Dear Tiffani;

I love the outdoors and being with my dog. I want to take her on regular walks, but she always pulls on the leash and barks at other dogs when we pass them. Walks are difficult and just no fun! Someone suggested a prong collar, but it doesn’t look too comfortable. Are we doomed to just play in the yard?

From, Aching Arms

Dear Aching,

Relax those arms – there is hope! I recommend using a fantastic tool called a head collar. This is a special collar with one strap that goes around your dog’s nose and another that goes around her neck, just behind the ears. The leash attaches under the chin and works with your dog’s natural instincts, much like a horse halter.

The collars I have worked with the most are called ‘Gentle Leader’ and I’ve witnessed amazing results. This collar gives you control with humane restraint-pressure on the back of the neck instead of the front of the throat; reducing your dog’s drive to pull forward. In my opinion, this is a wonderful alternative to the prong collar which can be painful and actually worsen fear and aggression behaviors. 

The Gentle Leader not only helps with pulling and lunging, but may also help with jumping, barking, and even teaching ‘sit.’ I have also seen it help dogs in behavior modification programs for problems associated with fear, anxiety, and aggression. 

You can find a head collar at most animal supplies stores, and they come with full instructions. We have the Gentle Leader available at the Stafford Animal Shelter and can help you fit them on your pooch. It may take some time for your girl to get used to wearing it, but they say the dog who struggles the most is the one who needs it the most. So, soon she’ll be excited to wear it because it will signal going for a walk; a walk both of you will now thoroughly enjoy. 

Happy Trails, Tiffani 

Dear Tiffani,

I recently found out I am pregnant and am very excited! I’m worried though, because my friend said to get rid of my cat because he can cause a serious disease that could harm my baby, is this true? 

Signed, Not wanting to give up my furry first baby, but scared!

Dear Scared,

What your friend is probably talking about is Toxoplasmosis. It is a disease that can cause serious birth defects and is found in many animal species, but grows best in cats. Please don’t get too alarmed, but it’s definitely something to be aware of and prevention measures can be taken.

Toxoplasmosis is found in the feces of cats who ingest raw meat, birds, mice, or contaminated soil. It is also found in raw or undercooked meat, which is actually the most common route of entry for both people and cats. Many of us have also been exposed to Toxoplasmosis playing in a sandbox as a child, or being around animals in general.

A surprising number of people and cats have Toxoplasmosis: 20-80 % of all domesticated animals and about 50% of Americans are carriers. Most cats show no signs of illness, but indications of severe infection include fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, and breathing difficulties. Very few people get sick from the disease, and those who do are immune suppressed. Commonly, both cats and humans have no symptoms whatsoever. 

After a person or animal is infected, their body will build a natural immunity against the disease. Here is where the danger lies. About 1-3 weeks after infection, a cat will start passing egglike structures infectious to those who come into contact with the structures in feces or the soil. The cat will pass these until it develops its own immunity in about 2 weeks. However, if the cat relieves itself outside and the feces are not discarded, the disease can live in the soil for up to a year. A pregnant woman who has not had a chance to build her own immunity can pick these eggs up, say, gardening. She will then spread Toxoplasmosis to her fetus and it can cause birth defects. 

Being pregnant doesn’t mean automatically giving up your cat. I strongly recommend consulting your doctor; ask for advice and precautionary methods. Most importantly, there is a blood test to determine if you have been exposed, are immune, and unable to pass it on to your unborn child. Your cat can also be tested to see if it has developed immunity from previous infection as well. So enjoy your kitty, your pregnancy, and your growing family.

Many purrs to you all, Tiffani

Tiffani Zimmerman is the Behavior Specialist at the Stafford Animal Shelter, Humane Society of Park County. Email questions to her at                   behavioradvice@imt.net or call 222-1312.