Susan having a personal chat with "RUDY" the Tennesee Walker
Susan now has a weekly newspaper column in"THE HAVERHILL GAZETTE". She will be answering questions that readers might have about their animals.
Her goal is to make this column not just "FUN" but informative and helpful.
Susan has taken the winter off to continue writing her book.
Look for "Pet Talk" to start again in February of 2008.
Susan has a "natural" ability to connect with animals both emotionally and physically. From the time she was a child, she knew that she had a special connection with the animal kingdom. Susan has always felt honored and blessed to give their messages to their human companions...
Here is a sample of Susan's PET TALK Column... _____________________________________________________________
Pet Talk: Many cats in close quarters cause problems
By Susan Deren
Q.Dear Susan, I have five indoor cats. One is a large, orange male named Red. The problem is that Red will randomly attack and beat up any one of the other cats. This has been going on for about three years. What can I do to make him stop? Lacie K., Bradford
A. Hello Lacie, The first problem is that there may be too many cats in one house. You mentioned that these are rescue cats, and two of them, including Red, were feral. Try to understand that if these cats were living outdoors, they would be in colonies. If one was bullying another, the other cat would probably go to another colony to live. The inside of your home is now their outside world — only this world has walls, and there is nowhere to run. The water spray bottle can be a good tool to break a cat’s behavior. You would need to be there for his attacks, though. Spraying him directly in the face while shouting, “No — stop!” is a good technique. Also, when he behaves this way, put him in a crate for 10 minutes for a time out. He will not like it, and it’s a good way to control him and calm him down. But you may need to be realistic and understand that this may not stop. You may have too many cats for your small home. Good luck!
Feedback: Dear Susan, I wrote to you about my horse that refused to go over jumps. I have been practicing the visualization that you told me about. I practice it while I’m tacking up my horse, or on my way to the barn. I have noticed that I am feeling so much calmer about riding and jumping him. Well, we are now just sailing over those jumps. He hasn’t refused any. I believe you were right... I was causing him to behave this way. He is so calm when I ride him now. I actually am using your technique with every animal I have. My two dogs are even behaving better. What you told me to do is just so simple. I am amazed because this has all happened in such a short period of time. Thank you very much. Gretchen D., Boxford _________________________________________________________________
Susan Deren has more than 30 years experience working with animals. The roots of her training come from her father, who when in the military, worked with the German shepherds and Dobermans that served as attack dogs. Susan also uses "Behavioral Intuitive Assessment®" to help solve behavioral problems and welcomes feedback on the results of her advice. She is not a veterinarian or a substitute for veterinary care.
Disclaimer:All readings with Susan are strictly confidential. Intuitive guidance is NOT a substitute for therapy, psychiatric counseling, medical advice, or financial decisions.If you are experiencing difficulties in certain areas of your life, please seek the appropriate counsel.
