click on the appropriate question for an answer

... Please remember that these are my thoughts and opinions

and you should always check with your Vet or an Animal Behaviourist ...

If your dog is sick, you think it might be sick or there could be something wrong PLEASE contact your Vet as soon as possible - discuss it with them over the phone first (they shouldn't charge you for this) - and then they can advise you.  If your dog is biting (and causing serious bleeding - much more than just puppy biting &/or nipping) or something else that you feel is really serious, then please contact your Vet and/or an Vet Behaviourist in your area (your Vet should be able to recommend an Animal Behaviourist in your area).  Below are some common questions that I get asked - if the problem is not here and you would like to email me, please see below.  Remember that socialization and education are the key to a lot of problems - and a lot of problems stem from something WE have done wrong (most things can be corrected with time, socialization, re-education and rewards)!  If you can't find an hour a week to take your dog to a Dog Club (it doesn't have to be obedience training - it could be a breed club, agility, FlyBall, etc) - then perhaps you should consider why you are here reading this page!  Never underestimate the socialization needs in a social animal.  One hour a week CAN make all the difference.

One of the most important things you need to understand is that - as Karen Pryor says in her book "Don't Shoot the Dog" - dogs divide things in their universe into 4 main categories:  chew toys (e.g. footwear, furniture, books etc), a rapidly retreating object (e.g. a cat), a toilet (e.g. carpet or hifi speakers for males) or food (e.g.  your dinner, his biscuits, tissues etc - even rocks for Labradors!).   Life is quite simple!  Lassie has a lot to answer for!  They do not reason things out, dogs chew, for example, because it keeps their jaws in good working order through isometric exercise - there isn't anything more to it than that really.  Don't anthropomorphise (great word, huh?!  It means putting human emotions onto animals.) - your dog has not been plotting and scheming, it is just reacting to the situation as s/he sees it - it is your responsibility to re-educate him.

Why won't my dog come back when it is called?

Why does my dog hump my leg?

Will sterilizing my male dog stop it wandering and will it settle down?

What is the best thing to clean up when my puppy makes a puddle?

My dog doesn't pay any attention to me when I tell him something?

My dog is ruining my garden!  How can I stop it digging?

Separation Anxiety

Thunder and Fireworks

Urban Dogs

Since February 2000, when I started this site, I have written back personally to thousands of emails free of charge but unfortunately, due now to an overwhelming number of emails, I am going to have to charge a small fee to cover some of my costs (anything in regards to Canine Aspergillus is still FREE of charge, please email me).  I have included (and added to) a FAQ (Frequently Asked Question) Page where hopefully you can find an answer to your question and there is a lot of other FREE information that can be found around the site. 

Please include whatever you think is relevant in your email - the more you tell me, the clearer the picture I will have of your situation.  I will reply to every one but if you have not received a reply within 2 weeks, please email me again as I may not have received your email or been able to access your email address.

Please Note too that I do not receive emails that contain viruses, worms etc - my Server stops them before they get to my 'inbox' - if you receive a notice from WestNet, please email me again once your computer is virus free.  Thank you.