Listed below are some frequently asked questions and answers, some of which are paraphrased from a newsletter provided by Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine.

When my dogs licks my face, is he saying 'I love you'?
Sorry to disappoint you, but no. Puppies lick your face to say, "Please feed me". Adult dogs lick your face to say, "You're the boss."

How long can a puppy 'hold it' in his crate?
Crating is a great housebreaking tool, but you shouldn't ask a puppy to hold it longer than he possibly can. Never leave a puppy in a crate for more than a couple hours without giving him the opportunity to relieve himself, stretch his legs, play and socialize with you. If he goes outside when he is taken out, let him play for awhile in the areas of the house where he is allowed. Take him out again in an hour or so. If he goes again, you can extend his freedom even longer. If not, back in the crate until he has done his business outside. Never abuse the crate or use it as punishment. Dogs usually love their crates and feel like it is their safe place, and often go in on their own to rest.

When a fight breaks out between two dogs in our household, should we break it up?
Not unless they appear likely to hurt each other. Instead, let them work it out. When they decide who is 'Top Dog', you should honor their decision by congratulating the winner, if you agree with the heirarchy that the winner has just set for himself. If you don't, then congratulate no one. Instead, re-arrange the pack order yourself by always feeding the other dog first, always paying attention to the other dog first, etc. Don't forget that in the eyes of your dog, YOU are alpha dog, you are top dog. The underdogs can arrange their own pack order, with your approval. Why would you want to rearrange it? If you have a dog that is a bit more aggressive to other dogs, for example, you want him at the bottom of the pack order. Use dog's natural instincts to respect pack heirarchy to your advantage! If you are interested in reading more on this topic, there is a plethora of information online. Search Alpha dog, pack heirarchy, leader of the pack.

Is it okay for my dog to eat toilet paper?
Stealing toilet paper or facial tissue has more to do with playfulness than it does with hunger, and it's rarely a cause of concern. Tissue products are made of indigestible fiber that usually psses through a dog's digestive tract harmlessly. Only if your dog has eaten scads of paper and begins to retch or vomit or becomes constipated do you need to call the vet.

How can I get my dog to take his medicine?
Depends on the kind of medicine. For eyedrops, try sneaking up on your dog from behind and squeezing the dropper before he knows what's going on. For liquid medicine, no problem: Put a syringe in his mouth and squirt. For pills, here's a trick that works like magic: Store the pill in his treat jar. It will absorb the smell and your dog will beg for them!

Why does my dog bark louder when I yell 'shut up'?
He thinks you're joining in the fun! A far more effective technique is to distract him by giving him something else to do. If he knows any 'tricks', this is the time to put him through his paces.

Why does my dog bark every single time people walk by the house?
Because it works! Every time someone walks by your house and does not climb the fence into your yard, it re-inforces their belief that their barking is what stopped them. A privacy fence, lattice work or shrubs can help with this annoyance.

Does my dog's stained teeth mean he has periodontal disease?
Not necessarily. Some dogs with ugly brown teeth have no gum problems. Others with gleaming white teeth do. Your dog's age is a more reliable indicator of gum disease. See your veterinarian for information on dental care.

My dog licks his paws raw
If compulsive behaviors like paw-licking and tail-chasing don't respond to behavioral conditioning, try switching to a premium dog food. If that isn't the problem, ask your vet about medications that might help.

Are premium dog foods more costly than 'economy brands'?
Not necessarily. Premium dog foods are densely packed with nutrients and you feed them much less, and usually have firmer stools.

Is it okay for my dog to drink from the bird bath?
Dogs drink water from lots of unsavory places, but a bird bath is one of the worst. Birds carry fungal diseases that infect both dogs and humans. Give Fido an outside water bowl and put it where the birds can't get to it.

Can eating a toad kill my dog?
Unfortuneately, yes. A good example is the Southern Marine Toad (Bufu Toad). They carry sacks on the back of their head that are filled with poisens toxic to dogs and small children. If found in the yard, these toads should be eliminated. They are large, bumpy and you can plainly see the sacks.