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Wash That Grumpiness Right Out of That Cat
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Dogs (and cats, too) often develop a phobia of men if they have been raised by women, and vice versa. Sometimes they have been abused or scared by a man or a child, and will not trust men or children as a consequence of an emotionally traumatic experience.
Your son should try bonding with your little dog by taking her for walks (fit her with a harness, because she might pull out of a collar). Have the dog sit on your lap and brush her, getting her relaxed while your son sits beside you. Pass the brush to your son and comfort and reassure your dog that it's okay for her to be groomed by your son. Also, try this with treats. You and your son should take turns giving the dog a favorite treat. You can even try switching clothes with your son (an evening overcoat will do) and have him put on whatever cologne or deodorant you might use. Have your son lie down on the living-room floor, then on your bed. A few repetitions of this theatrical behavior modification might help your dog realize that she has nothing to fear from your son.
Dear Dr. Fox:
In one of your recent columns, you mentioned that "tuna fish prepared for humans" should not be given to cats. I later read in Parade magazine that tuna fish was listed as one of 20 foods never to give to a pet.
I have a cat that likes about a teaspoon of tuna at lunch and eats all of his dry cat food every day. What is the problem with tuna? The articles I've read never explain it.
W.D.T.
Crescent, N.Y.
