ArcaMax

Dear Cathy,

My son has a Pomeranian who barks at people walking down the street. He barks if I bang into something in the house, even if I’m right next to him. He is a good watchdog because he knows when someone is outside, but it gets to be too much. The dog goes into a barking frenzy at times and doesn’t stop. What’s his problem?

— Stan, Huntington, New York.

Dear Stan,

Dogs bark – or alert us – when they hear noises. Excessive barking in small dogs, however, like Pomeranians can stem from several factors. It’s possible that your son’s dog is experiencing heightened anxiety or sensitivity to stimuli, which is common in smaller breeds. Pomeranians are naturally alert and protective, making them good watchdogs, but sometimes their instincts can go into overdrive. The barking at distant people or noises, even minor ones like banging sounds, could be a sign of nervousness or hyper-vigilance.

Additionally, it could be related to a hearing issue. When a dog experiences hearing loss or sensitivity, they may become more reactive to certain sounds because they either can't hear them clearly or the sounds seem startling or unfamiliar. Have a vet check the dog's hearing to rule out any underlying problems

If not hearing-related, try desensitizing him to the triggers that set off his barking by practicing calm responses to noises or people walking by, starting from a distance where he's less reactive and gradually bringing the trigger closer while rewarding quiet behavior.

Gradual exposure, combined with rewards for quiet behavior, can help train him to be less reactive. Additionally, providing more mental and physical stimulation, like puzzle toys, training sessions, and regular walks, can reduce his excess energy and help him stay calmer.

You might also want to create a quiet, safe space for him to retreat to when he becomes overstimulated. This could be a designated area in the house or a kennel where he feels secure, with familiar items like his bed and toys. Calming aids, such as pheromone diffusers or anxiety clothing, may also help reduce his stress levels.

Another useful technique is to redirect his focus. When he starts barking, call him to you and ask him to sit. Then give him a toy or treat to shift his attention away from the trigger.

Consistency is key. Rewarding him when he stops barking or remains calm is important for reinforcing the behavior you want to see. Activities, like obedience training or agility exercises, can also help burn off excess energy and keep his mind engaged, which may reduce his tendency to bark unnecessarily.

Dear Cathy,

We have two neutered male cats, who are 15- and 16-years old, who use their litter box. This year, a feral cat delivered two male kittens to our front porch. We had the mama fixed and brought the two male kittens inside. They are six months old and have been neutered. We gave them a litter box in another part of the house, which they use. The four cats get along with no issues.

The problem is that one of my old cats now goes into the room with the kittens' litter box and relieves himself on the floor outside their litter box, even though he still uses his original litter box, too. Any suggestions?

— Bill, Gloucester, Virginia

Dear Bill,

Your older cat may be asserting his status as the "top cat" in the house. The general rule is to have one litter box per cat, plus one extra, and they should be placed in multiple areas around the home. This helps reduce territorial tension and ensures everyone has access to a clean box. However, it’s important to know that cats will often use whichever litter box they prefer, and it’s hard to prevent them from using multiple boxes.

In the likelihood this is a territorial issue, here are a few things you can try. First, consider using plug-in feline pheromones designed for multi-cat households to help reduce stress and create a calming environment. These diffusers last about 30 days and can be effective for litter box issues.

You might try sprinkling a litter box attractant into your older cat’s main box to encourage him to use it. These attractants can help reinforce his habit of using his designated box. Just keep in mind that it might also draw the kittens to his box as well.

Lastly, since he’s an older cat, I recommend a vet checkup to rule out any health issues, as changes in litter box habits can sometimes be linked to medical conditions.

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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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