Penny, shown here with one of her humans, has trouble resisting the lure of the squirrels. (Photo provided) The Dog Charmer by Tom Shelby Off-leash Recall, Socialization in anEntirely New Setting Discussed Dear Tom, Penny is 10 months old and we are again having difficulty with recall. We worked inside and treated successfully, then progressed to outside on a 20-foot lead rope—always treating, always praising—and made good progress until the squirrels showed up with the melting of the snow. I…
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Dog Charmer Tom: The Dog Meet: Energetic Youngster Jeffrey and Senior Paula Jean are Doing Just Fine
Dog Charmer Tom by Tom Shelby The Dog Meet:Energetic Youngster Jeffrey andSenior Paula Jean are Doing Just Fine Dear Readers (and me), Having had Paula Jean—the easiest dog in the world to live with—for the last nine years, I feel I should not only remind myself of what to do when bringing a new, punk age, 9-month-old dog into the home with an 11-year-old totally cooperative, placid poodle, but I should also share some of the do’s and don’ts. First…
The Dog Charmer Not Taking My Own Advice as Jeffrey Joins the Shelby Household I recently heard a cute tip, or recommendation, for older people when it comes to travel: “In your 60s, go-go; in your 70s, slow-go; in your 80s, no-go.” Well, considering myself, I’d change the formula to go-go in your 70s, slow-go in your 80s and no-go in your 90s. When it comes to dogs, though, I have to revert back to 60s, 70s, and 80s for…
The Dog Charmer No Bad dog Hi Tom,I am sure my dog Toby thinks his name is “Toby No!” How can I change the grumpy mad woman that I have become in Toby’s eyes? He is always doing something that I have to stop! El…
The Dog Charmer Housebreaking Zeke Dear Dog Charmer, I adopted Zeke, a very active poodle mix in January. He is not my first dog as I am 73 and had dogs most of my adult life. I cannot seem to house break him. I am growing tired of walking him, and failing; at least once every couple of days he either poops or pees in the house. I fenced in a patch of grass and he will not go down…
The Dog Charmer Use upbeat attitude to treat attacked dog Hello I have a situation you might be able to help me with. My dog was attacked by a large pit bull. I’m wondering if he’ll ever get over it. Mary Ann Dear Mary Ann, I was sorry to hear about how your dog was ambushed. Unfortunately, I’ve lost count of all the dogs I have been asked to help that were traumatized by an unprovoked attack from another dog.…
The Dog Whisperer Finding a “place” for her pooch Hi Tom, SkidHer is making some progress! How do I train SkidHer to go to a “place” or ”spot” and stay there. I also am wondering how to choose the spot. I am thinking I want one by the door that I can use. Right now I have just put a bed there hoping that she will associate the spot with a nice place to be. I’m also wondering if I…
Dog Charmer: Dakota is smart, but the woods distract him We have a beautiful and smart six-month-old male Rottweiler named Dakota. He is really good with the basics of sit, lay down and stay. We love to go hiking and the goal is to be able to take him off leash. He loves to be out in the woods. How do we get him to be more attentive to us when walking? We need him to come back to us…
Dog Charmer by Tom Shelby Terrier Afraid of Everything Tom, We have a 7-month-old Boston Terrier, Maggie, who is fearful of everything including me. She loves me but is afraid if I talk too loud or move fast. Also big-time stranger-danger to anyone new. We also have a 10-year-old Boston, Chloe, who is the best dog, loves everyone and is so laid back. I want Maggie to be happy and not in fear. If I put a Thundershirt on her,…
Letter by Katie Huntington I just wanted to say how much I’ve been enjoying the “Dog Charmer” column that Tom Shelby writes for All Otsego. My husband and I have a rescue dog of our own, and it’s been really helpful to hear other people’s experiences and Tom’s advice for them. I had a question that was answered one week, and Tom gave some wonderful feedback that I hadn’t considered before.…