Staff Newspaper Column
Critter Corner
Finding a new dog walker or dog daycare
Dear Miss Behavin’: We adopted our dog, Ringo, at the beginning of summer so that we would have time to help him adjust to our home. Do you have any tips on finding a good dog walker or daycare now that summer vacation is coming to an end? First off, congratulations...
Teaching dog to not jump on people
Dear Miss Behavin’: How do I stop my dog from jumping on people when we are out walking? He knows not to jump on us at home, so I don’t know why he jumps on people when we are out walking. This is a very common problem for a lot of dogs. The most common reason is...
Helping newly adopted dog adjust
Dear Miss Behavin’: I adopted my new dog Hank from the shelter this weekend and I’m so happy! The only problem is, he doesn’t seem to be settling into very quickly. How can I help him be more comfortable with us? Congratulations on the new family member! Try not to...
Does my dog want a dog friend?
Dear Miss Behavin’: We are out of the house often, and thought it would be nice to get a doggie friend for our Poodle, Terry, to keep him company. How do we go about finding him the right pal? While it may seem obvious, a good place to start is to consider whether or...
Helping cat adjusting to being indoor only
Dear Miss Behavin’: I recently moved and my indoor/outdoor cat is now indoor only. He’s been swatting and playing rough with me lately and I don’t know what to do. Help! It sounds like your cat might be getting agitated now from being indoors only and not having the...
Reducing 4th of July fireworks stress for your dog
Dear Miss Behavin’: We are having a barbeque for the 4th of July and want to know what steps to take to keep our dog safe throughout the day? The 4th of July can be a scary day for a lot of our pets. I’m glad to see you are planning ahead and want to make sure your...
Finding the perfect dog for your lifestyle
Dear Miss Behavin’: Our kids have been begging for a dog, and we’ve finally decided it’s a good time. This will be our first dog, how do we find the perfect match? Once you’ve decided to start the search for the right dog for you, there are lots of factors to...
Overstimulated Cat
Dear Miss Behavin’: My cat Felix has been biting and scratching me a lot lately, and I think it’s from overstimulation. Would getting a second cat help? Although getting a second cat might seem like a good way for Felix to have a playmate, it can also make things...
Activities to do with your dog when it’s too hot outside
Dear Miss Behavin’: I don’t want my dogs to overdo it in the heat this week. What are some things they can do that are fun but safe on hot days? Kudos for being mindful of your dog’s well-being in the heat! It’s easy for dogs to overdo it on hot days. There are a...
Tips on dealing with excited puppy who accidentally piddles
Dear Miss Behavin’: My six month old puppy Josie is getting used to being alone for short periods, and all is going well, but sometimes when I come back, she runs right up to me and piddles at me feet. Why is this happening? It sounds like Josie is simply so excited...