This week’s story is about rabies… It was reported recently that a baby was bitten by a large rat, resulting in the tragic death of the child. It struck me as out of character for a small, normally timid creature to attack with such viciousness as to inflict a fatal wound. This made me wonder whether the rat had not, in fact, been rabid. But we will never know because the rat escaped capture and the symptoms of rabies are only detectable 20 - 60 days after exposure. Continue Reading

My parrot has been getting more and more aggressive towards humans so much so, I can’t even touch her anymore because she tries to bite me and quite honestly I am scared… Continue Reading

Recently I had a spate of aggression and hyperactivity cases - not only involving dogs but also cats and a parrot too. It’s funny how specific behaviour seems to go in runs. Maybe I should check the calendar which might just hold the answer. After all, the moon does influence the tides, and the tides influence sea life, there is no question about that, but scientists have also discovered oysters for example, even if taken many miles away from their ocean homes, reacted to specific phases of the moon. Continue Reading

How can I get my 3 yr old African Grey to stop being so aggressive? He dives at anyone who goes near him out of his cage?

Many thanks Continue Reading

If your dog has been displaying a bad attitude, whether by fighting or though aggressive behaviour, here’s some advice that will help solve the problem. Hopefully, it’ll save your sanity too!

Question

We have 3 castrated, male Boerboel dogs which have recently started fighting for no reason. They have always been gentle with the family - especially the kids who can do anything to them.  What is worrying me is they may turn on us next! Are we at risk?
Continue Reading

A friend has just returned from Spain and Portugal where she said they specialise in streetwise dogs, because the homeless mutts there don’t fight and aren’t phased by fireworks, which is a far cry from our phoofed and pampered pooches.

Now that would seem like quite a mystery but actually it’s not really, because dogs are social and “streetwise” animals by nature … although I sometimes wonder about the humans whose dogs often reflect their behaviour! Continue Reading

Brendan’s two German Shepherds are giving him trouble by barking at dogs on the street who are out for a walk with their owners. How can he stop this territorial behaviour? Continue Reading

What is a girl to do when her dog is jealous of her boyfriend? She asks Glynne for some advice, thats what.  Continue Reading

A shocking fact is your neighbour, friend or close relative may be a violent animal abuser without even arousing your suspicion. These devious people are past masters at masquerading as good citizens, protective spouses, loving parents and caring pet owners, when in fact, just the opposite is true. Animal abusers come from all walks of life and income groups and are not easily identified, although they tend to isolate their victims, are often overly sweet, quietly spoken and as convincing as any professional con artist.
It is the victims who often give the game away by being timid, subservient, nervous and appear devoted to their abuser.
Sadly, the family pets are usually the first to fall victim to these cruel bullies who always pick on soft targets, incapable of fighting back.
Please note due to the sensitivity of the subject names have been changed. Continue Reading

Erna needs some help concerning her two kittens - they are always fighting! She would like to know how to make them better friends. Continue Reading