How to Cure Bad Pet Habits Cheaply

Contributor

By Melissa Maroff
eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating: (11 Ratings)

Just about all living creatures have bad habits—and unfortunately, saying, “stop” or a sign warning, “keep off” doesn’t usually cut it with pets. That’s when you have to take matters into your own hands. Here are some ways to curb your pet’s bad habits safely—and for not a lot of cashola.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Squirt a little lemon juice into your dog or cat’s mouth if they like to nip or bite. Their distaste for lemon juice will overtake their taste for your arm or ankle.
Step 2

Spray furniture and other off-limit items your pet may find chewable with pet repellents such as bitter apple or citronella for dogs and citrus for cats. These sprays are safe, inexpensive—and not exactly filet mignon. You can also put together a "potpourri" of orange and lemon peels near off-limit objects your cat likes to scratch. Citrus is like Kryptonite to most cats; just be sure to change out the peels every few days.
Step 3

Speaking of citronella, if your dog has a penchant for barking too much, for around $50 you can purchase a citronella collar. Each time your dog barks the collar will release citronella spray, an odor that canines aren't too fond of. It's a cheaper investment than hiring a trainer and won't hurt your dog like a shock collar will.
Step 4

Run strips of double-sided tape along pieces of furniture that your cat mistakes for scratching posts. If you want to shell out a little more you can purchase Sticky Paws, a double-sided tape made specifically for this purpose. The extra money you spend on the Sticky Paws should be cheaper than replacing the furniture (and if it’s not…maybe you needn't worry about scratches!).
Step 5

Put out some corrugated cardboard for your cat to scratch, play with and tear up—as opposed to paper towels or your favorite loveseat—and maybe even throw some catnip in the mix for a night (morning or afternoon) of some cheap entertainment.
Step 6

Offer some tempting pet grass to divert your pet from grass in the yard or potentially poisonous houseplants. Dogs and cats like to chew grass because it helps their digestion. Pet grass (available in different varieties) serves that need as well as improves bad breath, is good for the teeth and gums and controls hairballs in cats. And besides, it will be your pet’s own little contribution to the “green” movement.
Step 7

Purchase lint rollers to remove pet hair from your clothing, couch and car. These are very simple devices that can do a lot for a little. Or if it's a smaller spot job, clear packing tape may do the trick. Since shedding is something you may be able to reduce—but not completely cure—you might as well let lint rollers or packing tape handle the rest.
Step 8

When it’s a rough day at the dog or cat “office" (thunder, fireworks, trip to the vet or anything else stressful) there can be relief in a bottle. Rescue Remedy Pet is safe herbal drops that can be added to your pet's water, food, treats or directly in their mouth to calm them down in stressful situations (see Resources below). Besides, where are you gonna find an animal behaviorist for under 20 bucks?

Comments

diggitydogg said

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on 1/19/2009 Janie, I would take her to the vet before anything else since urinary tract infections are common in cats. That would explain the frequent urination. Let me know if you have more questions. Also, think if there was a change in her lifestyle that might have caused the change in behavior. A new person in the house, a new house, etc.

JanieWrites said

on 1/19/2009 my spayed female cat just turned two and started peeing in wierd places - on top of the cupboard, above the entertainment center, in the sink and bathtub, on the couch. We do not use a litter box - she has a pet door and goes outside. This is new behavior and I am at my wit's end! Any suggestions??