Staff Newspaper Column
Critter Corner
Barky dog
Dear Critter Corner: I have noticed that our pup has started to bark at other dogs while on leash, but is fine once they are able to get to the dog or if they are off leash. My pup is a large breed and the barking looks scary to the other owners and dogs. How do I...
Socializing puppy before she’s fully vaccinated
Dear Critter Corner: We have a new puppy and would love to start training and socializing her right away, but our vet said she can’t go on walks until she’s had a couple more shots. Is there a way to safely expose her to new people and places in the meantime? There...
Adjusting to dog parks
Dear Critter Corner: My family and I just adopted a young, energetic dog who loves to play. We want to take him to the dog park but we have never seen him play with another dog. He tries to pull to other dogs on leash but has never met any. What do you recommend we...
Teaching dog self-control
Dear Critter Corner: Our pup is very excited about life! With that excitement comes a lot of jumping, pulling, and door dashing to name a few. What can we do to help curb some of his enthusiasm and teach him some self-control? What a great question! Teaching our...
Collar suggestions for escape artists
Dear Critter Corner: My dog has a tendency to chase after things on walks and has slipped out of her collar on occasion. Are there other types of gear that are recommended for escape artists? There are a few pieces of gear that make it harder for dogs to escape. If...
Docking and Cropping
Dear Critter Corner: I was recently surprised to learn that Doberman Pinscher dogs have naturally long and curly tails and floppy ears. Every one I had previously seen has a short bobtail and sharp, pointy ears. What is the point of cutting their tails and ears? The...
Loose leash training
Dear Critter Corner: We are having a hard time teaching our pup to walk on a loose leash. He gets walks daily and we have been working on loose leash training, but he still pulls a good portion of the walk which is no fun. What are some tips you can give us?...
Re-establishing relationship between your dog walker and your dog
Dear Critter Corner: I went back to work in person this week so I contacted the dog walker I used before the pandemic hit. She arrived at my house on Monday to walk my dog but Perry didn’t recognize her and would not let her come inside. He ended up having an accident...
Does your cat need a cat companion?
Dear Critter Corner: My family and I have a wonderful 3-year-old cat who we love dearly and is very attached to us. We need to start going back to the office and we are worried she will be bored all day. Would it be a good idea to get her another cat as a companion?...
Helping dog adjust to new work schedule
Dear Critter Corner: I have been working from home and have not left my puppy alone for more than an hour or two since I got him last March. I am worried about how he will be when I go back to work in a couple of months. What can I do to make sure he will be okay?...