Buddy & Porky’s Pet Health Column: Placing Litter, Calling Names

by Contributor | May 28, 2008 9:31 pm

Hi Porky!

1. I have a question that I don’t think I’ve seen addressed in your column yet. I’ve heard or read that if you want to move a litter box from one place to another, you should do it a little at a time, rather than clear across the house in one step. Is that true? I should also mention that I have five cats and probably three of them use that particular one, so will it really matter? (We have five litter boxes altogether.)

Thanks, Mom O’ Five

Dear Mom O’ Five,

Thanks for your question. It is important that you move the box in small steps to avoid the possibility of confusing your cats. It is recommended that you move the box a foot a day to the eventual place that you want it to be. You could set a new box where this moved box will eventually be to allow the cats to see that there is a box in that area already. They may begin to use it and you would be able to eliminate the “moved” box more quickly. Don’t eliminate the ‘moved” box until you are confident that the new location is being used or that the other boxes are being used to your satisfaction. Other things to consider when moving the box: Make sure the cats have access to the box at all times, scoop daily, change litter frequently, and do not change litter brands while making the move. This can cause the cats to shy away from the box. Another important thing to remember is to keep the box in an area that is quiet and not near their food and water. These are good ideas for setting up the litter box for your cat at any time, not just when moving the box. Another thing to think about is the product you use to clean the litter box, make sure that the disinfectant you clean it with does not leave an after odor, this too can discourage the cats from using it. Good luck with your move!

Dear Buddy,

How do I teach my puppy his name?

Erica

Dear Erica,

Thanks for your question and congratulations on getting a new friend. It’s quite simple to teach a puppy a new name, it does however take some time and patience. Picking a name for your puppy is important. A two-syllable name is better than a one syllable one because one syllable names get confused with commands like NO, DOWN, SIT, etc. Make sure everyone in your household calls the puppy by the same name, not nicknames, not variations of the name. Have a small food treat to give as well as lots of praise and loving gestures when he comes to you when called, even if he didn’t seem to recognize his name. This is where patience comes in. Practice taking him out, using a leash, let him run out, call his name, get down to his level, gently tug the leash and when he returns give the praise, treat, and loving gestures.

Never scold your dog or punish him when he does not return, this will only teach him to fear you and never accomplish your goal of getting him to recognize his name. Do not raise your voice at your puppy when calling in an angry manner, the same fear will develop. It takes time. Your puppy is learning so many things at this stage, potty training, commands, and how to fit into your home among other things. Remember to use the crate training method for the safety and well being of your puppy. Good luck.

The Oswego County Humane Society provides spay/neuter services and assistance, fostering and adoption of animals in urgent need, humane education programs, and information and referrals to animal lovers throughout Oswego County. Our office is located at 265 West First Street, Oswego, New York. Phone (315) 207-1070. Email: [email protected]. Website: www.oswegohumane.org.

Come find the new love of your life at our “Hordes of Homeless Kittens” Adopotion Day on Saturday, May 31st from 11 to 3 at the Tractor Supply Company, in the Price Chopper Plaza in Oswego. Sometimes we have dogs for adoption, but we always have kittens and cats.

And join us for “Yappy Hour” on Friday, June 6th, from 5 to 7 pm at Patz on the River, 6 East First Street, Oswego. There will “yappetizers,” wine and beer, music by Dam Dog, raffles and door prizes, all for $15 per person. Weather permitting the Tiki Bar will be open, and you can enjoy the gorgeous river view while you help the animals of the Humane Society.

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/news/fulton/buddy-porkys-pet-health-column-placing-litter-calling-names/

---