Puppies grow up too soon, as anyone who has ever loved one can tell you. When your pup is grown you've lost not only some of the cuteness, but also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get him off to a good start in life.
It's always easier to prevent problems than to try to fix them later, and one of the most important ways to do this is by socializing your puppy.
Introduce a puppy to all the new things you can -- people, places and other animals. When a puppy isn't exposed to new things, social development stops or even regresses. The goal of socializing is a confident, outgoing dog who isn't shy or aggressive. A good pet, in other words.
"But wait!" you say? "What about disease? My vet told me to keep my puppy at home until his last puppy shot. And you're saying I should go out? Is that safe?"
Well, your veterinarian is right. Your puppy is at risk for contracting diseases from other dogs before his full immunity is in place. This is why you shouldn't go anywhere where dogs you do not know hang out -- parks, dog events or pet stores -- until your veterinarian gives the go-ahead. But you should do some limited socializing, such as seeing friends.
Use common sense. Plan safe outings, and carry your puppy if you're not sure. And when that last puppy shot is in, at 14 to 16 weeks, pull out all the stops when it comes to socialization. A puppy class is a great idea at this stage.
Why take any chances at all? Because doing so is important. An unsocialized dog, whether fearful or aggressive, is at a high risk for ending up in a shelter, with little chance at being adopted again.
We ask a lot of our dogs, and we owe it to them to help them learn what's required of them. We ask them to live peaceably in human company, and we expect them to be docile with people who are outside their pack. We ask, too, that they get along well with others of their own kind, both in the family and at parks. We ask that they abide the presence of a competing predator (the cat) and ignore what any wolf knows is good eating -- rabbits, birds and other smaller animals (even though we call them pets). And we ask them to be as mobile as we are, taking them on walks, on trips short and long, and even on airplanes.
Dogs are genetically predisposed to have more potential to become part of human society than wolves or coyotes, but it's not always easy for them. Dogs are wolves, after all, at heart. When you give your pup an understanding that living with humans means new adventures not to be feared, you are sharing a wonderful gift.
So socialize, and remember that the world is full of scary things, especially to a little puppy. At times, even the boldest of puppies is paralyzed with uncertainty when faced with something he's never seen before. Your response to his fear is very important.
Don't soothe your pup. Petting him and saying, "It's OK, baby" (or something similar) gives your puppy the idea that being scared is OK and that you're rewarding him for the behavior. Be matter-of-fact and encouraging.
Let him work it out, and when he takes that step forward, praise him for his courage. Then move on, one more step into your life together.
PETS ON THE WEB
Many Americans call them "parakeets," but the rest of the world calls them by their proper name, "budgerigars," or just "budgies." Whatever you call them, these charming little birds are too often overlooked by people awed by their bigger relatives, parrots. And that's a shame, because budgies have wonderful companion potential -- and some show such skills at talking they put the larger birds to shame. The Me & My Budgie Web site (www.budgies.org) does a fine job of celebrating the budgie, with pictures, stories, health and care information, and even tips on how to make safe, inexpensive toys. I love the take on the Best Viewed With Netscape logo, which on this site becomes Best Viewed With a Budgie. Cute!
THE SCOOP
If you're one of those people who delight in seeing (and petting) animals wherever you are, a nifty new book will make sure you get your fix when you're traveling and can't take your own pets along. "Purr-Fect Places to Stay: Bed & Breakfasts, Country Inns, and Hotels With Resident Cats" is Susan Bard Hall's guide to lodgings in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom made more homey by having a cat on the "staff." The book costs $19.95, plus $4.25 shipping and handling, from Letters Etcetera, P.O. Box 811280, Chicago, Ill. 60681-1280.
QUESTIONS FROM THE PACK
Q: I'm allergic to cats and dogs, and I wonder if there is a pet that would not cause me to have to take drugs in order to adopt. I mean something of a furry nature, no scales, etc. Any assistance would be appreciated. -- D.W., via the Internet
A: I'm afraid a hypoallergenic pet that has fur simply doesn't exist, although some animals seem to be easier to live with than others for allergy sufferers. The poodle and bichon frise are two dog breeds that some people with allergies can tolerate, as are the Devon and Cornish rex cats. Cats cause more problems generally than dogs do. Some people who can live with dogs can't manage to stay sniffle-free around cats.
Still, some people live with both furry pets and allergies, and if you're considering doing so -- or struggling with the situation already -- your first step is to find an allergist who doesn't greet you with, "First, find new homes for your pets." For some people, that unfortunately becomes the ultimate -- and only -- resolution of the problem. But living without pets needn't be the starting point for attacking animal allergies. It's your life, after all.
Don't neglect your allergies. Working with an allergist to get them under control may give you enough "breathing room" to make life with a pet bearable. Remember always that allergies and asthma are serious health problems, not to be taken lightly. I know you don't want to take medications, but they certainly should be considered and may help immensely.
Another survival strategy is to establish your bedroom as an allergy-free zone. More than one-third of our lives is spent sleeping, and so making that time less stressful for the body is very important. Close off your bedroom and reduce dust-collecting surfaces by removing carpets and rugs, wall hangings, stuffed animals and collectibles from the room. Invest in an air cleaner and keep air ducts and ceiling fans clean. Banish feather pillows and down comforters. Use zippered, dustproof covers on the mattress and pillows. Combat dust mites by washing bedding frequently in hot water.
Make the bedroom completely off-limits to pets at all times. Although many pet lovers enjoy the warmth of pets on the bed, keeping the bedroom "allergy-free" is probably a necessary compromise for allergy sufferers.
Keeping pets clean and well-groomed will also help. The best situation is for a non-allergenic member of the family to take over these pet-care chores. (Specifically for cat-lovers: Studies show weekly bathing of your cat in clear water helps keep down the allergy levels -- and adds a level of excitement to your otherwise humdrum life, as well.)
And finally, keep an eye on the news. Some exciting medications are on the horizon that may help when and if they're finally approved.
Q: I have a cockatiel. When I bought it, I was told it was a female, but someone told me that it's a male. How can I tell the difference? -- C.B., via the Internet
A: If your cockatiel is of the common gray variety, it's pretty easy to figure out. In males, most of the head is bright yellow -- crest, throat, face and forehead -- and the cheeks have a bright orange patch. In females, the yellow areas are smaller, and the orange patch is dull in hue. Males also have more white on their wings, while the female's tail feathers are spotted and barred.
This is fine if your bird is an "ordinary gray," but if she (or he) is not, you've got a problem. If you have a cockatiel that's of a variety with some of the more unusual color patterns, you probably won't be able to tell a male from a female without the help of blood testing, which can be performed by a veterinarian.
Both males and females cockatiels are equally fine companions, although the male is thought to be a better whistler. A lot of folks will never know or care about the gender of their bird and will love them all the same.
Gina Spadafori is the award-winning author of "Dogs for Dummies" and "Cats for Dummies," and is the editorial director of the Veterinary Information Network Inc., an international online service for veterinary professionals. Write to her in care of this newspaper, or e-mail to Write2Gina(at)aol.com.
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