ArcaMax

Q: We just got a Dachshund puppy from a breeder and the first night all she did was wail. We tried everything -- the ticking clock, hot water bottle -- all the old time remedies. We talked to the breeder and she told us to just let the dog cry itself out and it will give up. That has not been the case. We have had many puppies in our lives but this is the first time we ever met one that cries with the intensity that this one does. She is fine during the day; she sleeps soundly all by herself in her crate. We live in a condo with paper thin walls. Can you help? -- Grace, Williams-Sacramento, CA

A: Your description of this scenario reminds me of my favorite "I Love Lucy" episode, where the Ricardo's get a puppy for Little Ricky, and Lucy goes through her act all night trying to keep it quiet.

So many people could relate to that episode, and the realism gave it such staying power. At any rate, to answer your question, you have to understand that every dog is different. Some dogs are secure, some are insecure; some are vocal and others are quiet; you just have an insecure puppy that is very vocal, as most Dachshunds are, so just try to see the situation from the dog's point of view.

First of all, when a puppy takes naps all day, it cannot always be expected to sleep through the night. A puppy's waking hours at night can be utter boredom surrounded by darkness, gloom and silence. You cannot do much about the boredom apart from putting toys in the crate, but the darkness, gloom and silence are easy to fix.

You say the puppy is happy to sleep soundly in her crate during the day, so that means the lights are on and most likely the TV is on. If you just recreate that scenario at night, by leaving the lights on so the room is bright and TV on softly, then she does not know the difference between night and day. Thus she will not be as affected by the darkness and silence as she is now.

The breeder is correct, as well. If you let the puppy just cry herself out, then she will learn to deal with it. As she gets older and more secure in her new home, then you can begin to shut off the lights and TV at night, but at the least my suggestions should keep the peace with your neighbors.

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Q: We just bought a baby African Grey Parrot from a breeder and were told the bird will be old enough to take home in two weeks. However, I would like to take the bird home in four weeks. Then, I will be on vacation from work and able to spend more time with the bird. The breeder told us it is better to take the bird home when I am not on vacation, as it is better for the bird to grow up in the normal hustle and bustle of the house. I wondered what your thoughts were on this? -- Josh Ruby, Pittsburgh, PA

A: Well, I have to agree with the breeder on this one.

When I was a little kid, I was very lonely. I had very few human friends (plenty of animal one's though), and my father would console me by telling me that as long as I was happy with myself, then I would never be alone.

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