Hello everyone!
You might remember that we recently asked you all to submit a question for a Q&A to celebrate The Season of Pet Happiness, with our first of four pet experts, Rob Kuty!
We’re pleased to share some answers to those questions, from both our Forum members, and from our Instagram followers! While we know you’re a curious bunch, we just wanted to mention that Rob won’t be able to pop back and answer any follow-ups on this post… but we hope you enjoy reading what he’s got to say!
If you asked a question on the original post but didn’t get an answer, watch this space, as you just might see it pop up at a later date. 
Let’s kick off with some answers to questions from the Forum, and then we’ll share questions from Instagram. If you don’t already follow us on Instagram you can find us here!
@Val asks “I have a cat who startles easily. If she’s on my lap, and my husband sitting nearby sneezes loudly, she’ll leap off and race away, making as much galloping noise as she can. FWIW, she doesn’t seem to be actually frightened, or maybe she just enjoys being “frightened” like kids enjoy roller coasters and haunted houses. She is completely capable of ignoring loud nearby noises when she’s cozily asleep in some sunny spot and doesn’t want to bother with jumping up and racing away. Honestly it seems like she does this for fun and for performative reasons. Unfortunately every once in a while the leaping off from my lap involves inadvertently catching me with her back claws.”
Rob: From reading your entire question it sounds like your cat makes a game out of the sneezing, and isn’t really startled by sounds in general. Therefore, an easy solution would be having your husband give you a heads up that a sneeze is coming. This way you can to be sure to guide your cat off of your lap during this episode and afterwards resume snuggle time with your feline friend.
@becca asks “Any tips for getting a dog to walk to heel rather than pulling? I’ve done a number of sits where dogs either haven’t been taught to walk nicely alongside, or are just more used to being off-lead and seem to have forgotten anything they might have learnt!”
Rob: Be sure to keep a walk a walk. Don’t stop and interact with other people and dogs as your dog will entice your dog to pull. Also be aware of your leash tension before trying to accomplish a heel. Don’t worry if the dog is a little ahead of you, behind you, left or right of you as long as the leash is loose. Once you can start to accomplish this on a day-to-day basis, then you can start to tap your leg and associate a closer walk next to your ‘heel’.
@stanleysmum asks “Hi Rob! What would you suggest for a dog who LOVES to bark? It’s not just when there’s a knock at the door, it can be when he’s excited too - I don’t mind him being vocal but I’m worried about the neighbours - and tips to redirect his noises into something else? Thanks!”
Rob: Let me start by saying you never want to take the bark out of a dog and I like how you noted that you don’t mind your dog being vocal. With that being said, you can help modify the unwanted barking that pushes the limits. I recommend picking up a cheap, light weight leash and cutting the loop/handle off. Be sure to keep the length of the leash. It is important to note that you would never leave a leash on a dog unattended. Instead of giving your dog attention by either repeating a command, raising your voice, and even chasing after your dog, I recommend using this leash as your guide. When the dog hits the threshold of annoyance barking, you would calmly pick up the leash and redirect your dog away from the source of barking. A dog will never do something for nothing. In time your dog will realize the obnoxious aspect of barking gets no attention from the owner. The dog also gets no attention from the source.
@Mols asks: “Do you have any tips for welcoming a new cat into a home where another cat (7yrs old) already lives? He has been used to living with another cat for the majority of his life but it’s been a little while since there’s been another cat in the house.”
Rob: Even though the resident cat has lived with a cat in the past, when you put two cats together, it’s always going to be a new, unique dynamic between the two. Therefore, I would make sure the home setting is calm when you introduce the new cat. I would either initially have the new cat at a large enclosure and allow the resident cat at its comfort level to approach and see the initial response from both cats. At that point you would proceed accordingly, depending on their reactions to each other. They wear their personality on their sleeve so if they’re showing a disposition of acceptance, I would ease the cats into each other. If they were showing signs of assertiveness, I would contact a local behaviorist and move forward accordingly.
@louisehunt asks: “Any advice on how to help our dog with her nerves, particularly when walking her near busy road?”
Rob: Let me start by stating any time your dog is afraid or nervous of something that you know will not hurt them, it’s very important to emotionally ignore your dog’s fears. Meaning, don’t cater to the dog during these moments by talking to them or petting them. You would actually be reinforcing the fear. Start by taking your dog to areas that allow space away from the main road so you could acclimate from a distance and start to desensitize your dog to the sights and sounds. As you start to notice your dog build confidence from a certain distance, you can slowly get closer. Be very patient during this process. Also be sure to stay consistent. Look at ‘chipping’ away at this process.
@mimbles asks: “I’m dog sitting at the moment- one cheeky pup and sweet old boy. The puppy (1 year ish) will barely let me give the older one any attention, jumping in front or even onto him. Do you have any tips to help me make both get some love? They’re used to a family of four and now there’s just one of me!”
Rob: This is a little tricky of a question because without seeing the dogs firsthand, it’s hard to give accurate advice. Generally speaking, though, in order for a dog to master a behavior, you have to let them make decisions. As the handler you will acknowledge what’s right or wrong. I would recommend placing the younger dog on a leash with another person while having yourself interact with the older dog a couple feet away. Let the younger dog make decisions out of its instinct. This will include jumping, barking, and crying for your attention. It’s going to pull everything out of its bag of tricks to get in between you and the older dog. Just have the handler hold on to the leash, be neutral and allow the younger dog to exhaust its options. A dog will never do something for nothing. When the dog finally calms down, walk calmly over to it and give it attention. Repeat this process until you notice when you’re saying hi to the older dog, the younger pup sits there calmly waiting for attention.
@Nagy26 asks:
“Hi Rob,
I am wondering what helps anxious dogs to cope with a pet-sit & the absence of their pet-parent? Are there ways to prepare a pet for a sit even before a sitter arrives and prevent or reduce potential anxiety? Thanks very much!”
Rob: The key here is to help explain to a dog when it comes to them being anxious in the absence of their owner, that being with you or being without you is no big difference. Examples of this is easing in and out of your dog’s presence whether it’s for a few minutes or a few hours. In other words, making your entrances and exits a non-event. Also be careful not giving a dog attention when they are being pushy. Asking for your attention because they are hurt or need to be let out to go to the bathroom, is one thing. But be careful when they are demanding your attention for no good reason. If you fall for this, it starts to create anxiety because they feel entitled and when you’re not with them, it creates anxiety.
As promised, as a cheeky bonus, here’s the questions (and answered!) from our Instagram followers:
How can we start learning about dog training? Any recommended courses?
Rob: Depending on where you live in the world the internet is a great start for resources in your area. I also have two great online courses on my website ONLINE COURSES – San Diego Pet Training with techniques and demonstrations on common concerns. If you want to become a dog trainer, hands-on training and getting experience from the ground up is always priceless. Reach out to your local animal shelter or zoo will not only give you some experience, but tends to open doors for you to reach your goal.
Next step when you meet a new dog and he plays rough with biting, enough to hurt, yet still playing
Rob: Try finding a way to burn your dog’s excess energy like going for a long walk or a jog. Or finding a dog who is well matched socially and let them get out that excess energy by playing together. A tired dog is a good dog. It’s also important to establish structure with a high energy dog. Teaching a dog obedience is a great way to build a strong, respectful relationship. Lastly, find a handful of chews/toys that your dog loves and rotate them especially in these moments. Explaining to the dog it’s better to take your excitement out on the chews/toys than the human.
Advice for getting my excited dog not to jump up to people
Rob: Dogs are masters of associations, creatures of habit, and they have a wonderful memory. So this theory starts at the front door with the human. Educate anyone who enters your home from a friend to a neighbor to be totally neutral when they enter your home. This helps explain to the dog, there’s no reason to be overly excited and jump all over us. People tend to reinforce the moment with their own excitement (eye contact, voice, touch) and this can trigger quickly making your dog become out of control.
Tips for introducing myself to a cat l am sitting for
Rob: The best approach is not to befriend the cat when you first enter, but let the cat come to you at its own pace. Make sure the cat’s water bowl is full, litter box is clean, and making sure the cat has food in his bowl. Outside of that just be there. Be present and don’t force any interaction. Animals wear their personality on their sleeve and will let you know when they are ready to interact. You can then proceed accordingly.
If you’d like to hear more from Rob, head on over to his blog about Dog Training Tips, and keep your eyes peeled for an opportunity to ask our next pet expert some questions very soon…
Jenny 