If your cat likes catnip, rub some into sisal rope on post. Hanging his favorite toy on top of post will help get his attention also.

The first time he uses post you need to heap lots of praise on him, pet him, give him a treat and let him know that he is a 'good boy.' Cats do not relate punishment to behavior they are engaged in but they do understand very well when they have done something that pleases you if you communicate that effectively. It shouldn't take long for your cat to figure things out if you use this strategy.

Our cat Milo is hillarious! Now when he needs to scratch he sits in front of post, reaches up to scratch, stops and turns to make sure we are watching him and then does his business. Then he turns to us as if to say, 'hey, aren't I a good boy?'

I encourage anyone who has a dog that loves people, is well mannered to investigate possibility of dog therapy visiting. The nice aspect about this is, dogs do NOT have to be obedience trained, just obedient. Big difference!

A few weeks ago, when I brought my golden to home, one of directors noticed that one of residents was watching dog. The director said why don’t you go over and see what she will do. This lady we were going to see was in one of those high backed chairs that also serves as a bed. She was not able to sit, or move up. But, she was able to move her head sideways, drop her arm, and pet my dog. WOW! She was thrilled. She gently talked to Nikki, and when I asked her a few questions about dogs, she answered me. Now, director came over to me, and told me this lady never speaks to anyone, except to tell them where to…., well you know what, right? This lady was unhappy, and other then telling everyone off, she never talked to anyone conversationally. The director was thrilled to see her react this way. These experiences make visiting worth while. And let me tell you, it IS worth while.