Weekly article archive

The following questions and answers have appeared in my weekly column in the Albuquerque Journal since July, 1996. Each week a new one is added. You'll find information on the physical and behavioral maladies of dogs and cats and a few other species too. I invite you to use the search feature to find the specific answer that you and your pet need.

Teaching a dog to come

Our dogs should always come when called, whether they’re sitting and looking at us or when they’re heading off in another direction. Don’t get frustrated when ignored; train in baby…

Disorders of the brain are rarely simple.

Third in a series Compulsive disorders are a harsh reality for anybody who is saddled by a literally uncontrollable requirement to engage in repetitive, (stereotypic) behaviors. Most are related to…

Crate training your dog

Mick is only a kid. He’s not ready to be trusted to behave if we leave him loose in the house at night. A dog is a denning creature but…

Milo’s pain needed to end fast – find out how

Second in a series Quiz: Why did Milo chase and bite his tail? a)       He was bored b)       Attention-seeking c)       He was compulsive d)       He needed a different home Milo’s…

Digging dogs! Make it stop? Do it right

Digging dogs can damage a great yard. Don’t punish; it’s normal behavior. Instead, give that dirt dog their very own wonderful digging box. Make it attractive by loosening the dirt,…

Trouble at both ends

First in a series Have you ever heard the expression, “Like a dog chasing its tail?” This actually happens. Milo is a handsome miniature poodle who, in his youth, was…

BARKING! Make it Stop!

Dogs Need a Job – Gainful Employment. Confucius said, “A man (woman) who enjoys what they do never works a day in their life.” Our dogs can have that life.…

Barking in the night

Question: Our longtime neighbor got a dog last year, but has not, it appears, had it trained to not bark when it goes out 4 to 6 am, and 11…

Pets who Dread Thanksgiving

Give ‘em a Break & Keep them Safe Thanksgiving is great fun, isn’t it? Turkey, Tofurkey, pie, football, libations. Keep an eye on your pets. Barking or tense body postures…