Q - We have a dalmatian. How can we tell whether it is a good specimen or not?

A - Get the official judging standard: it describes the perfect dog. Attend dog shows if you can. Contact show judges if available.

Q - We claim our mongrel dog is smarter than the pedigreed English Setter the next door neighbor owns. Who is right?

A - That’s not an answer I can offer. Smartness is conditioned not upon blood but on environment, training, supervision, opportunity to develop abilities. Each case is on its own merits.

Q - Do dogs have tonsilitis trouble?

A - Yes.

Q—We are moving to a southern state and some of the family think we should not take the dog with us. Please advise.

A—Yes, he too is a member of the family and wants to be with you, wherever you go. To counteract any greater exposure to vermin, bugs, etc., brush dog frequently: use fine-screened netting for walls and top of his dog house.

Q—We are fearful of our dog being poisoned. What are some the symptoms.

A—They vary of course according to poison swallowed. In general, ears are held tight against neck…eyes become glassy, body stiffens. The main objective is to get the dog to vomit, then to be rushed to the veterinarian.

Q—Our dog, usually aggressive, runs under the bed at the first sign of lightning and thunder. How can we break him of the habit?

A—You can’t. It is not cowardice: the fear is inborn. Keep him close to you: talk assuring to him, but if he insists on running under the bed or down into the basement, let him do so.

Q—I have been told that black cockers are best in this breed; is there truth to this claim?

A—None. Color is immaterial in the American cocker spaniel. Common colors are solid black, solid red or tan or cream or even platinum; double or parti-color such as red and white, black and white, and there can be tri-colors too.

Q—We have a shorthaired pointer and want to do some hunting. What should we keep in mind?

A—Get permission from land owners. Avoid newly seeded ground. Close gates and fences. Keep gun always broken. Don’t expect too much of your dog. And first, get a hunting license.

Q—My dog, a police dog, likes to go with me on the golf course. Can I train him in any way to carry my clubs?

A—First, don’t call him police dog. There is no such breed. Yes, fix up the usual two-wheeled clubs cart, with harness, and let your dog move with you from hole to hole.