Staff Newspaper Column
Critter Corner
Introducing a kitten to a dog
Dear Miss Behavin’: We have an exuberant eight month old puppy and are considering bringing home a kitten. What are some tips on choosing our kitten and introducing it to the dog? It’s a good idea to start this process while both the kitten and puppy are young! Even...
Helping puppy to slow down when eating
Dear Miss Behavin’: Our new puppy, Theo, is so much fun and a voracious eater! Recently, he ate his meal so quickly, it came right back up. What can we do to help him slow down? New puppies are always full of fun surprises! A hearty appetite is a good thing, but will...
Positive muzzle training
Dear Miss Behavin’: We were told by our vet at our dogs last visit that he was very nervous and they needed to muzzle him. Is there anything we can do so that his future visits are not so stressful for him? What a great question and yes there are a few things you can...
Getting cat used to the carrier
Dear Miss Behavin’: My cat absolutely hates his carrier. Trying to get him inside is a struggle and I’m worried in an emergency I won’t be able to get him inside quickly. What can I do to help him get used to his carrier and let him know it’s a safe spot? The first...
Leash manners
Dear Miss Behavin’: Our dog gets very excited when we go to take him for a walk. He is jumpy and pulling on the leash before we get out the front door and this way for a good portion of the walk, making the walk unpleasant. Is there something we can do so that we...
Pet suggestions for first-time pet owners
Dear Miss Behavin’: My third grade son misses having a small class pet now that we’re distance learning. I’m tempted to oblige but we’ve never had a pet. What type of animal is best for first-timers like us, and what are some factors to consider? The first thing to...
Budgie needs
Dear Miss Behavin’: I really want to get a bird, specifically a budgie. I have done a little research but I’m not sure if I’m ready for a pet bird. What do budgies need to feel comfortable? Birds can be great pets and companions, but they do require a lot of care....
Teaching puppy to not jump on people
Dear Miss Behavin’: Our puppy has been allowed to say hi to the family by jumping up on us. We are now realizing that he will be bigger than what we thought and that he could hurt someone, how do we correct the behavior? Great job on realizing the potential problem...
Adding a second dog to the family
Dear Miss Behavin’: We’ve long been thinking about getting a second dog as a playmate for our young shepherd mix, Donny, and figure now is as good a time as any! Any tips on making sure they are compatible? Though it seems obvious, a good starting point is determining...
Rabbit Enrichment
Dear Miss Behavin’: I recently adopted a rabbit and as a first time rabbit owner I still have a lot to learn. What are some things that I can offer my rabbit to make sure she doesn’t get bored? Sometimes she chews on my furniture and I’m worried I’m not offering her...