Ask Maggie
Who Better to Answer Your Dog Questions Than a Dog?
If it's all about experts and amateurs, then let's let one of our resident experts
Maggie, our Yorkshire Terrier, have a go at it.
We asked Maggie if she'd like to contribute her expertise, and share her accumulated years of canine wisdom with our site visitors. She's happily agreed
(for a dog treat, of course) to do her best to answer any and all of your questions.
Please also search this page to read her responses to other general dog ownership, dog training, and
dog behavior frequently asked questions (FAQs).
Would you like to "Ask Maggie" a dog question? Now's your chance to
"ask the expert"!
Simply fill in the form at the bottom of this page and email it to us.
We'll post the answers to your question just as soon as Maggie has finished eating and playing,
so please check back soon-and thanks for your interest!
Answers to Your Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Pulling
- Joan from the United States writes: "My miniature Schnauzer, Bunny, pulls everytime we go for a walk. She gets excited and I have to keep her on a halter. Is there anything I can do for training that would allow me to not use the halter all the time?"
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Maggie answers: The reason why we pull is because pulling gets us where we want to go! And sometimes we get overly excited. You have to take control and teach Bunny to walk at a more leisurely pace. Use a 6 foot long leash, and no halter. When she begins to pull, stop walking. Don't move again until the leash is loose.
You can also turn in the opposite direction for a few steps. After you say "Let's Go", start to walk again. When Bunny is not pulling and looks at you, give her a treat and praise her. With consistent training, walking with Bunny will become enjoyable, and not feel like she's taking you for a walk.
Car Sickness
- Linda from Australia writes: "What is the best way to teach a dog to ride in the car happily without vomiting, or how to get a dog used to riding in the car without vomiting?"
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Maggie answers: That's a good question Linda. It's a topic I know about first-hand!
Many dogs who become car sick and vomit, usually from stress and fear of riding in the car. Dogs, myself included, often relate car rides with trips to the vet, or other unpleasant experiences.
You want to make your dog's riding experience as positive as possible. Start slowly at first and have him sit in a parked car with you. Let him become comfortable with a favorite toy, and develop a positive association in the car. Praise him often and give him treats.
The next step is to progress to sitting inside a running car. Don't drive anywhere yet. Check for signs of distress, and be sure to give treats and plenty of reassurance to your dog.
When you start taking him in a moving vehicle, begin with short trips-even down the driveway, down the street, or around the block.
As you lengthen your trips, drive to places that your dog will enjoy-the beach, park, or other outdoor spots. Gradually work your way up to longer rides as he acclimates to the moving vehicle.
As your dog becomes more comfortable and familiar with riding in the car, try these tips:
Feed him a small portion of food a few hours before traveling or withhold food if eating before riding is a problem.
Open the windows a bit to give him some fresh air, and a view of the outdoors.
Rest breaks should be given frequently, for a quick walk and a small drink of water.
Keep your dog secure in his seat when he's riding, either in a carrier, or harness.
For extra comfort, keep some old towels or sheets handy on the back seat.
If your dog still experiences problems, ask your vet to recommend anti-motion sickness or anti-anxiety medication, to soothe his symptoms.
Good luck and let us know how your dog progresses!
Housetraining the Runt of the Litter
- Kelly from the United States writes:
"We just purchased another Old English and she was the runt of the litter. We are having a really hard time house training her. Our first one was very easy!!! Is the runt of the litter harder to house train??"
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Maggie answers: Thanks for your question Kelly. Housetraining problems are very common-I've had my share of mishaps too!
Generally speaking, the runt of the litter shouldn't be any harder to housetrain than the pick of the litter. As you are finding out, two dogs of the same breed can have their very own distinct personalities. Like children, they develop their own characteristics.
As a herding dog, the Old English Sheepdog needs plenty of space and exercise. Regular exercise is important as an outlet for all that energy. You don't want to encourage any destructive behavior.
Now, with any new dog, you'll need to devote plenty of time and attention to housetraining. Consistency and patience are two keys to success.
When it comes to housetraining:
-Set up a regular feeding and potty schedule and stick to it. (Even on weekends).
-Feed her and take her outside to her potty area at the same times each day.
Crate training might be helpful to try. This will teach her to eliminate in appropriate places only.
If she does have an accident indoors, clean up the area thoroughly to remove stains and odor. This will discourage her from using this spot again.
Don't punish or scold her if she does have an accident indoors.
If you do catch her eliminating in an unwanted location, say "outside" in your stern voice. This will surprise her and she should stop what she's doing. Then take her outside quickly, so she'll learn that outdoors is her potty area.
Praise often after she does her business outside. And have treats on hand to give out after she's finished.
Be patient and positive, and you will train her and be rewarded with a loyal, devoted companion.
Good luck and let us know how she does!
Jumping and Biting
- Maddy from the United States writes:
"How about if your dog starts to jump on you or bites you?"
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Maggie answers: Thanks for your question Maddy. Behavioral problems are also very common, and should be addressed as early as possible. I'm also guilty of jumping up on my "favorite people" at times too.
Jumping and biting suggest negative behavior; not the type of behavior that you want to encourage in your dog.
Generally speaking, when your dog jumps on people, he's being friendly, and greeting you. But jumping is not always appreciated; especially if you have a load of groceries in your arms. It can also be downright dangerous to small children and elderly people, who can easily be knocked down.
Biting might be cute when your puppy is small, but those jaws can become powerful as he grows up.
With both types of behavior, withholding attention will reinforce the idea to your dog that he has done something wrong.
With a jumping dog, don't greet or pet him when you return home. Try not to be overly excited, as this can encourage jumping. If he does start to jump, turn and walk away for a few feet. Return and tell him to "sit" and offer a treat and lots of praise to encourage a calm behavior.
To correct biting behavior, withhold attention when he tries to bite. If he does bite, say "Ouch" in your sternest voice, then turn and walk away. When he is behaving, reward with a chew toy to encourage proper biting behavior.
Remember-reward the good behavior, and withhold attention to discourage bad behavior. He does want to please you, but just needs to be taught correct "manners".
Good luck and let us know how she does!
Desperate for Help-Jumping and Biting Puppy
- Valerie from Canada writes:
"My 6 month old puppy Tess will not stop jumping up and biting. I've tried puppy classes and all, and nothing works."
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Maggie answers: Thanks for your question Valerie.
Wow, you do have your hands full with this youngster. Because you've already tried some basic commands and puppy classes to keep Tess from jumping and biting to no avail, may I suggest that you contact a trainer who specializes in problem behaviors? Perhaps she would be benefit from one-on-one time from a trainer who is very experienced in these types of issues. Are there any colleges or vet schools in your area that can even suggest a dog psychologist to help with these behavior matters?
Please let us know how you do, we'd love to hear back and update our readers on Tess's progress.
Help For Fearful Dog
- Gail from the United States writes:
"My dog was involved in a car accident with me, and he wasn't physically injured. However,
he is now afraid to ride in a car. I've given him a liquid medicine called Rescue Remedy,
which helps somewhat, but he's still nervous and reluctant. He used to LOVE riding with
me. HELP!!"
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Maggie answers: Thanks for your question Gail. I'm sorry to hear
that you and your dog were involved in an accident, but thankful that there were no injuries.
As you surmise, he is now fearful to ride in your car because he remembers the incident and associates the car with the
upsetting experience. You'll need to retrain him to once again associate riding as an enjoyable experience.
You might want to try re-introducing him to the car on a gradual basis.
Start slowly at first and have him sit next to you in a parked car.
Bring his favorite toy and a few treats and offer plenty of reassurance and praise. This might take a few attempts,
so please be patient if he remains apprehensive.
The next step would be to progress to sitting inside a running car. Don't drive anywhere yet.
Check him for signs of distress, and continue with treats and reassurance.
When you think he's ready to ride in a moving vehicle, begin with very short trips-down the driveway, down the street, and gradually around the block.
As you lengthen your trips, drive to places that your dog will enjoy-the pet store for a new toy, a play date with his friends, or his favorite park.
If you're experiencing limited success with Rescue Remedy, why not consult with your vet to discuss a different medication
that might be more effective.
Good luck and let us know how he progresses.
A New Puppy Living With An Older Dog
- Ashlea from the United States writes:
"I have an 8 year old Golden Retriever and we, (my family), just got a puppy.
The puppy is almost two months old. The older dog does not like the puppy at all. They are both girls and the puppy will go up to the older
dog and sniff it and try to play, but the older dog just sniffs it then jumps up and walks away.
Sometimes she even growls. We don't plan on giving either away and we really don't want to. So do you
have any advice to get the older dog to like the puppy. Is it jealousy? Or what? Please help."
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Maggie answers: Thanks for your question Ashlea-that's a great one. Aren't new puppies alot of fun?
Everything is exciting and new to them, and they're trying to learn their place in the family. It reminds me
of the situation when Toby came to live with us. I was the only dog in the family, and was used to having all the attention
for myself. Suddenly a new dog appeared and I wasn't sure I was going to like it.
If you're familiar with the idea of dogs as pack animals, you know that they all find their place in the pack (in this case, your family). One dog always assumes the role of leader,
and the other dogs fall in line. As you guessed, your older girl is a bit jealous of the young puppy. She's trying to set the rank in the family, and
tell the puppy that "I'm the leader of this pack, and was here first. You're just a young pup, so don't try to be the boss!".
When you bring a new pet into your home, your current pets need time and their own space to adjust to the newcomer.
Your older dog needs to adjust to the puppy at her own pace. You will need to let them develop a relationship with time and patience. They may become best buddies, or they may only tolerate each other. But you can take some steps to soothe your older dog and
reassure her that she's still the pack leader.
Try setting up a baby gate in a room doorway and keep the puppy in this room for a while. Your older dog will have the run of the
house and can visit the puppy, and leave when she wants. You can also confine the puppy in a crate for periods of time so the older dog
can have the space she needs to adjust. One of the benefits of crate training, is that you can carry the crate from room to room, to have her nearby
as she learns housetraining.
You always want to greet, feed, pet, and leash the older dog first, to let her know she's "top dog". This
should help reduce any jealousy and rivalry she feels. Both dogs should also have their own food bowl and bed. When you train the puppy, try to do it away from
the older dog.
When the dogs are together outdoors, play with them and their favorite toys. Give treats and plenty of praise when they
"play nice", or don't growl. It can help the older dog begin to see the puppy as a positive presence in your family.
Good luck and let us know how they are getting along.
Looking For a Hypoallergenic Dog
- Chris from the United States writes:
"My family would like to have a dog added to it, but historically am allergic to dogs.
Hubby is convinced that husky's (he had many in the past) are "hypoallergenic," than other breeds.
I've researched a little, and haven't seen them on the list of dogs that produce less allergens to sensitive people. Have I missed something, or is he sadly mistaken?
I would love to hear from you soon. We plan to visit some local breeders to see how I react when in contact with the dogs."
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Maggie answers:
Thanks for your question Chris, and how exciting it is to add a new dog to the family! It seems that there is a lot of interest in hypoallergenic dogs these days, even the President-Elect's family is searching for one.
A dog's coat type is an important consideration when choosing a dog, especially if you suffer from allergies. Dogs with thick double coats will shed more than other breeds.
While the Siberian Husky is very intelligent, and strikingly handsome with those beautiful eyes, you might want to look elsewhere for a breed which will be more hypoallergenic to your allergy sensitivity.
Siberian Husky's have a thick, wooly, double coat, and during the spring and fall seasons, shed massive amounts of their fur everywhere. Not an ideal situation if you're an allergy sufferer. Not only could you be allergic to the dog, you'd also be exposing yourself to extra allergens, by cleaning up all that fur!
Better to look at a dog breed that sheds less. For example, the Standard Poodle is a highly intelligent large dog, with a thick, wooly, curly double coat, but the difference is that it does not shed. And its fur is very soft, with almost human hair quality. True, it does need grooming, but you need not go to extremes with a poodle clip.
Another dog worth considering is the Labrador Retriever which has a hard, dense water-repellent coat. It requires minimal grooming, with minimal shedding, and is an equally intelligent dog that is great with children.
When you do visit local breeders, do mention your allergies and ask their opinions regarding sensitivity.
Having a dog and allergies don't have to be mutually exclusive, and as you know, research is key to finding the right dog.
Best of luck in your search, and drop us a line to let us know what breed you've chosen.
Naughty Gnawing Puppy!!
- Chelsea from the United States writes:
How do you stop a 1 year old from gnawing on everything outside? He just started doing it."
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Maggie answers:
Thanks for your question Chelsea, and how exciting it is have a new dog!
Although your dog has grown physically, a 1 year-old is still acting like a puppy in many ways with his behavior.
As you are discovering, he can also acquire less than desirable habits...including gnawing.
When Toby (my little brother) came to live with us, he began chewing and gnawing kitchen chairs indoors.
Not a good habit! We had to find ways to divert his attention to non-destructive behavior and give him positive ways to express his "need to chew".
If your dog is gnawing items outside, he could be sending the message that he is bored, and needs more mental activity.
Try giving him his own set of chew toys that can be used for outside play only. "Booda" bones, made of a rope-type material, are great and practically indestructible.
Tennis balls, fetch toys, frisbees can be used to play catch with him, and keep him out of mischief, and tire him out!.
He'll grab these with his mouth and learn that these are his toys.
You might also want to try applying "bitter apple" or some other type of deterrent on outside objects when you go out with him.
This bitter taste of this product will discourage him from chewing on items he should leave alone.
If you do catch him gnawing, say "stop", or "no" in a loud, firm voice, to get his attention.
Remember, you want to discourage the bad behavior and reward the good behavior.
Everytime he chews/gnaws his toys, give him lots of praise, and an occasional food treat to reward and reinforce.
Best of luck with your dog, and drop us a line to let us know how he is progressing.
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