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Dog Gone Good Advice

Running Around Chasing Your Tail? Ask Coco

Dear Coco,

For the last four years my Man and I enjoyed a grreat life. He took me for walks through the park. I ate once a day and sampled whatever goodies that fell on the floor. I embraced endless scratches behind the ear. As a reward for his kindness, I gladly retrieved a perfectly good plastic disk he felt compelled to throw away. At the end of the day I circled twice and settled down for rest on what was our bed. It was a dog's life. Alas, the tide changed.

Big Butt moved in and thinks she is the top dog. I still enjoy the pleasures mentioned above except I'm no longer allowed in what was our bed. I now sleep on a-pillow-on-the-floor. Comfy? Yes, but it doesn't smell like my Man. I tried snoozing on the bed while they were away. But Big Butt always seemed to know that I had dozed on the bed. Maybe, it's because I can't fluff pillows. So, now she has placed the broom on the bed. As a fellow canine you know the fear of the broom. I am dog tired.

Restless, Seattle

Restless, you're still afforded the other comforts. The broom has power beyond our control. Coco knows it's best to let this sleeping dog lie.

Running Around Chasing Your Tail? Ask Coco

Dear Coco,

I am a happily well adjusted dog. My human companions are very good to me. I follow all rules taught no matter how ridicules; no marking of territory in the house comes to mind or you'll be neutered. Unlike Pavlov's dog you don't have to ring my bell, I still procreate. So the backyard has always been my territory. My business card has been dropped on every tree, bush and birdbath since I was a pup. However, a black lab, on the lam no doubt, has entered my yard leaving his mark on my tree. I've barked and jumped to no avail. What can I do?

-P.O'd, Pensacola

P.O.'d, Coco understands hierarchy. One does not achieve ones rank in the pack by barking up the wrong tree, particularly in matters of superiority. The yard is your domain as is evdence by your fluidity. Nevertheless, it is your doghood that is threatened. Try positioning yourself in the highest tripod possible. Then aim for the canopy. Another consideration is the front paw stand which gives more height. However, Coco cautions aim may be misguided resulting in a muddled muzzle.

Running Around Chasing Your Tail? Ask Coco

Dear Coco,

There's this cute Shibu Inu, Casey at the dog park that I'm just drooling over. That curled tail just makes me howl. Well, about a month ago I dug up the courage to sniff his butt. To my surprise he laid down for a belly rub like a submissive bitch. I was placed in such a precarious situation I didn't know what to do. After he laid there for what seemed like 10 minutes in dog years...I sniffed. Surprisingly, I got turned on. After he sniffed me we ran around the agility course. Everything was great, but whenever other dogs came around he dropped to the ground like a bone from a plate. Should I continue to see him?

Misty, Hollow Creek

Misty, Coco is not surprised that you were turned on by your new found power. Coco believes one should celebrate ones alpha, that Alpha is you, Misty. It's not every bitch who can demand control. Mystify the dog park become its' pack leader, as for Casey let him be your lap dog.