dear bernie
| November 2009 |
Dear Bernie,
My name is Agnes and I love diving into the kitty litter box for a snack from time to time. My Mom gets pretty upset with me when I get caught. How can I make my Mom stop yelling at me about this?
Thanks,
Agnes
Dear Agnes,
Well this is not a really good habit and your Mom is just thinking about your health. And while these little munchies may taste good to you, they are not good for you.
Your Mom should rearrange the cat box so that only the cat can get into it. Sometimes placing the litter box up on a crate or shelf (if the cat is agile) is a quick fix. Or your Mom should try putting a chain latch on the door of the room where the box and make it tight enough so that only the cat can squeeze through the opening. If your Mom can time it right, she can try sprinkling tabasco on the "items" to discourage you from chowing down.
And Agnes, the bottom line is, this is just plain rude. You are invading the cat's private space. Think about it...do you want him in YOUR dog house? No? Then stay out of his litter box!
Man, I can't believe I'm taking the cat's side on this one.
Bernie
Bernie's 2010 resolutions!
I will not terrorize any more puppies....OK, I'm going to try not to terrorize puppiesWell the dogs and I sat down and decided to let you all read some of our New Year's Resolutions for 2010.
- Pat - I promise to stop eating doggie tootsie rolls
- Shalom - I promise not to bite any more of Mom's friends and especially the Board of Directors of Dawg Squad
- Veronica - I promise not to eat the other dogs' food when Dad's back is turned
- Simon - I promise not to pee in the house any more
- Mika - I am much too pretty to promise anything...Daddy won't make me keep my promises anyway. I'm his princess
- Gus - I promise not to knock over the trash and mess up the kitchen
- Pierre - I promise not to get in Max's way
- Max - I promise not to beat up Pierre....if he stays out of my way
- Agnes - I promise to be a very good girl and not complain about my insulin shots
- Timmy - HUH? WHUT?
Happy New Year from all the DAWGS
LOS ANGELES - December 2009
Dear Bernie,
I'm getting very nervous. There's talk in the house about a fat man with a bunch of wild animals landing on our house at the end of the month and coming down our chimney! Should I go into guard dog mode?
Virginia the Puggle in Van Nuys
Dear Virginia,
Have no fear. The fat dude is Santa Paws and he travels with a bunch of reindeer bringing lots of yummy treats to good dogs all over the world. There are these little guys called elves and they keep an eye on all the world's doggies the rest of the year and they make naughty and nice lists and tell Santa who gets the good treats.
You don't have to be perfect to get on the nice list but chasing the neighbor's cat or chewing up your person's favorite shoes gives you a couple black marks. Around the beginning of summer, we all try and be really good so Santa's elves will tell him that we should be on the nice list. (Some years....it doesn't happen) Some doggies don't believe in Santa Paws but believe me he exists. So if some old cocker tells you he is just an old hound's tale, you tell him that Bernie said "Yes Virginia...there is a Santa Paws".
Ho Ho Ho,
Bernie
I'm getting very nervous. There's talk in the house about a fat man with a bunch of wild animals landing on our house at the end of the month and coming down our chimney! Should I go into guard dog mode?
Virginia the Puggle in Van Nuys
Dear Virginia,
Have no fear. The fat dude is Santa Paws and he travels with a bunch of reindeer bringing lots of yummy treats to good dogs all over the world. There are these little guys called elves and they keep an eye on all the world's doggies the rest of the year and they make naughty and nice lists and tell Santa who gets the good treats.
You don't have to be perfect to get on the nice list but chasing the neighbor's cat or chewing up your person's favorite shoes gives you a couple black marks. Around the beginning of summer, we all try and be really good so Santa's elves will tell him that we should be on the nice list. (Some years....it doesn't happen) Some doggies don't believe in Santa Paws but believe me he exists. So if some old cocker tells you he is just an old hound's tale, you tell him that Bernie said "Yes Virginia...there is a Santa Paws".
Ho Ho Ho,
Bernie
LOS ANGELES - November 2009
Catch the Spirit of Holiday Giving
Dear Dawg Squad Friends,
The dogs in the Squad have a lot to be thankful for this year. We
all have nice comfy beds, 2 square meals a day, people who take care of
us, and excellent medical care.
But there are a lot of dogs and humans out there that don't have
it this good. So we decided at one of our Canine Councils to share our
good fortune with those who are in need. And to do this, we need your
help.
We are going to choose a low income family to help have a GRRRReat
holiday season. This family will, of course, have a dog. And we would
like to bestow on them all the things that we have - food and toys and
household items (towels, toilet paper, toothpaste) and things like that.
Would you help us?
From now until December 5th, Dawg Squad will accept
donations of canned food (human and dog), kid and dog toys, everyday
necessities to run a household, frontline for the dog, etc. at our Saturday adoptions. Just come by and drop off whatever you can to help make a family's holiday a little brighter and easier.
Every little bit will help.
Thank you!
From Bernie and all the Dawgs in the Squad
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LOS ANGELES - October 2009
Dear Bernie,
Please Bernie....tell me what is wrong with humans? Why do they
put us through this humiliation every year?? Dogs do NOT like to dress
up. Well, maybe poodles do...but most of us do not! I can't go
through this again Bernie! What should I do?
Humiliated in Huntington Beach
Dear Humi,
I hear ya guy, believe me. That picture...man...not a pretty
sight. But listen, alloween is only once a year and who feeds ya baby?
What you really should tell your human is that dogs can get scared
at Halloween just like humans. That cute little boy who cuddles you
every day and pats you on the head as he leaves for school can be
REALLY scarey dressed up as a monster and making strange noises and
waving swords. And if he comes running at you and you think he's a
real monster because you don't recognize him well, you might over-react
and growl and show your teeth. So on Halloween, Moms and Dads should
tell the kids NOT to try and scare their dogs. Even little fairy
princesses can scare Rover by waving a magic wand in front of his face
when she's trying to turn him into a handsome prince.
And as always, CHOCOLATE IS BAD FOR DOGS. Please make sure all
that yummy Halloween candy is put someplace where no doggy can find
it.
Oh yea, Humi, we were talking about you weren't we? Wear the
dumb costume, make your people happy and maybe they won't make you wear
reindeer antlers on Christmas.
BOO!
Bernie
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LOS ANGELES - September 2009Dear Bernie,
I am so worried. The kids are going to go back to school soon and I'm going to be left all alone and oh my gosh, what am I going to do?
Who is going to play with me? I'm so upset! Tell me what to do! Oh my gosh....I'm just so upset!
Help me Bernie!!!!!
Frantic Freddie
_____________________________________________________________________________________I am so worried. The kids are going to go back to school soon and I'm going to be left all alone and oh my gosh, what am I going to do?
Who is going to play with me? I'm so upset! Tell me what to do! Oh my gosh....I'm just so upset!
Help me Bernie!!!!!
Frantic Freddie
Dear Freddy,
Calm down boy. Now listen, I'm sure your family has thought this through and I just bet they have your whole school year planned. Let's go over a few things and if they forgot anything, you can remind them.
1. A dog walker is always a good idea when a pup is going to be
left alone for more than a few hours at a time. A good dog walker
will make sure you get lots of exercise a couple days a week and you'll
be too tired to be lonely
2. Doggie day care is really fun. If you can ask your family to
take you to day care a couple days a week, you will make lots of new
friends and learn a few things yourself!
3. TOYS! Lots of fun and interactive TOYS. I have a Buster
Cube. Your Mom or Dad puts food in the holes and it takes you alll day
to get the kibble out of the holes and by the time your family comes
home from school....well you won't even know they are gone!
4. KONGS - the answer to a doggie's prayer. I like mine stuffed with peanut butter nice and cold right out of the freezer.
And Freddy, here is the BEST idea yet. Tell your family that
they should adopt another dog for you to play with. Take a look at
Jerome...our dog of the month.
Give me a buzz if you have any more questions, OK Freedy? And learn to relax dude!
LOS ANGELES - August 2009
Dear Bernie,
We are planning a car trip this summer for our family vacation and want to take Grainger, our 2 year old Lab mix with us. Any hints you can give us to make this trip more enjoyable for the whole family? We will be camping and staying at motels.
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Thank you,
Travelling in Topanga
Dear Travelling,
When travelling with your dog, you must BE PREPARED. We always bring water bowls, bottled water and chewies on our road trips. Much better to have Grainger chewing away on a Nylabone than on the headrest of your car.
A four hour road trip can turn into a five hour road trip since Grainger will probably need to use the restroom somewhere along the way. Frequent, quick stops will make travelling all the more enjoyable for Grainger so he can potty and stretch his legs. Be sure and have poop bags handy and keep all rest stops clean. And never leave him alone in the car during the summer. Even with the windows cracked, and parking in the shade, the temperature inside a car can escalate quickly! If you do have to go inside a store for a quick snack for yourselves, leave someone outside with Grainger on leash. It will be a good chance to kill two birds with one stone…snacks for your family and a leg stretching break for Grainger.
Many camp sites and hotels/motels are now accepting dogs as guests but many do have some restrictions. Call ahead. We just travelled and stayed at a nice motel in Kanab, Utah, but the motel did ask that any dog left in the room be crated. And some places do have weight restrictions. Be sure Grainger is up to date on all his shots too (some places might want proof of vaccination so bring a copy of his records with you) and up to date on flea/tick prevention.
So really, planning ahead is the key to making your family road trip fun for all!
Send us a postcard!
Bernie
Dear Bernie,
How the heck are ya? This is your old buddy Roscoe. I saw your
picture on line and thought boy oh boy do I miss you. I also wanted to
let you know that I am doing really well. I walk every day and go to
the park and run and run with my little sister Sweetie. My older
sister Hunter, can't run too much anymore so she just jumps around and
barks at us as we run in circles. My mom is living with this new
person who has 6 reallhy cool grandkids and they just love me. They
come over and play with me all the time. I am still so grateful that
your mom found me and gave me to my wonderful mom Cyndi. She's the
best! By the way, it was coooool seeing my picture on line too. I was
such a cute little boy . Anyway, my mom set up my own email account
now and I write emails to the grandkids and they write me back. It's
fun! So thought I should drop you a line and say hi.
Dear Roscoe,
~ Bark, bark,
Roscoe
Of course I remember you! You were one of my first fosters.
WOW...it sure has been a long time. You are almost as big as
me....when you were here you were a pint size puppy! I'm glad Hunter
(foreground in the picture) is doing so well but I gotta ask...what's
with that WHITE puppy?
Write often!
Love,
Bernie
LOS ANGELES - June 2009
Dear Bernie,
I think I'm in trouble. I heard Mom and Dad say that I was going to go to daycare because I've been a bit naughty lately. I don't think I've been naughty. I just get really bored and start chewing things up. Hey...I'm only 8 months old. Is daycare scarey? What are they gonna do to me?
I think I'm in trouble. I heard Mom and Dad say that I was going to go to daycare because I've been a bit naughty lately. I don't think I've been naughty. I just get really bored and start chewing things up. Hey...I'm only 8 months old. Is daycare scarey? What are they gonna do to me?
~ Scared Scottie in Stanton
Dear Scottie,
You are so lucky! Daycare is wonderful. You get to play with
other dogs and run around and no one really yells at you unless you
just happen to jump on a little poodle and pretend it's a squeaky toy
(but that's another story).
Seriously, you are very lucky that your people care enough about you to take you to daycare. Most daycares separate the little dogs from the big dogs and someone is always there to make sure no one picks on you. There are usually toys to play with and things to climb on and hide under. The daycare I went to had a pool! And a guy who threw tennis balls for us to chase.
Seriously, you are very lucky that your people care enough about you to take you to daycare. Most daycares separate the little dogs from the big dogs and someone is always there to make sure no one picks on you. There are usually toys to play with and things to climb on and hide under. The daycare I went to had a pool! And a guy who threw tennis balls for us to chase.
Daycare will help socialize you with other dogs and teach you
manners....instead of chewing things up in your house and yard, you
will have other puppies to play with. You'll be so tired at the end of
the day - you won't want to chew anything but your dinner!
Bernie
Bernie
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LOS ANGELES - May 2009
Dear Bernie,
My husband and I did a lot of research and bought breed specific
books when we knew that our time with our dogs was coming to a close.
We wanted to be educated on what breed of dog we would have next. I
knew I didn't want another lab.
After a YEAR of research we decided on either an Amstaff or APBT, specifically because of their reputation as a family dog and how great they are with kids. We were all set to go to a breeder when we decided to look in to rescued dogs. We were astounded at how many Pit Mix dogs were languishing in shelters. WHY?? That's when we learned about how misunderstood and misrepresented the breed was. Not that we've lived under a rock. But.. I'd heard so much garbage about my big dogs growing up.. And ... I'd always loved my friends Pits that I just didn't get it. So.....
After a YEAR of research we decided on either an Amstaff or APBT, specifically because of their reputation as a family dog and how great they are with kids. We were all set to go to a breeder when we decided to look in to rescued dogs. We were astounded at how many Pit Mix dogs were languishing in shelters. WHY?? That's when we learned about how misunderstood and misrepresented the breed was. Not that we've lived under a rock. But.. I'd heard so much garbage about my big dogs growing up.. And ... I'd always loved my friends Pits that I just didn't get it. So.....
You all have been hearing this for some time. You're used to it.
I'm just learning about it all and I'm PISSED!!! It makes no sense.
None whatsoever.
Did you know that Bearded Collies have one of the lowest % ratings
with the American Temperament Test Society. Thousands of Rotties and
Pitties are tested every year and rate in the mid 80's. We looked this
all up when deciding what dog to get.
I know. It's nothing that you don't already know but SHEESH..
Come on people. So we adopted a pit mix from Dawg Squad and WE LOVE
HER.
Seriously, my daughter is a bigger threat to society right now
than my dog. When is someone gonna put a ban on 3 1/2 year old bossy as
all get out girls I ask you???
Signed,
Pit Bulls Rock in Reseda!
Dear PBR,
WOW....I'm speechless. Right on!
Bernie
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LOS ANGELES - April 2009
Dear Bernie,
My name is Max and my wife and I are having a baby in June. We have a wonderful 2 year old neutered male mixed breed and would like some hints on how to integrate the baby into our family.
My name is Max and my wife and I are having a baby in June. We have a wonderful 2 year old neutered male mixed breed and would like some hints on how to integrate the baby into our family.
~Sincerely, Max
Dear Max,
So many people don't prepare their
dog for the arrival of a new baby and sometimes the dog can be very
upset by this "intrusion". Here are a few simple tips to integrate your family:
- The first thing you should do is get your
dog used to baby smells - powder, oils, etc. If you know anyone with
a baby, invite them over and let your dog sniff it over (I'd put a
leash on your dog, just in case he gets over zealous).
- Teach the dog that the baby's room is the baby's
room. Start now before baby gets there.
- Have your dog lie down or sit while in the baby's room.
- If your dog is allowed on
furniture in other rooms, he should be taught that climbing on the
changing table just isn't going to be tolerated.
- Let him know that the baby's toys are the baby's
and not his. Make sure you have one of his toys on hand for a switch
off.
- The most important thing to remember is keep to the same routine AFTER the baby is born as BEFORE the baby was born. You may not think you have the time for your dog but we canines appreciate all the head scratches and belly rubs you can muster even if it's just for a moment or two every day.
- And of course, give him lots of treats for good behavior!
Till next time,
Bernie
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LOS ANGELES - March 2009
Dear Bernie,
I'm not a dog, but I have a question I think you might be able to help me with. I have these lumps on my back leg, and it turns out they are cancerous tumors. I've had to visit the vet several times, and he told my mom that he's going to have to remove my leg. My mom says I am going to be fine, and that this will help me live for many more years, but I am still nervous. Any tips for a soon to be tripod?
I think the most important lesson you have to learn is the pitiful
look. Practice when your Mom isn't home. Bow your head, sigh, and
look up longingly to the nice comfy couch. Sigh really loud as if to
say "wow, if I ONLY had four legs, I could be up on that couch". Your
Mom will feel so sorry for her poor little tripod that she will
pick you up and cuddle you and say really sweet things to you. Work
it Hunter. I've been doing that hang dog look for 7 years now and
trust me - the world is your oyster if you can just sigh loud
enough. And even if you don't have to LIMP. Go a few steps,
sit down, sigh loudly then bravely take a deep breath and limp down the
hall. Again....your Mom is gonna feel SO bad for her little buddy
that you are going to get lots of treats and special attention.
Being a tripod is great because you are special. Who wants to be like everyone else? Not us, right Hunter? Hang in there kid. The best years of your life are yet to come! Take it from me, a very spoiled Rotten with only three legs but lots of heart and a long and happy life ahead of me..
I'm not a dog, but I have a question I think you might be able to help me with. I have these lumps on my back leg, and it turns out they are cancerous tumors. I've had to visit the vet several times, and he told my mom that he's going to have to remove my leg. My mom says I am going to be fine, and that this will help me live for many more years, but I am still nervous. Any tips for a soon to be tripod?
~ Nervous in Montrose, Hunter
Dear Hunter,
Wow, I'm sorry you have to have your leg removed but us tripods get along great! Here are some tips:
The first thing you'll have to do is find your new center of
gravity. Even after 7 years sometimes I fall over when I have a
scratch or the need to lick. I know you cats like to groom
yourselves alot so you may have to readjust your strategy a little when
trying to reach some out of the way places but you'll catch on
quickly.
Use your tail for balance. I'm a lucky Rottie because I have a
tail and I can use it for balance. The vet calls it my rudder. Your
tail can help you readjust your balance if you find yourself
tipping over. A little to the left - more to the right - you'll
figure out what's right for you and your tail will be your best
friend.
Being a tripod is great because you are special. Who wants to be like everyone else? Not us, right Hunter? Hang in there kid. The best years of your life are yet to come! Take it from me, a very spoiled Rotten with only three legs but lots of heart and a long and happy life ahead of me..
Bernie
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LOS ANGELES - February 2009
Dear Bernie,
I am really scared! Tomorrow I have to go to the dog dentist to get my teeth cleaned. Is it gonna hurt?
~ Big Baby in Beverly Hills
Dear BB,
Nah! It's not going to hurt. I get my teeth cleaned twice a year at my vet and it's a piece of cake! It's a very important thing for dogs to do! We don't get cavities but we do get tartar on our teeth and if this isn't removed we can get gum infections and, like humans, we can get gingivitis which is a really bad gum disease and our teeth could fall out and we could get very sick (not to mention the bad breath). The gingivitis bacteria can even enter our bloodstream and cause infection of the heart valves, liver and kidneys.
Veterinary dentistry is becoming more common and more sophisticated. We can have the same procedures as people: root canals, crowns, and even braces. Some veterinarians specialize in dentistry and are board-certified. February is designated as Pet Dental Health Month to remind pet guardians of the importance of proper dental care.
So don't be scared BB. You and your people will be very happy with your shiny white teeth. And maybe, if you're good, your dog dentist will give you a tartar control cookie to munch on the way home!
Smiling brightly,
Bernie
P.S. And tell your people they can clean your teeth 3 times a week at home with a damp cloth and that can help maintain your "shine" and help prevent gum disease!
LOS ANGELES – January 2009
Dear Bernie,
This is Paxton. I'm in a boarding kennel with other Squad dogs - waiting for my forever home - but in the meantime I've heard talk of foster homes. What's a foster home and is it something that would be good for me?
~ Paxton
Dear Paxton,
A foster home is a place where really nice people take in dogs until they got adopted. Foster homes are great because they help prepare you for your forever home. Lots of our dogs are in foster homes but some, like you, have to stay at a boarding kennel. There just aren't enough fosters to go around sometimes!
The Squad is always looking for new foster homes and maybe, just maybe, someone reading this will think "What a GREAT idea" and contact us so that you and Cayenne (who's been at the kennel for over a year) and Lansky and Milla can have foster homes until you are all adopted.
So, if someone out there would like to foster one of our dogs, please email dawgsquad@rocketmail.com. We'd really appreciate it!
Love,
Bernie
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LOS ANGELES – December 2008
Dear Bernie,
The kids in my house are acting strangely. They keep making lists and yelling "You are naughty, I am nice". To make matters worse, they are obsessing over these magazines chanting "I want that, I want this". Bernie, what is all this fuss?
~ Wondering in Whittier
Dear Wondering,
This is the Holiday Season for giving. People give each other gifts during the month of December and kids always like receiving toys. What is even more fun is that people give toys and gifts to their friends, family, and sometimes to people they don't even know. Occasionally, we can go a little overboard, forgetting the true meaning of the season. For the most part, however, the holidays bring out the best in people.
My mom was telling me about this cool kid who adopted a dog from The Squad. He was having a party, and instead of getting a bunch of toys for himself, he asked his friends to bring gifts for the dogs! He said that since he already had lots of toys, he wanted to help the dogs who didn't have homes - let alone a toys, treats and food. He recognized how lucky he was and that he could share with those less fortunate.
And it's not just the dogs who need help - there are so many people who don't even have homes. I know we live in Southern California, but the nights are freezing cold! These homeless people need blankets, warm clothes, and nice hot meals.
Perhaps this year we can all remember how fortunate we are and help our kids donate a toy to the less fortunate or the local Children's Hospital. Or the whole family can spend a few hours volunteering at a soup kitchen serving meals to people who don't have moms to cook them hot meals every day.
Our kids will feel the true essence of the holiday by sharing with those who are less fortunate. By helping kids and animals who are not as lucky as they are - they'll definitely make the "nice" list.
Happy Holidays,
Bernie
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LOS ANGELES – November 2008
Dear Bernie,
I have a co-worker who gives her dog the entire cooked carcass of the Turkey - bones and all - after every holiday. I freak out every season, waiting to hear her dog was raced to surgery. Thank God that's never happened. Is it safe to give dogs bird bones?
~ Concerned
Dear Concerned,
Your co-worker is lucky that her dog hasn't perforated his esophagus, stomach or intestines yet! Cooked bones of ANY kind are extremely dangerous to dogs.
Bones which have been cooked have had all the moisture drained from them, thus they become dry and brittle. As they move down a dog's intestinal tract, they splinter into tiny pieces as sharp as needles and thus can scrape, puncture or block the intestines. This is how a dog may find itself in a threatening situation.
Turkey bones - whether they have meat on them or not - are the ultimate splintering bones, and should never be given to dogs! Any sharp point on a bone can scrape and cut your dog's gastrointestinal tract from the esophagus down to the rectum, causing damage on its way in or out. A sharp bone can even cause perforation or get stuck and cause a blockage that does not allow food to pass.
Tell your co-worker not to press her luck anymore. Her dog has been fortunate so far! My mom gives us some gravy on potatoes and whatever veggies are left over. Sometimes we get scraps of turkey but not too much...we are not THAT spoiled and we NEVER EVER get cooked bones. Please tell your co-worker that dogs love mashed potatoes, gravy and veggies and just give him that for a Thanksgiving treat. NO MORE BONES!
Happy Tofurkey Day to everyone!
Bernie
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LOS ANGELES – October 2008
Dear Bernie,
My people have lost their minds! They insist on dressing me up in ridiculous costumes. My perfect obedience training prevents me from disobeying, but how do they expect me to get adopted looking like so ridiculous? HELP ME I AM BEGGING YOU!
~ Lansky in Los Angeles
Dear Lansky,
OK, I've stopped laughing now and can help you out. This is the time of year when humans seem to think it's very funny to dress up their dogs in costumes and parade them through their neighborhoods. They don't realize that while THEY might think it's cute, most people are mumbling "that poor dog". But hey - this holiday, called Halloween, only comes once a year, so hang in there.
But be careful. Halloween can be just as scary as Fourth of July.
There are lots of little kids out on the street who might want to pet you. Tell your people that with all the added stress of wearing clothes and kids screaming "I GOT A HERSHEY BAR" you might be a little jumpy.
So they really shouldn't let kids come running up to you (they are wearing costumes too so you might not recognize the object as a child). In fact, let them know you would really rather stay home that night with a nice juicy bone watching Animal Planet. And if your people stay home with you to give out treats to the kids (this time the treats are NOT for you - they are mostly chocolate and that is BAD BAD BAD for dogs), you would really prefer to be in a back room away from the ding dong noise and kids yelling for candy. OK?
We dogs have enough to deal with every day. Sit, stay, roll over, THE VET. Best to let us keep a low profile on Halloween. Good luck!
Bernie
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LOS ANGELES – September 2008
Dear Bernie,
I am very upset. My kids are going back to school and I will be home alone ALL day. What's a dog to do? Sigh...
~ Sad in Santa Monica
Dear Sad,
Chin up buddy. It's really not the end of the world. Your family can find lots of fun things for you to do all day.
First, if Mom or Dad is staying home, he/she should take you for lots of walks during the day. And maybe you can even enroll in doggie day care for a day or two each week. Or even take a refresher obedience class. Now might be the time for you to learn a new skill like agility! If that's too much, there are so many licensed and bonded pet sitters in your area who would be happy to come over and take you for a walk or throw the ball around for an hour or so each day.
The most important thing is that you get lots of exercise in the morning before they go to school, when they come home from school and before you all turn in for the night. When you are home alone, ask them to get you a Kong stuffed with treats that you can play with/munch on all day. A nice marrow bone from the market is also a way to make the day go by faster. I personally prefer the marrow bone idea. I'm not much for stuffed Kongs. And if all else fails - tell your family to adopt another dog for you to play with! Hang in there pup. Christmas vacation is only a few months away!
Bernie
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LOS ANGELES – August 2008
Dear Bernie,
My dog is HORRIBLE on leash. He pulls, he lunges, and quite frankly, I don't enjoy taking him on walks anymore. Is there a collar I can get that will make help correct this behavior?
~ Worn Out in Whittier
Dear Worn Out,
First, you didn't say what kind of dog you had. Not all collars are appropriate for all dogs. A prong collar is obviously not the best choice for a 5 lb. Chihuahua and a harness seldom works with a 120 pound Rottie. And choke collars, if used incorrectly on ANY size dog, can cause damage to the trachea and shoulder/neck nerves (that's what I've heard...I'm a dog...not a vet.)
I would check with your vet to see what he/she recommends for your dog. Then think about what you are going to put into this leash training. If you're not going to work at it, then NO collar is going to improve the quality of walks. So I would get enrolled in an obedience class, armed with your vet's advice and see what your trainer recommends.
Be prepared for homework. A once a week class will not help you and your dog if you don't work at the training on a daily basis. I've been to two training classes with and without my wheels. Truthfully, I'm horrible on leash. Wait - maybe I'm good on leash and it's my Mom who hasn't been working very hard at training. Here's a pick of her and my friend Pat. I think Mom needs some work. But back to you - check with your vet, get enrolled in a class and have fun on walks with your dog!
See ya around the dog park!
Bernie
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LOS ANGELES – July 2008
Dear Bernie,
I've got fleas! And my people keep giving me baths but it's just not helping. Please -- what should my people do? I can't stand the itching much longer!
~ Flea Bitten in Fresno
Well FB,
It is flea season now and your people have got to get you on a flea control program. The baths will kill the fleas but that will only last for 4-5 days then they'll be back. The one thing you should NOT use is a flea collar -- many dogs are allergic to these collars and their skin can get quite irritated.
There are applications like Frontline or Advantage that your people can use. All they have to do is apply these products every 4-6 weeks and they kill the adult fleas. They should put it between your shoulder blades (part your fur down to the skin) so that you can't lick it off. There is something else called Program that is a pill that sterilizes any eggs laid by the fleas but it does not kill the adult fleas. They also might have to call in a professional to spray the yard and house to get rid of any fleas in the environment.
It is SO important to start a flea control program for all cats and dogs. Some animals are so allergic to fleas that they can lose their fur and get skin infections from all the scratching and biting. And if you swallow a flea, you can get tapeworms and they are really GROSS! And FB, if you know any scratchy young pups or kittens, tell them to get on flea control quick. Young animals, sick animals or old animals can get anemic if the fleas aren't treated in a timely manner and THAT can lead to all sorts of health problems.
And since we're on the subject of insects - watch out for those darn flies. There are commercial products to apply to dogs that will prevent the flies from eating up their ears. BUT, my Mom uses something every house has -- Vicks Vapo Rub. She puts in behind our ears every morning (I hate the stuff and try to hide from her) and the flies don't bother any of us. So have a happy and flea/fly free summer in Fresno.
Bernie
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LOS ANGELES – May 2008
Dear Bernie,
We are planning on having a large BBQ party for Memorial Day and our pup will be about 5 months old at the time. He's not exactly the best-trained puppy (he'll be enrolling in an obedience class after he gets his rabies shot) and we are worried how we can keep him, and our guests, happy throughout the day. Any suggestions?
~ Party Planner in Pasadena
Dear PP,
Well, first of all, make sure all your guests know you have a dog. Sure your family probably knows but is anyone bringing someone who is allergic to dogs? Afraid of dogs? Just not wild about dogs? The courteous thing to do is contact your guests and let them know - YOU HAVE A PUPPY.
I would suggest preparing a special area for your pup ahead of time. This can be a room in your house or perhaps a kennel run in the yard. It might not seem real fair to the pooch, but you want to keep him safe from kids (admit it, kids are kids, they will run, grab ears, tails or try to pick puppy up) and guests tripping over him or even eating something accidentally dropped on the ground that is not going to sit well his tummy.
It's early in the month - get your pup ready for guests by having people come over frequently. Reward him for being behaved when greeting company. If he doesn't greet them properly (a tail wag is nice) then have your "pre-party helpers" ignore him until he does exhibit the correct behavior.
And please, if you've gotten your pup to behave by the time of the party, let your guests know in no uncertain terms that he is not to be fed people food or allowed to jump on them.
A holiday party CAN be fun if your pup and your guests know the rules ahead of time.
Party on!
Bernie
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LOS ANGELES – March 2008
Dear Bernie
My dog steals food right off my kitchen counter. I'll leave some meat on the counter to defrost for dinner and BAM! Risky is enjoying a New York steak. What can I do to stop this?
~ Hungry in Hollywood
Dear Hungry,
Well if this has happened more than once, perhaps you should stop leaving food where Risky can grab it? You can defrost your meat in the microwave (just leave it in there), on top of the fridge, etc. But Risky needs some training - specifically the wait command.
Take him right to the door of the kitchen and tell him to wait. He doesn't have to sit, lie down or do anything special. He just has to WAIT until you tell him it's OK to come in. If your kitchen has two doors, do it at both doors. It's not an easy lesson and you will have to be very diligent. This one takes time but it really is a very important command for all dogs to learn. Eventually Risky will figure out that he is not to go in the kitchen until you tell him OK. This command also works, by the way, if you are having a baby and you don't want your dog to go in the nursery when you are not with him/her.
If all else fails, get some duct tape. Put the duct tape sticky side up on the kitchen counter. Once Risky gets stuck on the tape, he is NOT going to try and get up there again. Take it from me - that duct tape does not feel good pulling out the fur between your toes!
Or become a vegetarian :)
Bernie
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LOS ANGELES – January 2008
Dear Bernie
I am thinking about adopting a Pit Bull. What can you tell me about this breed?
~ Thinking in Tarzana
Dear Thinking,
You should first know that Pit Bull is not a breed - it is a term used to describe dogs with certain characteristics. That being said, pit bulls are great dogs that deserve a chance to have a good life like any other dog. They are not for everyone. They make excellent partners for responsible, active, and caring owners. They can be difficult to handle for people who don't have a lot of experience with dog ownership, or for those who don't understand the breed very well. They are strong, incredibly smart, determined and very loving.
Pit bulls love people, they are great with kids, they love to snuggle and they love to play. They may not get along with other animals outside of the home they are raised in. Therefore, pit bull guardians must have common sense and not set their dog up to fail - all pit bulls should attend obedience classes as soon as they have completed their shots and have been spayed/neutered. A well-socialized and obedient pit bull is a great ambassador for the breed and can help fight prejudice and misconception.
So really think about it. Is this the dog for you? And to learn more about these dogs, please visit www.pbrc.net BEFORE you adopt a bully breed.
Bernie
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LOS ANGELES – November 2007
Dear Bernie
We just rescued a puppy and everyone is telling us to crate train him. It just seems so cruel to lock up the little guy - it's like jail. What do you think?
~ Confused in Culver City
Dear Confused,
We dogs are den animals. Oh sure, we are also whiners and screamers when we are puppies, but believe me - we LOVE our crates (when properly introduced). It gives us a place to get away from it all when we need to escape you doting humans. It's our special place and no one should ever be allowed to invade it ( i.e., it is not a playpen for children). Not only that, puppies tend to chew furniture and eat all sorts of nasty things.
A crate keeps puppies safe when you are not home or asleep. It is also helpful in housebreaking a puppy since most dogs will not urinate or defecate in their crates.
But remember, first thing in the morning, pick up that little rascal and get him outside for his potty break - clean crate, happy puppy, happy humans.
I'm 5 years old. I still have my crate and sometimes, when I just need a break, I go in and take a nap. It's my special place. Now go get the little guy a crate and stop watching Prison Break.
Woofs! - Bernie