A cat who has not used the litterbox properly for two years cannot be induced to change this behavior overnight. Animals are living beings, not machines, and no one can guarantee that their behavior can be changed. Persons who misrepresent their qualifications to treat behavior problems are also suspect. A qualified veterinarian, applied animal behaviorist, or dog trainer will be glad to provide proof of specialized training. Pet owners should also beware of people who want to take their pets out of their homes, provide training, and then return them.
Most behavior problems are the result of interactions of the animal, the owner, and the environment.
The behavior of the owner often must be changed as much as the behavior of the pet, and this can be done only within the animal's normal environment. With commitment, tolerance, patience, expert assistance, and perseverance, almost every undesirable companion animal behavior can be resolved. The key is to keep negative aspects of the relationship from overshadowing positive aspects. While it may seem that the animal benefits from resolution of the behavior, we must admit that we humans benefit more. The difficulty of resolving an undesirable behavior is a small price to pay for a lifetime of companionship, love, and acceptance.