ArcaMax

Dear Cathy,

Our Harry is a four-year-old Labradoodle. He is smart, loving, and generally well-behaved as in following basic commands like sit, stay, down, and heel. My husband has even taught him to "speak." We adore our Harry, but there is one problem that has always bothered us.

He is too friendly and demanding of attention from people who visit our home. When we have someone visit, or when we encounter another person walking, Harry is persistent in begging for attention. He bumps their hands repeatedly wanting them to pet him. We ask him to sit, but he does so only until we resume the conversation then is back to pestering the guest for attention. Any advice?

— Mary, Elkhorn, Nebraska

Dear Mary,

While it’s great that Harry loves people, teaching him better manners when greeting visitors will help everyone enjoy his company more. Since Harry already knows basic commands like "sit," you can build on that by teaching him a “place” command.

This means designating a mat, spot in the room, or an open kennel where he goes when guests arrive. Each time someone visits, guide him to his place and reward him for staying there. Give him treats and something to do, like play with a chew toy or a treat-stuffed puzzle, so he learns that calm behavior earns rewards. If he gets up and starts nudging for attention, simply redirect him back to his place.

It’s also important that guests help reinforce polite behavior. Right now, Harry has learned that if he nudges enough, someone will eventually pet him. Instead, instruct guests to ignore him when he demands attention. No eye contact, no petting, and no talking to him when he’s being pushy. As soon as he settles down, they can acknowledge him with brief attention. If he starts up again, the attention should stop. Over time, he’ll learn that staying calm is what gets him what he wants.

Practicing short, controlled greeting sessions with friends or family can help, too. Have them enter the home, greet Harry calmly, and then step away if he becomes too persistent. If he sits quietly, they can offer him some attention, but only in small doses so he doesn’t get too excited.

Since Harry’s excitement may stem from extra energy, make sure he gets plenty of exercise before guests arrive. A tired dog is usually a calmer dog. Taking him for a walk or engaging in a game of fetch beforehand can help him settle more easily.

Keep training sessions positive, and before long, he’ll learn to greet guests politely before settling down and doing his own thing.

Dear Cathy,

You recently recommended a ThunderShirt® for anxious cats in The Daily Southtown, but didn’t specify how long it should be worn. Some readers may think it’s meant for all-day use. Grooming is essential to cats, and being unable to keep clean would be upsetting to most. Can you suggest a recommended time frame?

— Linda, Evergreen Park, Illinois

Dear Linda,

You’re right; grooming is essential to a cat’s well-being, so a ThunderShirt® or Anxiety Wrap® should not be worn all the time. Ideally, it should only be used during stressful situations, such as thunderstorms, fireworks, or vet visits.

When introducing anxiety clothing initially, it’s best to limit it to 10 to 15 minutes. For stress-inducing events, a cat can wear it for one to two hours at a time, but it should always be removed afterward to allow them to groom and move freely.

If using it for ongoing anxiety, limit wear to two to three hours at a time, as most cats will want to groom within that period. In some cases, cats may tolerate wearing it longer or overnight, but only if they remain comfortable and can perform their usual activities without issue. If a cat shows signs of distress, difficulty moving, or frustration at the garment, remove it immediately.

Thanks for giving me the chance to clarify this for readers.

Dear Cathy,

Regarding a recent question from Laura of Naples, Florida about the Labradoodle who likes to go into the bathroom garbage pail, she should never toss dental floss in there. I once knew a dental hygienist whose dog died after ingesting floss that tangled around his intestines.

– Donna, Northport, New York

Dear Donna,

Thank you for sharing this important reminder. Floss, string, and even sewing thread can cause life-threatening blockages for our pets if swallowed. Our pets can be surprisingly determined when it comes to getting into the trash, so putting dangerous trash in an out of reach place is essential. Thanks for speaking up. Your message may help another pet parent avoid a tragic accident.

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(Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to cathy@petpundit.com. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal.)

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