‹Better pets

Solutions to four sticky situations you may come across

1

A DOG OFF LEASH APPROACHES YOU Watch the dog’s body language. If the tail is high, the dog’s mouth is pursed or she seems stiff, those are signs the dog is stressed and might bite. Stay calm, don’t yell, and try to position yourself behind a barrier like a parked car. If you’re a pet parent, always keep your dog leashed in public unless you’re in a designated off-leash area.

2

YOUR FRIEND’S DOG JUMPS ON YOU WHEN YOU VISIT

Don’t greet or pet the dog until she has all four paws on the ground. Giving any attention to the dog when she jumps on you reinforces the behaviour. Try refocusing the dog’s attention by asking her to sit and not acknowledging her until she does. Crouching to the dog’s level when you greet her can also help reduce the likelihood of jumping.

3

NEIGHBOUR’S CAT POUNCES ON BIRDS

AT YOUR FEEDERS

Your best bet is to try and make the feeder less accessible to the cat. Place feeders and birdbaths 3–10m away from possible cat hiding spots (under bushes, porches and decks). If necessary, replace feeders with beds of native plants; they won’t attract a high concentration of birds to one spot so are less likely to catch the cat’s attention.

4

UNWELCOME GIFTS IN YOUR GARDEN

Don’t assume the worst. The owner may have forgotten or run out of poop bags. If you see it happening, politely ask if they need a poop bag. Put up a friendly sign (and even attach bags) to remind owners to pick up after their dog.

Dogs are the leaders of the planet. If you see two life forms, one of them is making a poop, the other one’s carrying it for him, who would you assume is in charge? JERRY SEINFELD

Make sure your dog is fitted with an appropriate collar.