KLINGER

Hi Everyone,

While still on the subject of puppy behavior, I though I would share a funny story of my "wild child", a Beagle name Klinger.
I brought him home at 7 weeks, (have since learned, never bring a puppy home before 8 weeks). He is now 8 years old and has accumulated names such as "devil dog" and threats of "I'm going to make Beagle Stew out of you"!, but boy do I love him!

Klinger acquired a new nickname during the visit of my dad and Aunt Marie. It is"Kleptomaniac". During my relatives stay he managed to drag a number of articles through the doggie door. Some of those articles were: my Aunt's bathrobe, my pajama bottoms, my aunt's purse (with articles strewn throughout the yard), my sneaker's, Gene's sneakers, a few unmentionables?, screwdriver, flashlight, Aunt Marie's sandals, Gene's sock, my socks and last but not least, my Dad's brand new camera. I happened to step out the back door, there stood Klinger with those beautiful soft brown Beagle eyes looking at me.

With an innocent face that said, "What mom, I didn't do anything", my Dad's camera encased in leather dangling from his mouth. I panicked, trying to quickly think how I could retrieve this camera before my Dad discovered it's whereabouts. As I started to sweet talk Klinger into dropping the camera, I heard a booming voice inside "THAT MANIAC HAS MY NEW CAMERA!!" To late we were caught. But by the time Dad came barreling out the door, I had retrieved it from Klingers grasp. Luckily my dad is as much an animal lover as I am, so Klinger came out of the incident with all body parts still attached. Once my relatives arrived back in California, Aunt Marie called. It seems not only did Klinger carry her purse out to the backyard, he also chewed the inside up. Aunt Marie threatened to sue Klinger and I told her I would hire him a lawyer.

Actually Dad and Marie were in hysterics their entire visit over Klinger's antics There is never a dull moment with him around. Although Aunt Marie has replaced her purse, I'll be making a trip to Wal-Mart to purchase another one and send it to her with love from Klinger. Moral of the story: When you have a puppy, shut closet doors, shut bedroom doors, put your shoes away, hang your clothes up, put your tools away, buy a bathroom trash can with a lid, buy a hamper with a lid and for gosh sake's put your camera up, if it's not tied down, it will be out the doggie door with Klinger for sure.


Animals are such agreeable friends they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms.
George Eliot

Excercise

Lately, it has come to our attention that more and more dogs are becoming behavior problems due to a missing key ingredient: EXERCISE. When owners call and complain about their dogs "hyperactive" behavior, the first question I ask is "How much and what kind of exercise does your dog get?" The answers are usually "We have a large fenced in yard with plenty of room to run around". This does not count as exercise. Most dogs do nothing but sleep in a large fenced in yard or they run up and down the fence line chasing a dog on the other side. They need the stimulation and interaction with the owner. Most dog's behavior problems stem from not being given the opportunity to use their brain. Yes, they do have a brain and are capable of learning anything we throw their way. But we tend to leave them to entertain their selves and boy do they! Some of their favorite games are: How deep can I dig? This flowerbed needs arranging! How long can I bark without coming up for air? The couch cushions could use new covers. I'm tired of looking at this carpet, let's tear it up and put new down! Get the picture! You have to spend time with your dog. Dogs are social animals; they need to interact with you. What would happen if you left your 2yr. Old toddler on her own, entertaining herself? Find out what your dog likes to do, then spend some time doing it. Chase a ball, Frisbee, you! A fast paced walk, hide and seek (YOU hide, your dog seeks). Keep treats in your pocket; reward your dog for finding you. This fun game gives your dog mental and physical stimulation and teaches your dog to pay attention to you and to come to you.. Tug of War is a good energy burner, but must be played with some strict rules. If your dog is driving you crazy, try some exercise and you're sure to see a difference. Remember, a tired dog is a good dog!