Animal Talk – July 2019

behaviour

PETTA LK

Inappropriate toy

L

aser lights can cause significant distress

to both dogs and cats, to the extent that

some animals develop severe compulsive

disorders. They may stare at walls or floors,

or chase reflections and shadows. In some

animals, this behaviour reaches the point

that normal functioning is inhibited, and their

attention cannot be redirected. Extensive

behaviour modification and sometimes

psychotropic medications are required to treat

the behaviour. This is because dogs and cats

are ‘chasing’ animals – they are stimulated by

rapid movement to chase. And this is exactly

why it seems like a fun game!

But the confusion and frustration that result

from never being able to ‘catch’ the light is the

big issue here. The chase is never satisfyingly

fulfilled. While it may seem that the animal is

enjoying themselves, and initially this may be

the case depending on the individual, they’re

not. In some cases, just being exposed to

a laser light once is sufficient to cause an

intense compulsive reaction, so it’s best to

avoid ever using one to play with an animal. If

you already do, throw it away! Throwing toys

for dogs and teaser toys for cats are the best

options for fulfilling the need to chase safely –

and make sure they get to catch and keep the

toy during the game to prevent frustration!

Katherine Brown, behaviourist

Why is a laser light toy

bad for my pets?

Upstairs

What is the best way to teach my Dachshund puppy to go up

or down the stairs?

F

irstly, I would advise that you chat to your
vet about your puppy’s safety on stairs while
his little body is still growing, as the Dachshund is
prone to developing back problems.
Grab some yummy treats for your pup. Start
at the bottom step, going up – many pups find
climbing down the stairs a bit more intimidating
and we want to make it as easy as possible for
him. Show him the treat, and then simply place
it on the first step. It’s okay if pup can reach the
treat without jumping up the stair – we are taking
this slowly. Start to gradually move the treat
further away, until the pup has to jump up the step
to get to it. Praise your pup enthusiastically every
time he takes the treat. Now take a break and do
the same thing again later.

As soon as pup looks happy climbing up one

step, you can move on to the next one. The most

important thing is that you never force your pup –

resist the urge to pick him up and put him on the

next step. Respect the fact that the stairs appear

very high for him and might be really scary!

Picking him up will not ‘show him that it’s not so

bad’ but rather increase his fear.

The same technique applies when teaching him

to go down the steps, although it might take a little

longer (going down the steps can be more daunting

than going up). Keep your training sessions short

and light-hearted, and be very patient with pup.

Allow him to progress at his own pace, and before

long the stairs won’t be an issue anymore.

Noleen Fourie, behaviourist

A content cat is ...

... well entertained.