Dogcharmer: Building trust
Dear Dogcharmer,
We have a 9-month-old pit mix named Crackers, whom we got at 7 months of age, and whom we often refer to as Crackhead. He's the first dog for both my wife and...
Dogcharmer: ‘I shall not pass’
Dear Dogcharmer Tom,
Our 2-year-old Dalmatian, Lara, suddenly developed a crazy fear of going out the door to our two-acre fenced yard. And it's not the yard; she'll enter at either of the two other...
Dogcharmer: Reharmonizing with dogs
Dear Dogcharmer readers,
Some thoughts about responsibility: In the Bible’s Book of Genesis, God gave us dominion over all living things. In the U.S., we kill more than 600,000 dogs a year in shelters. “When...
Dogcharmer: Pet me, pet me, pet me
Dear Dogcharmer,
I have a 2-year-old Airedale named Winston. He’s loving, smart, and a pleasure to live with, except when anyone comes to visit. Then he’s really annoying, a real pain in the ass. It’s...
Dogcharmer: It’s mine
Dear Dogcharmer,
I have a three-year-old PBGV and a three-year-old Lab mix, Gina and Phoebe, both females. They were adopted as puppies at the same time, and are as close and happy with each other...
Dogcharmer: The jolt of an e-collar
Dear Dogcharmer,
I have a Bichon named Tom (please consider the name an honor, as opposed to offensive) who gets nuts when he sees another dog. I've tried everything, including getting a trainer, with less...
Dogcharmer: Training a tween
Dear Dogcharmer,
My name's Tim, and I have an 8-month-old Doberman named Noah. I read all your columns, and he's the dyslexic dog who looks in the mirror and sees God instead of dog. He...
Dogcharmer: Confront the goblin
Dogcharmer Tom,
My name's Ryan. I'm a Marine. I served in Iraq and Afghanistan. I was the champion boxer in my division for three years running, and I skydive for fun. I got a 3-year-old...
Dogcharmer: What’s that smell?
Dear Dogcharmer,
I have a mini poodle named Frankie. She's lovely in every way, except that she constantly rolls in disgusting stuff — the worse the smell, the happier she is. Plus she spends forever...
Dogcharmer: ‘Dog Training, It Ain’t An Accountant’s Job’
Dear Dog Charmer Tom,
Our Afghan, Carlos, is a sweetheart with people and dogs, when he's off leash. He's ok with people when he's on leash, but clearly not relaxed. But if a dog comes...
Dogcharmer: A four-legged sentry
Dear Dogcharmer,
We have a 7-year-old toy poodle named Andy. We've had him since he was a puppy. He sleeps with us, and is a sweetheart in every way, except when he's eating. It started...
Dogcharmer: Four-legged poachers
Dear Dog Charmer,
My eight year old daughter Cloe and I got home from her soccer game where she scored two goals. As a celebration we came home with her favorite, bagels and cream cheese....
Dogcharmer: George won’t come when called
Dear Dogcharmer,
We have the cutest little Westy imaginable. His name is George. We got him when he was 3 months old. He's now 4½ months old, and hasn't come to us once when he's...
Dogcharmer: Is it just loud noises?
Dear Dogcharmer,
We recently adopted a mix named Sheila. She's about 2 years old, and acts normal most of the time. However, sometimes she just shuts down all of a sudden. She'll hide under a...
Dogcharmer: Conan’s not calm
Dear Dog Charmer,
Our dog Conan is a one-year-old German Shepherd who is very friendly with people and impossibly aggressive when it comes to other dogs. At 90 pounds, I can't hold him back any...
Dogcharmer: Potcake is great
Dear Dogcharmer,
We adopted a Lab mix named Potcake six months ago. She's now 9 months old, and fine in every way, except for her constant chewing on furniture — wood and cloth. Her favorites...
Dogcharmer: ‘Go find!’
Dear Dogcharmer,
If I wanted to get a puppy into search and rescue, how would I start? And how great are their noses, really? Your answer to my questions will really be appreciated!
Martin
Dear Martin,
As to...
Dogcharmer: Learn to use your retractable leash
Dear Dogcharmer,
What are your thoughts about retractable leashes? I keep getting rope burns!
Scalded Hand
Dear Scalded Hand,
I've been asked your question many times. First things first — a retractable leash is a one-hand device. Period....
Dogcharmer: The Sheltie puppy and the cats
Dear Dogcharmer:
We have a new 3-month-old Sheltie, Michael, we rescued, and while he's a sweet boy, our two cats haven't warmed up to him yet. He seems to think they make great toys, but...
Dogcharmer: He hates the car
Dear Dogcharmer,
Our dog Carlos absolutely hates to go anywhere in the car. He paces, whines, and barks continuously, whether it's a five-minute or two-hour ride. It's really put a constraint on our lives. Any...