Pets Bad habits be gone!
Aanimalil bbehaviouristhiit DR KATE MORNEMENT unpacks your loyal companion’s bad habits
Whl hile most of f us l love our pets like family members, they can test our patience at times with disobedient or even destructive behaviour. But it’s important not to dismiss their naughtiness as something “pets just do” – there’s usually an explanation and resolution, says animal behaviourist Dr Kate Mornement, who runs Pets Behaving Badly in Melbourne.
YOUR DOG JUMPS UP ON VISITORS WHAT IT MEANS
“Jumping up is a very common unwanted behaviour. Why do dogs continue to do so, even when you say, ‘Off!’ or push them away? They enjoy interacting with us, and the behaviour may have been rewarded in the past. Any chance to get close and sniff you and your guests outweighs being told off for them.”
HOW TO FIX IT
“Teach your dog that sitting, or ‘four paws on the floor’ is way more rewarding than jumping up. Completely ignore your dog when w it jumps by turning your back b and avoiding eye contact. As A soon as it stops, reward the good g behaviour with attention and a treats. With repetition and consistency, c your dog will sit or o stand for greetings.”
Y YOUR CAT IS TOILETING WHAT O OUTSIDE IT MEANS ITS LITTER TRAY
“Cats “can stop using a litter tray for fo several reasons: fear, anxiety, territorial te behaviour or a lack of training. tr Sometimes the cause can c even be a health issue, so take ta your cat to the vet for a check-up to treat them or rule it out. The problem is common after changes to the cat’s normal routine, such as moving house, and in multi-cat households, where they compete for access to resources.”
HOW TO FIX IT
“Cats are highly territorial by nature and spraying is a normal behaviour. When confined to our homes, this becomes a big problem. Try to provide your cat with high places, a clean litter tray, toys, scratch posts and access to safe outdoor space.”
YOUR PARROT IS SCREECHING WHAT IT MEANS
“Loud vocalisation is common across many species kept as pets. Some develop a habit of screeching, which can be hard to live with. This behaviour can be linked to separation anxiety – pet parrots form a strong attachment with their owner.”
HOW TO FIX IT
“Spending lots of time with your parrot and giving them time out of the cage for exercise is key, as is working on rewarding quiet behaviour or desirable vocals.”
YOUR DOG IS BARKING EXCESSIVELY WHAT IT MEANS
“It can be linked to several issues, including boredom, separation anxiety and territorial behaviour. All dogs bark now and again, but when it becomes excessive it needs to be addressed. If you suspect your dog has separation anxiety, work with a qualified behaviourist to teach them how to cope. If your neighbours complain, give your dog lots of treats and puzzle toys.”
HOW TO FIX IT
“Don’t reward this behaviour with attention or anything else the dog wants, for example, allowing them inside. Instead, be mindful to reward your dog for quiet behaviour. This will teach that quiet behaviour is much more appreciated.”
YOUR CAT IS SCRATCHING FURNITURE WHAT IT MEANS
“Although scratched furniture can look unsightly, scratching is a normal behaviour for cats. It keeps their claws in good condition and it’s a form of scent marking – cats have scent glands in their paws.”
HOW TO FIX IT
“Provide them with an appropriate outlet for scratching, such as a large scratch post. Reward them with attention and treats for scratching on the post instead of furniture.”