ArcaMax

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Q: Our 4-year-old Beaglier (half Beagle, half Cavalier King Charles Spaniel) is very sweet, except around other dogs and our 7-month-old baby, who's now crawling. The dog follows the baby around and sometimes growls and snaps. I can't imagine getting rid of this dog, but I can't risk the baby's safety. Any suggestions? -- L.M., via cyberspace

A: This is a terrible accident waiting to happen! Ideally, behavioral advice should have come before the baby did; I suspect you were aware of your dog's temperament.

Of course, my advice is to never leave dog and baby alone without adult supervision. Still, I worry that accidentally a door could be left open, and while you're off in another room, who knows what could happen? Based on your description, I'd even be concerned when there is adult supervision. A dog who growls is issuing a warning.

Don't wait another moment to get hands-on help from a veterinary behaviorist or certified dog behavior consultant. As heartbreaking as re-homing your dog might be, it would be far more heartbreaking to treat your baby for a dog bite, then likely face euthanizing your pet. Ultimately, this may be one of those rare instances where re-homing might be the best option for all involved.

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Q: My husband and I want to train our little dog to use a pee pad indoors. My husband has Parkinson's disease, and taking the dog out is becoming difficult. Can you help? -- H.W., Coconut Creek, FL

A: Take your dog outside on-leash and place a pee pad under her as she's relieving herself. As you do so, tell her she's a good girl and offer a treat. Once she does the deed, let her sniff the pad. Each time you take her to this special spot, offer a consistent cue for your dog, saying "pee pad" or "potty here."

Once she understands to go on the pad outdoors, bring the pad inside. Start with a pee pad that smells like her urine, so it has her calling card on it. When you know she has a full bladder, place the pad down indoors and take her there on a leash. You don't want her roaming off and relieving herself elsewhere in the house.

Use the same cue you used outdoors, such as, "potty here." Offer praise and a treat if she does her business. If she fails, take pad and dog outside, and have her go again on the pee pad. Soon, she'll get the idea that you want her to go on the pad, regardless of where it is.

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Q: Our cat has started relieving himself on top of the litter box cover. What can we do? -- V.C., Las Vegas, NV

A: Removing the cover might solve the problem, unless your cat: 1) feels he needs the view, 2) feels nervous about being tucked inside the covered box, 3) is worried about being ambushed by another cat, or 4) children lingering near the litter box are causing a ruckus and making him feel insecure.

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Steve Dale welcomes questions/comments from readers. Although he can't answer all of them individually, he'll answer those of general interest in his column Send e-mail to PETWORLD(at)STEVE DALE.TV. Include your name, city and state. Steve's website is www.stevedalepetworld.com; he also hosts the nationally syndicated "Steve Dale's Pet World" and "The Pet Minute." He's also a contributing editor to USA Weekend.

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