Finding a breeder and buying a puppy calls for research ability, interviewing skills and patience

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

Buying a puppy seems like a simple process. Puppies are available from private individuals, pet stores, shelters and online sellers.

But where you get your puppy can determine whether you have a good experience or a bad one. A study published in the May 15, 2013, issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that puppies obtained from pet stores were significantly more aggressive and fearful than those obtained from noncommercial breeders and were more likely to develop separation anxiety.

Buying a puppy from an online seller is also risky. Internet scams abound.

French bulldog breeder Carol Gravestock in Durham, Ontario, Canada, recently received a phone call from a family conned by an unscrupulous online puppy seller. The sophisticated setup referred the buyers to the website of an existing breeder and used photos of a real, available puppy from that breeder's website. They gave the buyers a cellphone number to call, claiming to be out of the country and unable to answer the phone at their home. The buyers sent a deposit and transport fee, and then received a call saying the seller needed more money for shipping fees. At that point, Gravestock says, the buyers realized something was wrong.

"They contacted the airline -- no reservation. They finally contacted the real breeder associated with the website, who had no idea what they were talking about. The funds are gone, the actual puppy is not available, the family is devastated and feeling stupid."

This type of scam -- and others -- occurs in every breed, not just French bulldogs. Sometimes the dogs are touted as being from "rescues" or "shelters."

To protect yourself, avoid buying a puppy sight unseen from online sellers. Be wary if you're told that the person is out of the country and available only by cellphone or email.

"Google it," Gravestock says. "Nine times out of 10, that phone number or email address will come up across multiple sites, sometimes with warnings attached."

Other red flags include puppies offered for unusually low prices or sellers who ask you to wire money or send it by Western Union.

Health is another consideration. No matter what you've been told, purebred, cross-bred (hybrid) and mixed-breed dogs can all fall prey to genetic diseases. Both of a puppy's parents should be at least 2 years old and free of hereditary health problems such as hip dysplasia, heart conditions, deafness or eye disease. Reputable breeders will tell you upfront about possible health problems in the breed and what they've done to reduce the risk.

Confirm that a pup's sire (father) and dam (mother) have appropriate health certifications by looking them up on the website of the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (offa.org) or the Canine Health Information Center (caninehealthinfo.org).

Meeting a puppy's parents, or at least the mother, is a plus. When you purchase a puppy sight unseen, it's impossible to know what the parents are like or whether the pup was raised in a home environment with plenty of human attention and socialization to normal life experiences. But if the parents have nice temperaments and aren't shy or aggressive, it's likely that your new puppy will share those positive traits.

When you want a specific type of dog, seeking a knowledgeable breeder and meeting his or her dogs in person is the best way to find a puppy. Benefits include early housetraining and socialization of pups and up-to-date health clearances on the parents.

Finding the right puppy from the right breeder doesn't offer instant gratification, but it's a safer, smarter way to go. Just remember that good things come to those who wait.

Q&A

Feline aggression

a common problem

Q: My cat is aggressive toward people who visit our home. Is there anything I can do to help solve this problem? -- via email

A: Surprisingly to many people, aggression is the second most common behavior problem seen in cats, right behind not using the litter box. Cats who threaten or attack strangers -- either human or feline -- do so for a variety of reasons. Most often it's because they're fearful, but cats can also be territorial (especially after changes in the household) or irritated by repetitive touching, such as petting.

Aggressive cats hiss and puff up to what looks like double their size. If cornered, they may scratch or bite. Your cat will probably never be an affectionate greeter of guests to your home, but you can take steps to help her chill out in their presence.

The first is to get her checked by your veterinarian, particularly if this is a new behavior. Certain conditions can cause cats to become irritable or aggressive. They include hyperthyroidism, hypertension, osteoarthritis and cancer.

If your cat gets a clean bill of health, never force her to interact with strangers. Have a safe room, stocked with food, water, toys and a litter box, where she can retreat before their arrival. For many cats and people, this is the optimal solution.

You can also use desensitization and counterconditioning to help your cat be more accepting of the presence of guests. For instance, a guest who will visit often can toss treats in the cat's direction (being careful not to look directly at him) or offer interaction with the cat's favorite toy, also without giving the cat direct attention. It's also a good idea to ask guests to ignore the cat, letting him approach (or not) on his own terms. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

New app lets

cats take selfies

-- Candid Catmera? It's not a typo. An app created by Brooklyn-based Current Studio lures cats with pictures of fish, mice and other goodies on the screen of a propped-up tablet device. When the cat touches the screen, click! His image is captured and then shared by proud cat people (we all know that cats don't have owners). The goal, besides bragging rights about feline photography prowess, is to keep cats entertained during the day when they're home alone. And it's for a good paws, er, cause: $1 of each $1.99 purchase goes to the SPCA of Halifax, Nova Scotia.

-- If the Havanese were human, he'd be dressed to the nines, strutting proudly in the Sunday promenade and puffing on a fine Cuban cigar. A member of the bichon family of dogs, the Havanese was developed on the island of Cuba. Fun-loving, cheerful and good-humored, his idea of the perfect day is spending it with his people and going someplace enjoyable, ideally where other people will see and appreciate him for his entertaining demeanor. He has a happy, friendly temperament and a soft, abundant coat that may be any color or combination of colors.

-- How cold is too cold for pets to be outdoors? According to a chart by Pet Plan Insurance, dangerous weather conditions begin at 25 degrees Fahrenheit for small and medium-size dogs. Temperatures of 20 degrees or lower are life-threatening for small dogs. Life-threatening temperatures for all pets start at 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Rain and sleet add to the risk because when pets get wet, it's more difficult for them to maintain normal body temperature. Senior animals and those younger than 6 months are at highest risk in cold, wet weather. Pets at least risk are northern breeds or heavy-coated dogs acclimated to cold weather. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

Love cross-country skiing? Got an active dog? Combine the two with skijoring for winter fun

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel

If you're looking for a new way to spend time with your dog during snowy winter months, consider the sport of skijoring: being pulled on skis by a dog (or three). You don't need an Alaskan malamute or Siberian husky to get started. Any dog in good condition who weighs 35 pounds or more and is at least a year old can be a super skijoring partner.

Jen Pagano of Layton, Utah, learned to skijor with her two German shorthaired pointers five years ago when she and her family were living in the interior of Alaska. That was when they adopted their first German shorthair, 2-year-old Alice.

"These dogs are high-energy, and I was looking for a way to enjoy the amazing scenery of Alaska while getting a great workout for myself and my dog," Pagano says. As it happened, one of the teachers at her daughter's school was Mari Hoe-Raitto, author of "Skijor With Your Dog," so Pagano and Alice learned from an expert. Pagano later added Alice's littermate, Vinnie, to the family for a double-dog skijoring experience.

"Vinnie took to it like he was born to pull," Pagano says. "We covered hundreds of miles of gorgeous Alaskan back roads together."

Pagano was intimidated at first, worried that she would fall, or that her dogs would drag her into a dangerous situation. While it's best to be at least somewhat comfortable on cross-country skis, she says she learned quickly that her two dogs could not drag her if she fell or sat down.

A 35-pound dog may seem small for this type of activity, but he's not doing all the work. The person skiing also contributes to the forward motion.

To start, dogs should learn five basic cues: "hike" (go), "whoa" (stop), "gee" (right), "haw" (left) and "easy" (slow down). "Wait" and "on by" (keep moving) are also useful. More advanced versions of the cues come in handy as you and your dog become more experienced. They include "hike up" (go faster) and "come gee" or "come haw" (make a 180-degree turn in either direction). Contact Nordic ski centers or resorts for information on classes for beginners, or find someone to train with.

"If you have a friend with a seasoned dog or team, your dog will learn incredibly quickly just by following," Pagano says.

You can purchase a skijor-specific belt, but a rock-climbing harness works as well. The belt or harness is used with padded harnesses on the dog (or dogs) and a bungee line, an elasticized cord that acts as a shock absorber. In a pinch, you can use a leash, Pagano says, but bungee lines are more forgiving. Depending on the number of dogs, the length of the line ranges from 7 to 20 feet.

"I don't usually need blankets for the dogs or heavy clothing because it's a major workout," Pagano says. She recommends booties for dogs when the temperature drops below negative 10 degrees Fahrenheit, and clothing or blankets can add to the comfort of dogs with short or thin coats.

Even three-legged dogs can enjoy skijoring. Alice, now 7 years old, was hit by a car as a puppy. The Paganos had her leg amputated when they adopted her because the femur could not be repaired. That never prevented her from skijoring, although she's not allowed to compete in races; rules require racing dogs to have four sound legs.

"To anyone thinking of trying the sport, I'd say, 'Go for it,'" Pagano says. "My dogs and I most enjoy the fun we have getting a workout together, taking in the scenery and strengthening our bond as we work together as a team."

Q&A

Get a grip on

ferret harness

Q: I want to be able to take my ferret for walks. What should I look for in a harness? -- via Facebook

A: Fun-loving ferrets get a kick out of public outings -- once you get them securely fastened into a harness. Long, lithe and slender, they are masters at easily wiggling free if they are wearing a harness that isn't designed for their body. The wrong harness can also cause a ferret to choke, so you are smart to make sure you get one that's a good fit.

A properly fitted harness provides support around the neck and ribcage. It's similar to the harnesses made for cats, but ferret harnesses are smaller and longer. Look for one made of a strong, flat material, such as nylon webbing or leather. A style called an H harness (for its shape) with wide straps is usually a good choice for ferrets. Figure-8 harnesses generally don't fit ferrets well, being too loose in some areas and too tight in others.

Harnesses with quick-release snaps are easy to put on and remove. Buckle styles are more difficult to adjust, especially if your ferret is squirming excitedly while you're trying to put it on. Velcro fasteners are convenient, but not safe for outdoor use. A strong ferret can escape from a harness with a Velcro closure.

Try it on your ferret indoors before venturing on a walk. You want to make sure it fits well and that he can't escape from it. It should fit snugly, with space for only one finger beneath it.

Be sure to remove your ferret's harness when he's at home. A bored ferret may chew on it. It's also easy for the harness to get caught on something and cause your ferret injury. Reserve its use for walks only. -- Kim Campbell Thornton

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Kitten classes offer

long-term benefits

-- A Canadian animal trainer offers classes for kittens -- yes, you read that right. Ellie Ross in Kitchener, Ontario, says educated felines are more likely to stay out of shelters because they are less likely to do things that drive cat owners crazy: jump on counters, lick the butter dish and fight taking medication. Much like puppy kindergarten, "kittygarten" offers basic training such as sit, stay and come, tips on kind handling and making car rides and veterinary visits happy experiences, and the all-important socialization with other kittens and with humans.

-- Two Labrador retrievers are making life a little brighter for patients battling poverty, homelessness, illness or addiction. Maestro, a yellow Lab, and Rylie, a black Lab, make weekly visits with minister Suzanne Bossert to McInnis House, a recuperative facility run by Boston Health Care for the Homeless. Patients and health care workers alike welcome the dogs' visits, petting them, enjoying their tricks or just relaxing into the pleasure of having a canine head resting in their lap. The dogs bring a moment of happiness on what may be a bleak day, and that's a gift.

-- Dogs and cats may have fur coats, but they can still suffer from cold weather if they're not built for it. While Alaskan malamutes or Great Pyrenees may happily bed down in the snow, pets who are smaller or have short, thin coats are at risk for hypothermia, frostbite, lacerations from ice and other chill ills. Put coats on small or hairless dogs. Use booties to protect paws if dogs must walk on ice, which can be slick, rough or sharp-edged. Clean paws thoroughly to remove salts and ice. Finally, before you turn on the ignition, bang the hood of your car to make sure no cats are snoozing on the warm engine. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

Overweight dogs face lower quality of life, greater risk of disease and a shortened lifespan

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Can you pinch an inch? Not on your own body, but on your dog's? If you can, he could probably stand to lose some weight. It's something to think about as we enter a new year with good resolutions to improve ourselves -- and our pets.

When we hear the word "malnutrition," we think of starvation, but you might be surprised to learn that obesity is the most common form of malnutrition in dogs. It's estimated to affect nearly 53 percent of the canine population, according to a May 2014 survey by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. That's a lot of extra weight!

Why are so many dogs fat? Often, it's because owners don't recognize the problem. And veterinarians may hesitate to speak up because it's not uncommon for people who are overweight to have pets with the same problem. A 2013 study found that people who were 60 or older and overweight themselves tended to have overweight pets.

Carrying too many pounds is a serious problem in pet pups. Obesity, defined as being 20 percent or more over their ideal body weight, puts dogs at higher risk of joint problems, poor mobility, reduced kidney function, poor response to anesthesia and skin and urinary tract infections.

That's not all. A long-term study found that osteoarthritis and chronic diseases in general developed approximately two years later in dogs who remained at or below their normal body weight than in dogs allowed to become overweight. The trim dogs lived an average of two years longer than the fat dogs.

There are more benefits, according to Martha Cline, DVM, a veterinary nutritionist who spoke on obesity last month at a San Diego veterinary conference. Dogs who achieved even modest weight loss suffered significantly less lameness. Quality of life gains included increased vitality and reduced emotional disturbance and pain. Dogs who lost weight also had improved renal function.

To tell if your dog needs to lose weight, give him a visual exam and the hands-on test. A dog's body should be shaped like an hourglass, not a sausage. As you look down at him, can you see an indentation behind his ribs before the body flares out again? That's his waist.

Then put your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine and fingers splayed out on his sides. As you gently press inward, you should be able to feel his ribs beneath a layer of skin and muscle. If the ribs are buried beneath rolls of fat, it's time to talk to your veterinarian about a safe diet and exercise plan.

A veterinary exam, including lab work, ensures that your dog doesn't have any underlying health problems that are causing weight gain or that could be worsened by changes in activity levels or type of food.

One easy change you can make is to measure your dog's food and feed meals twice a day instead of leaving food out all the time. Even better, put a day's supply of dry food inside a puzzle toy so your dog spends the day actively "hunting" for his meals. Instead of high-calorie treats, offer small bites of chopped carrots, green beans or apples.

To add more activity, begin with brief walks. As his stamina improves, gradually increase the distance. Always stop before your dog shows signs of exhaustion, such as panting or reluctance to go further.

For dogs who are currently in good shape, the best thing you can do is to make sure they don't become sedentary as they age. Keeping dogs at a healthy weight is a lot easier than trying to take pounds off.

Q&A

Hungry cat must

stay off table

Q: Our 10-year-old cat has recently begun demanding table food. When we sit down to eat at the dinner table, he jumps on top of it. I immediately pick him up and put him on the floor. This is repeated several times. Today, I was eating soup and ignored him, so he pawed my ear. What do you suggest for behavior modification? I'm thinking of putting him in the bathroom while we eat. -- via email

A: You are fighting a battle on two fronts: the feline love of being up high, and your cat's desire to share your food, which is obviously more interesting than his own. You're on the right track as far as being consistent about putting him back on the floor right away when he jumps up on the table. Don't do it in an angry manner; be matter-of-fact, but don't let him get away with it. I have some other suggestions as well.

One is to feed him before you sit down to eat. If he has already eaten, he may be less interested in checking out your food.

You may also try teaching him to go to an alternative space, such as a nearby perch -- where he can be up off the ground and still see you -- or the sofa or his bed. Reinforce your cat being in this spot by rewarding him intermittently with a treat, attention or play.

Conversely, make the tabletop unpleasant by covering it with aluminum foil. Cats don't like the feel of it beneath their paws.

There's also nothing wrong with putting your cat in a different area, such as the bathroom, while you eat. It's a valid way of managing the problem and can be a great strategy until your cat learns to stay off the table during meals. -- Mikkel Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

By the numbers:

5 facts about cats

-- The CATalyst Council's Stats on Cats rounds up interesting info on our feline friends. Did you know that according to a 2013-2014 pet ownership survey by the American Pet Products Association, 25 percent of cat owners have used some type of training device for their cat? Three percent of cat owners have purchased pet health insurance. Only 40 percent of cat owners had taken their cat to the veterinarian in the past year. Ninety-one percent of cats had been spayed or neutered. There are no drawbacks to owning a cat, according to 19 percent of the respondents.

-- If your dog barks excessively while you're away from the house, it can be frustrating trying to figure out how to get him to stop. To solve the problem, look for devices that reward dogs at a distance by monitoring barking and rewarding periods of quiet. Other monitors include activity collars and camera systems that allow owners to observe a dog's activity and behavior during the day, permit interactive games to keep the dog occupied during the day and dispense food rewards when the dog is quiet. To find one, search online for electronic pet treat dispensers, or ask your veterinarian or dog trainer for a recommendation.

-- Winter play is more fun with your best friend. We're talking your dog, of course. Just make sure he has the right coat, build and stamina for the activity of your choice, whether it's snowshoeing, sledding, cross-country skiing, skijoring (a combination of cross-country skiing and dog sledding) or just having a snowball fight. The following breeds are our nominees for best snow-play dogs: Alaskan malamute, American Eskimo, Bernese mountain dog, Chinook, Finnish lapphund, Finnish spitz, Great Pyrenees, Icelandic sheepdog, Leonberger, Newfoundland, Norwegian elkhound, Saint Bernard, shiba inu, Siberian husky and Tibetan terrier. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.