My dog acts quite noisy during meal times, always barking for more food even when I try to feed her. This behavior persists during dinner parties as well, even after moving her to a different room. Any advice on how to handle this?
– Vivian, Hazel Crest, Illinois
This behavior is not common and can be challenging to address. Here are some suggestions:
Start by teaching your dog the “quiet” command. When she barks, use a calm and firm voice to say “quiet” and reward her with a treat when she stops barking, even momentarily. Consistency is crucial, so ensure everyone in the household follows the same command and reward system.
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Keep treats handy and practice the “quiet” command throughout the day. Gradually acclimate her to your eating habits by starting with small snacks and rewarding her for each moment of quietness. Increase the duration and complexity of the meals gradually.
Provide engaging toys or chew items during mealtime, such as puzzle toys with treats or special chew toys reserved for meal times. These distractions can also be useful when she needs to be in a different room.
For example, a Kong Wobbler is a toy that dispenses treats when pushed, keeping her occupied. Feeding her at the same time you eat can also help her associate mealtime with her own food rather than barking for yours.
Ensure she receives enough physical and mental exercise throughout the day to reduce attention-seeking barking. Avoid reinforcing the behavior by not feeding her from your plate when she barks. Only reward her when she is quiet.
If the behavior persists, consider consulting a professional dog trainer or behaviorist for personalized advice. With consistent training and positive reinforcement, you can reduce her barking during meals.
My daughter’s seven-year-old male cat suddenly started spraying a year ago, causing destruction and stress. Despite trying different food and litter options, nothing has helped. Any suggestions to address this issue?
– Carol, Greenport, New York
Since there are no health issues or environmental changes related to the cat’s behavior, neutering is a common step to reduce territorial marking. Assuming the cat is neutered, here are some additional suggestions:
Limit the cat’s exposure to outdoor cats by closing windows and blinds or using deterrents to keep them away. Pheromone products, vertical spaces, and environmental enrichment through toys and playtime can also help reduce marking behavior caused by boredom and stress.
These strategies, along with calming supplements or medications, can alleviate anxiety and reduce territorial marking. Encourage trying different approaches to see what works best for the cat.
(Cathy M. Rosenthal is a veteran animal advocate and pet expert with over 25 years of experience in animal welfare. Send your pet questions and stories to cathy@petpundit.com. Don’t forget to include your name, city, and state. Follow her on @cathymrosenthal.)
