These selected questions were answered by veterinary behaviorist Dr. Nicholas Dodman, director of the Animal Behavior Clinic at Tufts University's Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, Mass., and author of "The Well-Adjusted Dog: Dr. Dodman's 7 Steps to Lifelong Health and Happiness for Your Best Friend" (Houghton Mifflin Co., New York/Boston, 2008; $24).

Q: Our wonderful Great Pyrenees became afraid of loud noises when he was about 2 years old. Today, six months later, he panics if there's thunder or fireworks. He also panics at the sight of a neighbor. We saw a relative of the neighbor shoot another neighbor's dog with a pellet gun to keep him from barking. We're convinced the same thing happened to our poor Pyrenees, but we can't prove it.

Our dog is happy to go outside in the morning, when it's quiet and he knows the neighbor isn't there. However, if our neighbor is outside, he's terrified. We are moving later this year. Will that help? Do you have any further advice, other than tranquilizers we give him when it storms? -- M. C., Prospect, Ky.

A: Dodman says, "Fearful learning may have occurred. Since we know your dog is afraid of loud noises, the neighbor could have shot into the air, and your dog associated the noise with the neighbor. But it's more likely that your neighbor did shoot at your dog. Of course, I can't prove it, either.

"It's a kind of post-traumatic stress syndrome in a sensitive dog already fearful of loud noises. Don't force him out if the neighbor is outside. That's not going to be productive, or for that matter, safe. This neighbor doesn't sound like a levelheaded guy.

"Instead, encourage your dog to go out when he feels comfortable. Moving really will help. Your dog will very quickly learn this is a new place, and there is no neighbor aiming a rifle at him. Make sure his first meetings with the new neighbors are friendly. And here's a chance to early on associate the new backyard in a new way. I suggest you feed him from your new yard, assuming there's no thunderstorm in the immediate forecast."

There's no real-life fix for dogs with serious thunderstorm anxiety, except appropriate medication that may make a huge difference in their quality of life. You mention your dog's on a tranquilizer, but it's important he's on the right kind of medication. Dodman suggests it's best if your dog is on a class of drug called benzodiazepine, such as alprazolam, perhaps in conjunction with a drug called Clomicalm. With the proper dosage, your dog won't act "doped up" and will at least be dealing with the storm without panicking.

Q: My 7-year old Standard Schnauzer is headstrong. He certainly is housetrained. But whenever we have a change in routine that he doesn't like, he lifts his leg in the house. For example, when I had vacation and took more time off, after we left the house he immediately lifted his leg on a table leg. My son has seen Riley doing this as soon as I leave the house. If I crate him, he's fine. I really think Riley's doing this to make a point. And he's succeeding. -- V. L., Cyberspace

A: "Dogs don't think vindictively, as people sometimes do," Dodman says. "Riley may have a squirt of separation anxiety. Here's a sort of checklist. If several of the following match Riley, speak to your veterinarian about a plan for dealing with separation issues. Of course, you could videotape Riley and then bring the video for a veterinary behaviorist to view."

* A history of dysfunction, being adopted from a shelter or rescue, bouncing from home to home.

* Follows owners everywhere in the home, doesn't seem to have any independence.

* Appears anxious before owners leave the house.

* Vocalizes (whines, cries, barks) when owners leave the house.

* Urinates when owner leaves (we know this potentially may apply to you).

* Defecates when owner departs.

* Destroys objects in the home (such as ripping apart the sofa).

* Self-mutilates, injures himself.

* Attempts to "escape," by biting at crates (for dogs left in crates), doors or walls.

* Doesn't eat when owner leaves.

* Overenthusiastically greets owners when they return.

Dodman says, "If the dog doesn't have separation issues, then you may succeed by distracting, leaving really great food inside Kong toys. Give him those toys as you walk out the door. Also, of course, clean the place he piddles with an odor neutralizer."

Q: My German Shepherd is crazy for pine cones. I want to know what causes him to search them out and then eat them. What can I do to make him stop? -- J. W., Louisville, Ky.

A: "While pine cones may not be toxic, certainly there is a real chance the dog can have an internal laceration or obstruction, or at the very least a very upset stomach," says Dodman, who adds, "This is serious."

Dodman says he doesn't know why your dog is obsessed by pine cones. If it's possible, prevention is your best bet. Really, make a pine-cone run in the morning (or if you have kids, there's a good job for them), and trash the pine cones before your dog can get to them. Or, even better, while there remains a potential for pine cones, don't allow the dog in the yard. Take leash walks instead, and go to the park. The enhanced enrichment and increased exercise may actually help this pup.

Not to overlook that statement, it's likely this guy really does need more exercise, perhaps even a job. Also talk to your veterinarian about adding fiber to your dog's diet.

Do your best to avoid the potential for pine-cone searching this season (as described above), but next season allow the dog in the yard. Give him the choice between Kong toys stuffed with delectable yummies (like low-fat peanut butter) and the pine cones.

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