Destructive Puppy On The Loose

I have a question for you about my puppy, Lab and Pitbull mix, almost 5 months old. We also have two other labs, about 7 years old, each.

Anyway, Pippin (the puppy), is a really smart dog. He picked up the sit command without my ever teaching him and seems to learn from the other dogs really fast. The only thing he hasn't learned is not to trash the house and the front yard while we're at work no matter how much we punish him. I read one of your responses on your website about dogs misbehaving when you're not home which you stated was because they're bored, but he's got two other dogs to play with. In fact he'd much rather play with them, even when I'm home. Is there something I can do, or like me, do you suspect it's just a puppy thing?

Also, I've been thinking about taking him to Doggie Daycare once a week. Do you think this will help?

Thanks,
Theresa

Dear Theresa,

I'm not exactly sure where you read that I suggest that dogs destroy things because they are bored. This CAN be ONE reason that dogs destroy things. However, in fact, there are many possible reasons.

Regardless, the main point you have to understand is that IT DOESN'T REALLY MATTER. Who cares? Maybe he's doing it because his mother ignored him. Or because he was picked on in puppy kindergarten. (Alright, I'm making jokes.)

But in all seriousness, your dog has demonstrated that he's not old enough (or responsible enough) to be left unsupervised. In fact, what I recommend on my web site (and in my book) is that you should leave no puppy unsupervised until he is between a year and 1.5 years of age, and HAS GONE SEVERAL MONTHS with perfect behavior. (I'm using caps because the newsletter list server won't let me use the bold feature in my word processor).

But regardless of how good or bad he's been in the past, seven months of age is simply too young to leave unsupervised. Leave him in the crate or kennel run, just like you would a toddler in a play pen or crib.

And most importantly, you don't want him to hurt himself.

Remember, even though he may look like an adult dog now, he's still mentally a puppy.

That's all for now, folks!
Adam

A Gift Basket For Man's Best Friend

You have given almost everyone a gift, how about giving your best friend a present, too? I mean giving someone's pet dog a gift basket. Got qualms on how to go about the putting together of one dog gift basket for your dog-lover pal? Here's some simple tips or ideas that won't cost you much:

How about a dog gift basket for more TLC for your friend's dog?
One can never go wrong with a spa gift basket that will surely help your buddy pamper his or her pet. Aside from the thoughtfulness on caring for your friend's best pet pal, the benefit of a nice smelling dog is a plus, too. Here's how to create that pat-worthy dog spa gift basket:

Select quality dog grooming goods. Look for products with labels that indicate the ingredients. Products with the owner's fave scents should be considered also. A dog shampoo and conditioner, a complementing pet perfume, a dog hair brush or detangler can also be a good option, too, especially if the dog is a long haired one. Some balm for the dog's paw pads, an ear cleaner, a nail clipper, and other pet care products can be nice additions to fill your dog gift basket with.

Choose a basket or container for the products. Flea markets or garage sales can be good places to see when you're looking for excellent rustic baskets or containers to place the dog grooming products in. A tote that is waterproof may be a good alternative, too. Choosing a color that will complement the dog owner's house might just make your dog gift basket one great home decor thus more appreciation for your thoughtful gift. Just make sure that all the products will fit comfortably. Now if you found a big basket, including a dog towel to fill out the large basket is one great tip to follow. Shredded paper can be an alternative filling also.

Top the gift basket for the dog with a toy that the nice little fellow can play with while enjoying the water. Dog grooming books can be particularly helpful to newbie dog owners. So you might want to include that in your dog gift basket, too.

Cover the gift basket with a cellophane. Choose either a clear or a tinted cellophane to cover your dog gift basket with. This will add to the put-together look of the dog gift basket and will eliminate the awkward look of the odd shapes of the items placed in the basket. Also, the cellophane can serve as a protection against rain.

Don't forget to include a card and a nice big bow. The ribbon can also be used in securing the cellophane wrap. The card will remind your friend how thoughtful you are when it comes to the well-being of his or her pet. If you want to go a bit farther with your efforts on putting together a dog gift basket for your friend's dog pal, search for a card with a humorous theme.

Other substitutes to the spa gift basket idea is putting in gifts that will also benefit the owner such as dog calendars, novelty items with a dog theme, e.g., action figures, mouse pads with a dog picture, T-shirts with paw prints, dog magazines, and photo frames. Including more dog toys such as doggie bones and chew toys for puppies will be more than appreciated, too.

Also, if you prefer the gift items to be more of a surprise, wrap each of the items with a gift wrap that has a dog theme. You can also cover some of the gifts completely with some shredded paper filling to add more surprise to the gift basket.

Now you can easily customize a dog gift basket for the delight of your dog recipient and its owner.

What you’ve always wanted to know About Choosing a Pet

Choosing pets is an important choice to make and is no easy task. It's not just a matter of looking up pets for sale in your handy classifieds paper or online classifieds and picking the first thing you set your eyes on. You don't just buy pets as would buy grocery, so make sure your heart doesn’t rule your head when you sight that cuddly little puppy or kitten. Getting a pet is involving your life with it, committing yourself into a relationship with it, so consider the needs of the animal and the time and cost involved in its ongoing care.

Before buying pets for sale, decide what you want from the pet. Do you want a companion; do you want an animal for showing or competing with, or maybe an animal for protection?

Caring for Pets 101
You need to provide a safe and happy environment in which the animal can live. If you choose a large animal it is necessary to have a big outdoor enclosure to keep it active.

You will need to register your pet with your local Council to ensure its return should it get lost.

Have your pet de-sexed, preferably before six months old if it is not going to be used for breeding, or take steps to ensure that it will not breed unwanted litters.

Proper care for you pet includes proper and balanced diet, cool clean drinking water, and grooming.

If you have children, teach them the responsibilities of owning a pet. Share responsibility for looking after your pet amongst all family members. Socialise your pet with other animals and people, but remember not everyone is an animal lover, and you need to keep your pet under control when in public.

Keep your pet confined to your property at all times and be aware cats should be kept indoors at night (house, shed or garage).

When you go on holidays if you can’t take your pet with you, ensure you find suitable accommodation where you know your pet will be well cared for. Choose a boarding kennel or cattery registered with your local Council.

Protect your pet’s health by having regular check-ups from your local vet, and ensure you provide the required vaccination.

Most of all shower your pet with love and attention, as simple as that. Remember, your pet is a family member now, and no longer just an animal you find in pets for sale ads.