Dear Miss Fifi:

Our newly acquired, one year old Husky mix is killing our wallet and our house! We have bruises all over from the constant biting/nipping, and he's tearing up everything he can get his teeth on. We've tried the Kong—but it doesn't work. Peanut butter, cheese, cookie filled—doesn't matter. He has plenty of toys and we play with him and walk him, but it never seems to be enough. He's tearing up the backyard. Digging everything, including a newly planted tree with fresh soil and mulch. I know I need obedience training, but are the basics enough? Will that kill the biting/ digging/tearing up stuff?

- Jennifer

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Dear Jennifer:

Whoa ... uh, I mean woof. That sounds like one serious handful of a Huskie you've got there. I believe obedience training will be a huge asset to you and your pup, and it will most definitely go a long way toward curbing his urge to chew. Will it totally stop the destructive playful urge? Miss Fifi doesn't know ... but you won't either until you try.

You might also check in to agility training, which is sort of the next level of basic obedience. Your Huskie might enjoy the extra physical and mental challenges presented by agility training and activities. Make sure you talk to your vet, too. If you've just gotten your pup, then he was living somewhere else with someone else for long enough to develop very bad habits. Finally, have you checked out WRAL.com's listing of Pet Behavior Specialists? There might be a resource in the listing to help.

Good luck!