Dear Readers – Every journalist learns at some point that a story about dogs – especially a story that pits human frustration against canine misbehaviour – will draw huge public reaction.

So it was no surprise to me, when a woman wrote about wanting to get rid of the two dogs that her fiancé had owned since before the couple met (April 21 column), that many of you weighed in with your own responses. Here’s the main advice I gave her:

“The dogs were there when you got together, so a mutual agreement to have them trained in ways that would keep them in your home, is the logical solution.”

Now, some of your comments, including only one with a people-over-dogs view.

Reader #1 – “No wonder those dogs misbehave. Presumably they’d been left alone for those same 10-hour stretches before the crating began… neglectful. Then, crating a dog for 10 hours daily is simply cruel, cooped up alone with no exercise or companionship.

“The dogs should be given new homes. The guy who professes an obligation to them seems not to be taking his responsibilities seriously at all.

“What’s the point of having a pet if you can't, or won't, make appropriate provisions for their care?”

Reader #2 – “If I were him, I’d get another girlfriend immediately. The one he has now seems to be very selfish. He’s lucky they have no children. And with all the animals out there needing homes, does she think they’ll get a home right away? I suspect she doesn’t care.”

Reader #3 – “This woman has come into the situation and tried to change the dogs and their habits to suit her. They’re neglected and getting no physical activity, which would help curb their bad behaviours.

“The man supposedly "loves them" but doesn't show any sign of caring for them. As a caring dog-owner myself, I actually agree with the woman that these dogs would be better off in a home where they’d be loved, cared for, and appreciated.

“If I were their neighbour and saw this kind of treatment, I'd be calling the authorities.

“And I totally agree with your statement that other issues like housing and childrearing will be difficult for two such selfish individuals.”

Reader #4 –“I think when couples disagree over pets, that people and people's needs should always come before that of animals. The guy in the dilemma here should care more about his girlfriend than about his dogs. If he has to choose which should go, it should be the dogs.

“The dogs sound destructive and troublesome and no one should have to put up with that. His girlfriend's happiness and well-being should take priority over his pets.”

Reader #5 – “A local kennel club will have obedience classes that are very helpful in teaching owners how to handle dogs. Dogs crated for 10 hours a day will have pent-up energy.

“The woman should be proactive and sign up for an obedience class herself, first with the less aggressive dog. The training will establish her as higher up in the pack, and dogs are pack animals.

“Jumping and biting are unacceptable, but with help from a trained professional she may overcome this and get a handle on controlling these dogs.

“The guy obviously does not control them, given their jumping on guests. Perhaps they could both attend obedience classes together as there are two dogs. What great training for raising kids!”

Reader #6 – “The woman’s manipulative: She takes them out of their crates when he's not there (creates time and place for un-witnessed events!).

“Of course they jump up - many dogs make extra-friendly effort when they feel disliked. As for peeing/pooping inside, are they taken out regularly? Also, pee/poop may be used by the dogs to express territorial and other discomfort.

“Finally, what were the circumstances when one dog bit her and broke skin? Were they playing? Was it a misunderstanding?

“Many people are very dim-witted about animals, even when they own one who’s managed to accommodate to its human dimwit.

“I suggest they hire a trainer for both people and both dogs, and it’ll quickly be revealed what's really going on within this foursome. Is the guy indulgent or a sensible person who likes to live with animals? Is she a controlling harridan or does she have a point?”