Critter Corner: Answering the Call of Nature Despite Rain and Snow

Getting your dog to "go" on command can save you lots of aggravation.

Sandy's long and stormy reach had many devastating consequences, but for dog owners standing in the chilly blowing rain it was an experience not to be underestimated. Dogs can get very picky about where they answer the call of nature. Wet ground, rain or slushy snow seem to be the worst offenders. If you don't enjoy standing in inclement weather, or worry about leaving for work before their business has been done outside, this is the perfect time to start training. Training your dog to "go" on command is not much different than any other training; it takes patience and practice. This is the best time to start- before the rain and snow become a daily challenge. The first step is to think about what commands to give. Will you feel …

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Walking Backwards Upside Down

Resist the Urge to Compare Kids

They each have different talents and timetables

I’m reluctant to admit it, but I compare my 2½-year-old daughter to other kids her age.  I tell myself not to, but I still fall into the trap. Does she talk as well as them? Play as well as them? Is she as outgoing? Smart? Skilled? It’s crazy, and I scold myself when I do it. Kids and their personalities are so different. So is their development.  Last week, for example, I decided to try to potty train my daughter cold-turkey: Right from diapers to underwear. Two of my neighbors did it with their kids and they said they were potty-trained in a couple of days with hardly any accidents. I figured if they could do it, so could Julia. So my daughter and I went to Target to pick out her underwear (Dora and Princess Tiana). I made a big fuss …

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