Advice from Rio

Well, I've been around 8 years and I have learned a lot in that time. I was raised by Tim and Chris and I have learned a lot from them. We all like to do the same things, and even act the same way. If one of us is causing trouble, the other usually isn't too far away. Anyway, I've learned a lot from hanging around with them. Tim has taught me well. He has taught me how to cause all sorts of trouble, how to be witty and smart, and how to act cool. He has tried to teach Chris these things, but Chris just doesn't pick up on things too fast! Chris isn't totally useless though. He likes to cause trouble with me! 
Well, back to the point. Since I have gained this vast amount of knowledge and I'am such a smart puppy now, I should not keep all this knowledge to myself. That would be just dog-gosh not right! So, in an attempt to help others, I will answer your questions. Why should Ann Landers handle everything. If you are a dog, a cat, or a person, and you have questions about anything... just ask me and I will post you my expert advice right here!

Question: Dear Rio,
How can I train the golden who lives with me to not lay down and go to sleep in exactly the place I will be walking back and forth all day long. I love my dog and I don't want to hurt her by falling on her, stepping on her, etc.

Woof, Well, this is a vadid question. It's good to see an owner who cares enough about their retriever enough not to step on her. Is it that, or you just don't to fall and hurt yourself! Remember, your walking on the floor. This is where we have to sleep. We don't get nice, comfy, luxurious beds like you people do! You don't see us walking around your bed when you are trying to sleep. I'm thinking the best solution would be to just watch where your walking!

I am a : Dog

Question: My owner and I like to play frisbee. He always like to show me off at the park by throwing it and having me catch it in my mouth. Unfortunately I'm not that good. I can never jump high enough to get it. Do you have any advice.
Thanks, Petey

Woof, well Petey... your not alone. This is a problem many dogs face. Six out of every ten dogs in America, and eight out of every ten throughout the world face this problem. It is called Height Deprivation Syndrome, or HDS for short. Don't worry Petey, there are things you can do to overcome your challenge. I don't suffer from this problem, but have read extensively on how to beat HDS and am willing to help. Soon you will be able to jump as high as me!
The corrective process involved three steps:
1) Physical
2) Understanding
3) Mental

Physical: The physical part involves intensive training to give you the strength to attain the desired height. But please remember, were only human dog's. Keep your goal in reason.
- Low Fat / high protien diet. I would suggest two servings of Science Diet per day. One in the morning and one at night. Stay away from Gravey Train. It's high in Fat. Also remember to drink lot's of water.
- Plenty of aerobic exercise. This is important for those sprints when you are chasing the frisbee in the park. There's nothing worse than being so dog-gone tired that you can't jump for the frisbee.
- Weight Training. Here I would suggest a daily routine of lunges and squats. Seeing how there is not specially designed weight training equipment for the average dog, you are going to have to improvise. Try getting under a heavy table in the house. With your two front paws, push up on the botton of the table using your back legs to produce the force. Remember, use your legs, not your back. You wouldn't want to hurt yourself. Keep in mind:
1) Don't do this around your owners. They might catch on to exactly how smart we are!
2) Make sure you don't turn over the table.

Knowledge: The second part is the know-how. This is all physics. You must have a good understanding of the laws of physics, as well as geometry to increase your height.

Mental: The last part, but certainly not the least important is the mental aspect. You must believe in yourself. Picture yourself doing it. Running across the park. Feel the breeze run through your fur. watching the frisbee. Knowing at all times where it is. Then, when you have effectively calculated your optimum lift-off point, hurl yourself into the air and grab that frisbee. If you can picture yourself doing this, and believe that you can do it... you will be catching the frisbee in the park and impressing all your friends for years to come!
Remember Petey.....YOU CAN DO IT!

Thanks for writing!

I am a : Dog

Question: What are you doing flying through the air in your picture? Don't you know dogs are susposed to walk or run?
love, max

Woof, this is an astute assumption on the part of Max. Yes Max, you are correct. Dog's are not supposed to fly, but this is only a mere illusion. A trick on the mind if you may. Though the picture 'appears' to show me flying, I am only 'jumping' towards the camera. Something which dogs are allowed to do! Oh yes, of course your owners are always yelling "Don't jump, don't jump. Bad dog!" But this is who we are, it's what we do.
In other words, no silly, dog's can't fly, but they can run, jump, and try to fly. Whatever makes them happy. Dog's are supposed to have fun! If you would like to learn how to give the illusion of flight, see above question. Thanks for writing Max.