Puppy Love

If you've got a new puppy at your house, give it license to be just that -- a puppy.

On this date in 1901, New York became the first state to license cars and the first to license dogs. Soon licensed dogs were chasing licensed cars. By definition, "license" means to give permission. If you've got a new puppy at your house, give it license to be a puppy. They're new in this world and in your home, and they'll miss their mom for a while. During this period they'll sleep better if you wrap a hot-water bottle and ticking clock in a soft garment you've just taken off. It provides company and duplicates mom's warmth. Until it's housebroken, keep your puppy in an old playpen lined with newspapers -- with a drop cloth underneath. Most of all, be understanding and forgiving. Pups are like little kids, curious, playful, frisky and adventurous. Let them be a pup for a while. Like kids, they'll be grown up soon enough. And that's the On The House tip for today.

See more tips in the Pets category!