Q: One of my cats likes to scratch upright on wood. She will not use a scratching post I’ve tried all kinds of them rubbed catnip on them etc. She likes to scratch door frames. Now that I am renting it’s something I need to address.  Ideas?

A: The answer is part persistence and part cat psychology. Scratching is normal feline behavior. It's part exercise and part "marking" behavior. Your cat stretches has a nice vigorous scratch and leaves the spot marked as "his".
 
First a question:  what type of scratching posts do you have?  Are they carpeted or made with sisal?  Are they as sturdy as a door frame or do they wobble when your cat uses them?
 
Here are some suggestions on how to curb your cat’s behavior:
 
Provide scratching posts and place them  in locations where your cat likes to linger - by a sunny window for  instance.   

• Provide a sturdy scratching post that  mimics the vertical appeal of the wood.  
• When your cat uses the scratching post  give positive praise or food rewards.  
• The  proper placement of the scratching post is an important part of redirecting  your cat's scratching behavior. Place the post next to an area your cat likes  to scratch. It can then be moved gradually to a location of your choice as  your cat develops acceptable scratching habits.
• Deter your  cat from scratching a specific area by applying double-sided tape.  Cats  do not like the feeling and therefore may resist the temptation to scratch in  that area.
  

Q: When is an appropriate age to start walking your puppy outside? I want to start walking my new puppy outside when it is about 8 weeks old. At that time it will have its first set of shots...is it ok????

A: Thanks for your question. As far as an appropriate age for outdoor walks the defining factor is immunizations. Since your puppy has only started its shots it would not be a good idea to take him for walks where he can come into contact with other dogs (or diseases). At 8 weeks of age it would be beneficial to start by taking your puppy into your yard and introducing him to a collar and leash. (At this age he will probably want to play with it instead of train with it.) I would start by having him wear the collar and praising him for leaving it on. Then attach the leash and allow him to drag it around. Once he is acclimated to the collar and leash you can walk him around your yard. The bottom line is this: since he isn't fully vaccinated you want to limit his social contacts until he is fully protected against rabies distemper etc.