ArcaMax

Dear Cathy,

I just recently rescued/adopted a full breed Pomeranian male puppy at five months old. He’s great! I’ve only had West Highland Terriers and I’m absolutely fascinated by the differences. He’s trained to use a wee wee pad and it’s going great. He’s the perfect dog for an apartment.

My problem is, I can’t get him to go outside for a walk, play, or anything. I’ve tried several times, different ways, and different rewards. When I pick him up to go, I’m happy and positive with only a soothing tone of voice and he literally digs his nails (all four paws) into me and trembles out of control.

I’ve never seen anything like it. We have a small terrace, which he loves to go out on and where he loves to people watch. The woman I got him from is of no help. She said he went in and out without a problem. I would also like to add that there’s a staircase we must go down before going outside. Could that be a trigger? I don’t want to traumatize him anymore than he already has been.

— Kelly, New York

Dear Kelly,

It’s wonderful to hear how well your Pomeranian is adapting to apartment life and using the training pads. Pomeranians are certainly unique compared to Westies, and their sensitive, sometimes cautious nature can make them hesitant with new experiences.

Your little guy’s fear of going outside — along with trembling and digging in —suggests he’s feeling deeply anxious about something, whether it’s the outdoor environment, the staircase, or unfamiliar noises or smells of his new home. It’s hard to know. But there are ways to help him.

To help him relax, consider starting with an over-the-counter calming supplement, a pheromone collar, or anxiety clothing like a Thundershirt or Anxiety Wrap. These can help ease his anxiety and build a better foundation for overcoming his fear.

Since he enjoys the terrace, let’s use it to build positive associations with his leash and harness. Put them on him while he’s relaxed and reward him with treats and praise. Don’t attempt to go for a walk — just hang out with him on the terrace until he’s comfortable wearing them without anxiety.

Next, begin desensitizing him to the stairs. Carry him over and sit with him at the top, offering treats and praise for calm behavior. Gradually encourage him to go down one step at a time, rewarding each small success. If the stairs still feel overwhelming and he refuses to move, carry him downstairs and let him explore the area at the bottom with no pressure to walk up.

Once outdoors, use high-value treats, like tiny bits of chicken or cheese, to reward him for calm moments. Start with just a few minutes, and slowly increase the duration as his confidence grows.

Indoors, you can help build his confidence with simple training games, like “touch” (tapping your hand with his nose) or “heel” (walking beside you for treats). Any kind of training, in general, builds a dog’s confidence and increases their trust in you.

Most importantly, go at his pace and celebrate small victories. Forcing him outside could reinforce his fear, so focus on building trust and helping him feel safe every step of the way. It’s hard to know what this little guy experienced or what’s holding him back. It could take weeks or months, but with time, training, and gentle encouragement, he’ll get there — just be patient.

Dear Cathy,

Regarding your column on “Harmony’s Odor,” one thing that is often overlooked in a smelly cat situation is Bartonella infection. It gets in their saliva, and they stink themselves up when grooming. Now when I rescue a stray, I recognize the smell and will get it treated. In some cats, it can cause just what Harmony’s owner was describing — a weird, bad lingering smell.

— Liz

Dear Liz,

Bartonella infection, often called “cat scratch fever,” can indeed cause a range of symptoms in cats, including the strange, lingering odor you described. Since the bacteria can spread through their saliva during grooming, it’s something to keep in mind when dealing with a persistently smelly cat, especially strays or rescues.

Since I am not a veterinarian, I’m always reluctant to “diagnose” illnesses, so I always recommend a trip to the vet to rule out health problems first. It’s great you know how to recognize these symptoms in the cats you rescue.

Thank you for shedding light on this overlooked issue and for your dedication to helping stray cats.

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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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