True Tails: Ask Amy

True Tails is written by Amy Robinson for Vero Beach’s dog lovers. Ask Amy about your dog’s behavior and your question, along with her reply, may appear in a future issue of Vero Beach magazine. Below are questions to Amy that have been featured in Vero Beach Magazine. Fill out this form to submit your question.

April 2026

Q: My adult dog is starting to act a little strangely. Darcy is 9 years old but physically fit. Her favorite toy, a plush monkey with long, floppy legs, no longer holds her interest. Her playfulness in general seems to have diminished. She still eats well and seems to enjoy her leash walks. We have been thinking about adding a puppy to the house, but I don’t want Darcy to think she is being replaced, and I’m not even sure she will enjoy a young, energetic dog. Do you think her lack of interest in playing is masking some underlying problem? – Vera in Sebastian

A: Pump the brakes a little on that new puppy. Slowing down is natural for older dogs, but not if it seems sudden to you. First, try some new toys, especially anything scented, but don’t expect Darcy to entertain herself. At her age, she has been there and done that. Attach a leash to a new toy and drag it on the floor so it moves slowly away from her. This should bring out her curiosity. Watch her body language for interest: ears up and eyes fully open, watching it move. A snuffle mat may be another good choice. That allows you to hide treats so she has to use her nose to get at them. A change of scenery, such as walking her in new areas or taking her to a pet supply store, can brighten her day. Sometimes a new puppy can turn the clock back for older dogs, but you are wise to consider an underlying problem. A thorough checkup at your veterinarian will give you some more insight.

Q: I am fed up with my neighbors, and now I look like the bad guy. Their puppy is all over the street on a daily basis and wandering into everyone’s yard, including my own. I was walking my hound mix Jake toward A1A to cross and access the sidewalk when the loose puppy barreled toward us and jumped on his back. I was yelling for the owners to come get the puppy, and when they finally did, they yelled at me that I was overreacting. Had we been halfway across, that puppy would likely be run over or cause an accident. How can I convince them to exercise a little control? – Lenny in Vero Beach

A: You can’t fix bad manners, but you can video record this puppy wandering loose and let Animal Control know about it. These owners may be surprised to learn there is a leash law in Indian River County. The regulation language states: “It is unlawful to allow pets to run at large (off the property of the owner or not under control of a competent person).” The key phrase, “under control of a competent person,” is where they are noncompliant. Authorities won’t confiscate their puppy, but they will call or visit to have a chat. Yes, the owners will likely know it is you making that call, but their actions give you little choice, and they are blaming you for their negligence anyway. Would they like big Jake running into their yard? I doubt it very much. Perhaps if they want that type of freedom for their dog, they should buy acreage west of town.