Dogcharmer: A dog for your golden years?
Dear Dogcharmer,
My husband and I are thinking about getting a dog in the future. Most likely, we will look at one of the smaller breeds, just for ease of handling as we get older....
Dogcharmer: Pug or poodle?
Hi Tom!
I am a 39-year-old single woman living in the city and want to get my first dog. I am trying to decide between a miniature poodle or a pug. Can you offer any...
Dogcharmer: Rolling in trouble
Dear Tom,
Why does my dog love to roll in nasty stuff?
Michael
Dear Michael,
Great question because it's not just your dog, all dogs do it. My standard poodle, Paula Jean, is the first dog I've ever...
Dogcharmer: Eddie is a needy pup
Dear Tom,
I would love some behavioral support for 11-year-old Eddie. I live in West Tisbury alone with Eddie and Annie, my two dogs. My 90-year-old parents moved out in March. I work full time....
Dogcharmer: Pandemic puppy trouble
Hi Tom,
We have a 2-year-old, 17-pound Cavapoo with a bad owner: Me.
Since she was a pup, we have played rough, wrestling and playing "dodge the nips" with my sleeves and forearms. We both have...
Dogcharmer: Stair-crazy
Hi, Mr. Shelby:
I recently adopted a sweet little 9-year-old Yorkie named Abbey from Susquehanna SPCA. She speeds up my front and back porch steps with no problem, but refuses to climb the 15 steps...
Dogcharmer: Jumping and biting
Dear Tom,
We have a soon-to-be 4-month-old black female Lab puppy, Molly, who is very persistent with her jumping and biting. Do you have some suggestions for us?
Marcia
Dear Marcia,
To me, the unofficial maturation of a...
Dogcharmer: Keep calm and carry on
Dear Tom,
Our 3-year-old rescue Lily goes nuts when she sees other dogs on our walks! She calms right down if she can get close and “say hi” to the other dog, but lots of...
Dogcharmer: Anxious pups
Hello, I am inquiring about dog training on Martha’s Vineyard. A quick internet search led me to your web page and I’m wondering if you still train here on the Island, and if you’re...
Dogcharmer: Working dogs
My two working dogs were Michelle and Mike, both Dobermans. Michelle found two people alive, and some not alive. Mike tracked a woman 11 miles. They were Search and Rescue dogs. (SAR). Readers, as...
Dogcharmer: Crate training
Tom,
We picked up 8-week-old Cooper this past Saturday and could use some advice on crate training. How long can you keep Cooper in his crate crying and whimpering before you give in?
Very happy new...
Dogcharmer: Loss hits hard
Dear Tom,
I have not seen you at Trade Winds lately.
We are the couple with two Goldens, Chloe, 6, and Bonnie, 14 and a half. They have been together since Chloe was a puppy.
Sadly, Bonnie...
Dog Charmer: Inseparable
Hi Tom,
Sadie, our 18-month-old Havanese, came to us at 12 weeks at the start of pandemic lockdown. Well, I know it’s my fault for taking her everywhere with me, for putting her in her...
Dog Charmer: Crossing the road
Hey there,
How do you break a 10-month-old puppy from crossing the highway?
Lisa Wilson
Hi Lisa,
Great question. I'm big on what I call "auto stops." Dog's walking next to you, no leash. When you get to...
Dog Charmer: Muzzle or not
Dear Tom,
My husband and I recently adopted a 7-year-old pitbull from our local shelter. He’s a happy, mellow, friendly dog who loves anyone and everyone he meets.
Unfortunately, in one of his previous homes he...
Dogcharmer: Four-legged anxiety
Dear Tom,
We have a 7-month-old Boston Terrier who is fearful of EVERYTHING including me; she loves me, but is afraid if I talk too loud or move fast. She also has big time stranger...
Dogcharmer: No coffee for you, pardner
Hi, Tom,
I hope this note finds you thriving!
Years ago you helped us with our rescue Leela when we lived in Island Cohousing, and then we got you connected with that community to help with...
Dogcharmer: Sandwich the jumper
Dear Dogcharmer,
Sandwich (named by our 5-year-old) is a wonderful and fun addition to our family. He fits right in and completes us. He is well-mannered, a quick learner, and is super snuggly and goofy....
Dog Charmer: The fear is real
Hi Tom,
I have a 15-week-old mini aussiedoodle whom I adopted at 13 weeks. The first two weeks were going fairly smoothly until the last few nights when he developed what seems like a sudden...
Dog Charmer: Pearl’s in a panic
Hi Tom,
Please help me with the following question: Pearl is a happy, curious and usually intrepid 4-month-old puppy, but now, suddenly fearful of situations she used to enjoy — a short walk in the...