Blog » News

Ask Dog Lady

Wednesday Jan 10, 2018

Advice on Pets, Life, Love

By Monica Collins

Dear Dog Lady,

I am 76 and recently adopted a one-year-old dog from a shelter. I love the dog to pieces but recently she has been urinating in my bed. It doesn't happen every day but I have to break her of this habit. We went to visit my nephew and she did the same thing to his bed. I have a big yard and she plays with my son's dog. It's not as if she doesn't get out to do her business. I play ball with her in the yard and I walk her when my knees let me. What would cause her to do this and how can I solve this problem?

Gladys

Dear Gladys,

Give your dog a bed of her own and ban her from yours. If she doesn't have an incontinence problem (a veterinarian's check will tell), your pet sends you the clear signal she owns your bed -and your nephew's. So keep her away from other people's beds. Her peeing on beds is more about dominance and ownership than about relieving herself, although there could be some of that going on especially if you don't walk her enough. Whenever your knees allow, take her for a real walk away from the yard. Ask your nephew to help out by walking her too. Your dog will thrive with enough exercise and healthy attention.


Dear Dog Lady,

We have adopted a three-year-old beagle mix. He is well behaved, listens very well.

Our question: Can a beagle mix learn to walk on a lead without pulling? I walk every day, between two to four miles. I am not a slow walker. We would appreciate any advice/help you can give us.

Betty

Dear Betty,

Don't take "no" for an answer. If your dog pulls, you must retrain your dog to walk with you.

This can be accomplished with the help of a halter leash, training treats and the command to "watch me" instead of allowing your pet to drag you willy-nilly.

As a daily walker, you are in the ideal situation to take your boogie-woogie beagle boy out every day. Your dog could become an eager exercise companion. However, you must be vigilant about training him to follow your lead.


Dear Dog Lady,

I have a two-year-old GSD (German shepherd) since he was 11 weeks. I struggle to understand his behavior because he is scared out of his mind about cars, bikes, people, balloons, boxes, and all objects in motion. He is especially afraid of people and even shakes. He was a normal puppy when I got him from the breeder.

He is also a severe chewer, and although he is now two years old, he chews up everything (the house, shoes, rugs, cables, and most recently my entire couch, which I had to trash). I hated to do it, but I finally got him a crate. He gets plenty of attention throughout the day even when I'm at class or work for eight hours a day because my roommates care for him in my absence. When I exercised him even more, he became worse in his chewing and hyper-active behavior.

Megan

Dear Megan,

Your GSD is still an adolescent and needs care and attention and socializing. Walk him frequently so he becomes accustomed to the noises and surprises in the world. When he is calm, reward him with high-value treats (freeze-dried liver or boiled chicken). Don't expect your roommates to provide your dog the same quality of care or consideration. In all her years, Dog Lady has never heard of a well-exercised dog that chews more and becomes hyperactive. A crate will help if the crate is used well and not as punishment. You have a big dog requiring a big part of your life. Make room for the responsibility.

Askdoglady.com; write askdoglady@gmail.com.