I'm Just Walkin' My Dog

If Dog Lady has a theme song, it's Nellie McKay's "The Dog Song," which captures the intense joy of stepping out with a four-legged darling. "It's just me and my dog catching some sun/We can't go wrong. . .That's what it's all about."

Take This Cell And Shove It

Dear Dog Lady,

My wife and I have a 4-year-old Shih Tzu named Watson. He is very well behaved.

We just realized that when our cell phone goes off in the house he gets very upset and starts to tremble and runs to our lap for and will not calm down. We have tried to make him associate the cell phone ring with his wet food, but that does not seem to help. He even gets nervous if we change the ring tone or if the cell phone is on vibrate and goes off. He does not mind when the home phone rings.

Any suggestions would be of great comfort because it is difficult to see our Watson in such a state.

Joshua, New York, NY

What's In A Name?

Dog Lady was captivated by this short video produced by the L.A. Times in which owners share their dogs' names -- a litany of love with a few woofs and runs thrown in.

State of the Art Dog Park

For Dog Lady, rubbernecking at dog parks gives immense enjoyment. (Yes, the Lady is a tramp). In the middle of Boston, this dog recreation space was recently sanctioned by city poohbahs and designed by one of the area's top architects. The peastone ground cover can be a problem as the pebbles tend to drift far and wide, but, overall, this dog park is a big success. Privately funded and imaginatively designed, the space continues to win over urban dog doubters.

Bed Bugged

Dear Dog Lady,

I'd like your perspective on a bad situation I know I created. A few months back, one of my Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, Major, was sleeping in my bed. When I got under the covers, I noticed he was fascinated by my feet moving under the covers. So I began playing with my feet and hands under the covers, moving them around while Major, who’s 130 pounds, pounced on them. It was funny then, but not now.

Since that night, Major goes into a barking frenzy the moment I turn down the sheets. He begins pawing me and jumping at me. I believe he thinks a monster hides under the sheets and he is trying to keep me safe. What are your thoughts?

Lisa, Ridgefield, CT

Me And My Shadow

Dear Dog Lady,

I recently purchased a Pomeranian named Shadow and wanted to know if it is a bad idea to leave him in his playpen while I am at work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. I leave him in his large playpen where there is a crate, many toys, a blanket, some water, and a place for him to go to the bathroom. I am worried that leaving him home all day might be really bad for him. What do you think?

Stacy, Arlington, VA

For Him, It's Project Runway

Don't Pit Peaches

Dear Dog Lady,

My fiancée and I have found a two-bedroom condo we love. Unfortunately, the docs forbid dogs over 20 pounds. Peaches, our cocker spaniel, is 27 pounds. I want to go for it, but my guy argues that Peaches will get busted eventually. He wants us to keep looking until we find a place where all of our pounds are welcome. I am so irritated with Mr. Law and Order. I’ve reminded him that he’s copied software, so his criminal record is less than pristine. Should I suggest we put Peaches on a diet? How can I convince him to sign the papers for this condo?

Wendy, Forest Hills, NY

Poodle Stalker

Dear Dog Lady,

Our small poodle, Sara, has gotten too attached we guess. She constantly follows us around the house to the point of annoyance. When we are sitting, she stands next to one of us like she is guarding us. We often almost trip over her. She will not go outside without one of us going with her. How in the heck can we stop this? She is driving us insane!!!!

Arnie and Pat, Chicago, IL

Horns Of A Dilemma

Dear Dog Lady,

'Tis the holiday season and being in a festive mood I bought my dog Max (a 75 pound pit bull/lab mix) a pair of reindeer antlers. His coloring is such that he truly looks like a reindeer with them on, not to mention the fact he looks adorably funny. We got them at the pet store the other day and I made him walk home with them on. He did a great job of wearing them on the short walk home and didn't try to shake them off. When we got home, however, he gave me a look that said, "You owe me." My question: Do I owe him?

Brian, Grosse Point Park, Mich.

Westie Cold Shoulder

Dear Dog Lady,

My Westie is very affectionate with everyone but me. He will kiss and lick my husband, children, but will only give me a little peck. I am the Alpha in the house. He follows me everywhere, I feed him, walk him, cuddle him, brush him. But he kisses everyone more than me. If I get up in his face for a smooch, he turns his head, I might get a little one, but not with the energy he gives the kids and my husband. What gives?

Debbie, Savannah, GA

Pooch Patience Is A Virtue

Dear Dog Lady,

My husband and I had a dog that died three months ago. Just two days ago we went to a shelter and adopted a one-year-old beagle mix. I don't know how to say it any more plainly: I am not sure if I want him. He's a nice dog, good with kids and cats it seems. He doesn't listen and whines the minute you leave the room. My husband says to give him a chance, but I am afraid we made a huge mistake. We can take Roscoe back to the shelter, which is a very nice no-kill shelter. I just don't feel a bond. Any advice?

Karrie, Babylon, NY

Chester Not A Molester

Dear Dog Lady,

Since reading a newspaper story about emotional therapy dogs, I’m jealous because many other dogs provide much more psychological support than Chester, my Cairn terrier. Chester has always been aloof. He never kisses me. When I go to snuggle with him, he always plants himself at a distance so I have to crawl across the floor to rub his belly. He sits on the couch with me sometimes, but he usually likes to go off to his favorite closet alone. And he’s stubborn. There’s no way I can guilt-trip Chester into doing anything he doesn’t want to do. He only gets emotional around Beggin’ Strips, squirrels, and other dogs that perk his interest, such as Coletta, the greyhound who chases him on the beach. How can I get Chester to be more cuddly and expressive?

Barbara, New York, NY

How He Got the Nickname "Fishguts Malloy"

Dogs love to roll in the foulest smelling stuff. This is their exhilaration. Do not scold them or try to train them out of it, but indulge them occasionally -- with doggy wipes handy.

Cutting Ties

Dear Dog Lady,

I went through a divorce several months ago. We had three dogs together. I took my Westie when I left and continued to take the dog over to my ex’s daily to be with the other dogs while I work. I recently moved into a condo and I now find it necessary to make other arrangements for the dog because I find a companion pet is not practical for me in my new life. I can’t afford doggie day care and I am unable to spend much time with him. I would like any tips on how to accomplish this. Should I make a clean break or do it gradually?

Pat, Utica, NY

Molly the Cleaning Lady

Dear Dog Lady,

I have a three-year-old black Lab named Molly who is perfect in every way except one: Her habit of turning her doggy bed into a repository of family shoes and clothes. Every day and sometimes during the night dear Molly collects whatever slippers or shoes are lying about and brings them to her bed. Anything hanging on the back of a door knob or on a bed ends up in her bed. She doesn't chew them up but just seems happy to have them gathered about her. What does this all mean? She has lots of toys she could collect in her bed.

Jan, Cambridge, MA

Expecting Too Much Too Soon

Dear Dog Lady,

I am an elderly lady who recently lost my last dog to an unexpected illness. I'd had the dog for nine years and was devastated. I live alone and was very lonely so I adopted a three-year-old beagle mix from the New Hampshire Humane Society. Crissy is a well-behaved nice dog in every respect except she is not at all playful. She has no interest in the many toys I have bought for her, nor will she play with me when I am out in the yard. I miss the joy and companionship of a playful dog. Do you have any suggestions for teaching her how to be more interactive with me?

Lelia, Nashua, NH

Facing the End

Dear Dog Lady,

My dog is almost 17 years old. She is having problems seeing and hearing. She used to weigh 85 lbs and now weighs around 36 lbs. She has problems with arthritis in her hips and is very unstable, I know she has a hard time getting up and down, and sometimes she falls over. She is also losing control of her bowels and goes a lot in the house. My husband thinks its time to put her to sleep. But when I look at her I just don't feel its time. He says she is suffering. Do you think we should put her down? Our vet says it’s our decision. Any help will be appreciated. I can't imagine coming home from work and not seeing her.

Ginger, St. Louis, MO

Preparing To Let Go

Dear Dog Lady,

I am 86 with serious health problems. I have a Bichon frise, Madison, whom I dearly love. He is 10. We go everywhere together. I fear, assuming I go before him, that he will feel deserted.

He never has been very good around other people, including my wife who has a busy social life and not much time to spend with Madison. I try to familiarize him with other people but that hasn't been easy. I am writing out a life style legacy with his weaknesses, strengths and I have created a trust for him for such care as may be needed. I do have a portable kennel that may make the change easier. But what else can I do? I really love this little 20-lb. guy like no other dog I have ever known.

Your advice, please.

Warren, Rochester Hills, MI

Sleepy La Beef

Dear Dog Lady,

What is the normal sleeping time in a 24-hour period of time for a miniature Schnauzer? Lucky Eugene is now 7-years-old and spends a lot of time snoozing day and night. He is exercised daily when we walk and run. He has regular vet visits and is in good health, as per his vet.

Ron, Mansfield, MA

Don't Blame the Dog

Dear Dog Lady,

We have a one-and-one-half year old golden retriever, Casey. We are contemplating getting rid of him because he has been eating our TV remotes and very expensive cell phones and regular phones. We have even tried to keep these things out of his reach but he still manages to jump up and get them. I should also mention he is not neutered. How could we help correct this problem? Would neutering help?

Alyssa, Cuyahoga Falls, OH

Hair of the Dog Couture

Dear Dog Lady,

In all the books I read about greyhounds and whippets, and from all the Internet sites where all-knowing folk wax wise about shedding, the general advice seemed to be that the above mentioned breeds do not molt. Before I acquired my whippet Dottie, I thought my Hoover/washing/carpet bills would be cheaper and I would be spared hairballs in my mouth first thing in the morning.

Why do these people insist these breeds do not molt? My whippet sheds so much my black clothes are slowing turning a grayish color and people at work must think I sleep in the dog’s bed at night. Do you know of any anti-molt pills she can take or any other remedies to stop this hairy fiend?

P.S. I love my dog very much and would never give her away. She’s the most beautiful girl anyone could ever have the pleasure of owning. The hair is just a small setback.

Hayley, London, UK

Purr-Plexed

Dear Dog Lady,

Madison, a female black Labrador is seven-years-old. We adopted her from a shelter when she was five months. From the day my wife brought her home, she has been a gift from God. She’s very lovable and getting cuddlier all the time. She has full rein in the house and is very good.

I have read articles about dogs “purring” and, occasionally, when we go face to face with Madison to kiss that big black nose or to pet her when she is on the couch, she will sound a low g-rrrr. I call it a “distant rumble of thunder.” Sometimes if we persist, she will bare her teeth accompanied by a louder g-rrrr. I call it “alien mouth.” As soon as we retreat, she looks at us as if to say, “I didn't really mean it, I love you guys.”

Sometimes we hear "a distant rumble of thunder" when we give her a tummy rub. I'm confused as to how to read her actions sometimes. For years, I’ve said to my wife Kathy that's one of the few expressions she has to communicate with us, as in, "Don't bug me now". Madison has never snapped at us. Would you say that these scary actions could be “purring?”

George, Utica, NY

Seven Not From Heaven

Dear Dog Lady,

You may be Dog Lady but I am now known as the "crazy" dog lady. I have seven, yes seven, dogs. It has been a gradual process starting with one small toy poodle 12 years ago, another the following year, their puppy (oops) who’s now seven, a stray border collie (we've had her eight years) and her puppy she delivered shortly after we found her and a hound dog my 26-year-old daughter brought with her when she returned home. We have all lived peacefully together for years.

In November, I went into the pet store to buy a sweater for my smallest poodle and was struck by a very sad "goodle" puppy in a cage. He is a standard poodle and golden retriever mix. I was so taken with him but knew it would be crazy. During the holidays, I went back for treats and he was still there but much bigger and still sitting in the same small cage. I thought surely someone would buy him and, again, I made myself walk out. Then on January 16, I was at the mall and just went in to see. Sure enough, he was there and very cramped in his cage. I brought him home.

Well, it has really rocked the boat. He is much bigger than the rest and a puppy to boot so he always wants to play rough. The pack is mad. It has been a full time job keeping peace and order. I am home full-time, but it is a nightmare. Was I insane to think this would work?

Susan, Dayton, OH

Fido Facts Of Life

Dear Dog Lady,

I feel really dumb asking this question. I don't know if my dog is a boy or a girl. How can I tell?

Olanda, Orlando, Fl

Bella Giveaway?

Dear Dog Lady,

I am in desperate need of your help. Nine months ago, my wife and I got a cocker spaniel puppy, Bella, as a house dog. Since then, I have found that I am really not a dog person and feel it was a mistake. My wife will have no part in giving the dog away to a loving family but I am becoming miserable and want the dog to go. What can we do? I love my wife dearly but we argue over this issue. I am worried.

Matt, Newton, MA

Time In A Bottle

Dear Dog Lady,

I have been told that dogs feel time differently than humans. If I leave my dog in a crate for, say, two hours, he sleeps and doesn’t realize how long he has been alone. I'm not sure I believe that. So my question: Do dogs have the same sense of time that humans do?
Lyal, Davenport, IA

Let Freedom Ring

Dear Dog Lady,

My dog, Monte, a pure-bred chocolate Labrador, will be one-year-old this month He gets a lot of exercise between dog parks, daycare, walks, and play time. During the days when he doesn't go to daycare, he stays home alone. Since he was about six-months old, we started giving him a little more freedom in the house by letting him roam between the living room and eating area. He also has a dog door to go outside as needed. (The house and backyard are fully secure).

Monte does very well when home alone. There’s not much destruction in the house and it looks like he sleeps a lot during the day. However, I recently read an article that said dogs don't really want that much freedom. Instead, they would prefer to be in a more confined space (e.g. crate, or smaller room) because they feel safer with less anxiety. Do you think we give Monte too much freedom? How would we really know if this isn't the best plan for our pup?

Bonnie, Moline IL

Fears About Ears

Dear Dog Lady,

Last year I purchased a Wire-Haired Fox Terrier. I love her dearly and by the time she was eight months both of her ears were standing straight up. I recently bought another (from a different breeder) and it seems one of her ears is starting to stand up. They are such small dogs to have these ears standing up. Is there anything breeders do to keep them down or do I have no other choice but to let them stand? I still love them, ears up or down. I just wondered if there was something I should be doing.

Betty, Lake Minnetonka, MN

Mommy Dearest

Dear Dog Lady,

I'm one of those single, professional 34-yr-old women who treat dogs like children. I hate it when I have to leave my pets to go to work. The rest of the time, my social life is basically non-existent because I always want to be home with them. I want people to come to my house so I don't have to leave the dogs. When they are alone during the day, they are not crated. They run the house and seem to do well with this.

I have a Yorkie, Otis, a very sweet dog. His only fault? He's a runner. I've been told that there is no solution for this, as it is his nature, but I long to take him somewhere and let him run off leash. And Oliver, a puppy shih-poo, cute as a button and wild as a march hare. He will be neutered soon, but he shows some "alpha" signs. I'm hoping some of his behavior will mellow when he is neutered. He is very aggressive when given treats. The older Otis is a gentleman and a pushover. My questions: Any way to help Otis not be a runner? Any way I can keep Mr. Oliver from chewing my hand off when I give him treats?

Paula, Baltimore, MD

A Timeless Question of Time

Dear Dog Lady,

Our six-year-old Retriever, Jakob, has severe epilepsy and has had it since he was two.

Because of this, he drinks a lot more, is on five different kinds of pills, and he has taken to using our living room as his personal bathroom. The pills are eating away at his liver and they also affect his legs so he has problems walking and jumping up on things.

We are struggling with when we should or shouldn’t put him down. Is he suffering too much? Is it inhuman?

Jenn

Downcast Chi-Weenie

Dear Dog Lady,

One week ago, I adopted a young dog (Chi-weenie - mixed Chihuahua and
Dachshund). They said he’s somewhere between one and three years old.
Apparently, he was rescued from a bad home where he was neglected and
possibly abused. He had been at the shelter for at least six or seven months when we adopted him.

He is overly submissive and scared. He will be lovable if we call him over or physically put him in a lap to be petted. But, he will not play at all. We bought a few toys, which he ignores completely. He will only lie on the couch. He will not even eat treats. Plus, he's the only dog I've ever known that seems to like it better in his kennel (with the door open) instead of on the floor playing. He is perfectly healthy, so that's not the problem.

I wanted a dog to lift my spirits and to show me love and affection, but instead he's very depressing and disheartening to be around. We are able to return him and get a refund within 30 days, but the last thing I want to do is not keep a pet because it's not perfect. I just don't know what to do for him. Can you help?

Cindy, Chicago, IL

Search For Canine Step-Sibling

Dear Dog Lady,

Hi. My name is Lauren and I’m 12 years old. I was thinking of buying a dog (parents’ money) for our family. My favorite type of dog is a Border collie, and that’s what I want to get. But I don't live on a farm, although my property is medium sized (inside, 800 square feet and outside, twelve hundred square feet, about). I was wondering if that's enough space for a dog like the Border collie to run around?

If it's not, what other kind of dog do you think I should get? I’ve never had a dog but my parents have, but the dog is all my responsibility (except for costs). I will also be leaving the dog unattended for about three hours at a time (because of school) I would like a dog that’s not really small like a Yorkie but not huge like a Great Dane, and my parents don't want a yippy dog.

What do you think the right dog for me is?

Lauren, Cleveland, OH

What Do Dogs Feel?

Dear Dog Lady,

Recently, my dog Red, a Staffordshire bull terrier, passed away and my other dog Spike, a British bulldog, started to act differently. Spike always seemed to view Red as the patriarchal figure and, with his passing, Spike has became more subdued and mellow. Do you think this was a result of a general change in his personality caused by something chemical or hormonal? Or is it something deeper, something more profound? Does Spike feel more complex emotions of love and grief? To what extent do you believe Spike, and dogs as a whole, can feel the same range of emotions as we as human beings can feel?

Josh, London, England

Is the Pope Catholic?

Dear Dog Lady,

Why do dogs go crazy over walks? It is well known that dogs can learn the meaning of word "walk" and once they do, it's all downhill from there as you try to avoid the word in every day conversation for fear of falsely exciting your pooch.

We walk our dog, Maynard, three times a day, but no matter what, she still jumps up out of dead sleep if she hears something that resembles keys jingling. It’s the sound we make as we pick up our house keys to take her out.

It seems like walks are the absolute purpose of her day. Why do dogs love them so much?

Terence, Seattle, WA

Doggy Day Care

Dear Dog Lady,

When me and my wife leave for the day at work, we put our dogs, a Rottweiler and a Dalmatian, in their crates. We also do this when we sleep, which means our dogs are in their crates for 16 hours a day. That just seems bad to me. But if we leave them outside in the changeable weather, that seems bad too. What is the best thing to do?

Ray, St. Louis, MO

A Dog Lady Correction

Dear Dog Lady,

Your recent response to the owner whose Weimaraner snapped at a passerby was okay, but very much incomplete. You left the poor guy out there on his own with an unpredictable dog. It would help him and his dog tremendously if he found his way to a good dog trainer. After several false starts with several not-so-good trainers, my dog-aggressive dog Cassie and I have had an extremely successful year being trained. Yes, I got trained too! Me most of all!

Martha, Boston, MA

Muddying The Waters

Dear Dog Lady,

I was asked by my maybe-future in-laws not to dump my Shih Tzu’s leftover drinking water in their sink. I guess because of germs. I have to admit I think this goes too far. Am I being naïve?

Linda, Sioux City, SD

Frontline Clarification

Dear Dog Lady,

In response to your recent answer about Frontline, [the topical medicine] is not released into the dog's blood system. It goes into the oil of the skin and collects on the hair follicles. From the hair follicles, it is released onto the skin and coat. When ticks and fleas jump onto the dog or cat, they are exposed to the chemical and die.

Maureen, Methuen, MA

Blue About Blue

Dear Dog Lady,

Help! My dog snapped at a guy on the street!

Is this terrible? Are they gonna want to put him to sleep? Blue, a Weimaraner, isn't neutered yet. We just got him and he's one-year-old. I have an appointment for the neutering but they didn't have any openings until late August.

We were walking on a busy street and there were many people coming and going. This guy was trotting towards me, and Blue didn't see him until the last minute, when the guy was about five feet from me. Blue snapped at him and nicked him in the thigh. The skin wasn't broken, but the guy developed a very small bruise (about the size of a shelled peanut). The man freaked out. Understandable, but it made Blue more scared and he kept barking.

I hastily gave the guy my number and told him I'd fax him Blue’s vaccination papers. What else should I have done? I wanted to remove Blue from the situation fast, and the gathering crowd wasn't helping calm him down. I'm so upset! Does this mean he's an aggressive dog? Was this a fluke? Is one snapping enough for Animal Control to want to kill him? Will neutering help?

“V,” San Francisco, CA

Tick Time Bomb

Dear Dog Lady,

What is the best flea and tick medicine for dogs?

Rick, Corsicana, TX

Tongue Depressed

Dear Dog Lady,

This is not so much a question but a plea. Now that the hot summer weather is upon us, can you please remind people that dogs do not sweat and need to keep hydrated? I see so many dogs who have been subjected to a run with their owner (poor things) on my daily walks and the poor dog's tongues are lolling around out the sides of their mouths, practically hanging out to their chests. It makes me feel really angry at the owner and sad for the dog. Would it be acceptable to also say something to the owners?

Kristi, Boston, MA

Celebrity Hounds

Dear Dog Lady,

When I recently went to New York for business, I had dinner with a client in Greenwich Village. After we left the restaurant, we were walking to find a cab when we had a celebrity sighting of actress Hilary Swank (looking gorgeous), husband Chad Lowe (sporting a buzz cut), and their big dog (drooly and unkempt). Why is it that celebs always have these funky looking pound dogs?

Frederic, Greenwich, CT

Pink Belly Pup Vacation

Dear Dog Lady,

In December, my mom, little brother and I adopted two West Highland white terriers, Amethyst Belle and Arwen McCullar.

We took them to puppy behavior training and some of their most annoying behaviors have diminished. Now, it's summer and we're seriously thinking about taking them on vacation with us. Aside from the obvious food, water, crates lined with their towels, leashes, and a few dog toys; is there anything else they might need? They wear harnesses 24/7 with their ID tags and rabies inoculation tags. I treat them both as my babies and I'm sure we could ask somebody in the family to "pupsit" but I think it would be a crime not to take them with us. Can you give me any advice on traveling with two seven-month-old puppies?

Carly, Dallas, TX

Ear Signals

Dear Dog Lady,

We have two West Highland white/Schnauzer cross puppies that are now four months old. Over the last few days we have noted that they both frequently tend to position their ears back against their heads. This is a new behavior for them. What does this indicate?

Dianne, Tiverton, RI

Bad Hair Day

Dear Dog Lady,

I have a Chinese Crested puppy, Jones, who’s 13 weeks old. My husband has been joking about coloring his crest for a while now. I never knew this would be a bad thing until I started reading online. It seems as if though people have mixed feelings about it. Can it really hurt him to dye his hair? I obviously wouldn't use hair dye for people, but where would I find doggie dye?

Janelle, Kernersville, NC

Unplain Jane

Dear Dog Lady,

My Jane, a 12-year-old Jack Russell terrier, is deaf and blind. But she still enjoys life. When we go outside, her nose becomes her eyes and ears. Jane can sniff around the world for hours. Indoors, she plays with the cat.

My problem comes when my husband, daughter or I leave Jane alone. I’ve often driven up to the house to hear Jane howling, which makes me feel awful.

Also, when I go out with my dog, we are the object of pitying looks from people. Once, I was shocked when a man asked me why I was keeping her alive. To me, it’s not an issue. I’m sticking with Jane until she lets me know she’s done. What’s the harm?

Lucy, Bend, ORE.

Hijacked

Dear Dog Lady,

I just got a note today from my neighbor informing me that my dog Chandi, a Jack Russell Terrier who’s eight months old, has been howling non-stop for sometime. My nosy neighbor is getting frustrated with the situation and wants to tell the management that I have a dog (we are not allowed to have them). I crate Chandi during the day, come back home for lunch, and then go back to work. I leave her toys and chew bones in her crate. What do you suggest I do?

Chai, Washington, D.C.

Stance On Slobber?

Dear Dog Lady,

What's your position on slobber? I have a friend who keeps suggesting I get a dog like hers, but it's a drool machine. Buckets. And I have furniture. With cloth on it. And electronics. Any thoughts?

Tom, St. Paul, MINNE.

Kissing Frenchie?

Dear Dog Lady,

After a lot of consideration, I have decided I would like to get a dog. I am a single working woman, and while I would provide a lot of love and affection when I’m at home, I am looking for a small breed that would be OK spending a lot of time alone in an apartment, if such an animal exists. I love pugs and French bulldogs, but understand these breeds need more companionship. Any suggestions?

Leslie, New York, NY

Chew-Chew Chessie

Dear Dog Lady,

Chessie, a wonderful pound puppy about seven years old, has suddenly started the habit of chewing on shoes or book-bindings. I am getting him long rawhide chewies, but worry that he is eating so much leather. I am not away from home often, not more than four hours. What to do?

Jan, Lawrence, MA

What's Bestie For Westie

Dear Dog Lady,

Could you please let me know how the Westie’s [West Highland terrier] tail is supposed to look? If it is supposed to stand up, please advise me how to do it.

Roger, Utica, NY

Wet Behind the Ears

Dear Dog Lady,

I have a nine-week-old pit [pitbull terrier]. I wanna clip his ears off. When is a good time to do it?
Jose, Brooklyn, NY

Dear Dog Lady,

Can dogs get their ears pierced?

Mary, Trenton, NJ

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Old Enough To Know Better

Dear Dog Lady,

If a dog lives two human years how old will it be in dog years?

Vanely, Topeka, KS

A Doggy Downer

Dear Dog Lady

My dog of seven years has been very depressed lately. He usually wants attention and is very hyper and barks a lot. But, during these past couple of weeks, he stays hidden from me and doesn’t bark if anyone comes to the door, which he did all the time. And he is also scared to climb the stairs, which was never a problem. Did I do something wrong?

John, Cincinnati, OH

Home Alone

Dear Dog Lady,

In January this year I adopted a one year old black Lab, whom I call Shadow. He's amazing and has brought so much joy and love to my life, it's unbelievable. Since I am single and working long hours, he spends about 5 hours in the morning and about 5 more in the afternoon, alone at home. I go home during lunch break to feed him and take him out.

He seems to sleep during most of the day, even on Sundays when I am home. He always seems happy and is very sweet natured and obedient, though extremely mischievous and playful too. But though he seems mentally and emotionally healthy, I am still consumed by guilt about whether he's spending too much time alone. Is he? Will this process change him for worse? Please reply. Thank you in advance.

Alpa, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

Dobie Do Right

Dear Dog Lady,

My husband and I just had a baby. Naturally, Cody, the red Doberman we’ve had since he was six months old, has gone through some stress and changes. I also have four stepchildren who don’t live with us but visit us.

Lately, I’ve been feeling very bad about Cody because the kids don’t take care of him or pay as much attention to him as they used to. The only way he gets fed or let out is when I do it (or when I yell). I have been threatening for three months now to get rid of Cody because he poops in the house, barks at nothing and wakes the baby up. No one ever bathes him anymore until I complain long enough about it.

The poor thing must be miserable and feel unloved. I do love the dog but I feel that our home is not the best situation for him anymore. We both also work full time and are not home very often. My youngest stepson is so attached to Cody but yet he doesn’t always take care of him when he comes over to visit until I threaten to get rid of him and he changes his tune temporarily.

My question is, what are your thoughts about finding a better home for Cody? I feel that he deserves a home where kids are going to play with him, take him for walks, feed him and let him out without yelling at him.

Jill, Columbus, OH

Post-Poochum Depression

Dear Dog Lady,

My husband and I just adopted Bishop, a one year-old cocker spaniel, from a local animal shelter. This is my first pet, and I did a lot of thinking before we made this commitment. He's a very good dog -- housebroken, loving, smart -- and I have no reason to complain.

But I thought I’d bond immediately with this dog. Instead, I’ve been feeling depressed. It's not a constant thing. Sometimes I'm really happy about having him, and I always feel love and concern for him. But I have trouble sleeping and eating, and whenever we leave the house, all I can think about is how he's behaving while I’m away. Is this normal? Will I adjust the longer we have the dog, or should my ease with him be more instant? Please help

Holly, Columbus, Ohio

Flee Tick Medicines?

Dear Dog Lady,

In February, I acquired two Wirehaired Dachshunds -- a brother and sister named Hans and Heidi. I love them too much. Now that summer is coming, I’m so afraid to apply the strong tick, flea and mosquito monthly deterrent products. Heidi is prone to dry skin and these products are so strong. I’m talking about Frontline, K-9 AdvanTix, etc. Of course all the veterinarians tell you to apply the products, but they are so pro-big pharmaceutical companies.

I’ve started to place a clove of streamed garlic in their meals as I’ve learned the bugs don’t like the odor. I want to be as organic as possible, but I also want to protect my pups. What has been your experience with these products? Also do you know of a classically trained vet who's also pro-organic?

Loving Pup Mom, Atlanta, GA

Cranking It Out Like Sausage

Dear Dog Lady,

What is it with dogs and sausages? My Sparky can't get enough.

Imajean, St. Paul, Minne.

Grin-Tin-Tin

Dear Dog Lady,

As a fellow Dog Person (and writer), I greatly enjoy your column. But I must take issue with your position in chalking up all dog smiles to their besotted owners' fond imaginations. (See "The Shadows Of Their Smiles" in the Bones archive).

Not so fast! OK, maybe 99 percent of doggie "smiles," like the "smiles" of human infants, can be attributed to homeostasis, panting, or gas. Certainly the goofy, open-mouthed, lolling-tongued look only accidentally resembles a human smile. But some dogs really do smile.

Most notable in my experience was Pnoo, a big bright black-and-white hound, mostly pointer probably, who lived with me on a beach in Brazil some 35 years ago. Pnoo was quite independent in his habits and very, very bright, with a keen eye for human interaction. Every time visitors arrived in a car, which happened perhaps once or twice a month (the village had no cars of its own), Pnoo would greet them with the most astonishing toothy grin. He would hurry out to the car, tail wagging furiously, head lowered in respectful politesse; his ears, normally relaxed and flat to his head, would turn horizontal with the force of contraction of his cheek muscles, giving him the look of a toreador; and his upper and lower lips would draw back to reveal a perfect curve of firmly shut teeth. People who had not seen this before would cry out in astonishment; returning friends actively looked forward to it. But he did it only once per visit; it was definitely greeting behavior.

Some years later I described this phenomenon to my grandpappy, a crusty old World War I ace who had known a lifetime of dogs, and he said oh yes, it was a common thing among certain strains of bird dogs. So there you are. In subsequent decades I've always had English setters, and whereas none of them have achieved Pnoo’s full-fledged toothy grin, they have all definitely pulled back their ears and contracted their cheek muscles in greeting -- just as we do. If that isn't smiling, what is?

Kathleen, Cambridge, MA

Rover Resettlement

Dear Dog Lady,

I just moved to Connecticut from San Francisco and am very eager to find a place for me and my dog, Hattie, to feel at home off-leash. Around the Bay Area, we were so spoiled by all the dog parks. We had our favorite group where we went every morning. Hattie was in heaven with all her pals. I was too.

So far, I’m scoping out the possibilities, visiting various dog romper rooms -- parks, green spaces -- to find the ideal situation where Hattie and I can feel free and easy. Hattie, a six-year old Lab, is often snappish around dogs she doesn’t know. She’s also been quite unsettled during this dislocation. She nipped at one of the dogs on our street yesterday. I think a regular doggy playgroup, with opportunity for Hattie to ruff and tumble, will make her feel more anchored in the universe. Does this seem reasonable?

Sandy, Hartford, Conn

The Dog Lover's Resilient Heart

Dear Dog Lady,

I want to get a dog but I don’t think I could stand the heartbreak. I watched helplessly as a friend recently put down her 11-year-old dog Truffle. Truffle was in the advanced stages of bone cancer. My friend was inconsolable after Truffle died. A month later, she’s still a mess whenever she sees a dog.

Before the Truffle tragedy, I had been seriously considering getting a dog. I had decided to adopt from a shelter. When I saw my friend’s disassembly after Truffle died, I am reconsidering the whole thing. How do I reconcile getting an older dog while knowing I may outlive my pet?

Harry, Canton, MA

The Shadows Of Their Smiles

Dear Dog Lady,

Can dogs smile? Whenever I come home from school, my dog Holly (a Pomeranian mix) always has her tongue out of her mouth and wags her tail a lot. She's a very social dog. Can dogs really smile or do they just pant to maintain homeostasis?

Kimberly, Kansas City

No Dinner Games

Dear Dog Lady,

I am in shock as I write to you. I have a three year old West Highland Terrier who has always had a 'Terrier' temperment, but this evening he bit me badly on my face. I cannot believe it. I was feeding him and we always play a game of 'It's my dinner' and he loves it. But tonight he jumped up as I was about to stand and bit me cutting my lip. I have not spoken to him all evening, and my husband is ignoring him. I think he knows what he did as I screamed and his tail went between his legs. How do I get my trust in him back? How can I be sure he will not do this again?"

Sinead, Dublin, Ireland

Where Angels Fear To Tread

Dear Dog Lady,

I had hoped it wouldn’t come to this, but writing to you is my last resort. My wife and I are currently agonizing over the most difficult choice in our new marriage.

Six months ago, during our Icelandic honeymoon, we decided to adopt a dog. As soon as we came back home, we visited various shelters to look for our new pet. We were touched by the sight of all the dogs waiting to be adopted, but one, in particular, stood out.

During our first visit, Sadie sat back in her cage, staring at us with sad eyes. On our second visit, she won our hearts by walking up to greet us and wagging with delight -- or so we thought. Sadie is a small dog, a shaggy mix of some sort. At the shelter, she looked cuter than any of the others. We thought she would be quite manageable. That assumption was our first mistake.

Sadie has turned out to be the hound from hell. From the moment we got her home, she has been out of control. She guards her food. She growls at me and she bit my wife, drawing blood. We have to keep her in a cage, which seems cruel, considering her past living condition. My wife can’t walk her because the dog pulls so ferociously on the leash. My walks with her are torturous ordeals, not the pleasant outings I imagined.

My wife and I have visited the vet numerous times seeking help. On our last visit, we got a prescription for pet Prozac. After we got home with the medication, I looked at sad Sadie in her cage and was afraid even to give her the pill. My wife started to cry. “Has it come to this?” she asked plaintively. Our nascent marriage has been severely tested by this ordeal.

I do not love this animal. I do not have the strength to continue coping. I have two choices: Bring the dog back to the shelter, where I fear, she will be adopted again. Or, I must make yet another appointment with the vet and pay for Sadie to be put to sleep.

What do you think?

Van, Cranmore, NJ

Off the Wall

Dear Dog Lady,

Maybe it’s my imagination but my dog Precious seems to be bouncing off the walls during these holidays. She’s barking more than usual and she seems clingier, following me from room to room. The other night, we had guests and she nipped at one of the visiting children when he tried to pet her. I had to punish her and lock her away while the company was here. What’s going on?

Barbara, Cambridge, MA

Do Clothes Make the Dog?

Dear Dog Lady,

I want to get my dog, Foxy, a wire-haired fox terrier, a coat for Christmas. Should I spring for the plush velvet leopard print or the faux fur with the gold chain frog closures?

Millie, Seattle, WA

Half A Chill Pill?

Dear Dog Lady,

I need your wisdom asap. On Dec. 10, I will be driving from Illinois to New York with my seven-year old female pug. She is in good health, I've spoken with her vet, and he's prescribed a mild sedative for her so that she can relax and sleep most of the way. The drive is 13 hours, and he suggested I might start out just giving her half a pill and if need be, give her the other half, as it's supposed to last 8-10 hours.

This is the first time I've owned a pug, and she's been the light of my life for four years now. I just don't want to take the chance on doing anything that will stress her or cause her any harm. Even though my vet has assured me that she should be okay, I'd like your opinion.

Nancy, Illinois

Not Bullish On Pits

Dear Dog Lady,
I have six chinchillas, three hamsters and a Maltese. I need a good guard dog, so I picked out the American pit bull terrier. If I raise it as a puppy with all my other animals, will the native aggressive tendency of the pit bull go away towards the other animals?

Gui, Brooklyn, NY

Lying Down With Dog Germs

Dear Dog Lady,

I have 2 small grand-doggers that came for a visit overnight and never left. Anyway, they sleep in bed with me. Are there any dog germs that I should be concerned about?

Karen, Minneapolis

A Port In the Storm

Dear Dog Lady,

My dog, Rex, is eight years old. About three years ago, we had a bad thunderstorm and lightning struck a tree near our house. Now, the dog digs, bites, claws to get out of the yard when a storm is approaching. I have replaced the fence twice. The only time he calms down is in the house or the garage. Is there anything else I can do?

Michael, Houston, TX

We have a 13 year old Sheltie, Millie, who was eight years old when we got her from Sheltie Rescue of Georgia. She has panic attacks when it storms. She has gotten better over the years, but even with drugs from the vet and sleeping with her on the floor, nothing helps. Do you have any help to offer?

Paul, Atlanta, GA

Drifter is 12 years old and for the last six years or so, she has been very afraid of thunder. I've tried consoling her and then acting as if nothing is wrong. Neither method works. I don't like seeing her so scared. I've had her since she was five weeks old and have only been away from her once for a week about three years ago.

Buddy, Houston, TX

Putrid Passion

Dear Dog Lady,

Why does my Husky/shepherd mix Princess like rolling in the foulest smelling stuff? She hates baths but I seem to be giving them to her regularly.

Kaye, Grand Rapids, Mich.

Speaking In Wags

Dear Dog Lady,
Why do my dog, Cherry (three months old), wag its tail whenever I’m back from work even (when) he is angry?

Unazi, Victoria Island, Nigeria

Hot Off the Press

Dear Dog Lady,

When my dog sniffs up and down a tree or lamppost, what does he smell and why does it take him forever to finish? I feel stupid standing there like a statue while my dog does his nose aerobics.

Chester, Santa Clara, Calif.

French Bulldogs: flimsy film fancy?

Dear Dog Lady,

Oh my gosh, I just saw the cutest dog in a movie and I want one of my own. In “Bringing Down the House,” there’s a French bulldog who’s the most adorable creature I’ve ever seen. Where can I get one? How much do they cost?

Larry, Detroit, Mich.

Snip the Spanky

Dear Dog Lady,
There are two sweethearts in my life besides my wife and three daughters. They are my two pit bull terriers, Spanky, a black and white male going on five years old, and Tyson, a slightly smaller brown and white terrier who is three. Tyson was neutered when he was very young. However, Spanky never had the operation. He is not aggressive and very well adjusted.

I have spoken to several doctors who advise me to have the procedure. But I don’t want to hurt or traumatize my dog at his age. Is it possible to share any opinions you may have in helping me to make this important decision. Many thanks for your interest and wisdom.

Ron, Appleton St.

Dog shows

Dear Dog Lady,

Early in December, a friend and I went to the Bay Colony Cluster Dog Show at the Bayside Expo in Boston. We both have dogs -- my friend has a German Shepherd and I have a terrier mix -- so we thought would we would get a giant canine charge at the show, which we did because we saw hundreds of beautiful dogs. But we left there feeling a little depressed and deflated. I couldn't help but imagine that show dogs are not happy dogs. You seem to have an opinion on everything, what do you think?

John, New York

Doggie doo-doo

Dear Dog Lady,

Nothing makes me crankier than people who don’t pick up after their dogs in the city. The other morning, I watched as a woman blithely ignored her Rottweiler while the dog squatted along Huron Avenue and pooped on the sidewalk.

Oblivious, the owner strolled on. I called after her to collect the debris. I even held out a baggie (I carry extras). She shot me an angry glare, called me a foul name, wiggled her finger at her temple in the universal sign for loony, and told me to mind my own business. What could I do but slink away? Her dog was bigger than mine.

-Katie, Cambridge, MA

Dog naming dilemma

Dear Dog Lady,

What’s in a name? A dog’s name, that is. I am thinking of getting a dog but I’m more befuddled by what to call the dog than what kind of dog to get. Is this a silly obsession? After all, a dog is a dog is a dog. The name doesn’t matter. I could just call the dog “Fido” or “Spot,” or any of those stereotypical dog names and be done with it. The creature wouldn’t know the difference. Right?

Bruce, Portland, Me.

West Highland History

Dear Dog Lady,

My Westie Jack has taken over my life in remarkable ways. I want to know everything about him. I’d love to learn more about the history of his West Highland Terrier canine kinfolk, but I’ve scoured nearby bookstores and can’t seem to find any books on the breed. Any suggestions?

-Craig, Des Moines, IA

Canine Coats

Dear Dog Lady,

Should I get my dog a winter coat? My Harvey is a big, shaggy mutt (some Sheepdog, some German Shepherd) and I want to dress him warmly this winter.

-Stella, Providence, RI

Twirling Pug

Dear Dog Lady,

On a recent research trip to Los Angeles I boarded for a month with Mrs.Smith (not her real name), a Chicago-born Bostonian (not her real city) who had moved to California (not her real state) in 1960. A wonderful dog person and delightful conversationalist, Mrs. Smith had always kept Pugs, the latest being Pansy Anne (possibly not her real name). Pansy Anne was well trained, well behaved, an ornament to the Smith home, and a delight to all its guests. Particularly amusing was Pansy Anne's method of traveling through the house, greeting visitors, and approaching her food and water bowls: she ceaselessly twirled in tight circles at very high speeds, stopping only when she was sufficiently exhausted to fall asleep. By my estimate, using this method Pansy Anne traveled approximately one mile (seven dog miles) for every fifty feet traversed.

Never having thought house dogs could be so amusing, I returned to Cambridge intent on acquiring a twirling Pug -- only to discover that not all Pugs twirl. My wife says that Pansy Anne was (how to put this?) Defective. Even Mrs. Smith considered Pansy Anne "demented." I suspect, on the contrary, that non-twirling Pugs are, in fact, the ones that are somehow broken. And so I write to you to ask four questions (please answer in this order): (1) Was Pansy Anne somehow defective? (She does not read, so answer candidly.) (2) Was she unusual? (3) Where can we acquire a twirling Pug? (4) Do the twirlers ever come in matched pairs? (We have seen a beautiful matched pair walking, but not twirling, their owners around Fresh Pond.)

Keith, Cambridge, MA.

How many dogs is too many?

Dear Dog Lady,

The other night, when I was outside taking my one dog for a walk, I ran into a couple sitting on a park bench with four dogs tangled up at their feet -- all Cavalier King Charles spaniels in varying small sizes, colors and coat conditions. Since true dog devotees can’t help but make conversation, about, duh, their dogs, I naturally asked them about their pack.

Turns out the couple have two spaniels of their own -- the healthiest looking ones. They also take in foster dogs for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rescue group. The two dogs they rescued have long, sad stories.

The skinniest one, Cleo, had been used as a birthing machine at the puppy mill in Ohio where she had delivered four litters in three years. The other one, Patches, with the shaggy coat, had lived in a place where he was chained up 24 hours a day. The couple told me that he must have been beaten a lot because he was initially afraid of a human’s extended hand -- even if that hand promised treats or a loving stroke behind the ears.

The stories were enough to break my heart. But the happy result is that Cleo and Patches are thriving in their foster family. I asked the couple if they were at all tempted to keep their two rescue dogs. They both laughed and said they debated it all the time. But, ultimately, they will have to surrender their two rescues to good homes. The question, however, led all of us muse about how many dogs can one keep before you’re considered a nutty -- pardon -- dog lady or gentleman. Two? Three? Four?

Fran, New York, N.Y.