Staff Newspaper Column
Critter Corner
Protecting and Calming Your Dog on the 4th of July
Dear Critter Corner: We have a new pup in our home and are concerned about the upcoming 4th of July holiday and how our pup will react to the fireworks. What are some steps we can take to ensure a safe and stress-free holiday for our pup? The 4th of July can be a...
Our Dog Gets Distracted and Barks When We’re Out
Dear Critter Corner: Our pup tends to bark at things when we are out and about, especially when they stare at something for too long. We have been working to get more focus and attention from them in this setting but are struggling. Do you have any tips for building...
My Dog Barks at Every Noise
Dear Critter Corner: My dog barks at every noise in the hallway outside our apartment. My neighbors are patient and understanding, but I'd love to help him bark less. Do you have any suggestions? Barking at noises around the home is a normal canine behavior. Dogs are...
Teaching Bite Inhibition to a Puppy
Dear Critter Corner: We’ve had our puppy for a few weeks, and she has become very mouthy (or “bitey”). What can we do to stop her from being so mouthy? Puppies explore the world with their mouths. Nipping, chewing, and grabbing are common behaviors, especially during...
Training Classes for Dogs
Dear Critter Corner: We have done basic obedience classes with our pup and have had a lot of fun. We are looking to do more. Can you give recommendations on the types of classes that are out there and what they focus on? There are many types of training classes out...
Cat Gets the Zoomies Right Before Bed
Dear Critter Corner: My cat gets the zoomies right before bed. She sprints around the house and even climbs up my bedroom door. What can I do to help her settle down? It sounds like your kitty might have some pent-up energy that she needs to get out, and she ends up...
Choosing a Cat or Kitten to Adopt
Dear Critter Corner: My partner and I have finally agreed that now would be a good time to expand our family due to a change in our work schedules. Since my job has now switched to fully remote, I am available to do more hands-on work with the kitten or cat that I end...
Pup Doesn’t Like His Harness
Dear Critter Corner: We’ve noticed that our pup has started to run from us when we are getting ready to put his harness on to go for a walk. We have to chase him around the house and almost corner him to put the harness on. Do you have any tips for us to make this...
Stray Cats at Our Patio Door
Dear Critter Corner: There are a few stray cats in my neighborhood that seem friendly, but my cat has been standing at the sliding glass door hissing and growling at them. What should I do to help her? It sounds like your cat might be getting a little territorial...
Should You Trim Your Cat’s Hair?
Dear Critter Corner: It’s getting warmer where I live and I’m not sure if I should trim my medium cat’s hair to help her stay cool. Any ideas? Summer is here and it’s starting to warm up around the Bay Area. It’s a good time to start preparing for the hotter summer...