What should a pet owner look for in choosing a kennel?
The first place a pet owner should look in choosing a kennel is the American Boarding Kennels Association.

Kennels belonging to this organization adhere to a Code of Ethics and a Bill of Rights for Boarded Pets. Membership offers continuing education and a variety of resources for the kennel owner and should offer the pet owner a sense of confidence that the kennel upholds those standards.

In addition to checking the credentials of the kennel the owner should ask local pet care businesses where they would suggest boarding their animals. Pet stores and veterinary hospitals can be very helpful in providing information regarding places that they would board their own animals.

What questions should a pet owner ask the kennel?
The pet owner should ask the kennel what sort of accomodations they provide. Are the runs indoor/outdoor, are the kennels heated or air conditioned, do the pets socialize with other animals and how often are they given exercise. Is there someone on the grounds at all time or do the animals spend a large amount of time unsupervised.

The owner should find out what vaccinations are required for their pet to board. Most kennels require distemper, bordetella and rabies for dogs and the feline annual and rabies for cats.

The owner should know what kind of food is served at the kennel. They should be aware of what belongings they should bring and what the kennel hours are for drop off and pick up.

The owner should be made to feel comfortable asking any questions that they feel pertinent to leaving their animal(s). It is extremely important for the kennel employee to make the pet owner feel confident that their pet is going to be well cared for while they are away. Most pet owners do not look at their animals as merely a pet, but as a part of the family and fortunately, most kennel workers feel the same.

What is the most common problem that kennel owners face?
Probably the biggest complaint of kennel owners is that the job is 24/7 and 365 days a year. It can be extremely difficult sometimes to get time away from the kennel and takes a competant and trust worthy staff to make it happen. Still, even the best laid plans often become railroaded by a sudden repair job, an employee calling out, a sick animal or any number of situations. It is the nature of the business, but it can make for a grueling schedule at times.

read the rest of Kim's interview

A Bossy Min Pin
1/23/2006

My girlfriend and I have had a min pin for two years and every time we get close to each other he growls or nudges himself between us. He also attempts to bite us every time we leave the house. Is this a separation anxiety problem? (chymel8, Louisiana)

Actually this doesn't sound like a separation anxiety problem (I personally take the standpoint that there are very FEW ACTUAL cases of TRUE separation anxiety out there, but most people think their dog has separation anxiety), it sounds more like an aggression problem. For this I would highly recommend finding a qualified trainer/behavior specialist in your area. This is not a case that should be solved over the internet by someone who has never actually seen your dog in person.

read more...

Some of the cool, strange, and downright scary stuff in the news this month:

Dog saves girl from attack... there are always dog saving people stories in the news! I think my dog is just too whimpy to save me if I needed it.

This story will become the basis for a new movie, Cool Runnings, Part II.

Sad story about tainted dog food. What an awful way to lose your dog.

It's hard to take a bad picture of a smiling dog! This little guy looks pretty happy trekking through the overgrown grass. It makes for a great pic but c'mon people, mow your lawn!

I'm begining to think this member is a professional photographer. She has these great pics with her dog on boats, at the beach, along mountain trails... I'm also begining to think that she goes nowhere without her dog!

Ummmm... I don't really know what to say about this one...

So this is what they mean when they say "turn that frown upside down."!

HousePetMagazine.com - An online magazine for the health and longevity of our canines.

Pupforum member Pangaya is always sending me sites... here's another cool wolf site.

Lots of cool dog blogs out there: Roy the Pug is one of 'em.

I'm naturally leaning most toward a shih tzu, however, I've always been curious about Lhasa's. They are beautiful...I know a bit larger then shih tzus but they look so similar! My main concern is temperment difference. I have heard ~through the grapevine~ that they are not quite as tolerant, especially with children. Could anybody agree or disagree with this and state their opinions/knowledge on the topic? I would certainly appreciate it!

Oh and I'm also checking in to the Brussels Breed- again, it's really important I choose a breed that is good with children~ Thanks so much~

See you next time!