Doing something right in the first place is always preferable to trying to undo and then redo, and that's as true in raising a puppy as with any other endeavor. If you remember never to let a puppy get away behavior you wouldn't tolerate in an adult dog, you're well on your way to raising a well-mannered canine companion.

It's simple in theory, but in truth, time slips away and puppies grow up quickly. That's why so many people end up with a dog who got away with just about everything as puppy and whose brattiness isn't very adorable anymore.

Some people never get the chance to raise their dogs right, since they adopt their pets as adults, complete with errant behaviors and bad attitudes that no one ever bothered to correct.

These dogs typically don't listen and don't consider a human to be in charge -- even if the animals are very good-natured in their lack of respect. Sometimes the situation can become dangerous: A dog with dominant tendencies who doesn't understand his proper role in the family may be on track to attack if his self-perceived authority is challenged.

The good news is that for most dogs it's not that difficult get the situation turned around, with a simple and consistent approach to your family's handling of your pet. (The exception: dogs who are already showing signs of dominance or aggression. For them I recommend the help of a veterinary behaviorist or trainer with expertise in canine aggression, and the sooner the better.)

If your dog doesn't seem to be paying attention, you need to lay the foundation for good behavior by showing your dog with every interaction that he is no longer the boss of the household. Call it "learning by earning," if you will. The bottom line: Your dog doesn't get anything he likes until he does something you want.

Here's how it works. Start with the basics of dog obedience -- sit and stay. Chances are your dog already knows these commands. If not, check out a class, book or video to help you teach him. Once your dog understands and performs these behaviors more or less on command, you're going to use them to reinforce your authority, gently but persistently.

Ask your dog to sit before you put his leash on for a walk. To sit before you pet him (which will also keep him from jumping up) or throw a toy for him to fetch. To sit and stay when his bowl is placed before him, and hold that position until released. To sit and stay before the door is opened, to sit and stay before being let out of the car into the park and so on. Be patient: Your dog will soon catch on to the new world order, as long as you're consistent in insisting on his good behavior before good things come his way.

No sit, no reward, no discussion.

What's the point? A dog who sits for what he wants won't be jumping all over you, knocking over children, guests or your fragile Aunt Sarah. That in itself is worth the effort.

But the real beauty is what's happening deep down. Without raising your voice, jerking a leash, spanking or otherwise roughly handling your dog, you've made it clear to him that you are in charge. And that's going to make everything else about living with and training your dog easier.

PETS ON THE WEB

The Westminster Kennel Club dog show is arguably the best known of all canine events, and it draws a lot of attention from pet lovers who don't know or care much about these sometimes confusing competitions. The telecast always leaves people wondering: How exactly do judges decide which beautiful dog should win?

If you're among those wondering -- or even if you consider yourself a canine expert -- you might enjoy You Be the Judge (www.worldclassdogs.com/YouBeTheJudge.asp), a Web site designed to give you an idea of what it's like to hand out the ribbons. Noted judge and illustrator Robert Cole offers several examples of dogs in many different breeds, and then reveals which dog was his pick at the end, and why.

THE SCOOP

A bottle of children's bubble solution has always been an entertaining and inexpensive way to get many cats to play. Now a company called WorldWise has gone a step better, combining bubble solution with something else adored by many cats -- catnip. The manufacturer says its SmartyKat BubbleNip is made from non-toxic ingredients safe for both pets and household surfaces, and contains certified organic catnip to enhance feline interest. Each bottle contains 8 fluid ounces and retails from $2.99 to $4.99. You'll find it at many large department stores or grocery chains.

QUESTIONS FROM THE PACK

Q: I had a good laugh at the parrot story in your recent column as it reminded me of one of my own. Years ago, a pet store in Palo Alto, Calif., received a magnificent double-yellow-headed Amazon and hung the bird's cage out on the sidewalk for all to see and hear.

Because the bird had been imported from Mexico, it spoke (exceedingly well and all the time) in Spanish. For a while, all the conversation went untranslated until a graduate student in languages from Stanford passed by and stopped to practice his Spanish on the bird.

After a few minutes he went into the store and told them they had better send the bird back from where they got it, as its vocabulary was made up exclusively of horrifying obscenities.

The upshot of the whole thing was that the pet shop owners upped the price of the bird, advertised the fact that his Spanish was indescribably obscene and sold it in a matter of days after having had it on sale for weeks! -– P.F., via e-mail

A: Great story! Birds, like children, do say the darndest things. When I was working on my book "Birds for Dummies," my co-author and I thought about including a chapter on some of the most incredible things parrots have ever said. We soon dropped the idea because we realized too many parrots have a vocabulary that would not be appropriate for polite society.

Instead, we included a chapter of bird jokes. Here's one of my favorites, which just happens to be on the topic of birds with bad vocabularies:

A lady had a female parrot who wouldn't stop swearing. She tried everything and was constantly embarrassed by her pet's gutter mouth. Her fiance's parents were coming over to dinner to meet her, and she was desperate to clean up her bird's language.

A friend of hers had two male parrots with perfect company manners. One said the rosary all day, and the other repeated Hail Marys. She thought the pair would be a good influence on her bird, so she made arrangements to bring them over for a visit.

The boy parrots settled in and looked over at the girl parrot. "OK," says one to the other. "You can knock off the praying now. We got what we asked for."

Q: Every winter my husband makes fun of me for putting a sweater on our dog, a shorthaired terrier mix. He says it's not necessary, even here in the Northeast, where we get lots of bitter cold and plenty of snow. But Hildy likes her sweater and wiggles into it happily. Where's the harm? -- H.R., via e-mail

A: You're right: There's no harm in a dog sweater. And for some dogs, there's a lot of good.

Dogs who will benefit from the extra warmth -- especially in very cold climates -- include those who are older or shorthaired. Add to the list those of a lean body type such as whippets, Italian greyhounds and greyhounds.

For any of these dogs, a sweater can be a real kindness. For other dogs ... well, what's wrong with a fashion statement, just for fun?

On a winter night outside an ocean-front restaurant on the Pacific Coast, I once ran into a dog who could not have been better or more appropriately dressed. The dog was a beautiful Sheltie, walking up the sidewalk wearing a red plaid rain slicker with a matching leash. The wind was blowing so hard it was pushing the rain sideways, but that Sheltie looked quite content.

Huddled in a cheap, ugly jacket, I envied him his stylish and practical attire.

Gina Spadafori is the award-winning author of "Dogs for Dummies," "Cats for Dummies" and "Birds for Dummies." She is also affiliated with the Veterinary Information Network Inc., an international online service for veterinary professionals. Write to her in care of this newspaper, or send e-mail to writetogina(at)spadafori.com.

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

In my old home, I had a postage-stamp back yard that I abandoned to the destructive desires of my digging dogs. Not surprisingly, they trashed it, and that was OK with me because there wasn't enough room for the yard to be anything more than a dog run.

In my new home, I have a landscaped quarter-acre, and I decided to compromise and keep most of it looking nice. After a few weekends of fence work, the dogs have their part of the yard, and I have mine.

Their section of the new yard is larger than the entire outside space at the old house. And they still have access to my section when I'm with them to supervise. There's 24-hour access to their yard through a dog door from the house, and -- most important -- they are welcome to dig all they want in their outside space.

This compromise is in line with my belief that it's not fair to deprive an animal of what comes naturally, at least without offering something in return. You can take a working dog away from the job he was bred to do, but don't expect him not to substitute "bad" behaviors such as digging or barking to cope with his isolation, inactivity and boredom.

That's why although I've known many punishment-based "cures" for digging, I don't recommend them. As with any behavior, you have to understand what's at the root of the problem before you can come up with a fair approach to minimizing the damage.

Like many behaviors people find troubling, digging is natural for dogs, with any number of triggers driving the activity. Among them:

-- Excess energy and boredom. This combination is either directly responsible or is a contributing factor in most canine behavior problems.

-- Wanderlust. Some dogs, especially unneutered males, have a strong desire to dig their way out of the yard, especially when the breeze carries the enticing scent of a female in heat.

-- Prey drive. Subterranean wildlife is irresistible to some dogs, especially terriers or terrier mixes. These breeds were developed to dig vermin from their lairs, and they still do so with much enthusiasm.

-- Need for shelter. A well-dug den can keep a dog cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Although any breed or mix can show an interest in making a den, the behavior is more common in such breeds as huskies and malamutes.

-- Recreation. Digging is just plain fun. Just ask my dogs!

The trick to having a nice yard while being fair to your dog is to do what you can to eliminate the triggers for digging, make sure your dog is getting the exercise and attention he needs, and take your pet's natural tendencies into account when planning your outside space.

Neutering can greatly reduce the desire to wander, so if your dog's a roaming Romeo, a trip to the veterinarian should be the first item on your list. If wildlife's a problem, contact your local agricultural extension for tips on how to get the pests to skip your yard. And make sure your pet has the shelter he needs to stay comfortable no matter the weather.

Often the lack of exercise and sheer boredom are the biggest contributors to this behavior problem -- and any other. If you make it impossible for your dog to dig -- by cooping him up in a concrete-floored kennel run, for example -- he may switch to another unwanted behavior such as nonstop barking or self-mutilation.

Every dog needs an exercise program, with the emphasis on heart-thumping aerobic interludes such as a daily run or a game of fetch. If you keep your pet well-exercised, he'll be less likely to indulge in destructive behaviors.

Doing your part to keep your dog mentally engaged and well-exercised may discourage the casual digger, but it won't stop the truly dedicated. For these pets, a dog yard may be the best solution -- as long as you're not using it to neglect your dog's social and exercise needs.

Even in a dog yard, you may need to discourage some digging, such as a dog's effort to get under the fence. For these problem areas, discourage digging by filling in holes and covering them with chicken wire and large rocks or concrete stepping stones.

PETS ON THE WEB

Chickens can be wonderful pets, if you live where you're allowed to keep them. After all, not many pets can provide you not only with affection and entertainment, but also eggs! While your neighbors might not appreciate the sunrise serenades of roosters, hens can fit comfortably in most suburban and rural environments. The Backyard Chickens Web site (www.backyardchickens.com) is a welcoming place for would-be chicken keepers and experts alike, with information on choosing and caring for chickens, images of some incredible coops and message boards for getting help from other chicken fans.

THE SCOOP

Planning a summer vacation? It wouldn't hurt to make arrangements for your pets now. Summer's a busy time for pet sitters and boarding kennels, and slots fill up quickly for prime times like long holiday weekends and the Fourth of July. To be sure your pet is covered, make your reservations well in advance. The same holds true for the winter holidays: Some boarding kennels and pet sitters get reservations well before Labor Day for the weeks around Christmas and New Year's.

QUESTIONS FROM THE PACK

Q: We want to respond to your article regarding bike riding with your dog or cat. We have a Jack Russell terrier mix, about 20 pounds, who we take on our bike rides.

We purchased a kid carrier, the cheapest we could find, made of hard molded plastic. My husband put carpet in the seat area to give the dog footing so she would not slip or slide around and also so she could have a soft place to sit. We snap two shoulder straps to her collar so she can't fall or jump out. We have been biking with her since August of '97. The longest ride we have done is 40 miles in one day.

Sarah enjoys being with us, but her legs are too short to keep up. That makes the kid carrier the perfect solution. -– R.S., via e-mail

A: Child carriers can work well for small dogs. A friend of mine has taken her Pomeranian cross-country skiing, using one of those soft-sided carriers designed to carry an infant on a parent's tummy. It worked out great for them both.

Of course, child carriers aren't the only means of transportation for small dogs. Anyone who has ever spent time in New York City has seen the heads of stylish small dogs poking out of the expensive handbags of their owners. The first time I saw this was at a Bloomingdale's department store, where a beautifully groomed Maltese surveyed the holiday crowds from the comfort of the owner's handbag while the equally well-turned-out woman tried out various lipsticks at the cosmetics counter.

Truly, small dogs have all the fun!

Q: I have a Westie who "demands" a 4-inch rolled rawhide nearly every day. My question: Should there be a limit to how many she gets? It doesn't seem to affect her digestive processes or appetite, and it does keep her teeth in great shape. -- D.C., via e-mail

A: Although popular, rawhides do present some problems for dogs and humans alike.

Every year I get anecdotal reports of dogs who have choked on these popular treats or have had to have surgery to remove blockages caused by them.

Then there's the risk to humans: A few years back the federal government warned that salmonella could be contracted from these products. Their suggestion: Young children and immune-compromised adults should avoid rawhides, and others should wash their hands thoroughly after handling the chews.

To be fair, the number of problems caused by rawhides compared to the amounts purchased and consumed is certainly very small, but the risks do need to be acknowledged.

In any case, a daily 4-inch rawhide strikes me as a bit much for a small dog. To satisfy your dog's chewing desires, try substituting a hard rubber chew. I like to recommend a Kong toy, stuffed with a little peanut butter to pique your pup's interest. Your dog will get lots of chewing time, without swallowing much material.

Gina Spadafori is the award-winning author of "Dogs for Dummies," "Cats for Dummies" and "Birds for Dummies." She is also affiliated with the Veterinary Information Network Inc., an international online service for veterinary professionals. Write to her in care of this newspaper, or send e-mail to writetogina(at)spadafori.com.

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

When I first started writing about the importance of taking care of a pet's teeth, the response I most often heard was one of astonishment. "I'm supposed to brush my dog's teeth?" pet lovers would say. "You're kidding, right?"

These days, many pet lovers respond not with surprise, but with guilt. "I know I should brush my pet's teeth, but I don't because my cat won't put up with it," they say. Or they don't have time, or they forget.

And so ignorance becomes guilt. Now that's progress! And the next step: good dental health from the very beginning.

Veterinarians now recommend training kittens and puppies to accept having their teeth brushed, a job that's not really that hard even with older dogs and cats. Approach the task with a positive attitude, take it slow and easy, and then follow with something the pet likes -- a play session, petting or even a food treat.

For kittens and puppies, the focus is on training and prevention, but adult pets may need veterinary attention before a preventive-care program can help. Your veterinarian should check your pet's mouth, teeth and gums during the annual physical, and make recommendations based on what he or she finds there. For many pets, that'll mean dentistry under anesthesia. The procedure takes 45 minutes to an hour, and involves cleaning, polishing, and checking for and treating broken or rotting teeth, cavities, abscesses and periodontal disease.

Today's anesthetics are dramatically safer than even a few years ago, making the danger and pain of untreated dental problems the bigger risk to health, even with older pets.

After the problems are treated, at-home care can keep things in good shape. Here are some tips:

-- Brush or wipe the teeth regularly. Use a toothpaste designed for dogs and cats a couple of times a week at least, although daily is better. Salt or baking soda isn't recommended because too much of the salt gets swallowed, and with small pets that could be a problem. Toothpaste for people is also out, because animals don't know how to rinse and spit. Pet toothpastes contain enzymes that help dissolve plaque and don't need to be rinsed. They also have a flavor pets appreciate.

-- Use a children's soft toothbrush or one made especially for pets. You can also use plain gauze wrapped around a finger or a fingertip brush. Some vets suggest that gauze may work better with cats, especially if dipped in water from some canned tuna.

-- Switch to dry food and offer teeth-cleaning toys. Some pet-food companies now offer kibble with a mild abrasive texture to help keep teeth clean. You might ask your vet about these if tartar buildup is a chronic problem for your pet.

-- Soft chew toys and a chew rope can help keep teeth clean, too. Avoid chews that are hard or are prone to breaking into sharp pieces. These can break teeth or slice gums.

February, incidentally, is National Pet Dental Health month. No, not degreed by an act of Congress, but rather by the American Veterinary Dental Society, which has been using this month as an opportunity to educate for the last decade. According to the AVDS, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age 3, making education a worthwhile effort. For more information on this topic, visit the campaign's Web site at www.petdental.com. The site has a question-and-answer section along with pet trivia and special features for children.

PETS ON THE WEB

Love dog noses? Then you'll love DogNose Heaven (www.dognoses.com), which may well be the only Web site in the world dedicated to the presentation of dog nose images. The site offers an amazing array of images, some quite well done, all likely to give you a smile. The site offers galleries of even more dog nose images sent in by visitors. (Don't expect to see your dog up there anytime soon, however, since it appears the site hasn't been updated for a long time.) For more animal nose images, click on the "Animal Nose Web Ring" link, where you'll find nose pictures of everything from coho salmon to yaks.

THE SCOOP

If you purchase a purebred puppy or kitten, make sure you get all the paperwork at the time you take your new family member home. You should get a form that will allow you to apply for registration from a national organization such as the American Kennel Club or the Cat Fanciers' Association. You should also get a pedigree (a chart of the animal's ancestors) and health records.

If you don't get the paperwork, the breed registries will try to help with registration matters if you contact them. But in most cases they can't do much, since people rarely have enough information on the breeder or the animal's parents to get the matter cleared up.

QUESTIONS FROM THE PACK

Q: My husband and I are close to purchasing a new motor coach. We hope to travel with our Persian cat, Chloe. She is strictly an indoor cat, but she does travel to and from the groomer, sometimes without a carrier, and doesn't seem to mind the moving vehicle. Our concern is how will she take this change at age 5 1/2. We've been told by her vet that she should be OK as long as we're with her, but obviously there will be an adjustment period.

The main reason for the purchase is because we no longer want to leave her at home. She's part of the family, and it would be much better if she's with us. In the beginning, we'll probably be out for approximately two weeks at the most. -- S.P., via e-mail

A: I predict Chloe will be just fine, since she's already comfortable with movement and road noises.

When I spent a winter in a resort area in Florida, I met all kinds of "snowbirds" -- refugees from the frigid north who were traveling in their motor coaches. It seemed as if a majority of these folks had pets with them -- dogs, cats, birds and even a ferret. These were wonderfully happy pets, who got to be with their people almost all the time.

My biggest concern would be that Chloe have a place to potty where she feels comfortable. That's because a cat who's unhappy with her litter box -- type, location or filler -- won't use it. That's a problem in any household, but in the limited space of a motor coach, a cat who won't use the litter box would be a real problem. Try to find a space where she won't feel likely to be ambushed -- a cupboard with an access hole cut out might be ideal. I know you'll be keeping the box clean in such tight quarters, so I don't need to lecture you on that.

Cats love for things to be routine, so do your best to make your rolling home familiar to Chloe. Is there a throw your cat loves to sleep on? Bring it. Are you feeding her at regular times? Keep the same schedule.

Finally, be sure to keep a collar and tag on your cat, because there's always a chance she might slip out, and make sure your cell number is prominent.

Q: Don't get me wrong: I'm very fond of dogs. But I'm tired of finding "presents" in my front yard. I don't know why people don't understand that it's more than rude to let a dog "go" on someone's property -- it's trespassing! Would you please tell your readers to keep their dogs at home? That's what back yards are for! -- G.N., via e-mail

A: Leaving dogs at home isn't advisable, but picking up after them should be the law. Dogs need walks for both physical and mental reasons, and studies have shown that walking a dog is good for the owner as well.

That said, I have never understood why people who would never think of throwing an empty drink container on someone's lawn allow a dog to leave behind something a million times more vile.

It's easy to scoop! For small dogs, plastic sandwich bags with flip-over tops work great. For large dogs, plastic grocery bags will handle things nicely. Empty bags are easy to slip into a pocket, and using them will allow cleanups without touching the mess.

Dog lovers: Don't neglect this important part of being a responsible and considerate dog lover. Your neighbors deserve better.

Gina Spadafori is the award-winning author of "Dogs for Dummies," "Cats for Dummies" and "Birds for Dummies." She is also affiliated with the Veterinary Information Network Inc., an international online service for veterinary professionals. Write to her in care of this newspaper, or send e-mail to writetogina(at)spadafori.com.

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