ArcaMax

A dog trainer suggested squirting Maggie with water when she tries to bite, but that hasn't worked. I've tried various ring tones, but that doesn't help, either.

I can't imagine my life without a dog. I love my dog, but believe she's unhappy when the phone rings. Can you help? -- K.Y., Allentown, PA

A: Haug says to solicit help from a good friend or relative. Have that person call you from a cell phone while standing in another part of the house. First, turn the ringers off on all your phones, except for one. If you can, turn down the volume of that one phone so it's barely audible (remember dogs hear far better than we do).

"The second (the phone) rings, toss highly valued treats to your dog," says Haug. "The second it stops ringing, stop offering the treats."

Over time, you can pump up the volume on the one phone. Gradually add to the number of times you let the phone ring before offering treats. Also, one by one, increase the number of phones that ring (if you have more than one). Later, Haug suggests adding the movement of walking over to the phone to answer.

"You do need to do something," says Haug. "You are rightfully concerned; your dog may be anxious about that phone ringing, and I'm concerned about the biting and that your dog could knock you over."

Haug says you might need professional help to demonstrate the course of action she's suggesting.

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Steve Dale welcomes questions/comments from readers. Although he can't answer all of them individually, he'll answer those of general interest in his column Send e-mail to PETWORLD(at)STEVE DALE.TV. Include your name, city and state. Steve's website is www.stevedalepetworld.com; he also hosts the nationally syndicated "Steve Dale's Pet World" and "The Pet Minute." He's also a contributing editor to USA Weekend.

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