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I have visited a couple of these home-breeder websites looking for a puppy. Can you tell me a little bit about them and if it is OK to purchase from them?
– Judith, Vero Beach
A little research can help us avoid the dreaded puppy mills, those large-volume breeders who often keep many hundreds of dogs in deplorable conditions, with no vet care or access to exercise. A recent bust discovered almost 1,000 dogs and puppies that had never left their wire crates and were power-hosed each day in any weather. Another case found puppies crammed in a U-Haul in Tennessee with no water, food or ventilation. These industrial breeders will pay local people to temporarily house a few puppies in their homes, and advertise them online as “home-raised.” To weed out the bad breeders, insist on only AKC registration applications, with the breeder’s name included, before sending any money. Ideally, you should pay half up front and half after receipt of the dog and a check by your veterinarian. To further investigate, ask for and contact their local vet reference. Obtain the puppy within driving distance, and ask to meet either the puppy’s sire or dam.
A safer and more satisfying option may be found in breed-rescue organizations on the AKC website, at this link: www.akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm. Take your time and do your research; you’ll be happy you did.
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Your articles in Vero Beach Magazine have been most informative and enjoyable. Perhaps you could help me with my current challenge in truly housetraining my dog, Zoe, a 7-month old Shih Tzu. She has been in my home three months and now uses pee-pads in her 6’ by 4’ pen in my bedroom where she sleeps at night (a major victory won). My ultimate objective is for her only to go to the bathroom outside. Can you recommend a course of action?
– Judith, Vero Beach
Your pen in the bedroom might be a little too roomy. Generally, dogs don’t like to eliminate very close to their food bowls or their bed, but since the pee-pad is placed in the pen, she is encouraged to use it. If Zoe isn’t using the pad every night, she is probably ready for you to remove the pee-pad entirely and reduce the size of the pen. At the same time, limit her water intake after 7 p.m. and plan to take her out twice between dinnertime and bedtime to help her succeed.
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My dog jumps up to the kitchen counter to see if there is food and grabs it if she can reach it. How can I stop this?
– Judith, Vero Beach
If this is a long-term habit, you’ll need more than one approach to foil her counter-surfing. Buy some tack cloth from the hardware store. This is sticky stuff used to remove excess dust from sanding. Tape several adjacent pieces down on the counter, and place some food just behind it and leave it there. She’ll need to put her paws up on the cloth to investigate, and the sticky substance should make her retreat. You may also try fitting her with a “no jump” harness that impedes her when her front feet come up above her chest. Then there’s the “here’s your new job” approach, where you ask her to come into the family room for a tempting treat every time she wanders into the kitchen. You will soon convince her to abandon her counter quest and go elsewhere for her reward.
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During a recent visit with friends at my home, my dog Itsy was the center of attention. She normally isn’t allowed on the living-room sofa, but our visitors adored her and encouraged couch cuddling. I allowed it that evening, but now she shuns her bed and begs for sofa time every night. How do I go back to all paws on the floor?
– Patricia, Vero Beach
Dogs are opportunists, and yours is using her substantial cuteness to manipulate her way up to the sofa. Teach her to “Go to your place” by dropping a special treat on her bed. She’ll likely gobble it and then move off the bed again. Repeat the phrase and guide Itsy to her bed with the treat, then drop it in the middle of her bed again. Practice this each evening, and she will begin to see the benefit of staying close to her bed and leaving the couch to the humans.
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I need to confine my Corgi, Lucy, to a crate when I leave the house, or she will leave “presents” for me on the rug! She hates the crate and barks loudly when I leave. How can I stop this barking?
– James, Chicago
First, try convincing your dog that the crate is a nice place where wonderful treasures are found. During the day when you are home, toss in treats and a chew toy and let Lucy discover the goodies. Start feeding meals in the crate and remain nearby so your dog knows you haven’t left. After a nice leash walk, place your dog in the crate for a nap, along with a chew or filled bone she can work on until she falls asleep. When you leave the house, place her in the crate at least 20 minutes before you go, so it isn’t so sudden.
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Sometimes when we are playing around with our 6-month-old puppy, Rango, he begins to snap at our hands or legs. What is the best way to keep him from doing this or to divert his attention to something else?
– Margaret, Vero Beach
You are completely correct with your description: Rango is snapping, but it is not vicious. His behavior is a result of being over-stimulated and playing with humans as he would play with another puppy: by using his teeth. Try introducing a large toy just that he sees only when you are interacting with him, so he can focus his play-bites there. A long, plush toy is great or a rope with squeaky toys at each end works, too. Incorporate a few easy commands with your play, so he “earns” tug time with the toy. If he detaches from the toy to taste an ankle, grab a couple of treats and redirect his attention to the “Watch” command. Just show him the treat, bring it up to your face and say, “Watch!” Praise him when he complies and offer the treat. You are effectively turning naughty behavior into nice in just a few seconds.
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My dog keeps pulling away because she wants to chase passing cars, bikes and skateboards. She gets excited as they approach and lunges as they go by. How can I stop this? – Linda, Vero Beach
Rotating wheels are right at your dog’s eye level and seem to beckon her to follow. Give your girl an alternative activity. Try saying “This way!” and make a smooth u-turn. Lure her with a meaty treat or favorite toy at her eye level as you turn. Practice first when no cars are passing until she responds happily to the verbal cue and turns with you. Now when a bike or car goes by, give your verbal cue, use your treat, and praise her for leaving that bad habit behind. |
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I put my wonderful dog, Bosco, down over a year ago and have quite a void in my life. How do I go about finding another perfect dog?
Keep your mind and heart open to possibilities. The three dogs I have been blessed to own are, and were, all quite different. Their unique quirks make for great memories. While I recommend adoption, sometimes people find it hard to walk through a shelter. Try going to satellite adoption events where dogs are brought to pet superstores, parks and other public places on special days. Sign up for e-mail lists at the Humane Society, HALO Rescue, and Dogs and Cats Forever, and they’ll notify you of their adoption events.
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This is my mother’s first Christmas alone now that my dad has passed away, and I’ve been thinking of giving her a puppy to keep her company. What is the best way to proceed?
A puppy or dog can be a welcome addition for those well prepared for the new arrival, but your four-legged gift may be seen as just another burden or chore, especially when the puppy chews the fringe on the Oriental rug. You can surprise your mother while giving her some control over the process. Buy an upscale crate made from bamboo or wicker (a great look) and fill it with toys, chew bones and a food and water bowl. Include a brochure from local shelters or download photos and breed info from AKC-linked breed rescue websites. If she seems to be wavering, a foster-care situation might be ideal. She can help out a shelter pet temporarily, and enjoy the companionship without the permanent commitment.
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