Leaving dog alone all day is irresponsible

Dear Annie: I pray dog owners choosing to use a bark collar will see themselves as their neighbours do.

Dog ownership in our neighbourhood has risen tenfold in the past five years. We have chosen not to have a dog — but love them and frequently dogsit for our friends. Here is the problem: incessant barking and extremely irresponsible, cruel dog-owning neighbours. We are talking one- to fourhour stretches of barking.

One neighbour leaves for work. His two dogs have a dog door and free access to the outside at any time. When the dogs decide for themselves to go out, the barking is constant for as long as the owner’s shift lasts.

Two other neighbours have resorted to using bark collars that shock their dogs. This is absolutely inhumane. I can barely stand hearing the dogs screaming in pain when those irresponsible owners hit the buzz button — at their random convenience. The inconsistency just makes it even more confusing for the dogs, I’m sure.

Owners, reconsider your need to own a dog if you do not have the time or means to devote to proper training and adjust your life to your individual dog’s needs and personality. Weary of the Cruelty

Dear Weary: Thank you for writing about this important issue. I’m printing it here in hopes that anyone guilty of these offences will reconsider this behaviour. You’re right; the shock collars are not only cruel but also ineffective. They may stop a dog from barking temporarily, but they do not address the root issues that cause excessive barking, such as stress and separation anxiety.

People who have to leave dogs alone all day while they work should consider hiring dog walkers.

Dear Annie: My wife and I have been married for 50 years. Since we first were married, we have shared a love of dogs, in particular, a love of golden retrievers. We have always had at least two goldens in our house. We currently have a 1-year-old pup, named Tucker.

Our 12-year-old dog, Trixie, just passed away. Ten years ago, we would have picked up the phone and called the breeder immediately. But we are older now; my wife has arthritis in her hand, and we feel that two large dogs would be a lot to manage at our age.

The problem is with Tucker. He really misses having a companion. Goldies

Dear Goldies: Animals grieve, too, and it sounds as if Tucker is going through that. One way to help him get over the loss of Trixie would be to get another dog. Perhaps you could find a golden retriever mixed with a much smaller breed.