Behavioral questions: Biting, bobbing and digging

Dear Dog Lady,

I have a 1-year-old Shih-poo. Normally, she is a loving, goofy puppy. But when you give her a certain kind of bone and you try to go near her, she growls and will show her teeth. Last night, I tried moving her while she had her bone and she bit me and broke the skin. As soon as the bone is removed, she is back to her old self.

— Mary Dear Mary,

It doesn’t matter whether a dog is a cute Shih-poo (Shih Tzu/poodle mix) or a large Akita, the dog’s primordial instincts can flare over a lupine lunchable such as a bone. A canine can suddenly turn into a fixated wild thing when you interfere with a feeding frenzy.

Dog Lady does not intend to make light of the bite. Whenever our dogs draw blood, the situation is serious and the need for training becomes urgent. You have to live with your puppy for many years to come. You should never feel intimidated or fearful of this hairy heap — as cute as she may be. Tell your veterinarian what happened and ask him or her for a reference to a trainer. Your dog is “food aggressive,” and professional training could benefit both of you.

Basically, your Shih-poo must understand you are the leader of the pack. You reinforce this concept by carefully monitoring and doling out her food. Do not give any more bones. And when you give her regular meals, hand out the kibble and meat in controlled dollops. Make her sit, stay and focus on you before she gets anything. Pick up her bowl regularly. This controlling action signals your puppy that you are Mama Wolf.

Dear Dog Lady,

Our 5-year-old Riley, a West Highland white terrier, has quite a personality, but one thing he does intrigues us. When he’s on blankets ready to go to sleep, he takes a mouthful of the blanket and bobs his head up and down several times. Then he falls asleep with this mouthful of blanket and pile of blanket under his chin. Why does he do this?

— Dan

Dear Dan,

You describe one of the most endearing traits of those determined Westies. Riley is burrowing to make a nest. This behavior endures whether he’s out among the gorse bushes or on the blankets in your heated house. He uses his nose and mouth to bob and weave to fashion a tidy place for him to curl up and snooze. Arranging the bed covers is innate behavior that was forged among his ancestors digging in the dirt and vegetation many years ago in Merrie Olde Scotland. You obviously have the right attitude about this adorable ritual. When Riley falls asleep with the blanket piled under his chinny-chin, he has made his bed and lies on it contented.

Dear Dog Lady,

My 7-month-old golden retriever, Penny, loves digging anywhere — in the yard, on the carpet, on the sofa. She is like a maniac. She could have a million toys, but the minute you have your back turned for one second, she’s digging. Any suggestions? She stops immediately when you catch her, but one second later is trying again. What a mess. She’s a good pup otherwise. Is she bored?

— Kathleen

Dear Kathleen,

If you think Penny is bored, she probably is. Heck, she’s a puppy. She has bolts of pent-up energy. Take her out for long, long walks. And make sure you keep her in a crate so she doesn’t dig behind your back. Puppies need containment.

Basically, Kathleen, you have a dog on your hands. She digs digging. You are going to have to provide enough training and distraction so Penny grows up a shiny golden canine citizen.