Dear Dog Lady,
What do you think about dogs that never get to go out for walks? I am concerned about somebody in my condominium building who apparently is keeping her dog in apartment all the time, a new dog, although I know she had one before; she uses pee pads of some type. And she works. But I think dogs need to go for walks for many other reasons than doing their business. Isn't that right?
—Jeannie
Dear Jeannie,
Dogs need walks like plants need rain. The daily outings are a canine's connection to the world. The animals sniff out the news, whiff kith and kin, and bond to their human keepers during every walk. To deprive a dog of this daily reality check seems inhumane. Also, our pets must understand that outdoors means business. And, remember, responsible dog owners clean up after their pets; be sure to carry bags to pick up.
By scattering pee pads around indoors, the misguided dog owner expects a dog to understand the difference between relieving itself on a pad and the carpet. Also, once a dog is allowed to go inside without consequences, the animal rarely goes back to outdoors only. This questionable behavior presents all kinds of problems for the owner and the dog; the pet believes it can mess anywhere indoors. After much bad bathroom manners, the owners inevitably resent their dogs. Dogs that soil the house because of human sloppiness can wind up abandoned in shelters. And the rest is a long, sad story.

Dear Dog Lady,
I have been so good to my dog. I never hit her, shout at her, or make her go hungry. But I swear she plots revenge on me all the time. She chews my shoes and goes to the bathroom in my closet. She looks at me like she's terribly guilty. Without sticking her nose in her messes and swatting her, how do I let her know she's done wrong? She's almost seven-years-old and she should know better.
—Melissa

Dear Melissa,
Shock collars are hurtful and punitive. The device, which sends an electric shock through the dog to stop unwanted behavior, is not a humane way to correct bad behavior in your dog. Training should be accomplished in a positive way so you can live better with your pet. If your bulldog is afraid of you and your shock control, the purpose of having a companion animal seems somehow defeated.
What's positive training? Giving treats for sitting and staying when Grandma pops in. Use her arrival as a teachable moment and command the bulldog to sit and stay. Stay focused on the dog until he behaves. Offer a food treat if the dog performs. You are the key to your dog's good behavior and you must stay on top of your pet when visitors come over. If you don't want to train, at least keep the dog on a leash or in another room. People come first and you don't want a jumping dog and a broken hip to ruin family relations.

Dear Dog Lady,
I am in a new relationship with a man I adore. The only problem is his dog, Chopper, who's "in control." The dog barks constantly, jumps in people's laps (not a lap-size dog) and sleeps smack in the middle of us in the bed. We can't even be affectionate because of the dog "blocking" us. How do I handle this situation?
—Claire

Dear Claire,
You can't. Only your guy can regulate the dog's behavior. Be patient. Or walk away.

Write: askdoglady@gmail.com.