Staff Newspaper Columns
Ken White’s Column
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Critter Corner
Dog chewing on leash
Dear Miss Behavin’: My dog Sparky has picked up a new habit of chewing on the leash at the beginning of our walks. He tends to settle after some time, but I worry he’ll chew through his leash and get loose. How can we avoid this entirely? If Sparky is only chomping on...
Older cat going outside of the litterbox
Dear Miss Behavin’: My older male cat has been peeing just outside the litter box. He’s been to the vet and doesn’t have a UTI, what else could be the issue? When cats, especially senior cats, start to have litterbox issues, it isn’t always due to a urinary or bladder...
Easing tensions with your dog and dog guests during the holidays
Dear Miss Behavin’: My son will be home for an extended visit over the holidays and he’ll be bringing his dog, Angus, with him. Angus and our family dog have met a few times, but haven’t hit it off. How can we help them enjoy one another more? With the added...
Overcoming fear of the harness
Dear Miss Behavin’: Last week my husband accidentally pinched our dog Pip when buckling his harness to go out for a walk. Now poor Pip runs away each time we pull out the harness! How do we help him overcome his newfound fear? First of all, let’s talk prevention. When...
Helping reduce stress in cats when you’re away
Dear Miss Behavin’: I have a business trip planned in a few weeks and my cats usually get stressed when I’m gone, even with a pet-sitter. How can I help them to be more comfortable when I’m away? Any type of change in the home, whether leaving for a trip, moving to a...
Dealing with potty accidents
Dear Miss Behavin’: Our two year old Dalmatian mix, Freya, recently had a few potty accidents in the house. We think it happened at night and while we were gone during the day. I know we aren’t supposed to smear her face in it, but what other tips are there for a...
Calming a dog on edge during walks
Dear Miss Behavin’: My dog, Rocket, used to love going for walks, but recently got spooked by a noisy garbage truck and now seems on edge every time we go out. How do we tire him out without stressing him out? The last part of your question is key— avoid stressing him...
Re-directing cat’s scratching on furniture and walls
Dear Miss Behavin’: I adopted a cat about a week ago, and it’s already clawing at my furniture and scratching up the walls. Help! Congrats on the new kitty, but my apologies at the fun it’s having at the expense of your home. Cat’s scratching their claws is quite a...
Variety of activity options for dog
Dear Miss Behavin’: Our young Bulldog, Biscuit, has tons of energy but very little physical stamina and he overheats easily. We can’t take him running or hiking nor can he play fetch. Are there any suggestions for tiring him out? We all know that a tired dog is...
How to handle selective listening with your dog
Dear Miss Behavin, We’ve taught our dog, Sandy, all of her basic commands ourselves. We practice at home nearly every day, and she always impresses. When we take her downtown, though, it’s like she decides to ignore us. How do we turn her selective listening into...