East coast pet psychologist and ECR Life contributor, Glynne Anderson*, tackles readers’ questions with her trademark combo of humour and telling-it-like-it-is…

1. Hi Glynne

What approach could one use to handle a Scottish Terrier who is 18 months old and intact and very  much attached to his owner. He hasn’t had much contact with other people or animals. Many thanks for your interesting columns!

Sue

Hi Sue
I suggest you approach an experienced dog trainer at a tried and tested dog school. Your boy needs socializing as well as expert  hands on attention. I’d be only too happy to have you train with us! 
Many thanks for your kind words.

Hope to meet you and yours soon.
Kind regards
Glynne

2. Hi Glynne

My cat of 2 years old got a special window she LOVES to hang out from, unfortunately the bricks have some mold on that is now seemingly growing on her chin.  I’m going to try get the mold off the bricks with bleach and some mold killers, but how do I get it off her chin.  I’ve tried to scratch it off, but it is hard and seems to stick like glue!  Is this bad for her?  Do I need to take her to the VET? Any ideas?

Brigitte

Hi Brigitte
I’ve never heard of anything like you describe. However, if I were you I would certainly take her to your vet for a shave … probably! And if your kitty has an infection it will be attended to at the same time.

Good luck and please let me know the outcome.
Glynne

3. Hi Glynne

I simply love your articles! Thank you for your invaluable advice! I need some help with my two year old German Shepherd-cross-huskie, whom I rescued from the SPCA when he was a puppy. I’m not sure whether it’s because of him being abandoned or whether he’s just hyperactive by nature, but he’s just everywhere, barking, yelping at things, pulling out plants, digging up my garden. When we have people over, he’s jumping up at them until I have to yell at him. He has been to puppy school and knows his commands but I don’t understand why he behaves like this? Even my older dog, a Golden Retriever, looks at him with disdain! Please help.

Barbara

Hi Barbara
Many thanks for your kind words … please keep them coming. Only joking!

Sounds to me like your guy has a food issue, believe it or not. Please try him on multiple small, tasty, meaty, meals (food is natures Prosac) and stop hyping him up.

Keep him very quiet, give him plenty of raw bones and you may just find he becomes a cool headed, manageable  fellow, instead of  the canine turbo which he is at the moment.

If that doesn’t help, check in at an obedience school where the trainers understand dog behaviour. Nuff  said!

Go for it!
Glynne

If you have a question for Glynne, email life@ecr.co.za with “Pets” in the subject line.
Please note that the questions and answers will be published on ECR Life so should you wish to remain anonymous, make this clear in your email.

* Glynne Anderson is a full time pet behaviour consultant. She is also the founder and director of Canine Academy – the largest private dog training school in KZN. She can be contacted on 031 765 1958.