Familiarity

Dogs chew slippers because they like something to gnaw.

There may be a familiar odour to the slipper, and once they've taken their first bite, it will be hard to stop them returning for more!

It's easy to see it as a bad habit, but it's hardly fair on the dog, for whom chewing something familiar is a reassuring part of his routine.

Out and about

It's important to understand how pets behave, not just to us, but with each other.

Natural instincts dictate that two un-neutered male dogs are likely to be aggressive with each other, and this counts for cats, rabbits and most other species.

Male dogs often fight, especially if they don't know each other. There are usually fewer problems with females.

What a mess!

Pets urinate to mark their territory, but they can also do it as a negative response to the presence of someone they don't like.

In one example, a pet counsellor was consulted about Moses, a three-year-old Tabby, who for no apparent reason started leaving 'puddles' around the house. The counsellor identified the arrival of a lodger as the cause. Three months later, when the lodger left, Moses kicked the habit.

Clawing

Cats use their claws for grooming and climbing as well as for aggression or self-defence. It's also a way for your cat to tell you they've had enough stroking or playing.

Barking

Experts have identified dozens of different bark tones that can reveal whether a dog is being aggressive or defensive.

Licking

Dogs lick to show affection and also sometimes to request food. Young, weaned puppies lick when they want solid food.

Bad habits

Pet counsellors deal with all kinds of behaviour problems, going far beyond explaining why your dog chews slippers, or your cat is scared of thunder.

Aggression, bad eating habits and a tendency to be destructive are just some of the issues seen in consultation rooms.

There are even cases in which owners are told to stop knitting or ironing in front of their pets, as it's supposedly perceived as a rejection of the animal's emotional needs.

Hunting

It's an adventure most cats enjoy, even if they're well fed at home! However, clearing up the remains of the prey is not a pleasant task!

One way to cut a cat's hunting success rate is to put a bell on her collar, so potential victims are more likely to hear her.