How Old is My Dog?

Dear Peni!
I got my dog from the pound and she is wonderful. I have only one question. The pound told me that she was 4 years old, or this is what the people who turned her in said. I'd only had her for a few days and realized she had no nipples. How old are dogs when they begin to develop nipples? Help!
-Erin.

Hi Erin!
Congratulations on falling in love with a dog ...and the bonus of falling in love with an older dog!! I have read that they think dogs' years are more likely 10 years to every one of ours. So going on that ....then 4 people years to 4 dog's years = about 40 years old.
Now the dreaded nipple question! Just kidding .... Well, if your dog was spade at a young age, the nipples would never have developed or matured. You are very observant, good for you!
Getting your dog and Vet to meet soon after getting home is a great idea for a couple of reasons. The Veterinarian gets a chance to examine your dog and have a relatively stress free first meeting, rather than have the first time they meet, the Vet has to give shots or perform a medical procedure......not a great first date! As well, this would be the best time to address all your dog's health concerns. Write down all your questions prior to going so you don't forget any of them. Dog Obedience training with your new dog is also very important. I know she is already wonderful, but training helps you and her build and establish a special bond of "Trust & Respect" between the two of you that you can't get any other way. If you live in my area, get in touch with me; you can start anytime. A long and happy life to you both!

Housebreaking Problems

We have a one year old Beagle who still is too stubborn to be house broken.
Light spanking, and even taking him out every other hour just won't work. He just refuses to potty outside. Please help, I am at my wit's end!
-Amy.

Amy,
There are a variety of reasons why this might be happening. Now you know why they say Hounds are stubborn! I need a bit more to go on .. but let's see what we can do .. Have you had his urine tested at the Veterinarian's to make sure he doesn't have a bladder infection or whatever? If the Vet gives a clean bill of health ... then you have the next biggest reason - he now has a well established habit. You need to restrict his house roaming so he doesn't have the opportunity to 'go" wherever, whenever, he wants. Spanking NEVER WORKS. Here is one idea - give it a try. Give him his own sleeping quarter. (crate)
He will not want to go in there because he doesn't want to lay in it!
Let's start with the morning!!
You let him out and go straight outside so he can relieve himself; take your time, let him sniff around and go a couple of times. You know what he's like - he gets sniffing and something gets in his nose and he forgets why he is out there.
O.K. now back into the house, restrict where he can go .. best to keep him in the kitchen. He has to EARN THE RIGHT to go from room to room, and he can't be trusted (YET :-). When you have to leave him alone for any length of time, pop him into his crate so he can't lapse backward into old habits. Feed him before 6 p.m. and no water after 7 or 8 depending on your bedtime. So before putting him to bed for the night, take him out for a walk for at least 30 min, make sure he poo's at least once and pee's at least twice so he has totally emptied his bladder. Then into his room and good night. If you need more detailed or specific info, email me woof@dogcompany.com