Abby from West Hartford, CT asks:   Every time I pet Sindy (my Cocker Spaniel) she pees on the floor!  Help!

That’s called Submissive Urination.  Bend at your knees instead of your hips so you’re not looming over your dog.  Face yourself at an oblique angle instead of straight on and pet her on the chin and chest.  Also, talk quietly but not in a high-pitched voice.

This coupled with basic obedience training will usually take care of the problem.