Dogs have prey drive, don’t punish

Dear Cathy: My friend’s dachshund killed a baby rabbit. My friend is heartbroken and angry with the dog. I don’t like to have dead baby bunnies, but I also understand that the dog is not a “murderer” and that her behavior is a natural prey drive. Is there something we can do to dampen her instincts? — Lucille, Monticello, Indiana

Dear Lucille: Your friend should know that dachshunds were bred to scent and flush out burrowing animals, and no one should be mad, hold a grudge or punish a dog for this behavior. The dog was acting on instinct and doesn’t know she has done something wrong.

First, bunnies are in their nests for only three weeks. When your friend knows there are nests in the yard, he or she can walk the dog on a leash during that three-week period.

Second, your friend may monitor his or her dog offleash if the dog is well-trained to “leave it” for when the dog finds a nest or “drop it” if the dog grabs a bunny.

Finally, your friend can use temporary fencing around or over the nest to keep the dog away.

Dear Cathy: My cat Lumos is about two years old and though she loves to cuddle with me, when anyone else looks at her, she cowers and runs away. Do you have any advice? — Grace, Aurora, Colorado

Dear Grace: The good news is, Lumos is not biting or scratching.,Give Lumos her space and use a feline pheromone collar on her and/or feline pheromone plug-ins around the home to ease her anxiety. When company comes over, ask them if you can spray the feline pheromones on them from their laps down. Tell your visitors to never reach for her, pet her or pick her up. She must come to them on her own. Lumos is not suddenly going to be in everyone’s lap, but if you create a safe space, she may someday feel secure enough to remain in the room.