Mutts & Manners: Teaching your dog the concept of “enrichment” by Als Allan 

Originally published in The Mountain Times: April, 22 2026

“My 4-year-old shepherd mix needs CCL surgery and the vet says I’ll have to limit activity for weeks. I have no idea how I’m going to do this. Any suggestions?”→ Read the whole article

Mutts & Manners: Fix My Dog! by Als Allan 

Originally published in The Mountain Times: April, 8 2026

“Your column is entertaining, but when I attended a dog-training class, my dog still wouldn’t come when called. If I take my car to a garage, I expect it to be fixed. Same with my dog.”→ Read the whole article

Mutts & Manners: Crate Training – cruel or comforting? by Als Allan 

Originally published in The Mountain Times: March, 25 2026

“Is crate training cruel? My sister keeps telling me it is.?”→ Read the whole article

Mutts & Manners: Bribery vs Training, Harness vs Choke Collar by Als Allan 

Originally published in The Mountain Times: March, 11 2026

“What’s the difference between bribing and rewarding a dog? And are harnesses really better? My neighbor insists on a choke chain.?”→ Read the whole article

Mutts & Manners: Handling Off-Leash Dog Encounters  by Als Allan 

Originally published in The Mountain Times: February, 25 2026

“I enjoyed reading your last column about the ‘too friendly’ dog. It saddens me, though, when I encounter these dogs and have to say, “Mine isn’t friendly.” He is — just not with off-leash dogs running up to him. How do you suggest I handle these situations?” → Read the whole article

Mutts & Manners: Can A Dog Be Too Friendly?  by Als Allan 

Originally published in The Mountain Times: February, 11  2026

“Can a dog be “too friendly”? Mine rushes up to everyone.” → Read the whole article

Mutts & Manners: The Puppy Blues are Real (And you’re not failing!) by Als Allan 

Originally published in The Mountain Times: January, 28  2026

“I’m so bummed. My 11-week-old puppy is ruining my life. He bites, barks, chews everything, and poops everywhere. I think I’m way over my head. Is a dog just not for me?” → Read the whole article

Mutts & Manners: How do I find a good pet sitter? by Als Allan 

Originally published in The Mountain Times: January, 14 2026

“My neighbor told me she had a bad experience with a dog-sitter. This has me wondering—do you have any suggestions on how to choose a reliable pet sitter?”  → Read the whole article

Mutts & Manners: Help! The neighbor’s dog won’t stop barking. by Als Allan 

Originally published in The Mountain Times: December, 31 2025

“I’ve just arrived in Killington for the season, and the neighbors have a dog who barks. A lot. What should I do? And what should they do?” → Read the whole article

Dog Training Myths: Friends and Foes by Als Allan 

Originally published in 4 Legs & a Tail: Winter, 2025

“There’s a lot of information out there about dog training — and not all of it is helpful. As with so much in life, things aren’t always black and white. When it comes to dogs, the truth often lives somewhere in the grey middle. Here are a few common myths and my take on whether they’re friend or foe:” → Read the whole article

Mutts & Manners: How to exercise a dog in winter by Als Allan 

Originally published in The Mountain Times: December, 17 2025

“My elderly mother brought home a new dog back in August. The recent cold weather has me wondering what’s the best way for her to exercise the dog safely in winter?” → Read the whole article

Mutts & Manners: How to introduce a dog to a new baby by Als Allan 

Originally published in The Mountain Times: December, 3 2025

“How do I safely introduce my dog to my new grandbaby?” → Read the whole article

Mutts & Manners: When should you start training a new puppy by Als Allan 

Originally published in The Mountain Times: November, 19 2025

“I’ve had dogs all my life. Someone recently told me to start training a new puppy as soon as they come home. Aren’t they too young? When is the best time to start training?” → Read the whole article

Mutts & Manners: How to stop a dog lunging at cars by Als Allan 

Originally published in The Mountain Times: November, 5 2025

“How do I train my two-year-old 20 lb terrier not to chase cars? He suddenly lunges and practically pulls me into the street when a car passes. It’s dangerous for him and also for me because he pulls so suddenly.” → Read the whole article

Mutts & Manners: Helping the Covid Puppy Cope with Holiday Guests by Als Allan 

Originally published in The Mountain Times: October 22, 2025

“I have a five-and-a-half-year-old dog that was a “Covid puppy”, and he never got the memo about being friendly to strangers. What can I do to make visiting family feel more comfortable at Thanksgiving?” → Read the whole article

Mutts & Manners: Thinking About Getting a Service Dog? by Als Allan 

Originally published in The Mountain Times: October 8, 2025

“My 10-year-old daughter is begging me for a dog— a potential service dog. I’m a cat person. My former partner lives three hours away by plane, and my daughter thinks she can take the dog as her service animal when she visits her father. I’m totally overwhelmed and don’t know where or how to start.” → Read the whole article

Why Does My Dog Have to Bark and Lunge at Everything?
Living and thriving with a dog who has big feelings by Als Allan 

Originally published in 4 Legs & a Tail: Fall, 2025

“I love my dog, but it’s so embarrassing when he barks and lunges at joggers, cars, or other dogs.”

“Ninety-nine percent of the time he’s awesome, but every time we pass this one house, he goes crazy. It’s so frustrating.” ” → Read the whole article

The Critical Window for Puppy Socialization: Why You Can’t Afford to Wait by Als Allan 

Originally published in 4 Legs & a Tail: Mud Season, 2025

“For new puppy parents, the first few months can feel like a whirlwind of cuddles, training, and rapid development. What many don’t realize, however, is that this early period—specifically the first four months—is the most critical time for shaping a dog’s behavior and temperament.” → Read the whole article

Dog Dreams Come True by Victoria Gaither

Originally published in The Mountain Times: February 21, 2023

“It was a dream come true when Als Allan, a certified professional dog trainer and owner at Mountainside Mutts in Rutland on Route 4 took over the Norman Rockwell Museum building a year ago…→ Read the whole article