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Ask the AKC Animal Behaviorist: Help! My Cat Is Peeing All Over the House

by Paw Nation Staff (Subscribe to Paw Nation Staff's posts)
Mar 10th 2010 4:00PM Filed Under: Cats, Ask the AKC Animal Behaviorist

MRBECK, Flickr

Meet Mary Burch, American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Director and Paw Nation's new expert columnist addressing your questions on animal behavior. Dr. Burch has over 25 years of experience working with dogs and she is one of less than 50 Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists based in the United States. She is the author of nine books, more than 200 articles and has been a lobbyist on legislation concerning hazardous dogs and responsible dog ownership.

My husband and I own a mixed-breed cat who we absolutely adore. We have had her for four years and have experienced no issues with her using the litter box until the now. For the past two weeks, she has been urinating on the carpet all over the house. She still uses the litter box for defecating. Any idea what might be going on?

When an animal who has had no problems with house training suddenly has a change in habits, the first thing I suggest is a quick trip to the vet. This may be a behavioral issue, but you want to rule out any possible medical issues. These could include urinary-tract problems or other diseases.

Once the vet says the cat has no health problems, it's time to look at possible behavioral causes. Is she scent marking or flat-out urinating, i.e. does she leave puddles of urine? Have there been any changes in the environment? Did you get new carpet, new furniture, a new pet, or change the brand of litter you're using? Changes in a cat's world can cause the cat to "mark" the new items so that everyone knows the house belongs to this kitty.

Also think about whether there is anything happening to cause the cat to be nervous or feel a need for your attention. Are you or your husband gone more than usual? Has there been a change in your schedule or focus so there is less time and affection for the cat? If so, that may be what is setting her off.

Finally, remember that cats are clean creatures. Are you cleaning the litterbox regularly? If there is waste in the litterbox, a cat may choose the bathtub or carpet rather than tiptoe around in a dirty litterbox. Now that your carpet has the scent of urine in it, it should be cleaned it with an enzyme urine removal product (from your local pet store). As long as the carpet smells like urine, unfortunately, there is a good chance the cat will continue to use it as a potty area.


Mary R. Burch, Ph.D., is a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist and the Director of the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Program. Dr. Burch is the author of "Citizen Canine: 10 Essential Skills Every Well-Mannered Dog Should Know."

Do you have an animal behavior question for Dr. Burch? E-mail your questions to mary@pawnation.com.
    

Animal Planet Airing AKC/Eukanuba National Championship

by Helena Sung (Subscribe to Helena Sung's posts)
Feb 5th 2010 3:00PM Filed Under: Dogs, Pets News

Lisa Croft-Elliot/(c) Animal Planet

For two days in December, nearly 4,000 dogs from across the nation and around the world gathered in Long Beach, Calif. to compete in the American Kennel Club (AKC)/Eukanuba National Championship. The event has the distinction of being the only dog show in the United States that is organized and held solely by the AKC, the country's oldest and only not-for-profit purebred dog registry.

With $225,000 in prize money available, the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship is the largest prize-money dog show in the world, according to Animal Planet, which will air highlights from the event on Feb. 6.

Elite dogs competed in several separate events, including Best in Show and AKC invitationals in agility and obedience. In addition, the Eukanuba World Challenge -- presided over this year by Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson -- featured dogs from 41 countries. The event brings together "some of the world's most beautiful and diverse dogs," promises Animal Planet. (Be sure to watch for Sadie, a black Scottish terrier, pictured left, who was ranked the number-one dog going into the competition.)

The AKC/Eukanuba National Championship premieres on Animal Planet and also on the Discovery Channel on Saturday, February 6, 2010, from 8-11 PM (ET/PT).
    

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Top 125 Dogs in American Pop Culture Announced

by Michelle Toglia (Subscribe to Michelle Toglia's posts)
Dec 22nd 2009 11:30AM Filed Under: Dogs, AKC Top 125 Dogs

Photo: AP

You voted on your favorite dogs, and now the results are in! Today, Paw Nation and the American Kennel Club (AKC) announced the winners of the nationwide poll series that determined the Top 125 Dogs in American Pop Culture.

Dogs who played key roles in movies, cartoons, music, sports, art and literature struck a pose today to honor their iconic status in front of the new Snoopy exhibition "Snoopy as the WWI Flying Ace" at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City. Snoopy, University of Georgia's UGA and Georgetown's Jack the Bulldog were among the top dogs to take center stage. Congratulations to Snoopy, who was crowned the canine king of pop culture!

Check out the other winners after the jump.
    

Poll: Who Is Your Favorite Advertising Mascot?

by Paw Nation Staff (Subscribe to Paw Nation Staff's posts)
Nov 2nd 2009 7:00AM Filed Under: Dogs, AKC Top 125 Dogs

Which canine advertising mascot will be top dog? AP

In honor of the American Kennel Club's 125th Anniversary, we're searching for the top 125 dogs in pop culture! Do you prefer Snoopy or Scooby Doo? Cujo or Clifford The Big Red Dog? Make your woof heard in the AKC 125 Popular Dogs Poll Series! Each Monday, we'll poll you about your favorite dogs in pop culture, then the AKC will reveal the top dogs!

    

Meet the Breeds - What A Weekend!

by Eliot Glazer (Subscribe to Eliot Glazer's posts)
Oct 22nd 2009 9:00AM Filed Under: Dogs, Cats, Pet Clothes, Photo Galleries
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Meet the Breeds
NEW YORK - OCTOBER 17: Karen Dewey pets her dog "Garth", a bloodhound, during the "Meet The Breeds" show at the Jacob Javits Convention Center October 17, 2009 in New York City. Forty-one CFA registered cat breeds and 160 AKC registered dog breeds were shown at the Meet the Breeds event. (Photo by Afton Almaraz/Getty Images)
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Meet the Breeds

    NEW YORK - OCTOBER 17: Karen Dewey pets her dog "Garth", a bloodhound, during the "Meet The Breeds" show at the Jacob Javits Convention Center October 17, 2009 in New York City. Forty-one CFA registered cat breeds and 160 AKC registered dog breeds were shown at the Meet the Breeds event. (Photo by Afton Almaraz/Getty Images)

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    NEW YORK - OCTOBER 17: Cindy Lopez shakes hands with a black lab during a demonstration at the "Meet The Breeds" show in the Javits Convention Center October 17, 2009 in New York City. Lopez works with NEEDS service dogs. Forty-one CFA registered cat breeds and 160 AKC registered dog breeds were shown at the Meet the Breeds event. (Photo by Afton Almaraz/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Cindy Lopez

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    NEW YORK - OCTOBER 17: Diane Bove shows her black Selkirk Rex cat, during the "Meet The Breeds" show at the Jacob Javits Convention Center October 17, 2009 in New York City. Forty-one CFA registered cat breeds and 160 AKC registered dog breeds were shown at the Meet the Breeds event. (Photo by Afton Almaraz/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Diane Bove

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    NEW YORK - OCTOBER 17: An Exotic breed cat is shown during the "Meet The Breeds" show at the Jacob Javits Convention Center October 17, 2009 in New York City. An Exotic, is a mix between an American Shorthair and Persian. Forty-one CFA registered cat breeds and 160 AKC registered dog breeds were shown at the Meet the Breeds event. (Photo by Afton Almaraz/Getty Images)

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    NEW YORK - OCTOBER 17: Two Borzoi dogs, owned by Debra West, are shown on the floor during the "Meet The Breeds" show at the Jacob Javits Convention Center October 17, 2009 in New York City. Forty-one CFA registered cat breeds and 160 AKC registered dog breeds were shown at the Meet the Breeds event. (Photo by Afton Almaraz/Getty Images)

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    NEW YORK - OCTOBER 17: Hahl Perry walks his Afghan Hound outside the Jacob Javits Convention Center during the "Meet The Breeds" show October 17, 2009 in New York City. Forty-one CFA registered cat breeds and 160 AKC registered dog breeds were shown at the Meet the Breeds event. (Photo by Afton Almaraz/Getty Images)

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    NEW YORK - OCTOBER 17: A Beagle and its owner Nanette Prideaux, pose during the "Meet The Breeds" show at the Jacob Javits Convention Center October 17, 2009 in New York City. Forty-one CFA registered cat breeds and 160 AKC registered dog breeds were shown at the event. (Photo by Afton Almaraz/Getty Images)

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    NEW YORK - OCTOBER 17: "Garth", a bloodhound, receives attention from his owner Karen Dewey (L) and a spectator during the "Meet The Breeds" show at the Jacob Javits Convention Center October 17, 2009 in New York City. Forty-one CFA registered cat breeds and 160 AKC registered dog breeds were shown at the Meet the Breeds event. (Photo by Afton Almaraz/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Karen Dewey

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    NEW YORK - OCTOBER 17: Owners and their dogs get ready to walk on the floor during the "Meet The Breeds" show at the Jacob Javits Convention Center October 17, 2009 in New York City. Forty-one CFA registered cat breeds and 160 AKC registered dog breeds were shown at the Meet the Breeds event. (Photo by Afton Almaraz/Getty Images)

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    NEW YORK - OCTOBER 17: Hundreds of spectators view the different breeds of dogs and cats during the "Meet The Breeds" show at the Jacob Javits Convention Center October 17, 2009 in New York City. Forty-one CFA registered cat breeds and 160 AKC registered dog breeds were shown at the Meet the Breeds event. (Photo by Afton Almaraz/Getty Images)

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This past weekend, Paw Nation visited the American Kennel Club's "Meet the Breeds" event at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. Packed wall to wall with dogs, cats, breeders, specialists, merchants, and veterinary professionals, the weekend-long showcase featured hundreds of extremely patient animals, ready to be pet for hours on end.

Some famous faces were there, including Whoopi Goldberg, Mario Lopez, and Cindy Adams. We're pretty sure we even passed fashion icon Michael Kors after we finished up at the Havanese booth, one of 160 stations occupied by specific breeds and their respective specialists, all of whom were eager to provide the history behind their beloved pooch of choice.

Amid the amazing dog-trick demonstrations and swarms of cat ladies (no, literally, there were a lot of ladies dressed up like cats), we were lucky enough to stumble upon a booth for the Fundle, a pet sling we've been eyeing for a number of months. We're happy to report that the Fundle is even better than we imagined.

Hope to see you next year, Meet the Breeds! You'll be able to tell it's us by the Fundle we haven't taken off in 365 days.
    

Poll: Which Is Your Favorite Dog Toy?

by Paw Nation Staff (Subscribe to Paw Nation Staff's posts)
Oct 19th 2009 9:00AM Filed Under: Dogs, AKC Top 125 Dogs

Which canine toy will be top dog? Pound Puppies/AP

In honor of the American Kennel Club's 125th Anniversary, we're searching for the top 125 dogs in pop culture! Do you prefer Snoopy or Scooby Doo? Cujo or Clifford The Big Red Dog? Make your woof heard in the AKC 125 Popular Dogs Poll Series! Each Monday, we'll poll you about your favorite dogs in pop culture, then the AKC will reveal the top dogs!

    

How Well Do You Know German Shepherds?

by Kristen Seymour (Subscribe to Kristen Seymour's posts)
Oct 15th 2009 1:00PM Filed Under: Dogs, Meet the Breeds

Maybe you've always had a soft spot for the German Shepherd. Perhaps you've even owned one (or a bunch)! But how much do you really know about this beautiful breed? See if you could earn your GED on the GSD in our quiz below!

Plus, check out all of our picks for the top 10 smartest dogs!

How Well Do You Know German Shepherds?

What color(s) is/are most common for German Shepherd Dogs?

  • Black and White
  • Red
  • Black and Tan
  • Yellow

Where does the AKC currently rank the German Shepherd Dog's popularity?

  • 2
  • 10
  • 4
  • 14

Which of these famous dogs is a German Shepherd Dog?

  • Buddy
  • Beethoven
  • Scooby Doo
  • Rin-Tin-Tin

What trait is the German Shepherd Dog best known for?

  • Laziness
  • Hunger
  • Dependability
  • Speed

Where did the German Shepherd Dog originate?

  • America
  • Germany
  • Belgium
  • Hungary

What are German Shepherd Dogs often used as?

  • Military, police and guard dogs
  • Herding dogs
  • Family pets
  • All of the above
Learn more about your favorite breeds at the upcoming Meet the Breeds event in New York City on October 17th - 18th. For more information, visit MeetTheBreeds.com.
    

Most Popular Dogs

by Kristen Seymour (Subscribe to Kristen Seymour's posts)
Sep 18th 2009 11:00AM Filed Under: Dogs, Photo Galleries

Who are the most popular dogs?

We're not talking about which pooch has the most pals at the dog park; we're taking a look at the most popular dog breeds! With a little help from the AKC, we've got the scoop on which breeds have been top dog over the last 125 years.

Did your favorite dog make the cut?



In honor of the American Kennel Club's 125th Anniversary, we're searching for the top 125 dogs in pop culture! Do you prefer Snoopy or Scooby Doo? Cujo or Clifford The Big Red Dog? Make your woof heard in the AKC 125 Popular Dogs Poll Series! Each Monday, we'll poll you about your favorite dogs in pop culture, then the AKC will reveal the top dogs!

Source

    

Top Groomers Share Their Horror Stories (and Successful Secrets)

by Kristen Seymour (Subscribe to Kristen Seymour's posts)
Sep 17th 2009 1:00PM Filed Under: Dogs, Pet Grooming, Meet the Breeds
tomato bath dog

Tomato baths are a popular home remedy for removing skunk odor, but there are more effective, less messy methods (although, they might not be quite as tasty). Photo: OakleyOriginals, Flickr

If you've ever owned a dog, it's likely you've experienced some sort of fur-related disaster -- a horrible smell, a sticky substance, an accidental dye job, the list goes on and on. It's one thing if said disaster makes your furry friend a little less cuddly for a day or so, but a whole other issue if your job is to make a pet look and smell perfect.

The American Kennel Club, which hosts next month's Meet the Breeds event in New York City, put us in touch with two top groomers -- Shirlee Kalstone and Jonathon David (of "Groomer Has It" fame). They told us about some of the stickiest situations they've ever faced, and shared some tricks of the trade that you can try at home!

David, who travels the country participating in grooming competitions, relies on his contacts living near the events to lend him stunning dogs. For one such occasion, he was referred to a woman who owned two Kerry Blue Terriers (a competition favorite).
    

Canine Good Citizen Trains Dogs and Their Owners

by Sonia Zjawinski (Subscribe to Sonia Zjawinski's posts)
Sep 1st 2009 3:00PM Filed Under: Dogs, Pet Training

Who could doubt these two were good citizens? Photo: Mary Bloom © AKC

How many times have you applied for an apartment only to be turned away because of your dog? We know how you feel.

While Rent.com recently gave us tips on how to woo a landlord to the furry side, one program that's been gaining popularity is Canine Good Citizen (CGC).

Started in 1989 by the American Kennel Club, CGC is a two-part, 10-step certification program that stresses responsible pet ownership and basic doggy manners. Similar to basic training and puppy school, CGC teaches dogs how to properly socialize with both other pups and people, walk on a loose leash, and (most importantly for potential landlords) the ability to be left with a trusted person and still remember his or her training.

To date, more than half a million dogs have received CGC certificates. So how do you get started?

Find a training club near you and ask if they offer CGC classes or find a CGC evaluator and ask them for the best and closest place to get trained.

Once you complete the certification process you'll not only have a well-behaved dog, but a certificate to prove to potential landlords that your pup knows how to be a good tenant.

And don't worry if your dog isn't a spring chicken; dogs of all ages and breeds can participate. "One of my favorite teams of all times," CGC Director, Dr. Mary Burch, tells Paw Nation, "was a 94-year-old lady in Georgia with her 16-year-old Dachshund. When that team passed the test, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. They proved you can teach an old dog new tricks." And, we suppose, an old lass as well!

Dr. Burch will give demos of CGC training at the main demo ring at this year's Meet the Breeds event in New York City.
    

How Much Do You Know About Bulldogs?

by Rebecca Quimby (Subscribe to Rebecca Quimby's posts)
Aug 27th 2009 11:00AM Filed Under: Dogs, Meet the Breeds

Jean Hetherington has been breeding and showing bulldogs since 1964. She's also been an American Kennel Club judge for over 20 years. She first became interested in bulldogs when she and her husband, who had one as a child, bought one for his family. After a month, Jean was won over and wanted one for herself. "Their personality is like no other," she told Paw Nation." They are entertaining, stubborn, comical and just fun to live with."

Hetherington -- who recently won the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship Non Sporting Group Breeders award -- generously agreed to answer our trivia questions about this fascinating breed. See how well you do!

How Well Do You Know Bulldogs?

What is the official AKC name of the breed?

  • Bulldog
  • English Bulldog
  • French Bulldog
  • British Bulldog

What were bulldogs originally bred for?

  • To help cowboys herd bulls
  • To herd the bulls for Pamplona's Running of the Bulls
  • A sport called bullbaiting
  • To be lapdogs for Spanish royalty

What breeds were part of the original bulldog?

  • Boxers and Pugs
  • Mastiffs and Pugs
  • Pugs and Pitbulls
  • Mastiffs and Pitbulls

What are bulldogs' typical health concerns?

  • They don't do well in heat
  • Heart problems
  • Hip dysplasia
  • All of the above

According to AKC Dog Registration Statistics, how popular are Bulldogs?

  • #10
  • #3
  • #24
  • #17

Which of the following is true about bulldogs?

  • They crave constant attention
  • They require minimal exercise
  • They have an affectionate temperament makes them great family pets
  • All of the above

Learn more about your favorite breeds at the upcoming Meet the Breeds event in New York City on October 17th - 18th. For more information, visit MeetTheBreeds.com.
    

American Kennel Club and Cat Fanciers' Association Launch Meet the Breeds

by Sonia Zjawinski (Subscribe to Sonia Zjawinski's posts)
Aug 7th 2009 9:00AM Filed Under: Dogs, Cats, Meet the Breeds
When watching the Westminster Dog Show, haven't you often caught yourself wondering just how snuggly and smooshable a Brussels Griffon's face really is?

Meet the Breeds, hosted by the American Kennel Club and the Cat Fanciers' Association, comes to New York City's Javits Center October 17th and 18th. The event will showcase 160 AKC-registered dog breeds and 41 CFA-approved kitties whom you'll be able to play with and pet.

Each breed will have its own booth, decorated to represent the breed's origins or cultural throwbacks. Example: the Old English Sheepdog group designed a "Peter Pan" booth for a similar event in Long Beach last year.

While we know that October is a ways away, AKC's just-launched Meet the Breed's website is sure to tie you over until then. The site includes a Meet the Breeds game so you can test your breed know-how and compete with others online, along with a gallery of the 160 dogs and 41 cats that will be at the show. Advance tickets can be purchased via the site as well.

As we get closer to the event, Paw Nation will be previewing more from Meet the Breeds, including interviews with breeders and Broadway's top dog trainer. Stay tuned!
    

Missing Cat Returns Home After Six Years

by Helena Sung (Subscribe to Helena Sung's posts)
Jul 8th 2009 11:00AM Filed Under: Cats, Pets News

Dopey the cat seems unfazed by his incredible adventure. Photo: American Kennel Club Companion Animal Recovery

When Dopey, an orange tomcat, suddenly went missing, Donna Lane-Mills of Sacramento, California searched frantically for the family cat. She posted fliers and called local veterinarians and shelters --- all to no avail. Her six year-old daughter cried herself to sleep at night. Prior to disappearing, the droopy-eyed feline had been born at their home in 2000 and lived with them for three years. As weeks and months slipped by, the family feared the worst. "We thought he had been hit by a car," says Lane-Mills.

Six years after Dopey's mysterious disappearance, Lane-Mills received an astonishing message on her work voice mail. A representative from the American Kennel Club Companion Animal Recovery program (AKC CAR) informed Lane-Mills that Dopey had been found -- alive and well -- at an animal shelter not 20 miles from her home.

"I was totally shocked," Lane-Mills told us. "I didn't believe it at first. We kind of assumed something tragic had happened to him."

Luckily, Dopey's six years away from home were quite the opposite. Somehow the orange tabby found himself in a neighboring town, 40 miles from home. An elderly woman took in the lost cat and doted on him (she outfitted Dopey with the snazzy moon and stars collar in the photo, above) over the years until she passed away. After her death Dopey was taken to a shelter where he was scanned for a microchip. The tag the Lane-Mills family had embedded in Dopey when they originally had him was IDed, leading to the happy, albeit overdue, reunion.

So, how's Dopey doing back at home?

"He's doing great," says Lane-Mills. "It's almost as if he's never left."

Asked if Dopey remembered his original family, Lane-Mills says, "I don't know. It's kind of hard to tell with cats. But he sat up, purred, and loved being petted." Dopey, now nine, hasn't changed much though. "He still has the same personality; he's still stubborn," laughs Lane-Mills. "In the mornings, he'll stick his face in our cereal bowls, even though we're not done eating yet."
    


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