Multi pet Households – avoiding the problems

Some people simply collect pets – abandoned cats and dogs, injured birds, old horses and unwanted goats.

Others want to add a cat to their household, or bring another dog, parrot or bearded dragon into the fold. This can present problems if care is not taken to fulfil the needs of the individual addition, and the present incumbent.

If you have a cat, do think about how he will view a dog coming into his house. Cats are quite territorial, and might not appreciate a boisterous dog taking over.

If your dog looks after his pack and his home, he should be ‘consulted’ before a stranger is brought into the home. They need to be introduced at a distance, off lead, on neutral territory. This way neither animal has an issue with the other, neither should feel threatened.

If the newcomer is another dog, the two should be introduced well away from the home, and your dog should be very keen on the idea of a long term visitor, if it is going to be a success.

Many of the animals I see who have behaviour problems are suffering from stress, resulting from lack of clarity about who is in charge of what within the family unit, and who fits in where.

Before I can unravel the cause of the unwanted behaviour, I need to assess the relationship between the owner(s) and the animal(s).

People have expectations when they purchase a pet: an expensive pedigree dog should fit in with the new owners house rules, a horse should fulfil the owners’ needs, and a cat should be warm and cuddly. Unfortunately, many people do not look at life from the pet’s point of view, and regard them more as a commodity than a sentient being.

Try to think of your pets as part of your family, and understand that they have social issues just as humans do.

Seek professional help sooner, rather than later.

Should you holiday in Mediterranean Islands, take time to observe the local ferals.

email: petsbehaving@aol.com
Telephone: 01746 764332