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PUPPIES & KITTENS

1. I just got a new kitten. How can I ensure that she will use the litter box?
It is important to make sure that the box is easily accessible to the kitten (not isolated in a far corner of the basement) especially after periods of play, napping or eating. The box should not to be tall for her to easily get into. Also, we suggest that you not use hoods on the box. If not cleaned often enough the ammonia smell can build up and deter a picky feline. Remember the formula: one litter box per cat plus one. If you have one cat you should have two litter boxes. Two cats - three litter boxes, and so on. Yes, cats are easier to housetrain than dogs but in the beginning it is still important to supervise them and prevent any accidents. If she is sniffing around or acting as if she needs to eliminate, carry her to the litter box and reward her with a food treat.

2. I want my puppy to let me clip his nails when he's older. How do I do this?
Start now! It is important to help your puppy associate nail trims with "good things" so one that they look forward to this time. This is accomplished by playing with the puppy's feet one at a time while rewarding with food treats. Do not clip any nails at this time. The slower you progress without forcing the puppy, the quicker he will pick up the fact that "when my owner holds my foot, I get lots of treats!" You then gradually increase the length of time spent holding the foot, start touching each individual toe, then clicking the clippers (a noise that can be scary to some pups), then clipping a toenail! Do not expect to be able to clip all his nails at the same time or to reach this comfort level within a couple days. Give him plenty of time and treats!

3. When can I walk my puppy in the park?
Some dogs do not become adequately immunized against certain preventable diseases (parvo most notably) until 18 to 20 weeks of age. Therefore avoidance of locations where many dogs of unknown background congregate or have been seems to make sense. However, puppies do need to be socialized by being exposed to many sites, sounds and experiences so we recommend taking them to less "canine intensive" sites and exposing them to healthy, vaccinated dogs belonging to friends. Since some diseases and parasites are transmitted by exposure to feces, you need to control where your puppy puts his nose when he walks.