NEWS Photo Cindy Goodman Humans’ ‘names: Sisters goes a long way for Snowball. Megan and Jamie Dawes, 12 and nine years old. “Pat's fame and age: Snowball is a four-year-old British shorthair cat. Pet tate: This kid-loving cat is very snugly and sleeps like a human, say Megan and Jamie. ; If you would like to appear with your pet in Pet Pause, please write to Terry Peters c/o the North Shore News, 1139 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver, B.C., ¥7M 2H4. Or send e-mail to . NOW OPEN N WEST VANCOUVER Another TALEUS Gallery of Home Enhancement Ideas “You are . invited to experience our newest : gallery-style showroom, co discover the many .- Rovel and attractive ideas for dressing up your home's ‘exterior. while taming ‘the elements. ‘We have been serving the North Shore since 1980 and are’ now able to offer. a fresh new Sway of easy and convenient shopping for customized: and exclusive products, to give ‘your home a distinguished look. TALIUS Roliscreens cut the heat and glare generated by bright sunshine without © blocking your view of the outdoors. Room “temperatures are effectively controlled with - - the’ simple flick of a switch and glare is _reduced, improving computer screen and television viewing, even on the sunniest of days. Exterior-mounted TALIUS Rollscreens stop the heat before it enters your home and are operated from the inside with either a detachable crank or an electrical walt switch, rolling out of sight when not needed. Our more than.25 years as 2 leading manufacturer in the home enhancement industry : ensure that you'll get not only the best quality roliscreen, but also the professional - installation and the reliable, friendly service we've built our reputation on. Favourite. . activities: Snowball loves to play with “a ‘variety of cat toys, and te lie in ~ the sun. Favourite treat: A little catnip Take your time and browse - through our trusted product collection available in custom colours, elegant shapes and attractive e designs. ere at ttle Re ts of pUBPY le HAVE you ever watched the dog-relat- ed TV shows on Saturday mornings? There are about tive dif ferent shows, offering canine training tips or advice and they all seem to address the same topic five different ways. For the new dog owner seeking help from these shows, they must walk away more confused than when they started. With so many variations on a theme, what is the best way to teach a pup? A dog’s personality is as individual as a human per- sonality. And even though particular breeds of dogs may genetically exhibit com- mon characteristics that may make them easier to teach, their individual personalities may make them more chal- ienging than others of the same breed. So there comes a time when nurture (how a pup is raised) plays a more important role than nature (genetic predisposition). This nurturing time is generally during the first five months of a puppy’s life. Referred to as the imprinting period, this is the time a puppy should be exposed to everything life has to offer. This is also the best time to get some simple obedience and house rules started, so the pup is literally imprinted with good manners. But what are good man- ners? What is proper social- ization? How much exposure to different situations does a 43 mes. OAC. + Orive Select 4X4 © 2.0L twin camengines - Rugged ladder box frame «4 spkr AM/FM cass. MS.RLP. '21,690° Sunday, August 27, 2000 - Nerth Shore News - 27 canine connection puppy need? Can a puppy get information overload and become frightened or aggressive? How dces a dog owner who has no or fimited canine knowlcdge do this properly? In fact, what is proper? Well, the first thing 2 new owner should do is find a puppy preschool and enroll the whole family in the class. Ideally, a good puppy preschool is designed with the dog owner in mind, since they are the ones need- ing help and advice. During the puppy preschool, the family should be taught basic canine knowledge such as the dif- ferent stages of development their dog will go through as it matures and how to han- dle each of them. Addressing other issues such as feeding, house breaking and prevent- ing separation anxiety is also important. Socializing a puppy properly should involve having a pup meet and play with adult dogs as well as other puppies. Scary things such as urnbrellas, baby strollers, skateboards, etc., should be introduced, so the family knows how to teach the pup not to be ver needs ve afraid. Good canine manners should comprise setting house rules, such as no jumping on counters, deter- mining ‘off limits’ areas such as the couch or bed, how the pup meets new people as they come to the door and what are appropriate play toys. Because a puppy’s atten- tion span is about five sec- onds and their long-term memory is ... well, chey don’t have much long-term memory yet, beginner obe- dience should be really sim- ple and undemanding. Ir should also be fun and in no way should any form of compulsion or force be used. The preschool should also be versed in the various training options availiable, such as continued obedi- ’ ence, tracking, lure coursing, herding, agility or fly-bali; so the owners can supply their dog with continued mental stimulation after the preschool is done. As responsible new dog owners, we all want to do the right thing for our pup. Getting thorough canine information and help eariy will ensure the pup matures and grows into a welcomed member of society instead of a chastised one. For information about puppy preschool contact; Dog Days Day Care at 990- 3640. . - — Joan is the owner of - ” Sierra K9 Training. For advice or training e-mail her’ at ‘.- * Comments in the form of a let- ter to the editor are welcome. - Let the sunshine in... or not. “You have a choice with window cover-" tng desi igus to suit every & window, FREE IN-HOME CONSULTATION WHOLESALE PRICES - Sale Ends Aug 31, 2900: hase JP. InvERIORS LTD. ke: “No tint” Purchase Financing at 1 a% APR is offered for up to 24 months only.” Othor ‘inanaing fates available for up to 60° By months. Lease payment based on 48 month term at $259/month with $1,650 down payment.Total tease obligation $14,081.61. Annual lease rate 3. oe with 60,000 km mileage allowance (8 cents/km for excess inileage). First month's payment and $300 icable taxes extra.