Q: We have just got a four- month-old puppy which we are trying to housetrain. Any tips? A: The golden rule with any kind of training applies here - reward good behaviour, ignore bad. So when your puppy has an accident in the house take no notice of him. Avoid clearing it up in front of him and deny him any attention at all. When he goes where he is supposed to, go overboard with praise - big hugs and lots of excited 'good boys'. Never rub his nose in it. He will not understand and it can cause stress and even nasal problems. If he wees indoors, clear it up with non-biological cleaners - never ammonia-based bleaches because urine contains ammonia, the smell of which your dog will recognise and it could trigger the urge to go there again. Be aware when your pup is likely to need to go - after eating, playing or sleeping - and take him outside. If he does use newspaper indoors, keep a slightly damp piece on top so he can smell it. He is more likely to use that place. Once he has learned that the newspaper is the toilet, you can move it gradually towards the back door and out into the garden. Q: My cat is entirely house bound because I live in a flat on a busy street. Is it worth con tinuing with his vaccinations? A: If you can be 100 per cent sure it is not going to come into contact with any other cat then it is probably not worth having the routine vaccinations against flu, feline enteritis and leukaemia virus. But remember, if you are going on holiday you may wish to put your cat into a cat home and he will need a full course of injections to protect him. Q: When dad takes our dog for a walk, he lets him off the lead - even next to the busy road near our home. Our dog is well-behaved but I have read a dog should never be off the lead near a road no matter how well trained he is. Is this right? A: It certainly is. It does not matter how bomb-proof your pet is. If a loud noise frightens him, or if he gets chased by another dog or fixes his sights on a squirrel and gives chase, he could run out into the road. It is just not worth the risk. Every year, particularly in summer, thousands of dogs get seriously injured or killed in such accidents. The SPCA is an organisation that deals with animal welfare. It aims to prevent and suppress cruelty to animals. The organisation welcomes pet owners and non-pet owners to show their concern for homeless animals. If you would like to join or find out more about the SPCA, call the membership department on 2802-0501 Graphic: YPSPCAGLO
