You just have to know how to read your pet and understand its instincts.
Cats' Inappropriate Elimination
You can't discipline a cat like you do a dog. It just doesn't work, says Sharon Wagner, veterinarian and owner of Feline Veterinarian Center.
Experts say the main reason people return cats they've acquired is improper elimination.
When trying to narrow down the cause of inappropriate elimination, remember that cats are "always trying to tell you something," Wagner says.
A disregard for the litterbox can signal a urinary tract infection, territorial issues or stress.
Knowing where your cat is eliminating can help diagnose the problem, Wagner says.
"If they pee by outside doors or windows, it could mean a stray cat is coming around and marking territory." Your cat is then doing the same thing inside.
Is Kitty pooping outside the litterbox?
"That's always the result of a behavior issue. They're trying to punish you," Wagner says.
A life change can affect a pet, too. Owners may make the mistake of assuming cats will go with the flow, but an altered environment does affect them.
If your life has become stressful because of a job change, a move, an added pet or a different schedule, your cat may respond in a negative way. Especially if a new baby enters the home.
Babies are on their level and invading their territory, Wagner says. Cats can get jealous. Introduce the baby and the cat slowly, and don't leave the cat alone with the baby until you're sure your pet has accepted the child.
Aggression And Affection
"When a cat is being aggressive, leave it alone. Turn your attention away. Don't scold, reward or coddle - do something else. The cat will come to you when it's ready to interact," Wagner says.
Affection issues can be depressing for owners. Pet parents sometimes complain that a cat likes only one of the owners. Unfortunately, that's not uncommon, and there's not much you can do, Wagner says. But the ignored owner can interact with the cat anyway by feeding him or having a special play time or grooming, if the cat likes that.
"In the best of circumstances, the cat will have one person to cuddle with and one to play with," Wagner says.
Remember, it's all about what the cat wants. "If the cat doesn't want to sleep with you, it won't."
Dog Care
Winter and early spring are the busiest times for John Tipton, owner of the Dog's Listener, a dog-training business. People can't get out to exercise their dogs, and the animals' behavior deteriorates, he says.
No matter what a dog's problems might be, "all behaviors can be reduced by exercise," Tipton says. So his training teaches owners how to handle their dogs rather than teaching obedience to the dog.
Tipton focuses on mastering a walk, how you treat the dog when you return home, how you treat the front door and the feeding ritual.
Most problems are rooted in the dog's perception of his position in the pack, Tipton says. The pack mentality causes dog aggression if the owner doesn't claim the alpha position. Problematic dogs think they're the leader instead.
"The majority of problems can be corrected by giving the owner the alpha position," Tipton says.
Other typical behavior can be infuriating, especially if a dog has just dug up your roses. Curtail the digging by placing the dog's poop in the place where he's digging, says veterinarian Mindy Klatt of All City Pet Care on Minnesota Avenue. "They don't like to dig by the poop."
Jumping up is another big behavioral complaint from dog owners. First, decide as a family what one-word command will be used to manage the behavior, Klatt advises.
Then, in a deep, commanding voice, give the order, such as "down" or "off," while grabbing the dog's collar and giving a firm but gentle poke to the thorax, Klatt says.
Follow through by never encouraging your dog to jump up on you when you get home. Greet the animal by going down to his level instead.
When people come to your home, "let them know the dog is in a training program so the dog doesn't get confused," Klatt says.
Aggressive dogs are another matter. Every situation is unique, but the advice is the same.
"Get help" sooner rather than later, Klatt and Tipton say.