Dear Dog Lady,
Maybe it's my imagination but Precious, my terrier mix, seems to be bouncing off the walls during these holidays. She's barking more than usual and she seems clingier, following me from room to room.
The other night, we had guests and she nipped at one of the visiting children when he tried to pet her. I had to punish her and lock her away while the company was here. What's going on?
— Barbara
Dear Barbara,
Our pets also feel the pressure of the season. Dogs are so empathic. They pick up the vibes around their home. If you're stressed, so are they.
Precious is undoubtedly reacting to the excitement and mayhem around her. She's not used to the invasion of guests, to the disruption of her schedule. Are you walking her and tiring her out? Make sure she's getting enough exercise, as well as plenty of quiet time away from the madding crowd. Put her bed in back of a closet (leave the door ajar so she can enter and exit with ease) so she has a quiet place to hide out.
Dear Dog Lady,
I've just started seeing a woman with a Lhasa apso named Layla. My girl — I'll call her Sally — really likes Layla and takes very good care of her. The dog has two beds, eats expensive food, and has two little sparkly clips to hold back the fur in her face.
Sally also walks Layla a lot and I do like walking the dog with her. The problem is, Sally dresses Layla in a pink-and-green striped sweater in the winter. She says the dog gets cold. I am a little embarrassed to be seen with a dog dressed like this. Why do dogs wear sweaters? Do you think I could ask Sally to leave off Layla's sweater when I walk with them?
— Andy
Dear Andy,
Wading into this dog outerwear issue is treacherous because some people, such as your Sally, honestly believe their pets need the extra layer of warmth in addition to their natural hair and fur. In the cases of short-hair sylphs — Chihuahuas, whippets, and Italian greyhounds - this is probably true. For a solid, muscular chunk of Lhasa Apso, Dog Lady wouldn't waste the clothing allowance. Dogs are nudists. They like parading around in their birthday suits and are uncomfortable wearing clothes.
You can cheerfully ask Sally why she dresses Layla. You might learn something. Maybe the veterinarian suggested a sweater. If not, try liberating Layla during your outings together.
Be frank about how you really don't believe in dressing up dogs, but keep a light tone. After all, Layla's clothing should not play a pivotal role in your relationship with Sally. That she loves a dog speaks volumes about her ability to love you. Just don't let her dress you in colorful knits.
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