By Monica Collins, By Special to The Plain Dealer
From: Cleveland.com
I read the organizers of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show pulled the ads for Pedigree dog food because the company showed sad dogs in ads to raise money for shelter adoptions. Could this possibly be true? How else to get people to donate? The faces of forlorn animals usually prompt me to open my wallet. I also opened my home. I am now the happy owner of a rescued dog of indeterminate breeding.
How could the Westminster organizers be so snobby? — Chris
Because the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is about snobbery — bloodlines and bitches and stud money. Amateur dog owners don’t much care about these things as regards their everyday pets. Show dogs live different lives, although way down deep Dog Lady suspects they are mutts at heart, slobbery rogues looking to roll in something disgusting.
The decision to dump Pedigree because of the sad dogs was a surprising one. “Show me an ad with a dog with a smile; don’t try to shame me,” David Frei, Westminster spokesman, said to the Associated Press. “We told them [Pedigree] that and they ignored us.”
Show me a smiling dog and Dog Lady will be shamed into admitting her dog can crack a grin. He always looks so darned serious – especially when food is near.
We have adopted a 3-year-old beagle mix. He is well behaved and listens very well. Our question: Can a beagle mix learn to walk on a leash 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
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.
I am 76 and recently adopted a 1-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
You should give your dog her own bed and keep her off yours. If she doesn’t have an incontinence problem, 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 ownership than about relieving herself, although there could be some of that going on, especially if your dog doesn’t get out enough. Whenever your knees allow, please take her for a real walk away from the yard. Ask your nephew to help you out by walking her too.
Read more: Cleveland.com
