The mechanics of dog training aren't that hard to understand. But to get your dog to mind you consistently and happily, you're going to need dedication and, most of all, a positive attitude.

Dog training is not about eight Thursday-night group classes and the training is over, forever. You never stop training your dog. You teach, and then you practice, in ever more challenging circumstances. You correct the behavior you don't want. And you integrate your dog's lessons into everyday life so what has been learned is never, ever lost. Remember the French you learned in high school? How good are you at it now? If you don't use it, you lose it, and the same can be said of skills you teach your dog.

If you're thinking about training now, chances are you have a dog who's a little out of control -- a canine adolescent, more often than not. You've given up waiting for her to outgrow her bad behavior (they never do!) and figure it's finally time to train her. You're thinking you can't avoid training; it just has to be done, like cleaning leaves out of the gutters.

Stop!

Now, consider the following: If you have a bad attitude toward training, so will your dog. If you think training is a joyless chore, she'll hate it, every minute. If you walk around jerking on her collar and swearing, she'll wonder what she has done to deserve your anger, and she'll be too busy worrying about that to learn anything.

If you tell her she's stupid, she will be.

Expect success from her and be willing to work for it. Praise her not only for succeeding, but also for trying. Learning is hard for her and stressful. Think of your dog as a person who has just moved to your house from a country where the language and customs are different -- a special kind of foreign exchange student. She was born a dog, after all, and you're asking her to live as a member of a human family. You're asking her to learn the language and follow the rules.

The fact that this feat is ever accomplished at all is nothing less than a miracle. So celebrate it, with her. Consider dog training not as mechanical thing (if you do X, your dog does Y), but as something organic -- alive, interconnected and ever-changing. A well-mannered dog becomes that way from the inside out. "Sit" and "stay" are the least of it, really, and are only the visible manifestations of what that dog is on the inside: a confident, comfortable and secure member of a loving, human pack. A dog who is, quite simply, a joy to live with.

We all get cranky sometimes. If you've had a horrid day at work, a fight with your spouse, or the mechanic just told you that fixing your car will cost $2,700, you're probably better off skipping any efforts at teaching your dog something new. Instead, use your dog to help you ease out of your funk. Play fetch instead, or just hang out with her. Pet her while you watch TV. It's good for your blood pressure.

Tomorrow is another day to train, to continue to strengthen the bond between you.

PETS ON THE WEB

If you really want to understand your dog, study the wolf. From the greatest Dane to the tiniest of toy poodles, there beats the heart of a wolf. A good place to start your appreciation of this magnificent animal is at the home page of Wolf Haven International (www.teleport.com/(tilde)wnorton/wolf.shtml).

You'll know you're at the right place immediately -- your computer will start howling! Wolf Haven is a nonprofit organization in Tenino, Wash., dedicated to conserving the wolf: protecting it in its remaining habits, reintroducing it in its historic habitats, and providing sanctuary for captive-born wolves given up by people who didn't realize how unsuitable these animals are as pets. The site contains gorgeous pictures of the wolves in residence at the sanctuary, along with instructions on how to "adopt" one for a donation as small as $20 a year. Wolf sound files are available for downloading, too.

Because the organization's goals also include education, you'll find lots of information, from links to other sites and lists of suggested reading. This is a site to bookmark and visit again and again.

PET TIP

Everyone loves saving money, and I am no exception. While I do not scrimp on preventive veterinary care or on high-quality nutrition, I have been known to cut some corners on equipment. When I was fostering pets who needed new homes, I shopped garage sales and kept an eye on the newspaper classifieds for the things I needed to house my animal guests. I bought crates and kennel runs for a fraction of their retail value (one crate that retailed for $80, I picked up for $5). Cages for birds, reptiles and rodents, deluxe cat trees -- they're out there if you're patient enough to look. When you get them home, a thorough scrubbing followed by disinfecting with a mild bleach-and-water solution should be enough to put whatever bargain you find back in action in the service of animals.

QUESTIONS FROM THE PACK

Q: I'm going camping, and I don't want my dog to get sunburn. What should I use? -- C.F., via the Internet

A: According to the Veterinary Information Network's (VIN) dermatology consultants, an unscented human sunscreen with no PABA on its ingredient list should fit the bill -- SPF 15 or higher, with SPF 30 preferred. Better still is to keep your pet out of the sun during peak times, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Not all dogs need protection from sunburn. Many just need a little help on their noses (just like people) if they have light-colored flesh there. Shorthaired white dogs, such a white boxers, may need overall application of sunscreen, as do hairless breeds such as the Chinese crested. The VIN consultants suggest if you must take these dogs out in the worst part of the day, a T-shirt isn't a bad idea.

The problem isn't just for dogs, by the way. Some cats have problems with their ear tips, and pot-bellied pigs are also sensitive to sun exposure. Again, keeping them out of the sun is the best idea, but sunscreen will help otherwise.

Q: We have allergies in the family. What is the best small dog to buy? -- S.F, via the Internet.

Q: We've heard the Cornish and Devon Rex breeds of cat are OK for people with allergies. Is that true? -- A.S., via the Internet

A: I wish I could report otherwise, but the truth is there's no such thing as a hypoallergenic pet. Some people say they do better with breeds such as poodles and the kinky-haired Rexes, but don't count on it.

Still, if your allergies are minimal or your desire for a pet is high, you might be able to work it out. I have, living fairly well with both pets and asthma for all of my adult life.

Studies have shown that if a cat is rinsed weekly, or bathed, it is less likely to provoke an allergic reaction. This is how I am able to coexist with my dogs. They are kept clean so their levels of dander are kept down, and so is the amount of junk they carry in on their coats from their trips outside.

Others find they can live with a pet if they designate the bedroom an animal-free zone so they can sleep at night. But that is a tough one if you like to sleep with a purring cat on the bed. My approach is that when I'm not having problems, my dogs sleep in the bedroom. When things are a little dicey, they don't, and I keep the air cleaner running. (My bedroom is kept as clear as possible of dog hair and dander, and other allergy-provoking material, dust and the like.)

Above all, I'd work closely with an understanding allergist. And realize that what the doctor will say is absolutely correct: It's not advisable to add a pet to your family. Working with an allergist, though, will help keep other allergies under control, and give you access to the latest in treatments, such as a promising cat-allergy vaccine now in development.

Incidentally, the decision to get a pet is not one I would make on behalf of an allergic child. Much as I love animals, if I were faced with this decision, as my parents were, I probably would have made the same call: no furry pets.

The risk, I suppose, is that the child will grow up so terribly pet-deprived that he or she will end up a pet columnist, like ... well ... me!

Life is, of course, full of such horrors.

Gina Spadafori is the award-winning author of "Dogs for Dummies" and "Cats for Dummies," and is the editorial director of the Veterinary Information Network Inc., an international online service for veterinary professionals. Write to her in care of this newspaper, or e-mail to Write2Gina(at)aol.com.

4520 Main St., Kansas City, Mo. 64111; (816) 932-6600

One of the miracles of the crazy place that is my home, California, is how in a couple hours you can go from a spot where the heat is so oppressive you can barely breathe to another where you get out of the car and reach for a sweatshirt. I live in the former, but the dogs and I recently escaped to the latter.

It's safe to say that there is no dog-friendly spot within 300 miles of my home I haven't heard about and likely visited. Dog lovers trade news of such spots the way food lovers talk about restaurants, in whispers shared only between friends, lest someone not deserving of the experience go and "ruin" it for all. People who don't pick up after their pets, don't bring their own towels for cleanup, aren't careful with carpets and furnishings -- these people are dangerous to those of us who love to take our pets along.

I myself am oh-so careful. One of my dogs once threw up on a bath mat at a favorite inn. I bought a new one before I left and know that we are still welcome there, in the cabins and on the blackberry-lined path that leads to a wide sandy beach.

I love being out with my dogs. Their joy is always infectious; their energy lifts my spirits. This trip was the first time the younger retriever, Heather, had experienced the ocean. She came from the Texas hill country just before Christmas and has had no trouble adapting to swimming in that most ubiquitous of California water features, the swimming pool. I don't have one, but fortunately enough dog-loving friends and relatives do to keep her and the other retriever, Benjamin, wet all summer long.

The Pacific gave her little pause, either. She threw herself into the surf with Ben in hot pursuit, swimming strongly out until their bobbing heads looked like so much driftwood in the chop. While Benjamin swims to retrieve, happily and without hesitation, Heather swims for the joy of it. She whines when we drive over water we will not visit, and has to be ordered back to firm ground when she is allowed to swim.

This trip, I indulged her as much as I could.

My oldest dog, Andy, a Shetland sheepdog, has no interest in swimming and takes refuge behind me when the retrievers come out of the water and shake off the spray. He is of a breed that believes water is to be consumed and otherwise avoided, and he takes his genetic imperative seriously.

The first time I threw a stick into the water for Benjamin, Andy turned to look at me with an expression that seemed to say, "That was stupid. Who do you think is going to get that now? Not me!" His look turned to one of amazement when the big dog ran past him and hurled himself into the lake.

Andy now accepts that the retrievers go into the water, but he doesn't pretend to understand their obsession with it.

But even Andy was happy for the change of location. He explored his new surroundings and rested outdoors, his nose pointed firmly into the ocean breeze. Even better, he wanted to play, which in a 12-year-old dog is something to be cherished.

And cherish it, I did. I know it is possible to vacation without pets, but I also know that for me it wouldn't be half as relaxing. I miss them, and I miss how I feel when I'm around them.

Thank heavens there are people like the owner of the place where we stayed who understand and who make trips like ours possible.

PETS ON THE WEB

The Basking Spot (www.baskingspot.com) is a well-organized and attractively designed site any reptile and amphibian fan should bookmark. Once you see it, you're going to be visiting it often. The site contains information about species and their proper care, listings of associations and events, and an extensive publications overview that encompasses everything from club newsletters to books and academic journals. The Internet resources area includes a comprehensive list of newsgroups and list-serves, and if you want to explore further, you'll find links well worth a click. A fantastic site.

PET TIP

Windows open to catch the slightest hint of a breeze, doors opening and closing with the whims of active children -- summer is a carefree season indeed. But all those comings and goings, open windows and doors make summer a prime time for bird escapes. Don't take a chance. Make sure your bird's feathers are properly trimmed to limit flight, and don't allow even a clipped bird the opportunity to take wing outdoors. They might manage enough loft to land out of your reach. If you don't know how to trim your pet, let an avian veterinary clinic or reputable bird shop handle the job. A bad job of it will cause more problems than it prevents.

QUESTIONS FROM THE PACK

Q: I'm a little worried about the dust factor in clumping cat litter. It can't be good for cats, right? But the litter makes cleaning up after three cats so much easier. Your thoughts? -- J.B., via the Internet

A: Rumors about clumping cat litter have been floating around for some time and can be traced to an article in a now-defunct magazine in which a cat breeder argued that the stuff had caused an intestinal blockage that killed her kittens. Thanks to the reach of the Internet, her concerns are still worrying cat lovers. But there's little need to fear. To the contrary, some have argued that clumping cat litter is responsible for saving the lives of many cats.

According to "CatWatch," a monthly newsletter put out by the Cornell Feline Health Center, preference polls indicate clumping litter is a hit with cats. Cats who may avoid the litter box otherwise find clumping litters agreeable. Since a cat who won't use the box is a prime candidate for becoming homeless, it's easy to argue the benefits of clumping litter. The cleanup issue is no small consideration either, for clumping litters have made possible new box designs and tools that make keeping a cat far easier.

As for the health issue, no scientific study exists that confirms a danger with clumping litters. Even anecdotal evidence is virtually nonexistent: Discussions on the 5,000-plus member Veterinary Information Network reveal no problems. If clumping litter were the danger some say it is, veterinarians would know it and be talking about it. They're not.

If you want to err on the safe side, however, avoid clumping litter for kittens until they're out of the "taste everything" stage. But realize you'll be acting out of personal preference with no basis in scientific fact.

Litter dust does cause problems for asthmatic cats, but choosing low-dust brands and avoiding hooded litter boxes should make things easier. Talk to your veterinarian for more information if your pet has breathing problems.

Q: I was wondering how do you know what type of exercise a dog needs. Can you just take them for a nice walk, or do you need a large yard or space to run around in? -- W.D., via the Internet

A: The amount of exercise a dog needs depends on the age of the dog and the breeding, but in no cases is confinement for life in a yard -- no matter how large! -- in the best interests of a dog. Socialization is as important to a dog's mental health as it is to our own, so outings are always important.

As for exercise, the lack of it is one of the biggest contributors to the behavior problems that drive dog owners nuts: digging, chewing, barking and others. All that pent-up energy has to be spent somehow. We have all these dogs who come from working heritages -- hunting, sledding and herding dogs bred to be active for hours at a time -- and then we stick them in a back yard and wonder why they're hyper.

Young dogs of active large breeds and mixes need at least a half-hour of high-energy exercise three times a week to keep them fit and calm and to relieve them of the stresses of modern living. Jogging, playing fetch and swimming are all important to your pet's physical and mental well-being. If you're not up to that level of energy, consider a smaller or more sedentary breed. Toy breeds find the keeping up with humans on a walk to be aerobic, and breeds such as basset hounds are quite content to live a more couch-potato existence: lots of naps and occasional walks for socializing.

Gina Spadafori is the award-winning author of "Dogs for Dummies" and "Cats for Dummies," and is the editorial director of the Veterinary Information Network Inc., an international online service for veterinary professionals. Write to her in care of this newspaper, or e-mail to Write2Gina(at)aol.com.

4520 Main St., Kansas City, Mo. 64111; (816) 932-6600

If you want to thank someone for the pleasure of your indoor cat, thank the late Edward Lowe, the creator of Kitty Litter. In one of those fabled American success stories, Lowe was looking for new uses for clay some 50 years ago when he happened upon the one that would make him rich and cat lovers happy -- albeit not at the very moment they're attending to that litter.

Filling cat boxes is an industry worth more than $600 million today, with more variety than Lowe could have ever imagined when he hand-labeled that first 5-pound bag. But what about something to put the litter in? In recent years some of the most interesting innovations have come in the cat-box area. Here are most of your options:

-- Disposable pans. Small, cardboard litter boxes are popular with shelters, rescuers, pet stores and some breeders, but probably aren't too practical for long-term use for your pet cat. Still, you may consider keeping a few of these on hand in case a stray walks into your life, or for young kittens or cats who need nursing back to health.

-- Household items. A 9-by-13-inch metal baking dish, too worn for cooking, can be a good first litter box for a kitten, its low sides making it easy for babies to hop in and out of. Plastic dishpans, with their high sides, can be a good choice for cats who like to kick their litter everywhere; you can cut down one side if necessary for easier access.

-- Simple plastic pans. Millions of cats have done just fine with this design, and yours may be among them. Relatively inexpensive and widely available, these pans come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Some have special rims to keep more filler in the box. Make sure that the one you choose is easy to scrub clean.

-- Covered pans. Manufacturers say covered pans keep down odors and prevent dogs and children from getting into the filler. Unfortunately, some owners take the approach that if they can't smell the litter box, it doesn't need attention, and the cat who feels otherwise finds someplace else to go. If you choose this kind of pan, don't forget that you must be as on top of its cleaning as you would with any other variety. Don't blame your cat for mistakes if you can't keep the litter box clean regularly. One caution: Cats with asthma should not use a covered litter pan. They need the increased ventilation that an open-air variety offers.

-- Self-cleaning pans. No one likes to clean the litter box, but some cats are so fussy that if you let this important chore wait, your cat may turn up her nose and go elsewhere. In recent years, inventors have come up with new pans that make cleaning a nearly hands-off affair, thanks to the easy-clean properties of clumping cat-box filler.

Some of these boxes have lift-and-sift inserts that collect used clumps as you remove them, while you roll the others over, thereby running litter through a collector that catches and holds the clumps.

The absolute high end of the easy-clean line would have to be the electric litter box, as anyone who watches late-night infomercials can attest. One veterinarian friend of mine gleefully snapped up the product at a trade show and was disappointed to report his cats found it too spooky to use. Other cats may feel differently, though, and yours may be among them.

His experience points out the most important thing to remember when choosing -- and filling -- a litter box. The only opinion that really counts is your cat's. When you hit the magic solution that makes you both happy, stick with it.

PETS ON THE WEB

Forget cat boxes, forget litter, forget cleaning, forget smell. Your cat can learn to use the toilet. While books and articles on teaching this useful trick have been around for years, the How to Toilet Train Your Cat Web site (www.rainfrog.com/mishacat/toilet.shtml) does as good a job as I've seen in explaining how it's done. The author goes over the steps, setbacks and challenges, all with lots of photos of the author's cat, Misha, doing more or less what comes naturally on the commode. Remember: Lid up, seat down.

PET TIP

Is your dog wearing one of those slip-chain training collars, commonly known as a choke collar, for everyday wear? If so, take it off right now and give your pet a hug of thanks that he's still with you. The moving ring of a choke collar can catch on many things, even the teeth of another dog in play. Once snagged, a dog reacts instinctively -- and completely wrong -- by pulling away. The noose only gets tighter and more deadly the more he pulls. Many dogs have died in such circumstances, and some owners have been bitten trying to free a frantic pet.

For safety, a buckled or snap-together collar (leather or nylon) should be your dog's everyday wear. The fit should be a tad looser than snug. You should be able to work one finger under the collar for a small dog, two for a large one. And don't forget to attach current ID tags and a license.

Restrict the use of the slip-chain collar to training or walking. Get in the habit of taking the slip-chain off when you unleash your dog and leaving it attached to your leash, so you'll always have it handy.

QUESTIONS FROM THE PACK

Q: I have a 2-year-old Chinook mix we got from the pound. She's a great dog at home. At the park or the vet, though, it's another story. At the park, she will bark like a maniac when other dogs pass by or come near.

We are training her at the park now, praising her and stuffing her with treats when she can sit/stay with a minimum of barking as dogs pass about 10 feet away. But there are still times when she'll lose it and start barking like a crazed animal. I am wondering if a muzzle might help her train by preventing her from barking and getting herself even more worked up. -- G.M, via the Internet

A: Instead of a muzzle, try a head halter. Canine halters work on the same principle that equine versions do: Control the head and the body will follow. The leash is attached to a ring under the jaw, and when pulled, puts pressure around the dog's muzzle and neck -- both important in canine body language. Properly fitted and used, head halters can shift the balance of power in your favor.

I would also suggest a couple of private sessions with a good trainer. An experienced trainer can spot what you're doing wrong, turn your dog around quickly, and show you how to handle your pet's daily challenges.

Q: My brother wants to let his iguana go when we get to Florida. Is that OK? Will the iguana be able to live? -- N.T., via the Internet

A: Aside from the cruel proposition of turning loose a domesticated animal to fend for itself, your brother's plan is a bad one for the sake of the environment. The release or escape of non-native plants and animals causes a great deal of problems in places where they can do well enough to displace native species. Keep your pet contained and well-cared-for, for its own good and for the good of the nondomesticated animals it may come in contact with in the wild.

Q: Do you have any recipes for dog treats?

A: Try these liver brownies. Or, rather, prepare them and give them to your pet!

LIVER BROWNIES

-- 1 pound of liver, pureed in blender or food processor;

-- 1 cup corn meal;

-- garlic powder to taste (your dog's, not yours);

-- a little water to get the consistency of chewy brownie batter.

Mix and spread in brownie pan. Bake about 25 minutes at 325-350 degrees. Stick a knife in center to see if they are done. Cool and cut. They can be frozen for later use.

Looking for more? Try Kim Campbell Thornton's book, "Dog Treats" (Doubleday, $7.95).

Gina Spadafori is the award-winning author of "Dogs for Dummies" and "Cats for Dummies," and is the editorial director of the Veterinary Information Network Inc., an international online service for veterinary professionals. Write to her in care of this newspaper, or e-mail to Write2Gina(at)aol.com.

4520 Main St., Kansas City, Mo. 64111; (816) 932-6600