ArcaMax

Dear Cathy,

I have a little beagle that someone just dropped about a year ago. She is the sweetest dog but has gotten fat. She has gotten terrible about taking food out of your hand, jumping up to the table to get food, and taking food out of the refrigerator. She went through obedience training and did well. This food thing started within the last two months. What can I do to break her of these habits?

— Patricia, Roanoke, Virginia

Dear Patricia,

To begin, I would reinforce her obedience training, focusing on commands like “leave it” and “off.” Work on these commands every day, several times a day, for five minutes at a time. She must learn to listen to your requests to leave food alone.

Consistency is key when it comes to begging — avoid feeding her from the table (or whenever you are eating) and ensure everyone in the household follows this rule. Offer her a chew or a puzzle toy to keep her occupied during mealtimes. Reward her for sitting calmly away from the table during meals, but do not do so while at or from the table. Wait until everyone leaves the table to walk over and give her special praise or a treat.

Next, maintain a consistent feeding schedule with measured portions to reduce her urge to scavenge. Consider incorporating specially formulated “light” or “weight management” dog foods into her diet. These foods are designed to reduce caloric intake while increasing satiety, helping your dog feel full without consuming extra calories. Make sure to keep food out of reach by securing the refrigerator and clearing tables and counters when she’s around.

Increasing her physical exercise can also help with weight management and reduce her focus on food. Mental stimulation is equally important. Puzzle toys or treat-dispensing toys, like a Kong Wobbler, can satisfy her instinct to forage while keeping her engaged. Feed her meals in the Wobbler so she must work for her food a little bit.

If these behaviors persist, consult with your vet to rule out any underlying health issues, like thyroid problems, which could increase her appetite.

Dear Cathy,

My cat is the sweetest. The problem is that he confines himself to two rooms on my second floor. He is scared to death to stay on the first floor. I have brought him downstairs quite a few times, but as soon as I put him down, he races back upstairs. Is there anything I could do to alleviate his fear?

— Myles, Baltimore, Maryland

Dear Myles,

To make your cat feel more comfortable, place feline pheromone diffusers around the house, particularly in the room where you want her to feel most at ease. These diffusers release calming scents that are undetectable to us but can help reduce anxiety in cats. You might also consider getting her a pheromone collar or adding calming treats (available at pet stores) to her food.

Next, create multiple hiding spots throughout the house, like cave beds or cardboard boxes, so she has safe spaces to run to if she gets scared while exploring. Cats can feel overwhelmed in open spaces, so having these hiding spots will help her feel more secure as she gradually gets used to her environment.

When all this is ready, there are several ways to get her downstairs. One is to bring her downstairs and place her in one of her cozy beds. Talk to her and pet her while she’s there, and then take her back upstairs afterward so she doesn’t feel scared. You might also consider placing her in a dog kennel with a cave-like bed in your main room. This allows her to get used to being around you and your family without feeling overwhelmed. Cover it on top and three sides so, again, she feels safer. While she’s in the kennel, gently interact with her by talking to her and petting her for short periods.

Another way is to coax her downstairs with wet food or a favorite toy that she can chase. Start with her upstairs, then move to the third or fourth step and play with her there. Gradually move down a step each day so she follows you and the toy down the stairs without realizing it.

It may take weeks to get her to play at the bottom of the steps, so don’t get discouraged. Cats, especially those with anxiety or past trauma, need time to adjust to their new environments. It’s important to give her the time she needs to feel secure while at the same time slowly introducing her to new experiences.

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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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