insurance, when and how to toilet train… the non-stop whirlwind of a new puppy starts even before you bring your puppy home. 

Puppies need huge amounts of care

Finding a good breeder is crucial, as is checking for health problems, and finding a decent insurer. See the puppy with its mother – no excuses. It is otherwise likely to be stolen or shipped from a puppy farm. Register with a Vet and be ready for regular health checks, vaccinations, and preventive treatments – worming, fleas, ticks and other disease all needs to be looked out for.

Puppies are hard work, so time is a huge cost too. Can you guarantee you will be around for at least the next three years making sure your dog is not left alone for more than a few hours a day? I don’t mean several times a day. No more than 3-4 hours per day absolute maximum and not every day either.

Surely you’d like to be the owner that says ‘We knew what to expect’ than the ones that say ‘We can’t look after him/her properly’ as you hand them over on Gumtree.

Pups need training, groomers, dog walkers and day care

Think about who will look after the puppy, and make sure you have contacted a groomer, a registered, qualified puppy trainer (positive reward-based methods), dog walker and dog day care too. If you can’t afford them – don’t get a puppy.

Aim to get a puppy at around 8-9 weeks of age (no earlier, no later – it can cause big issues). A rescue dog is often a better choice. Centres are filled with dogs who, through no fault of their own, need somewhere to live. I am sure their original owners all decided a puppy was right for them at some point. Life has a way of catching up with us and rescue centre dogs need decent homes. Do contact our local ones – you could get a wonderful dog that’s absolutely right for you.

Need the very best advice on how to care for your dog? Why not get Karen’s book ‘Being a dog’ which helps you see the world from your dog’s point of view!

How can I get the best care for my pet?

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Whether we are looking for a dog trainers, pet sitters, dog walker, boarding or kennels, we naturally want the very highest level of care. How can we find the right people? How can we ask the right questions?

Find a decent dog trainer

All dogs will need training, and puppy socialisation (where lockdown allows of course). Dog training helps with walking your dog so that they do not pull on their lead. It makes sure they get along with other dogs and people. Also, it teaches you how to help them to learn the rules of the human household.

Even before you get your dog, research locally for an ABTC-registered trainer. Act now – get their space booked. Would you want to employ someone who might take shortcuts over caring for your dog?

Anyone charging money as a trainer should have proper (not just any) letters after the name. You could get an ABTC-registered person with practical – not distance learning – qualifications in all the aspects of animal behaviour that they promise to work. In today’s times there is no reason why a trainer or behaviourist would not want to get the appropriate ABTC registration if they profess to truly care for animals. 

Pet sitting and care

Pet sitting, day care and dog boarding kennels are next. What will happen to your dog when you are busy, or away? It is nice to ask family, but a professional is always best. They work with animals all day, are fully insured, and there are more than one available. A team of pet sitters will not suddenly let you down. They have qualifications in pet care and pet first aid should any emergency arise.

Day care for dogs is a relatively recent pet care service. Always check that they are council licensed and insured. Day care can also give your dog the chance to play with other dogs, so they will always come back tired and happy.

A pet sitter on the other hand often comes to visit or even live in your home! This can be the nicest thing for your dog with minimal distruption, especially if you have lots of animals.

Dog walkers are so helpful!

Dog walking services vary widely. Some dog walkers will collect up a few dogs and take them for a sociable walk together. This is usually in an enclosed space where they can be safe to roam and play. Others will do individual walks, perhaps for dogs that do not get along with others. They may help with other exercise needs that require specific attention. Dog walking provides companionship as well as exercise. At the end of your long day, you can rest in the happy knowledge that your dog has had a busy, fun day too.

Need the very best advice on how to care for your dog? Why not get Karen’s book ‘Being a dog’ which helps you see the world from your dog’s point of view!

Meeting people on walks with your dog

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Meeting strangers on walks? How to keep your dog calm.

Out on walks at the moment we are meeting so many new people (from a distance of course), and so many of them comment on our little dogs as we go. Dogs are a great conversation enabler, and of course lockdown means we need our daily exercise, close to home. So, the world is out, walking.

Our dogs get used to friends and family, but can sometimes feel unnerved when meeting new people. Here are my tips to help your puppy or adult dog feel more comfortable in the presence of new folks. 

Please don’t touch my dog

First of all, your dog should not be touched or greeted by anyone not in your household presently, since it usually means you will be too close to those people. Keeping your dog on lead is very important since if anything goes wrong, again, you will need to get too close to someone not from your household. 

It’s essential that you take good hygiene measures, so if you have to touch another dog, wash your hands and use sanitizer afterwards too. 

And it’s not just strangers on walks! A first time visit to the Vet, pet sitter or groomer, and visitors to your home (when finally allowed again) all need to be welcomed by a happy, calm dog.

How to introduce your dog properly

Safe dog introductions to new people are achieved with thorough, gradual training using rewards such as food or toys. Good puppy training habits, starting early with dog-dog socialization and getting used to the presence of visitors are all essentials. From an early age, your puppy needs to spend most days meeting new people and dogs. 

First impressions count! Meeting new people can be overwhelming. You can help your dog to feel more comfortable by introducing a calm, trained behaviour such as teaching the dog to come to you for positive reinforcement such as a food treat. Always reward your dog in the presence of visitors, asking the dog for a simple ‘sit’ so that you can prevent the dog from jumping up, too (keeping your dog on a leash will help control over-exuberant greetings at this stage).

What dog body language is best?

A wagging tail is not necessarily a sign that a dog is feeling relaxed or happy. It could be that the dog is worried and agitated, their tail thrashing around uncertainly.

Pay close attention to your dog’s body language. Are their ears pulled tightly back? Are their eyes are showing some of the whites around the edges? Is their head is lowered or they are turning their head away (or moving away)? If so, let the dog retreat and calm down. Your dog needs you to look out for them – so do this every time they see another person.

Want to learn more about your dog, their behaviour and how they see the world? Why not get ‘Being a Dog’, my book all about the latest in scientific research on dog behaviour – uniquely written from the dog’s perspective! Click on the above image to find out more!