My Pet World: Does a dog exhibit 'jealousy' when a wife and husband hug?

Cathy M. Rosenthal, Tribune Content Agency on Jan 24, 2024

I have had five big dogs who didn't care for the ramp, so I used hind-end lifting devices (almost like slings) to support my dogs when they needed to go up and down stairs. But training them to use a ramp can be very helpful, since there may be a point where one can’t lift their dog into the car anymore. Thanks for sharing.

Dear Cathy,

Your column about working with dogs to decrease barking is only valid when the dog owner cares. My neighbor sits outside and lets the dog bark for any reason. I understand it's the dog's job to bark. But this owner does nothing to train the dog to stop barking. I have used my car alarm to get the dog's attention, and the dog usually quiets down for a bit. Another neighbor does the same. The owner doesn’t seem to care.

— Gene, Southampton, New York

Dear Gene,

Indeed, when a person doesn't care to check on or control their dog's incessant barking, it can become a source of frustration for neighbors. Contact animal control to see if there are noise ordinances in your community as they can relate to barking and ask if they will visit this owner to discuss the neighborhood's concerns. If there is a noise ordinance, there is likely a fine that can be imposed, which will sometimes make a dog owner think twice about letting their dog bark unchecked.

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(Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to cathy@petpundit.com. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal.)