These are the answers from dogs when asked "How many dogs does it take to put in a light bulb?"

Golden Retriever: The sun is shining, the day is young, we've got our whole lives ahead of us, and you're inside worrying about a stupid burned-out light bulb?

Border Collie: Just one. And I'll replace any wiring that's not up to code.

Dachshund: I can't reach the stupid lamp!

Toy Poodle: I'll just blow in the Border collie's ear and he'll do it. By the time he finishes rewiring the house, my nails will be dry.

Rottweiler: Go Ahead! Make me!

Shi-tzu: Puh-leeze, dah-ling. Let the servants. . . .

Lab: Oh, me, me!!! Pleeeeeeze let me change the light bulb! Can I? Can I? Huh? Huh? Can I?

Malamute: Let the Border collie do it. You can feed me while he's busy.

Cocker Spaniel: Why change it? I can still pee on the carpet in the dark.

Doberman Pinscher: While it's dark, I'm going to sleep on the couch.

Mastiff: Mastiffs are NOT afraid of the dark.

Hound Dog: ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Chihuahua: Yo quiero Taco Bulb.

Irish Wolfhound: Can somebody else do it? I've got a hangover.

Pointer: I see it, there it is, right there...

Greyhound: It isn't moving. Who cares?

Australian Shepherd: Put all the light bulbs in a little circle...

Old English Sheep Dog: Light bulb? Light bulb? That thing I just ate was a light bulb?

Ten top ways to tell if Martha Stewart is stalking your dog
10. There's potpourri hanging from his/her collar.

9. The dog's nails have been cut with pinking shears.

8. The dog toys are all stored in McCoy crocks.

7. The pooper scooper has been decorated with raffia bows.

6. That telltale lemon slice in the new silver water bowl.

5. You find liver and whole wheat dog treats stamped out with copper cookie cutters and decorated with royal icing using a #2 rosette tip.

4. Dog hair has been collected and put into wire baskets for nesting material for the birds.

3. A seasonally appropriate grapevine wreath adorns the front of your dog's crate.

2. Your dog goes outside naked and comes in wearing a thyme colored virgin wool hand-knitted sweater with matching boots.

AND THE NUMBER ONE WAY YOU KNOW THAT MARTHA STEWART IS STALKING YOUR DOG IS...

1. The dog droppings in your backyard have been sculpted into swans.

10 Reasons Why It's Great to be a Dog

1. If it itches, you can reach it. And no matter where it itches, no one will be offended if you scratch it in public.

2. No one notices if you have hair growing in weird places as you get older.

3. Personal hygiene is a blast: No one expects you to take a bath every day, and you don't even have to comb your own hair.

4. Having a wet nose is considered a sign of good health.

5. No one thinks less of you for passing gas. Some people might actually think you're cute.

6. Who needs a big home entertainment system? A bone or an old shoe can entertain you for hours.

7. You can spend hours just smelling stuff.

8. No one ever expects you to pay for lunch or dinner. You never have to worry about table manners, and if you gain weight, it's someone else's fault.

9. It doesn't take much to make you happy. You're always excited to see the same old people. All they have to do is leave the room for five minutes and come back.

10. Every garbage can looks like a cold buffet to you.

A TRIP TO COSTCO...

Yesterday I was at my local COSTCO buying a large bag of Purina dog chow for my loyal pet, Biscuit, the Wonder Dog and was in the checkout line when a woman behind me asked if I had a dog.

What did she think I had, an elephant? So since I'm retired and have little to do, on impulse I told her that no, I didn't have a dog, I was starting the Purina Diet again. I added that I probably shouldn't, because I ended up in the hospital last time, but that I'd lost 50 pounds before I awakened in an intensive care ward with tubes coming out of most of my orifices and IVs in both arms.

I told her that it was essentially a perfect diet and that the way that it works is to load your pants pockets with Purina nuggets and simply eat one or two every time you feel hungry. The food is nutritionally complete so it works well and I was going to try it again.. (I have to mention here that practically everyone in line was now enthralled with my story.) Horrified, she asked if I ended up in intensive care because the dog food poisoned me. I told her no, I stepped off a curb to sniff an Irish Setter's ass and a car hit us both.

I thought the guy behind her was going to have a heart attack he was laughing so hard.

Costco won't let me shop there anymore.

Better watch what you ask retired people. They have all the time in the world to think of crazy things to say

Man to dog trainer: "Every time a bell rings, my dog goes into the corner."
Dog trainer: "That's OK, he is a Boxer."

A wife says to her husband one weekend morning, "We've got such a clever dog. He brings in the daily newspapers every morning." Her husband replies, "Well, lots of dogs can do that." The wife responded, "But we've never subscribed to any!"

Two Scottish nuns have just arrived in USA by boat and one says to the other, "I hear that the people of this country actually eat dogs." "Odd," her companion replies, "but if we shall live in America , we might as well do as the Americans do."

Nodding emphatically, the mother superior points to a hot dog vendor and they both walk towards the cart. "Two dogs, please," says one.

The vendor is too pleased to oblige, wraps both hot dogs in foil, and hands them over the counter. Excited, the nuns hurry to a bench and begin to un-wrap their 'dogs'. The mother superior begins to blush and, then, staring at it for a moment, leans to the other nun and whispers cautiously, "What part... did you get...?"

As an elderly lady sat on her front porch reflecting on her long life, a Fairy Godmother suddenly appeared and offered to fulfill three wishes for her.

"Well," said the woman, "I guess I'd like to be rich."
POOF: The Fairy Godmother turned her rocking chair into solid gold.

"And I wouldn't mind being a young and beautiful princess."
POOF: The Fairy Godmother turned the old woman into an exquisite young princess, with a priceless crown of jewels.

"Your third wish?" asked the Fairy Godmother. "Could you possibly turn my wonderful dog into a handsome prince?"
POOF: There, in front stood the most handsome young man anyone had ever seen. She stared at him in awe, completely smitten.

As he came toward her, her knees weakened. He bent down, brushing his lips across her ear as he whispered, "I bet you are sorry you had me neutered."

Collie walks into a bar. The bar tender says, "Why the long face?"

What is the dog's favorite city? New Yorkie!

What happened when the dog went to a Flea Circus? He stole the show!

What did the cowboy say when a bear ate Lassie? Well, doggone!

Two men are walking their dogs, a poodle and a german shepard. They decide they'd like to go into a bar for a drink. "But we can't bring out dogs into that bar," says the poodle's human. "Hey, no problem," says the german shepard's owner. "Just watch this." He pulls out a pair of sunglasses and walks into the bar. "Hey, no dogs!" yells the bartender. "But this is a seeing eye dog," says the german shepard's human. The bartender apologizes and shows them to a chair. So, the poodle owner decides to follow suit, whips out his sunglasses, and walks into the bar. "Hey, no dogs!" yells the bartender. "But this is a seeing eye dog," says the poodle's human. The bartender objects, "Hey, poodles can't be seeing eye dogs!" The poodle owner gasps, "Poodle? They told me they were giving me a german shepard!"

So, if you've got a little extra....

And don't forget, they'd be delighted with a gift any time, for any reason.

Planning for a Lifetime of Mobility

Normal wear and tear on joints occurs daily throughout your dog's lifetime. Cartilage protects your dog's bones and joints from the friction caused by everyday movement.

Natural glucosamine, a building block of cartilage tissue, can help maintain cartilage for healthy joints and mobility. That's why Purina has created adult dog formulas that contain guaranteed levels of natural glucosamine, so you can help your dog stay active and healthy for a long time to come.

CARTILAGE

What is cartilage?
Cartilage is a tissue found at the ends of bones in the joint areas, that acts as a cushion. It is composed of a sponge-like mass of cells, together with proteins, special substances that hold water, and the water itself. Glucosamine serves as a building block to create these special water-holding substances.

Why is it important?
Healthy cartilage is absolutely essential for proper joint function and overall mobility. Happy, healthy, active dogs need healthy cartilage and a diet that supports overall well-being, including joint health.

Where does glucosamine come from?
Glucosamine occurs naturally in several common dog food ingredients. Purina uses several poultry and meat sources and guarantees the level of glucosamine in several of their adult dog formulas. Glucosamine is also produced in the body itself.

Does natural glucosamine benefit senior dogs only?
No! Wear and tear on cartilage occurs over a lifetime, so glucosamine helps maintain your dog's joint health throughout life.

How does the body maintain healthy cartilage?
Chondrocytes are cells present in the cartilage of joints. These cells use glucosamine and other compounds supplied by the diet or produced within the body to make and maintain proteins and the water-binding substances in the cartilage. This allows the cartilage to function as a shock absorber.

What role does glucosamine play in joint health?
As a building block of cartilage, glucosamine can help support joint health and mobility.

GUIDE TO JOINT HEALTH & MOBILITY

Three simple ways to help support healthy joints:

1. Glucosamine - Feed your dog a dog food, like Purina ONE® brand Dog Food or Pro Plan® brand Dog Food, that contains guaranteed levels of natural glucosamine, a building block of cartilage.
2. Weight Management – Keep your dog at a healthy weight. Overweight dogs can develop joint problems. A dog's bones, joints, muscles, and associated tendons and ligaments all work together to give him smooth and efficient movement. Maintaining the proper weight is very important for helping maintain good joint health.
3. Exercise - Proper exercise is important to keep muscles toned and joints flexible. Be sure to consult your veterinarian about your dog's exercise requirements.

Now I'm perfectly willing to suspend disbelief, after all I love the Sci-Fi channel. But the fourth or fifth time Englert presents a character who knows what he couldn't possibly know, I can't help but groan.

Unlike the Greeks, with their Deus Ex Machina plot device where some character (or God) swoops in and solves all the plot problems, Englert uses an absent character to pull the reader from plot point to plot point and book to book.

You feel like this one is just the middle part of a trilogy, or whatever-ogy, and it's reason for being was to get from here to there. The long way. Now Stirling does the same thing, but he really tells a story along the way. And Parker has three whole series going, but each book is complete and can be read out of sequence with complete enjoyment. Obviously, the context of all the other books makes the current one more delicious, yet each book stands alone and you could start each series anywhere. There are so many good to great authors that Englert could have learned from....

Now, it's not a BAD book. If you enjoyed the first book and want to see how the storyline pans out in the next one, you'll have to read it. Having read this far, I'll probably read the next one in the hope it's better.

Purina ran the study for 14 years, and used 48 Labrador Retrievers. Half were fed enough food to keep them lean, the other half were over fed. The lean group lived an average of 1.8 years longer, and although they developed the same illnesses as the other group, they developed them two years later, and the illnesses were generally less severe.

The study was ground breaking in several ways: it was the first to use dogs rather than rats, it was the first to follow them for their full life cycle, and all dogs received the same 100% balanced and nutritional diet.

To read the study, see JAVMA, Vol. 220, No. 9, May 1, 2002, pp.1315-1320

**Lean or ideal body condition refers to the evaluation of body physique in pets as an indicator of their overall health and well-being, generally falling into three categories: too heavy, ideal and too thin.

Hip dysplasia is the most common cause of rear leg lameness in dogs. The highest incidence occurs in large-breed dogs, including Saint Bernards, Newfoundlands, Rottweilers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherd Dogs and many others. Smaller breeds are also affected, but are less likely to show symptoms. According to statistics compiled by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, the risk of hip dysplasia in many of the large-breed dogs presented to them for certification over the last 25 years ranged from 20 to 40 percent.

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Hip dysplasia is a polygenic trait. That is, more than one gene controls the inheritance. The hip is a ball-and-socket joint; the ball is the head of the femur and the socket is the acetabulum of the pelvis. In a dysplastic hip, the head of the femur fits loosely into a poorly developed, shallow acetabulum. Joint instability occurs as muscle development lags behind the rate of skeletal growth. As the stress of weight bearing exceeds the strength limits of the supporting connective tissue and muscle, the joint becomes loose and unstable. This allows for free play of the femoral head in the acetabulum, which promotes abnormal wear and tear.

In a dog with normal hips the Femoral heads fit tightly into well-formed sockets.

In a case of moderate dysplasia, loose hips are partly
out of their sockets and the Femoral heads are beginning to flatten.
Severe dysplasia with degenerative arthritis causes bilateral subluxations and bone spurs on the Femoral heads and rims of the sockets.

Feeding a very high-calorie diet to growing dogs can exacerbate a predisposition to hip dysplasia, because the rapid weight gain places increased stress on the hips. Being overweight supports the genetic potential for hip dysplasia, as well as other skeletal diseases. Another factor that can bring on the symptoms of hip dysplasia is inappropriate exercise during the period of rapid bone growth.

Young dogs should be discouraged from jumping up and down from heights and from standing up on their back legs (which dogs do when they stand up against a fence or window to get a better view).

Dogs with hip dysplasia are born with hips that appear normal but progressively undergo structural changes. The age of onset is 4 to 12 months. Affected puppies may show pain in the hip, walk with a limp or a swaying gait, bunny hop when running and experience difficulty in the hindquarters when getting up. Pressing on the rump can cause the pelvis to drop. With the puppy on its back, the rear legs may not extend into the frog-leg position without causing pain.

An X-ray of the hips and pelvis is the only reliable way of determining whether a dog has hip dysplasia. Good X-rays require heavy sedation or anesthesia. The standard view is taken with the dog lying on his back with his rear legs parallel and extended. The knees (stifles) are rotated internally. Care is taken to be sure that the pelvis is not tilted.

Hip dysplasia is graded according to the severity of X-ray findings. With normal hips (graded excellent), the femoral head fits tightly into a well-formed hip socket with a minimum of space between the head of the femur and the acetabulum. The hip ball is almost completely covered by the socket. With mild hip dysplasia, the X-rays will show mild subluxation (increased space in the joint) with the hip ball partway out of the socket. There are no changes associated with degenerative arthritis.

In moderate dysplasia the hip ball is barely seated into a shallow acetabulum. Arthritic changes begin to appear. These include wear and flattening of the femoral head, a rough appearance to the joint surfaces and the beginning of bone spurs. In severe dysplasia the head of the femur is completely out of the joint and arthritic changes are marked.

Once arthritis is noted, the condition is irreversible. But even with arthritis, some dogs are not lame. The onset of lameness is unpredictable, and some dogs may go most of their lives with dysplastic hips but no lameness. Others develop lameness as puppies.

The OFA provides a hip dysplasia registry for purebred dogs. For a nominal fee, an OFA-certified radiologist will review hip X-rays taken by your veterinarian and, if the conformation of the hips is normal for the breed, certify the dog by assigning it an OFA number. As an optional step, you can have the OFA number added to your dog’s AKC registration papers.

Dogs must be 24 months of age or older to be certified. Some female dogs will show subluxation when X-rayed around an estrus cycle, so OFA recommends not X-raying females around a heat period or within three to four weeks of weaning a litter.

The OFA registry is closed. That means if the dog is found to have hip dysplasia, the information remains confidential.

Dog breeders often request preliminary evaluations on hip status before selecting puppies for show and breeding stock. The OFA accepts preliminary X-rays on puppies as young as four months of age. Their own analysis reveals that these evaluations are about 90 percent accurate when compared with follow-ups at 24 months of age.

Another method of evaluating hips was developed at the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School and is now administered by PennHip. PennHip X-rays are taken in a different position than X-rays for OFA certification. They are used to gauge joint laxity, which can be measured in puppies, starting at 16 weeks of age. The joint laxity does not change as the dog ages.

Dogs X-rayed for PennHip measurements are compared only to other dogs of the same breed. Your dog then receives a joint laxity distraction index (DI) number. PennHip suggests that only dogs in the top half for their breed with respect to joint laxity (that is, those with the tightest joints) should be used for breeding. Those dogs that fall into the lower half, which are the ones with the loosest hips, have a greater chance of developing hip dysplasia in the future.

Finally another organization, the Institute for Genetic Disease Control in Animals, also maintains a hip dysplasia registry. The GDC certifies dogs starting at 12 months of age. The GDC’s registry is open. That is, the GDC provides information on affected as well as normal dogs to anyone making an inquiry.

The GDC requests that veterinarians palpate the stifle joints for patella luxation at the time of hip X-rays. They also request that copies of pedigrees be submitted with X-rays. The goal of the GDC is to build a large integrated database on the orthopedic conditions it registers.

A genetic test for hip dysplasia applicable for a number of breeds is under development through VetGen.

Treatment:
Treatment of hip dysplasia is both medical and surgical. Medical treatment includes restricting activity and giving a NSAID analgesic such as Rimadyl, and a joint chondroprotectant such as Adequan to relieve pain and inflammation and to repair damaged cartilage.

It is important to exercise lame dogs on a leash and not allow them to run, jump or play as long as they exhibit pain. Swimming is an excellent exercise that improves muscle mass and joint flexibility without overstressing the hips. Feed a quality food in amounts appropriate for normal (but not accelerated) growth. Overweight puppies should be given a calorie-restricted diet. Discuss this with your veterinarian. Vitamin and mineral supplements have no proven benefit in preventing or treating hip dysplasia, and may even be detrimental if given in excess.

After reviewing the X-rays, your veterinarian may recommend hip surgery. Early surgery in selected puppies can prevent some cases of degenerative joint disease. Surgery is also indicated for dogs who continue to experience pain and lameness despite medical treatment.

Five surgical options are available. Technical factors govern the choice. Triple pelvic osteotomy and femoral osteotomy are two operations performed on puppies that do not have degenerative joint changes. The goal of both operations is to position the femoral head more deeply in the acetabulum. Normal joint function is maintained with these operations and arthritis may not develop, although this is variable.

Pectineus myectomy is a relatively simple operation in which all of the pectineus muscle is removed on both affected sides. This operation does not slow the progress of joint disease but does afford pain relief for some time.
Hip Replacement

Femoral head and neck excision arthroplasty is an effective operation for the relief of intractable hip pain. The head of the femur is removed, allowing a fibrous union to replace the ball-and-socket joint. The operation is usually reserved for dogs weighing less than 36 pounds.

Total hip replacement is the most effective procedure for dogs nine months and older that have disabling degenerative joint disease in one or both hips. The operation removes the old joint and replaces it with a new, artificial joint. The procedure requires special equipment and is usually performed by an orthopedic specialist. Good results are obtained in more than 95 percent of cases.

Prevention:
Preventing excessive weight gain in puppy hood and keeping the puppy from placing undue stress on the hips will delay the onset of hip dysplasia in many dogs with a genetic predisposition. It may also lead to a less severe form of the disease. Puppies at risk for hip dysplasia should be fed a calorie-controlled diet.

Preventing hip dysplasia in a bloodline is based on selective breeding practices. Hip dysplasia is a moderately heritable condition. It is twice as common among littermates having one dysplastic parent. Experience shows that repeated selection of normal dogs for breeding stock significantly reduces the incidence of hip dysplasia in susceptible bloodlines.

Information on breed risk is available through the OFA and PennHip. In breeds where hip dysplasia is a particular problem, prospective puppy buyers are advised to check pedigrees for OFA, PennHip or GDC certifications, particularly for sires and dams.

However, at any age, a dog can be trained to obey at least the basic commands. The best way to teach your dog obedience is to attend a dog obedience school. Kennel clubs, humane organizations and extension divisions of some universities offer obedience courses. There are also many good books on obedience training.

Many communities have "pooper scooper" laws requiring owners to clean up after their dogs. Law or no law, cleaning up after your dog reflects your consideration for others.

Daily walks can be a treat for both of you when your dog is trained to walk quietly at your side on a loose leash. This on-going training helps you control your dog so it won't jump on people or on other dogs.

A fenced yard is one of the best ways to keep your dog from soiling or digging in a neighbor's yard. If your yard is not fenced, check pet stores and catalogs for tie-outs. Two of the most popular are a swivel stake or a tree trolley. Many tie outs can be used successfully for dogs that weigh up to 250lbs. A tree trolley fastens to a tree, but allows a dog to run around the tree without the chain becoming tangled.

A barking dog can become a neighborhood annoyance. Excessive barking is frequently the result of boredom or anxiety when a dog is left alone for long periods of time. Regular walks and play periods with your dog and teaching it tricks will help prevent boredom. Click here to learn how to prevent excessive barking.

Proper identification enables someone to contact you if your pet wanders far from home. Dogs should wear collars with an identification tag as well as have microchip or tattoo identification.
co 2008 Purina, inc.

Toddlers

A toddler can help parents with pet care simply by being involved — "helping" a parent fill food and water dishes, grooming, going with parents to take the dog for a walk or to the veterinarian. Another good trick is to have the toddler give the dog a treat for good behavior, i.e. gets in bed or crate before family leaves the house. The toddler and the pet both enjoy this special job!

The 5-7 Year Old

This age group is capable of doing some of the tasks above (feeding, watering, grooming) without parental help. Still you can't expect that a child this age will remember to do these jobs without friendly reminders from Mom or Dad.

The 8-12 Year Old

Parents still need to supervise children in this age group for some tasks, like walking the dog. Before a child is 10-12 years of age it's not advised that they walk a dog without adult supervision. But the child can feed, water and play with the dog alone (depending on the dog's temperament and area for exercising).

Teenagers

Depending on your teen's maturity, you can sometimes allow him/her to take full responsibility for the dog, including feeding, cleaning up after, driving to the veterinarian and exercising the pet. Allowing the teen to take the dog to obedience classes can also be a good activity for both.

co 2008, Purina, inc.

Manufacturer's Information

Each label shall show the name and address of the manufacturer, packer or distributor of the dog food. If a manufacturer has several locations where dog food is produced, the name and address of that manufacturer's principal place of business will be used.

Net Weight

The net weight statement must be shown on the principal display panel. The declaration of the net weight shall be made in conformity with the U.S. Fair Packaging and Labeling Act and the regulations promulgated there under.

The figures for net weight will be in the lower one-third of the display panel, and the size of the numbers and letters will be determined by the package size.

Net weights may appear on other parts of the label as well as the principal display panel, particularly on larger package sizes. Net weight statement must include weight in metric conversion.

Nutritional Adequacy Statement

The label shall show whether or not the product provides complete and balanced nutrition, and if it is adequate for all life stages or just for a particular life stage, such as maintenance of the adult cat or dog.

Toll-Free Consumer Information Number

Although this is not a required element, some manufacturers include an 800 number on the label. This is an important element for consumers because it can be a source of information not available on the label and a way for dog owners to learn more about the product they are feeding.

Who Establishes and Governs Label Requirement Policies?

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) develops the regulations for livestock and companion animal foods. The regulations are published annually in the AAFCO Official Publication.

CO 2008, Purina, inc.

The first step in housetraining is to decide whether your pup will be trained to only eliminate outdoors or have the option of using a dog litter. If you plan on using a dog litter, click here for more information on the Purina secondnature® brand Dog Litter system.

If your dog will be trained to eliminate only outdoors, start by establishing an elimination spot. In the morning, clip his leash to his collar and take the dog outdoors to his spot for elimination. State commands like "go potty" or "hurry up." After he does his duty, bring the dog inside for food and water. About 15 to 20 minutes after the meal, take the dog outside again for elimination. Take your dog to his "spot" at each elimination time and maintain a regular feeding, drinking, and elimination schedule.

One of the most commonly made errors in housetraining is rushing too quickly ahead of your dog. Too much freedom too quickly can cause some confusion. If your dog experiences an accident or two, you should back up and slow down your training efforts. Marking should not be confused with housetraining problems because marking is deliberate. It is advised that if you notice this behavior indoors or out, you should strengthen all obedience commands immediately.

Providing your dog or puppy with a crate that is way too large may allow him to relieve himself in one end and sleep in the other. Make sure you take your dog or puppy outdoors to eliminate on a regular schedule and especially prior to being left for prolonged periods of time.

If you have tried all the above and are still experiencing what you believe to be "Territorial Marking," consult your veterinarian. Your dog/puppy may have a bladder infection and it's always best to be safe, not sorry. If your dog/puppy is not spayed or neutered, you may want to talk to your veterinarian about this procedure. It usually has a very positive effect on this type of behavior.

Even well-trained dogs sometimes have accidents. Clean the accident area with a pet odor neutralizer so your dog won't be tempted to repeat his mistake. Here are some tips to help prevent accidents:

* Do not make sudden changes in his diet.
* Avoid giving your dog late night snacks.
* Make sure to spend enough time outdoors.

co 2008, Purina inc.

Loneliness Barking

When loneliness is the cause of incessant barking, giving your dog more attention may solve the problem. In a family situation, encourage family members to take turns playing with your dog and taking him for walks. When he is left alone, provide toys for him to amuse himself.

Sometimes more attention won't solve the problem. If your dog has developed a habit of barking, place some pennies in a can and tape it shut. When he barks, shake the can near him and say "quiet" in a firm voice. The purpose of shaking the can is to startle him. If the barking resumes, shake the can again and say "quiet." Keep the can away from him so he does not consider it a toy. As your dog catches on, your verbal command "quiet" should stop the barking.

If the can does not work, use a squirt bottle to squirt your dog's legs and back accompanied by a firm "quiet" command.

Please remember — any action to deter your dog from barking must be made while he is barking. After-the-fact corrective action only confuses him. Use a strong, firm voice. Avoid yelling, which can be stressful to a dog.

Separation Anxiety Barking

Dogs housed inside who are left alone may suffer from separation anxiety. Some may show their fear and resentment by barking. The ideal way to prevent this problem is to train a puppy to be left alone. Similar training can be applied to an older dog, but more time and patience may be required. Put the puppy in a room by himself. Say "quiet" and leave the room. If the puppy barks, return, say "quiet" and leave again. If the puppy is quiet for a brief period, return and praise him. Extend your time away from the puppy and, upon returning, praise him for being quiet. With an older dog, leaving the house or apartment may be necessary because the dog may pick up your scent and is sensitive to familiar noises.

Territorial Barking

Some dogs bark to protect their territory and a "bark/reward" cycle may be established. A dog who barks at a letter carrier when the mail is delivered is "rewarded" when the letter carrier leaves. This bark/reward may lead him to bark at other service people, neighbors and passersby. If possible, introduce your dog to people who come to the home regularly. Short conversations with delivery or service people, with your dog present, may solve the problem.

Another solution is a firm "no" or "quiet" when your dog begins barking. If he responds by being quiet, praise him briefly. Remember, you have to be present when he is barking to give the "quiet" command.

Other Barking Behaviors

Often a dog will bark in an invitation to play. This is accompanied by body language — tail-wagging, crouching with the head lowered and hindquarters raised. Barking usually stops when play begins or the invitation goes unanswered.

A dog may bark to threaten intruders. This is usually a more menacing bark and may be accompanied by growling. Depending upon the situation, you may need to move the dog to a more secure location or quietly reassure him.

A dog will also bark to warn other dogs or people of danger. The barking generally continues until the source of danger is removed or the dog is taken to safety.

Sometimes pain or illness triggers barking. If a well-behaved dog in his usual environment begins barking or creating other forms of vocalization, a trip to the veterinarian may be in order.

A final thought

As with all aspects of behavior training, consistency is the key to success. Enlisting the cooperation of each family member is important in controlling your dog's barking, as well as in all other aspects of training. Verbal commands and expectations for your dog's behavior must be consistent if you are to be effective.

co 2008 Purina, inc

STEP 1: Take your pet to the veterinarian for a dental exam. Don’t wait for his annual checkup if you suspect a problem.

STEP 2: Begin a dental care regimen at home. Your veterinarian can suggest steps that may include brushing your pet's teeth. One of the most convenient and effective ways to combat oral disease is feeding specially formulated foods proven effective in combating plaque and tartar buildup. The Seal of Acceptance from the Veterinary Oral Health Council, an organization initiated by the American Veterinary Dental Society to guide consumers, appears on products that meet defined standards for plaque and tartar control in dogs and cats. For further information on the VOHC or their product standards, visit www.vohc.org.

STEP 3: Schedule regular veterinary checkups. These are essential in helping your veterinarian monitor the progress of your pet's dental health routine. Your veterinary health care team can help you schedule the appropriate visits.

Co. 2008 Hills, inc.

Poisonous household items

Make sure all poisonous household items are securely stored out of the puppy's reach.

Place all household cleaners, insecticides, fertilizers, mothballs, antifreeze, insect poisons, rat poisons and other items in cabinets or on high shelves. Remember, as your new puppy grows, he will be able to explore higher places and be tempted to jump up on shelves.

Check your plants

Many plants in and around your house can be harmful to your pup. Did you know that the pits of apricots and peaches, as well as spinach and tomato vines, can make your puppy sick and, in large dosages, can even be fatal? For a more complete list of plants that are dangerous to dogs, consult your veterinarian.

Take a Puppy's-Eye View

Get down on all fours and look around. Are there any dangling electric cords, loose nails, plastic bags or other tempting objects that will be in puppy's reach? If there are, be sure to put them away immediately.

Keep your toilet lid down

Puppies are often tempted to play in toilet bowl water. This can be a hard habit to break and toilet cleanser may be harmful if swallowed.

Some Additional Tips

* Never leave your puppy unsupervised inside or outside, and keep him off balconies, upper porches and high decks where he can slip through openings and fall.
* Unplug, remove or cover any electrical cords in your puppy's confinement area. It is also a good idea to cover electrical outlets, when they are not in use.
* Keep buttons, string, sewing needles, pins and other sharp objects out of your puppy's reach.
* Tying ribbons around your puppy's neck could choke him if the ribbon gets caught on a fence or other object.
* A good rule to follow is that anything that is not safe for children is not safe for pets.

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see http://purina.com/dogs/Safety/PoisonousPlants.aspx for a list of poisonous plants.
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copyright Purina, 2007