Archive for the ‘General Advice’ Category

Small Dog Not Eating Much

Saturday, September 20th, 2008

Patty has recently got a puppy and asked this question:

“I have a 9 week old maltese/poodle mix who is very smart and is holding her bladder all night as long as she’s in her crate. My problem is getting her to eat! she is sweet and loves to be held and cuddled. My husband and I work all day so we have a kennel outside with a crate inside for her to nap in and I leave her a dish full of food and water. However when we get home her food has hardly been touched. After snuggling her for awhile after I get home, if I put some food in my hand she will nibble alittle. But thats it! we have tried different brands-even cat food. she is very healthy and active and drinks alot of water. When I make supper she smells the people food and I know she would eat that in a heart beat, but I told my husband no we weren’t going to start that! Do you have any tricks or suggestions? I worry that she will get sick eventually. Do small dogs (2or3 lbs) only eat a tablespoon at a time?” (more…)

Labrador Separation Problems

Saturday, September 20th, 2008

Marcia asked for help about her 6 month old Labrador:

“We think our 6 mos old lab is having separation anxiety. Every morning when it is time for the last person to leave the house we go outside with the dog to walk around so that she can take one last “pee” break. She will not go to bathroom (just sniffs around) and as soon as we get back in the house she will either run away from us and immediately urinate on the floor (or the couch as it was this a.m.) or she will wet in her kennel as soon as we put her in. On weekends or other times when someone is home, she does not do this. Help please! Thanks.” (more…)

Exercising Dogs Before Vaccinations Completed

Sunday, September 7th, 2008

Tina posted this question:

“How do I occupy my black labrador puppy on a rainy day before she is fully vaccinated and can go for walks?”

Whatever age of dog, they need exercise come rain or shine.  If you have a garden or yard where she can burn off some energy, let her play there for a short while then towel her off before letting her back in the house.  If you have nowhere to take her outdoors during this time, then be prepared to play – a lot!  Make room somewhere and “lab-proof it” (remove any valuables or fragile items that can be knocked over or hit with a wagging tail).  Then just play a few games with her to tire her out – if you need a rest, fill a treat ball with peanut butter or a little cheese paste and let her occupy herself with that for a while.

Bringing New Puppy Home

Sunday, September 7th, 2008

Lynn has a potty training and socialization question about her new shih-tzu puppy:

“I am getting a 8 week old shih tzu puppy in 5 days and I have no idea how to potty train. I would like it to go to the back yard but the breeder has said it is already paper trained. So can I still outdoor train or not? Also I already have a 12 year old female cat and I’m not sure how to introduce them to eachother. Help!!!!” (more…)

Aggressive German Shepherd

Sunday, August 31st, 2008

Catalina left this qusetion on the dog training question page:

“My 3 year old german shepherd is very agressive towards other dogs and unframiliar people. We can’t even take her to the beach without her barking at people walking by, and becoming agressive towards other dogs. When we are at home we have to keep her tied up because she likes to nip at people’s feet. She is perfectly behaved towards the family, but when it comes to others she is very agressive. What should we do?” (more…)

Dog Won’t Go In Car

Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008

Bill asked this simple question relating to a big problem:

“I can not get my dog into the car to go anywhere.What can i do?.”

Strangely enough, this problem is quite close to home for me, so I can tell you what worked in a recent, real life scenario…. (more…)

Why Do Puppies Chew Everything?

Tuesday, July 15th, 2008

Have you ever wondered why your new puppy chews on things? It never fails, you get a new pet and at some point you come home to notice he has chewed on your favorite shoe, or even worse your computer power cord, ouch! (more…)

Potty Training (House Training / Housebreaking) Advice

Friday, June 20th, 2008

Several questions have popped up about house training dogs, and rather that do a specific answer for each, I have clubbed them all together…..

Kim asked:

“We just got a 3 month old German Shepard mix with Collie and I would like just steps on how do I begin potty training………….”

Asmanel asked:

“i have a 14 week old miniture jack russel and i have tried everything i can think of to house train her, i even leave the door open and she goes to it then dose her business at the door inside”

Paulina asked:

“hi
i just got a min. schnauzer three days ago to keep me company around the house.
he is still a lil puppy two months old. In the last three days i’ve had troubles teaching him to go to potty i am looking for some tips please help “

So here is my advice……. (more…)