kidsanddogs

[img]http://loveyourdog.com/images/santas.jpg[/img] Happy holidays to all from Jan, Cody, and Bailey!

I love the snack bar comment! Mine don't lick plates (very often), but I do let them (can't stop them) lick the dishes as they're piling into the dishwasher. I'm going the adopt it now as their personal snack bar. My husband will love it! Thanks!

For those who have children begging for a Christmas puppy, refer them to a page written for kids at: [url]http://loveyourdog.com/xmaspups.html[/url]. When given the chance and good information, kids can be smart and compassionate, and make the right decision.

I also gently brush the gums, the roof of their mouths, and their tongues. I think it helps a lot. :D

CET toothpaste is the best, in my opinion. I have tried others, but just didn't like them. CET is sold by vets, which it good. I always use the vanilla-mint and my collies love it. They will run right over and wait their turn to be brushed. I use a regular people toothbrush, soft bristle, just like is recommended for people. I find it can reach way to the back of their mouths. You've got the good stuff! :lol:

Another tip is to set a timer for a specific amount of time so that your dog has a regular schedule to go outside. This way your dog will get chances to eliminate before the accident happens. The younger the dog, the shorter amount of time for the timer to be set. Good luck!

If you haven't yet, you might have your dog checked over by your vet. Sometimes, a urinary tract infection will cause a dog to pee and not be able to hold it very long. At least that would eliminate an infection as the cause. Good luck, Jan

When your dog is in the down position, stand directly in front of her nose. Give her a treat while she is in the down position. If you reward her after she gets up, she'll think it is for getting up. After she can stay for a few seconds release her and praise. Gradually move farther and farther away from her and increase the time as well, but don't jump too far too fast. Good luck! Jan

Eileen, My favorite way to deal with stealing items or even chewed items is similar. If the item is stolen and my dog is in the process of running off with it. I call him to me, greet him cheerily, and say "Thank You, Bailey!" No matter how mad I am, I always make him thrilled to approach me, rather than run the other way. If I can, when he comes to me, I trade the item for something he CAN chew. It's making a great deal, and my dog is always happy. If he has already chewed the item, I truly regard it as my fault and just chalk it up to a lesson learned. You said that you realize the objects should not be available, so you're aware of the error. I train my dogs with a 100% positive approach. Destroying something is always something that I neglected to take care of in the environment. I can't promote some type of punishment because I don't use it. But my little thief is always happy to have another happy activity to choose from. Good luck, and I hope this helped.

Therapy work is great. It's rewarding and fun and your dog should be able to be certified with basic training, excellent socialization, and a stable temperament. Contact the national organizations for details, but check out this site, which has all the info you'll need to get started: [url=http://therapydogs.net/]Therapy Dogs.Net[/url]. Good luck! :P Jan