Angie Cremeen
Angie’s Pet Perfect Dog Training
Q. My dog only gets on the furniture when we are not home, how can I stop him from doing this?
A.
Dogs are quick to learn when they can get away with things and when the owner is away, there is no better time. An easy fix is to stack anything on the furniture that prevents the dog from being able to get on it comfortably. This is also one of the most effective methods because often times just preventing them from doing the behavior creates a new one of choosing a new place for their afternoon naps. There are also a few products you can buy at your local pet store that can help with this behavior as well. You can get repellents, Slapy Trainers, or a Scat Mat to keep them from getting on an area. Repellents have a smell that is annoying to your dog and the Slapy Trainer and Scat Mat work as startle aids. From my experience, the Slapy Trainer works best on smaller dogs that tend to be on the timid side. The Scat Mat; although pricey, is guaranteed to work on the most stubborn of dogs. Providing your dog with his or her own bed can be a plus as well. Work on some obedience by putting your dog on their bed and having them stay there while you watch TV at night. Giving them a favorite nap place will give them a place to lie that will become acceptable to the both of you. Good luck and good training!
Questions for Angie can be sent directly to her at:
Angie’s Pet Perfect Dog Training
(916) 722-0150 or petperfect@netzero.com
Jennifer Tousseau
Feathers And Scales
Hello Parrot Friends! I have been invited to join the Pet Gazette team as its Parrot Expert. I am excited about this opportunity and look forward to sharing my experience and knowledge with you. First, a little about me. My formal training comes in the form of an Exotic Animal Training and Management degree with a specialization in Wildlife Education. My true expertise, however, is based in the over 13 years of hands-on experience working with parrots, and other birds, in zoos, bird shows, wildlife centers, and rescue organizations. I have also had the pleasure of getting to know several parrots through pet-sitting and in home parrot behavior consultations. Currently I provide pet-sitting, bird boarding, and private parrot behavior and training consultations through Feathers and Scales Pet Services. Of course I also share my home with several birds. The ruler of our roost is Stubby the wise, old, partially blind, and arthritic Red-Lored Amazon. An outdoor aviary is home for all of our rescued budgies and cockatiels. Many other parrots, from budgies to cockatoos and macaws, have passed through our home in foster care on their journey to their new and permanent families. I find parrots to be amazing creatures that are intelligent, adaptable, and have the ability to charm their way into a family as friends and delightful companions. I also know that the same charm and intelligence that makes parrots so appealing can challenge even the most experienced and knowledgeable of parrot owners. I will be using this column to help you, the current and potential parrot owner, with information and answers to your questions regarding anything from basic care to the complexities of parrot behavior.
Jennifer can be contacted through
www.feathersandscales.com or at
Jennifer@feathersandscales.com.
