Dear Miss Behavin’:  My cocker spaniel, “Polly,” is the sweetest dog, unless I try to get between her and food. If I accidentally drop a morsel on the floor when I’m cooking, she’ll growl at me if I try to snatch it away. Reply: This common behavior is known as food...

Dear Miss Behavin’: My dog was terrified during the recent thunder and lightning storm. What can I do to comfort him next time a storm rolls in? Reply: If you think about how much stronger a dog’s sense of smell or hearing is compared to ours, it’s no surprise that...

Dear Miss Behavin’: We survived the heat wave, but felt bad for our dogs all weekend. The heat slowed them down, but they were still in need of exercise. How can we get their wiggles out next time it’s hot? Reply: Similar to how we get creative in the rainy season...

Dear Miss Behavin’: My Great Dane mix pulls like crazy on leash. How can I save my arm and get him to walk nicely? Reply: For dogs that are very large or strong, often the best investment is a high-quality harness or head collar that is designed to help curb pulling....

Dear Miss Behavin’: Our two Labradors play really rough. They never fight, but they run around the house and yard like bandits, crashing into furniture, and seem to have no self-control. How do we slow them down? Reply: If play is their only form of exercise, you’ll...

Dear Miss Behavin’: My cat, Logan, is indoor-only, but he seems to think he’s a vicious jungle beast. He hides, stalks my feet and will jump out and attack me. I’m walking on eggshells in my own house. How can I stop the madness? Reply: Cats are natural predators, and...

Dear Miss Behavin’: My dog plays great with other dogs off-leash, but barks like crazy on-leash whenever she sees a dog. I’m so confused, why would she have this dual personality? Reply: What you’re describing is very common. Since we can’t read their minds, no one...

Dear Miss Behavin’: Our English bulldog, Elvis, is a professional beggar — not just at dinner time, but any time we’re eating. We can’t even have popcorn while we watch a movie without him whimpering and drooling everywhere. My husband always gives in and shares what...