Incorporate your dog into activities to curb destruction

I live with my sister Renee, who has a 12-year-old male Shih Tzu named Blair. He was used for breeding (not in a puppy mill), and Renee rescued him. Blair was very well-trained when he came to us. He is extremely smart and sweet.

Renee likes to use her laptop a lot, and every time she starts using it, Blair gets upset and starts pawing at her, staring at her until she starts petting him. She talks to him, then stops, and he leaves the living room; he goes upstairs to my area and stays there. He’s there by himself. I am downstairs and go to find him, and he has trashed my hall closet.

I kept telling my sister that he is jealous of the laptop. She laughed and said no, he’s just mad that I’m not paying more attention to him. Duh!

Do you agree? If so, what can Renee do? We also have a female beagle, Lily, but Blair is not interested in her.

— Sandy, Baltimore, Maryland

Dear Sandy: When your sister pulls out the laptop, Blair is expressing his need for attention and interaction. While it might seem like jealousy, it’s more his desire for engagement.

Dogs, like humans, thrive on social interaction and stimulation. So view Blair’s activity as a signal that he needs mental or physical activity.

To address this, your sister could incorporate Blair into her activities. For example, she could spend time petting him or engaging in interactive play sessions before starting work on her laptop.

Additionally, providing Blair with stimulating toys, like puzzle toys and chew toys, can help keep him occupied and mentally stimulated while she’s busy.

Regular exercise is also crucial for Blair’s wellbeing. Daily walks help burn off excess energy and prevent boredom-related behaviors. Finally, reinforcing basic obedience commands and providing positive reinforcement for good behavior can help reestablish boundaries for Blair as well.

This brings me to another adage: “A tired dog is a good dog.”

When dogs are tired and napping, they are less likely to be destructive.

Dear Cathy: Doug in Salem, Virginia, had some wonderful comments about being present when his dogs were put to sleep, and you had a beautiful answer regarding the recent euthanization of your dog, Buster.

Unfortunately for me, when I had to have my 17-year Lab mix Luke euthanized last July, I wasn’t allowed to be present. The protocol of the veterinarian’s office where Luke was treated and taken care of for over 16 years has not allowed pet owners into the office since COVID-19 began.

I wanted to be with Luke when he was sedated and not just when he was given the final injection.

When Luke and I arrived at the vet’s office, a new intern met us in the parking lot. I asked if I could carry Luke inside. I even brought a mask. He said I couldn’t because Luke could walk a bit. When Luke saw me crying and handing the leash to the intern, he looked very confused.

I felt like picking him up and taking him into the office, but I didn’t. I regret that I didn’t.

I should say that Luke could not have received better care and treatment in the almost 17 years I brought him to this veterinary clinic. Thanks to experimental medications, the doctors most likely helped Luke live another year or two. For that, I am truly grateful.

— Rob, Long Island, New York

Dear Robert: I am touched by your heartfelt message and deeply saddened by the circumstances surrounding your final moments with Luke.

It’s difficult to say goodbye to a beloved companion, and not being able to be present in those final moments only adds to the pain.

Your love and dedication to Luke over the years shine through in your words. It’s evident that you wanted nothing more than to comfort him in those final moments, and it’s truly unfortunate that the COVID-19 protocols prevented you from doing so.

While it’s comforting to know that Luke received exceptional care throughout his life, it doesn’t diminish the pain of not being able to be by his side at the end.

Your regret is understandable, but please remember that your love for Luke was unwavering, and he undoubtedly felt that love until the very end.