Pooja Sathe - Rediff Gurus

Answered on Sep 01, 2021

Question by Sweety - Sep 01, 2021Hindi

Dear Pooja My daughter desperately wants a pet and is very keen on a Shih Tzu.I feel we should adopt a dog that needs a home.My husband is not keen and has made it clear he will not take any responsibility.Because we don’t want to disappoint our daughter after such a difficult year, we may get a Shih Tzu.What should we know about it before we decide?Thank youSweety Singh

Ans:

Hi Sweety.

Thanks for writing to us.

During the lockdown, a lot of kids were demanding pets as they were home all the time and comparatively free and bored.

One must get a pet when and only when everyone in the family is ready for such a long-term commitment.

Please remember that the responsibility of the pet is ultimately going to come on you. Think carefully if you are ready to give time to the pet for next 10-12 years.

This year has been difficult for all of us.

Many people have rushed to get pets and have started abandoning them once their work and regular routine started.

I strongly advise you to think seriously before getting a pet.

Please make an informed decision.

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Answered on Sep 01, 2021

Question by Ravi - Sep 01, 2021Hindi

Dear PoojaI have a seven month old Indie. She’s very sweet in every way.The only problem we have is that she is biting the walls and the furniture.We give her toys but she does not want them.How do we change this behaviour?Ravi Sharma

Ans:

Hi Ravi.

Thanks for writing to us.

Your pup is young and can be biting walls/furniture due to teething/boredom.

You will have to provide details about her daily routine and exercise.

Just giving toys is not enough. We sometimes have to teach pets how to use those toys.

You can try using doggie puzzles, activity balls, kong toys in which you can stuff his daily meals and keep him engaged.

We’ve posted some videos here that might help.

Young pups need a lot of mental stimulation in combination with walks, exercise and other activities.

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Answered on Sep 01, 2021

Question by Neetu - Sep 01, 2021Hindi

Dear Pooja,We adopted a 2.5 year old Maltese terrier last year.He was quite aggressive when we took him in, to the extent my kids had to take tetanus injections due to his bites.We realised this was because he had separation anxiety as he was in and out of five houses before us.He has cooled down a lot with time but occasionally he gets aggressive when he approaches people at the door.He tends to growl and bite and it is when we least expect it as these people are known to him.Please advise how to train him.Regards,Neetu Nelson

Ans:

Hi Neetu.

Thanks for writing to us.

Your pet's issues are serious.

You will need a detailed consultation with a trainer so that you can understand his routine and bite history behaviour.

Advice regarding aggressive behaviour can’t be given online.

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Answered on Sep 01, 2021

Question by Rajesh - Sep 01, 2021Hindi

Dear PoojaWe have a one-year-old beagle and we plan to add to the family with one more beagle.How do we prepare our elder one for the new arrival?What if the two don’t like each other?Our elder one is a female. Should the younger one be male or female?We are very keen on a beagle only.Please do advise us.Rajesh A

Ans:

Hi Rajesh.

Thanks for writing to us.

May I ask why you wish to get one more pet?

Since your pet is very young, you will need to think seriously before getting another one.

Having two pets is time consuming and a lot more effort is required. Are you prepared for the additional time commitment?

It’s not advisable to get another pet just to give company to your current pet.

Beagles need a lot of mental stimulation together with daily exercise and activities to keep them busy.

We would advise getting another pup once your first pet is at least 2-3 years old and has settled down well.

Deciding on whether to select a female/male, the age of the new puppy, etc, depends on your routine, the pet’s temperament and many other factors.

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Answered on Sep 01, 2021

Question by Kavya - Sep 01, 2021Hindi

Dear PoojaWe have one-and-a-half year old Alsatian.Once the lockdown norms ease up, we want to take a short weekend holiday.She has never travelled in a car before.We cannot leave her behind.How do we prepare her for this?Kavya Mansir

Ans:

Hi Kavya,

You can start by short rides near your building 2-3 times a week.

Avoid feeding her a full meal just before or after the ride.

Start by taking her for a ride to fun places such as a beach/park/walk to create good association with the car. She will get used to it very soon.

Hope you have a great holiday.

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