ANIMAL COMPANIONS
Puppy love comes just as dotingly in a full-grown size

Hawaiian Humane Society

There's a lot to learn about raising a puppy or settling in with a lower-maintenance adult dog. A training class is a good idea for dogs and owners of all ages. Hawaiian Humane Society Love-a-Dog Month October is Love-a-Dog Month at the Hawaiian Humane Society. To learn more about the society's adoption gifts this month, come to Dr. Marty Becker's talk on Oct. 23, and K-9 Game Day on Oct. 26, check the calendar of events at hawaiianhumane.org or call 946-2187, ext. 370.

From the tiny chihuahua to the massive mastiff, dogs are known as man's best friend.

No matter what the reason for acquiring a pet, the keys to keeping a pet for a lifetime seem to be commitment and training. You may have your heart set on a puppy as your new companion. Or you may not have time to supervise a puppy, so an adult dog may be a better choice.

We asked Cindy Kantor, a humane society adoptions counselor for 15 years, about the pros and cons of puppies vs. adult dogs. "People think a puppy's personality can be shaped when training begins early, and for the most part this is true," said Kantor. "I remind people that this requires a lot of work and patience. Like young children, puppies have loads of energy and a short attention span. They need frequent repetition and praise to steer them in the right direction. We suggest that you begin as early as possible and use positive reinforcement and praise to help your puppy grow into a confident adult who is socialized and house-trained." The Hawaiian Humane Society offers brochures that can help you shape a well-behaved, enjoyable dog.

"Adopting an adult dog can be just as wonderful an experience as getting a puppy," Kantor said, "and the dog may already be house-trained, had some other training and has passed the puppy biting stage. A dog who is almost a year old will probably not grow much bigger, so you know what you're getting, size-wise. Another positive point for adopting an adult dog is that he is more mature and will not require constant attention — he will probably enjoy lounging around, so if you do too, it's a perfect match."

No matter what age your dog, training will help you develop a wonderful relationship, and help your pet become a well-behaved family member, who will bring you a lifetime of companionship and joy.

"Do yourself and your dog, of any age, a favor: enroll in a training class, read books on training and pet care, and commit your whole family to raising a wonderful companion," said Kantor. "It requires a lot of love, but it will all be worth it."

ADOPTABLES

Milo

Tag No. 09599

Milo is a big cat with a big wish: a loving home. An adult male, Milo wears a coat of black and white with an interesting pattern. He is slightly unpredictable and would be happy in an adult household.

Cinnamon

Tag No. 09697

Just a year old, Cinnamon already is spayed and house-trained. She gets along well with adults, children, and most other dogs. This brown pit/hound mix is slender and is already full grown at about 30 pounds.