Weekly article archive

The following questions and answers have appeared in my weekly column in the Albuquerque Journal since July, 1996. Each week a new one is added. You'll find information on the physical and behavioral maladies of dogs and cats and a few other species too. I invite you to use the search feature to find the specific answer that you and your pet need.

The short list of applicants. Who looks best?

Puppy litter

Third in a series Have you chosen your own spouse or life partner? How about your friends? Me too. These relationships are imperfect but, gee, I would still never allow…

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Walk well On-Leash & Come when Called

Heel Recall

Dogs of any age can learn to walk well on leash and come when called. Start by setting the kid up to succeed with no distractions. I told Mick to…

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So Many Cute Puppies – Where Do You Start?

Puppy litter photo

Many puppies are gifted with perfect homes. We love that. Sadly, some are the wrong fit from the get-go. When planning to puppy pick start with common sense. If you…

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Doing Down – How Much Better?

Down step 2 thumbnail

Mick is getting clear on the concept of “Down” on command but he still needs a little hint so he can succeed every time. There’s no point in putting an…

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Puppies are Cool & Complicated

puppies

First in a series Adopting a baby dog isn’t the only way to bring a member of this excellent species into your life but if you decide to take this…

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Wild & Exuberant – Punish? Yell? A New Skill?

Target training

Out-of-control behavior in a dog of any age can drive you crazy. Reprimands and physical corrections teach nothing, except more intense agitation. Instead, you can “redirect” your kid to earn…

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Cougar Still Attacks

cat toy

Last in a series And Stays in His Home Mary Beth was committed to bringing out the best in “Cougar”, not to mention her vested interest in her own safety.…

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Get into a Dog Crate? Are you Kidding?

puppy crate training video

Mick is only a kid. He’s not ready to be trusted to behave if we left him loose in the house at night. A dog is a denning creature but…

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Taming the Dangerous Feline Predator

cat lurking

Third in a series Sharing stories of “Cougar’s” good behavior while living at their old house helped Mary Beth, his caring person, to relax. I told her that she really…

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