Question: I have four indoor cats, all of which were feral rescues. One of the cats poops regularly outside the litter box, either right next to the box or somewhere in the same room. Neither of the boxes is in a high-traffic area, and I have had the cat checked out medically. I have two litter boxes that are cleaned two times a day. I also have recently used the Feliway wall plug-in to help with her anxiety. I am all out of ideas. Can you help?
Fresno's long fight over animal control appears headed toward an armistice.
Merced County Animal Shelter: Adoption fees for pet of the week are $25 for dogs and $15 for cats. If an animal is adopted before the newspaper comes out today, another animal can be chosen in its place. For more information, call (209) 385-7436.
Dear Old Trainer: Buster, my Australian Shepherd, is always well behaved. I just started taking him for rides in the car and as soon as we take off he starts barking. When we stop, he stops barking. He doesn't bark like that any other time. What is going on and what do I do?
Question: I just saw the first robin of spring on my lawn. I have a big wild bird feeder in my backyard and cannot imagine that there is any wild food around this time of the year for robins to eat. Is there anything I could add to my bird seed mix that robins may find attractive?
Merced County Animal Shelter: Adoption fees for pet of the week are $25 for dogs and $15 for cats. If an animal is adopted before the newspaper comes out today, another animal can be chosen in its place. For more information, call (209) 385-7436.
Dear Old Trainer: I really enjoy the way you write about how much love a dog gives a family. My kids are 5 and 6 now, and I am in the process of getting them a dog. What breeds do you recommend as being the most loving?
Q: How do I get my cats to stop scratching my leather furniture? They use their scratching post as well. I have sprayed the furniture with anti-scratch spray and put aluminum foil on, but the scratching continues. The new furniture already has claw holes.
Merced County Animal Shelter: Adoption fees for pet of the week are $25 for dogs and $15 for cats. If an animal is adopted before the newspaper comes out today, another animal can be chosen in its place. For more information, call (209) 385-7436.
Dear Old Trainer: I take care of Finn, a 3-year-old German shepherd, when my friend is out of town. He hasn't had much training, other than sit and lay. When we're on walks, he'll often pull too hard or just won't mind me because he gets so pumped up about being outside or seeing another dog. How do I go about training him to behave when we're outside?
Q: My female cat has a habit I would like to better understand. We have a big basket of assorted stuffed animals. Every time she is left home alone, she takes one or both of the toy guinea pigs from the basket and leaves them near our front door. There are dogs, cats and other animals in the
Merced County Animal Shelter: Adoption fees for pet of the week are $25 for dogs and $15 for cats. If an animal is adopted before the newspaper comes out today, another animal can be chosen in its place. For more information, call (209) 385-7436.
Dear Old Trainer: My husband and I are senior citizens and love dogs. Reading your columns has convinced us to get one. We aren't too active think a small dog will be best, but we want your advice.
Q: A few months ago, we got a white ferret with black eyes. She is a great pet, but she is white only right after we give her a bath. She seems to get dirty very quickly.
Dear Old Trainer: At the end of the month I will be moving in with my son and grandson. I have two cats, and we will be taking in my grandson's (he is almost 6) dog. Marley is 3½ and is a boxer. She hasn't had much training. I have never had a dog so I want to learn how to enjoy her. Also, you talk in your columns about how walking a dog is one of the most enjoyable activities for seniors. Please send me your tips for training Marley so she is happy, and I can walk her with my grandson.
