We’re not going to make too much of a habit out of this. But another reader sent me a request I couldn’t help him with (because Cosmo is too good a dog to require the aid of how-to books). And since he named his dog “Captain America” (a good Marvel character, by the way) I thought maybe you guys could help him out. He’s given me permission to publish his email address.

Here’s the request:

Jonah,
I have just resuced a terrier mix pupy (8 wks. old) from the pound. I’m 35 with four kids (11, 6, 3, & 1), who have been pleading with me to find a family dog – and we finally found the right one. With the war going on, and with my giant collection of Marvel comics from my childhood, I managed to have the kids name the dog after my favorite superhero – Captain America. People’s reactions are uniformally positive. However, I need a dog lover’s help – and have an offer for you.
I am blessed with a wife as conservative as me, and by the the constantly thought provoking articles on NRO and NRODT. I am not blessed with an intimate knowledge of dog training. Can you please recommend the best sites, books, methods, authorities etc., for housebreaking, training, etc.? My survey of authorities has yielded contradictory results, and I just don’t have any frame of reference (e.g., rolled up newspaper vs. doggie treat reinforcement).
In exchange for any info. you can give, I offer my experience as a new, and recurring, dad in your efforts with your new baby. If you are already punchy with unsolicited advice, no problem. But if you need a “new baby guy,” I’d love to help.
Thanks for any assistance, and God bless the folks at NRO and NRODT.
Brian