SEQUIM, Wash. -- Indoor facilities for dog-training classes are common in places where winters can be as long and nasty as their days are short. So it's no surprise to see a spacious room at the heart of Terry Ryan's training center in this Pacific Northwest town.

But then you notice the details that make you wonder if Legacy Canine Behavior & Training is more than just one of countless local businesses dedicated to helping people instill good manners in their pets. There's the collection of videotapes in Japanese, for one thing, or the clocks on the wall that note both the time both in Sequim and in Tokyo.

And then there's the fact that you're almost as likely here to meet a student trainer from Japan as a local dog lover. Finally, there's Ryan herself, soft-spoken, articulate and passionate about changes taking place more than 4,000 miles away.

"When I started going to Japan in 1990, the only dog training available was residential," she said. "Three-month old Fluffy would be boarded with a trainer for three to six months, and at the end of that time you'd pay a lot of yen and take home a dog who was completely different."

Not only were training classes unheard of, but also the training in those boarding centers was strictly of the boot-camp variety, according to Ryan. "Test and punishment," she said, grimacing. But there were dog lovers who saw a need for change, and they sought out Ryan's help.

The timing, she said, was perfect. Japan's booming economy left people flush with income and interested in what they saw as Western status symbols, including purebred dogs. Suddenly, breeds such as the Siberian husky were all the rage, despite their unsuitability for living in tiny urban apartments. The dogs may have been acquired for questionable reasons, but the new dog owners loved their pets and needed help training them.

"The next year after my first trip to Japan, I took two trips. The following year it was three trips, then four. Now, I spend three months of the year there," she says.

In her almost 30 years of training dogs in the United States, Ryan saw -- and helped to lead -- a complete turnabout in how we handle our pets. Today there's hardly a pet trainer left in North America who exclusively uses force-based methods, or who hasn't at least integrated some reward-based techniques into the canine curriculum. A popular speaker, author and innovative trainer of other trainers, Ryan is a firm believer in what Japanese dog lovers are now looking for as well: a cooperative, positive approach to a well-mannered dog.

Despite the enthusiasm she found for her gentle, in-home training techniques, she had to adjust her teaching style to the culture. "In Japan, tradition is very important. There's a feeling of 'This is the way it's done because this is the way it has always been done,'" she said. "Some of the concepts didn't even translate into Japanese."

With Ryan's help, there's now a version of the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen certification program in place in Japan, rewarding those dogs and owners who prove they can be trusted to be model citizens in public. Dogs who pass the test -- about 20 percent of those tested pass, says Ryan -- are given special privileges, such as being allowed to stay in participating hotels. The test is tougher than the American version, says Ryan, and the dogs must be recertified every two years until the age of 10, when they're given the status for life.

With an eye toward easing up on a demanding schedule and thinking about being a little more retiring, Ryan's focus in Japan is shifting to the path she has been on in the United States for some time. She is becoming more involved in training Japanese dog trainers so the interest in gentler methods of dog training will continue to expand there.

"I don't want to keep going to Japan over and over," she says. "And Japanese instructors are twice as fast because of the language and less expensive because of the travel costs."

Which means there'll be less of Ryan in Japan, and more touches of Japan in her aptly named Legacy training center in Washington.

THE SCOOP

Fall's a great time for traveling with pets

Fall is my favorite time of year to travel. The weather's cooler, the crowds smaller and the colors spectacular in many parts of the country. While I don't mind wandering alone, I much prefer to take my dogs along.

In this, I'm not alone. In response to the surge in pet-related travel, the hospitality industry has rolled out the red carpet in recent years, not only letting pets in, but in some cases pampering them in ways unimaginable not that long ago.

While some people do travel with cats, birds and other pets, when people travel with animal companions they're usually taking their dogs along. Most dogs love travel by car, and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of new places every bit as much as we do. Not to mention: They just love being with us!

Basic gear for dogs means carriers, leashes, ID tags, bowls, clean-up bags and food. (Water doesn't need to be packed from home.) Basic gear for dog lovers includes a travel guide listing pet-friendly lodging along the way.

For years now I've kept "Traveling With Your Pet -- The AAA PetBook" ($17 in AAA offices or retail book sellers) in my van. I've gone coast to coast with multiple dogs and done a great deal of regional travel, and this basic guide has never let me down. Because on long trips I don't always know how many hours I'll feel like driving, I use the guide to look down the road and check on my cell phone for same-day lodging.

While I can't say I always found the plushest of accommodations -- a trucker motel in the middle of Texas comes to mind as one I'd prefer not to visit again -- I can say I always found something basically acceptable and never once had to sleep in my van because my dogs weren't welcome.

The AAA pet guide has a new edition coming out in April, and they're looking for a pet travel picture to put on the cover. The winner will receive $100 cash and pet travel accessories. For more information visit the group's Web site at www.aaa.com/PetBook. -- G.S.

Q&A

Prepare a 'user's manual' for your pet, just in case

Q: Would you share an experience that might help others? I am only 55 years old, and early this year I suffered a major stroke that put me in the hospital and then a nursing home for two months.

While I'd had the foresight to set things up for myself in case of illness, the only preparation I had set up for my 10-year-old mutt, Peabody, was for someone to take care of him if I died. I was lucky that a co-worker took him in while I was sick. All things considered, he survived our separation well.

However, I wish I'd left a file of information about him to make the time less traumatic. Things such as: what kind of dog food he likes, the name of his veterinarian, which of the many blankets and rugs in the house is his "main bed," where his leash hangs, where his toys are kept, and the words I use when I take him outside to relieve himself.

I could even have left a request for someone to take him to the dog park a couple of times a week, so he would still have that routine and his special doggy friends. -- A.S., via e-mail

A: Your suggestion is excellent. Everyone should prepare a simple "user's manual" -- a file folder for each pet just in case someone needs to step in and care for the animal.

Like you, I've left specific instructions for what is to happen to each of my pets if I die, but I haven't given a thought to what would happen if I became temporarily incapacitated. I mean to change that, thanks to your note.

The Bar Association of the City of New York has some great guidelines on providing for pets in case of death or disability on its Web site (www.abcny.org/rep_brochure.html; click on "Providing for Your Pet."). In New York City, the information took on a special urgency after the terrorist attacks left countless pets without caregivers. In many cases, no one even knew animals were trapped in the homes of the victims.

That's an extreme example, to be sure, but one that should remind us all that it's important to let people know we have pets, and to make sure those pets are provided for if we can no longer care for them.

I'm happy to know you and Peabody have been reunited and are both doing well. -- G.S.

ON THE WEB

Disaster relief groups need help

With the hurricanes in Florida still fresh on our minds, it's important to prepare for our own disasters and to support those who look after animals in times of crisis.

Even if you don't care about animals, you need to know that helping animals also helps people. Many times people will not evacuate if they cannot take their animals with them. Helping animals makes crisis situations better for both animals and people.

Groups such as the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS.org), United Animal Nations' Emergency Animal Rescue Service (uan.org/ears), American Humane (www.americanhumane.org) and Noah's Wish (www.noahs-wish.org) all have information on their sites about how to prepare for your pets in case of a disaster and what to do afterward. It's essential that all pet lovers know this potentially life-saving information.

All such non-profit groups providing disaster relief could use a donation now to help rebuild their disaster teams after the hurricanes that recently hit Florida. Most take donations directly on their Web sites. -- G.S.

PET TAILS

Vanity plates go to the dogs (and cats)

Go to any dog or cat show and you'll see vanity license plates that proudly reveal the love the vehicle's owner has for animals. It's a little harder to spot animal-themed plates while driving around in the general population, but I've managed to see quite a few, including "DOG MA," "CAT MOM" and, on the veterinary side, "K9(heart)DOC" (for a veterinary cardiologist) and "AVN VET" (for a bird veterinarian).

I always assumed the vanity plate started in car-crazy California, but Popular Mechanics magazine traces the phenomenon back to Connecticut in 1937. No matter where they started, vanity plates are popular everywhere, often earning money for some worthy causes with the extra fees spent on them.

Do you have a pet-related vanity plate on your vehicle? Send a jpeg image of it to petconnection@gmail.com, along with an explanation of what it means and how you came to choose it. We'll be doing a feature on these plates in a future issue. -- G.S.

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 petconnection@gmail.com. You can also read her frequently updated Web log or view her column archives at www.spadafori.com.

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

Growing number of veterinary specialists means top care for more pets

The other day I noticed one of my dogs had developed that most common of summer ailments, a gooey skin infection commonly known as a hot spot. I shaved the area to get a good look at it, then cleaned and flushed the mess. I knew it was infected enough to require antibiotics, so I called my veterinarian.

"He's on vacation, this week and next," said the cheery receptionist. "Would you like to be seen by someone else?"

Ideally I'd have waited for our veterinarian to come back, but Ben's hot spot was no great stretch to diagnose and treat, and he needed help now; so off we went.

The veterinarian who came in to the exam room was young enough to be the son of our regular doctor. I swear had we not been there for something so minor, I would have asked at the reception desk for a grown-up. But my attitude started to change as I watched the young doctor work with Ben, and I started to feel much better when I asked what he would do if faced with something he hadn't seen before or didn't feel confident in treating.

"You never stop learning," he said. "I would ask for help."

This one, I thought to myself, is going to be a good veterinarian. That's because our regular veterinarian has exactly the same attitude after more than two decades. When he doesn't know, he finds out. And when he thinks a specialist could do better, he refers.

With veterinary medicine growing more complicated by the day, it's nearly impossible for one person to know it all. That, along with the demand for human-quality medicine for animals considered to be family, is good news for the growing number of veterinary specialists. The expertise they bring, in turn, is good news for our animals.

"A veterinarian will come up with a case, something they're having a hard time diagnosing. Or maybe they don't have the facilities for treating something unusual," says Dr. Joe King, who manages the Veterinary Referral Center of North Texas, a Dallas-based veterinary specialty group.

"Sometimes they'll refer the treatment of something they'll see seven-eight cases of a year, but the specialist here will see seven-eight such cases a day."

King says the idea for the Referral Center grew in the mid-90s, when a few of the area's veterinary specialists -- in ophthalmology, dermatology, radiology, internal medicine and surgery -- wanted to work together in a single location.

The center is unusual in that it's not a specialty group practice, but rather five distinct businesses under the same roof. But its founding is indicative of a larger demand for specialized care that has seen specialty practices develop in most urban centers. Before the growth in demand, veterinary specialists were found primarily in schools, colleges of veterinary medicine or in a couple of long-established mega-hospitals such as New York City's world-renowned Animal Medical Center.

King says veterinarians have generally been accepting of specialty care. "They all know their limitations. An ophthalmologist knows more about the eye than a general practitioner. The specialist is an extension of a general practice."

That higher level of care is increasingly what pet lovers demand for their pets, no matter the cost. "A lot of times it's not an economic decision," says Dr. Susan O'Neal, an internal medicine specialist at the Referral Center. "For 90 percent of my clients, the decision is all about quality of life for their pets."

For me, it's 100 percent about quality of life for my pets. Which is why I have on occasion taken my pets to specialists, and why I'm very comfortable with a "primary care" veterinarian who's willing to admit what he doesn't know and will help me find the resources I need to make the right decisions for my animals.

Although Ben's infection certainly didn't require the expertise of a specialist, it did give me the chance to meet the young veterinarian who'll now be the backup to our longtime favorite. I'm glad to find another veterinarian who already knows that it's not what you know that makes you good at your job, but knowing what you don't know, and how to find the answers. With veterinary specialists at the standby, my pets have never been in better hands.

SPECIALISTS WORK HARD FOR EXTRA CREDENTIALS

Veterinary specialists fall into two general categories: Those who specialize in a kind of medicine, such as surgery, and those who specialize in a particular species or related group of species, such as birds.

Among those in the first category are certified specialists in behavior, cardiology, dentistry, dermatology, emergency and critical care, internal medicine, neurology, oncology, ophthalmology and surgery. You can also find veterinarians who specialize in alternative care, such as acupuncture.

Species-specific certified specialists include those certified in avian, feline and combination feline and canine care.

Most specialties require additional years of study and the passing of extremely difficult tests, or boards, hence the origin of the terms "boarded" or "board-certified" in describing a specialist.

Information on all traditional veterinary specialists can be found on the American Veterinary Medical Associations Web site (www.avma.org) by clicking on the link to "Veterinary Specialty Organizations." For alternative veterinary specialists, visit the site of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (www.ahvma.org).

THE SCOOP

Must-have reference to pet medications

Dr. Debra Eldredge is a veterinarian, dog trainer and writer, with plenty of experience in both caring for animals and in explaining proper care to their owners. Her "Pills for Pets: The A-Z Guide to Drugs and Medications for Your Animal Companion" ($15, Citadel Press) is a no-nonsense, easy-to-use guide to both prescription and over-the-counter medications commonly used in the treatment of dogs, cats, birds, rabbits and more.

The first part of the book covers basic care for all pets, from choosing a veterinarian to recognizing emergencies to understanding the categories of medications. Eldredge's advice on birds, rabbits, pocket pets and exotics is very lean indeed, but she does far better with the more common dogs and cats. Still, there's just not enough room to do such a broad topic as overall pet care justice in so few pages, and pet lovers would be far better served in the veterinary area with a reference specifically on veterinary care for a single species.

The bulk of the book alphabetically breaks down drugs used in veterinary medicine, and here is where "Pills for Pets" shines as a reference. Identified both by their generic and brand names, medications are described by the work they do. Routine doses for various pets are given, along with risk factors and side effects.

Eldredge's writing easily conveys what can at times be complex information with no sense of dumbing down the text or talking down to her readers.

"Pills for Pets" should not be the only reference on a pet lover's shelf, but it certainly deserves to be one of a handful of basic books in a reference library that will help keep any pet in good shape, while saving time and money for pet lovers.

Q: I would like your input to pass on to a friend who recently told me she was planning to get a puppy for her almost 3-year-old son. Her son, who is adorable and sweet, is quite rambunctious with her cat, not to mention that the puppy would be regularly left home alone for up to 10 hours each day.

I tried to encourage her to adopt an adult dog from our local SPCA, one that is already house-trained and good with kids. -- P.W.

Your instincts are right on the money: Very few working parents with rambunctious 3-year-olds are in any position to take on the added responsibility of raising a puppy. Too many people think there's nothing cuter than a baby animal for their young child, but the shelters are full of the results of such bad decision-making.

While your idea of her finding a sensible older dog is a good one if she insists on getting another pet now, I'd prefer to see her wait until her son is older. Too often, very young children are rough on pets, not understanding that their "rambunctious" behavior hurts their pets. When they get to be 7, 8 or older, they are more capable of handling pets respectfully and carefully -- and of helping with the animals' care.

Also, please tell your friend that at the age her son is now, all the responsibility for pet care will be hers. By waiting a few years, she will be able to count on her son to help, although the final responsibility for pet care always remains with the parent.

Q: Cataracts have consumed my 10-year-old dog. Although it affects her, she stills sees well enough to get around at home. What is your experience with dogs having cataract surgery? I am concerned about anesthesia at her age, and I wonder if it will improve her quality of life. -- R.O.

A: Anesthesia for older pets is much safer than it used to be, as long as you take your veterinarian's advice on presurgical screening such as blood work and a chest radiograph. These tests will help your veterinarian to spot (and possibly correct) any health issues before surgery.

As for the quality of life your dog will have with improved vision ... it's difficult to say. I have known more than a few blind dogs, and I know that they do very well without vision. After all, dogs don't need to drive or read the mail. As long as their owners look out for them, keep them on leash, don't move the furniture, etc., most blind dogs adapt quickly and are as happy as they've ever been.

On the other hand, I've known people who have opted for surgery for their pets and been extremely happy with the outcome. Talk to a specialist about pros, cons and expectations. With all the information in hand, you will be able to make the decision that's right for your dog.

Q: I have a great, loving dog. She's a German shepherd/golden retriever mix, 9-years-old, who sheds a lot. It's becoming a problem because she's an indoor dog. Any advice? -- H.N.

A: Pre-emptive grooming! You have a combination of two high-shedding breeds, so it's no surprise your dog drops coat like a Christmas tree drops needles after New Year. A vigorous going-over with a shedding blade -- a grooming tool that's a loop of steel with teeth, attached to a handle -- once or twice a day will strip out most of the ready-to-be-shed coat before it can fall in your house. Follow with a softer brush to catch the remainder and sweep up the mess before you and your dog go back inside.

ON THE WEB

Help in picking a purebred

Michele Welton is the author of one of my favorite breed-selection books, "Your Purebred Puppy: A Buyer's Guide" ($16, Owl Books), now in a revised second edition. I like the book because it's brutally honest about what's not flattering about the breeds, helping anyone who's considering a purebred dog to get beyond the pretty face.

Welton has a Web site, too, Your Purebred Puppy: Advice You Can Trust (www.yourpurebredpuppy.com), with information on 188 breeds, as well as sections on how to choose a reputable breeder (a must if you're shopping for a purebred) and on why a mixed-breed dog may in fact be as good a choice (if not better).

Most of her Web pages try to steer you into purchasing her latest electronic books, but even with the tiresome sales pitches the site offers plenty of free information that will be of great help if you're in the market for a dog.

PET TAILS

The green, green grass of home

My husband and I are big NASCAR fans, so when the series came to Infineon we knew we had to be there. There was no way were we going to leave behind Muffin, our 4-pound Maltese, though.

We decided to rent an RV, tow our car behind it and camp out at the track. Once there, we discovered a problem: Muffin wouldn't do her business in the dead grass where we were camping. She'd used nice green grass her whole life, and she wasn't about to change that now.

After a while we decided we'd have to take her to find some live grass. So we got in the car and headed to nearby Sonoma, Calif., where we found a patch of green grass that was to her liking. Problem solved for now, but we didn't want to be heading into town all weekend long so Muffin could go potty.

Then it hit us: We could buy a roll of sod! We went to the home-improvement center and spent a couple of bucks on fresh green sod. Once back at the RV, we unrolled it on the dead grass just outside the door.

Finally, Muffin had a potty zone she found acceptable. It looked pretty strange, a long rectangle of green against the yellow-brown field, but it worked just fine.

When we rolled for home, we left the sod behind on the ground. It had served its purpose, and it wasn't litter -- it was biodegradable! -- S.K., Sacramento, Calif.

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PETS BY THE NUMBERS

FISH FANS

In a 2002 survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Assoc., fish-keepers came up with plenty of reasons why they loved their finned friends. (Multiple answers were allowed.)

Reason Percentage

Fun to watch 87

Appearance 78

Stress relief 72

Quiet 53

Conversation piece 47

Easy to maintain 45

Hobby 45

Inexpensive 41

Good for children 34

Educational 26

Good for my health 22

Enjoy designing tank systems 12

Other 10

Breed for money 5

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 petconnection@gmail.com. You can also read her frequently updated Web log or view her column archives at www.spadafori.com.

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

Love of rabbits evident in shelter dedicated to these often-neglected animals

The brown-patched rabbit hasn't a clue what this is all about. He sits nibbling hay in a stainless-steel cage, in a room like the one in the shelter he came from, where most rabbits are killed because there aren't enough homes.

But this place is different. Housed in a former medical office building in Richmond, Calif., the House Rabbit Society runs the world's only shelter dedicated solely to finding homes for unwanted rabbits while educating people about proper pet rabbit care.

"With the rising popularity of rabbits as pets has come a rise in the number of rabbits euthanized," says Erin Williams, the shelter director. Young, enthusiastic and very rabbit-savvy, Williams started as a volunteer and ended up as one of the shelter's three part-time paid staff members, taking over the top spot a little more than a year ago.

Coming to the rabbit shelter is a stroke of luck for the brown-patched rabbit, whose story up to now has been sadly similar to that of thousands like him. Purchased as a fuzzy baby by someone who didn't understand or care about his needs, he was ignored, neglected, and finally dumped on a humane society that already had more rabbits than homes.

His life took a decidedly promising turn when he was brought to the rabbit shelter, where he will now be staying for as long as it takes to find him the right home.

"We have rabbits who have been here more than a year and others adopted two days after their arrival," says Williams. "Since we opened in 1999, we've adopted out 350 rabbits."

Williams acknowledges the numbers are small compared to the need. That's why the building's other use -- for education and outreach -- is probably more important in the long run to the goal of preventing people from taking on pets they aren't prepared to care for properly. The building has meeting rooms for classes, and the shelter is open for tours.

The international headquarters of the House Rabbit Society is also housed in the same facility, as are retail areas for the boarding, grooming and the sale of rabbit supplies that add funds to the donations and adoption fees keeping the shelter running. In addition to its Richmond headquarters and shelter, the HRS has 32 chapters and more than 10,000 members worldwide. The group's message is a simple one: Rabbits make great companions when kept indoors as a member of the family, just like a cat or a dog.

The rabbit shelter does not accept pets given up directly by their owners, but rather takes in those animals whose time has run out at traditional shelters in the area. In all, there's room for about 30 to 35 rabbits, with another 40 or so cared for in foster homes. Small rabbits with attractive markings tend to be adopted quickly, says Williams. The most difficult to place, she says, are large white rabbits with pink eyes -- people just don't like the looks of them.

While the isolation room where incoming bunnies first stay looks typically shelter-like, with its stacked cages, the rest of the place does not. Rabbits up for adoption are housed in spacious pens with plenty of toys and are given play time every day in the carpeted hallways of the building.

The playful and friendly nature of free-roaming rabbits may come as a surprise to many visitors, but it's just that change of mind the shelter staff and volunteers work for every day.

"We've had people come back and say, 'I never realized how incredibly rewarding it could be to have a rabbit as a pet,'" says Williams. "When you give them a chance, rabbits exceed the expectations of your childhood memories, when it was all about a forgotten rabbit in a backyard hutch."

(For more information on the House Rabbit Society, visit www.rabbit.org.)

Q&A

Stress a factor in grooming cat

Q: We recently saw a longhaired cat whose owner (a friend of a friend) had him shaved short by a professional groomer. We were thinking it would be a good idea for our two Persians, who shed a lot and also mat very easily. What's your opinion of this? -- H.B., via e-mail

A: My only real concern would be about the stress of a trip to the groomer on cats who haven't been subjected to it before. Are your cats comfortable with outings, or do they get upset at the mere site of their carriers? If you intend to keep them close-cropped, they need to be comfortable with going to the groomer, or you need to learn how to groom them at home with a minimum of stress for you and for them.

Aside from the stress factor, there's no reason why longhaired cats kept indoors can't be kept clipped short. (I don't recommend it, however, for cats who'll be outdoors in a cold climate.) Clipping will make maintaining your cats' coats easier, but it won't eliminate shedding, since even short hairs do fall out.

There is one situation in which I'm always in favor of a buzz cut: When animals have been allowed to become extremely matted. Teasing apart the tangles on a badly matted pet is hard on both animal and human, and it's easier to shave off the entire coat and start fresh.

Q: Why does my dog, a 9-year-old poodle, eat grass? This grass-eating occurs without a detectable pattern. -- D.M., via e-mail

A: Although commonly believed to be the activity of a pet with an upset stomach, grass-eating is routine in perfectly healthy dogs of all ages, sizes and on all sorts of diets. Eating grass doesn't suggest something's missing in the diet, nor does it necessarily prompt vomiting. The best explanation is that some dogs like the taste and texture of grass.

Among my four dogs, the division seems pretty typical. One is a voracious grass-eater; two others will occasionally eat grass but usually only young, green shoots. The fourth has absolutely no interest in eating grass. They're all different ages, breed types and genders, and they've eaten different diets over the years with no change in their grass-eating habits.

If your dog is otherwise healthy, grass-eating is no need for concern. I would avoid using pesticides or herbicides in the areas where your dog grazes, however.

Q: Could I add a suggestion to your column on keeping cats from scratching? My cat was a major furniture-scratcher who wasn't interested in scratching posts or any other product designed for felines.

I found a wonderful solution quite by accident. I brought home a new doormat, one of those rough fiber ones. She loves it! Scratching on it is the first thing she does when she goes out the door and the last thing she does before coming in. I also bought one and put it in the spare room for her to use. It solved my problem and also blends in a little better than a traditional cat tree or scratching post. These mats are very affordable and can be purchased at any hardware or discount retailer. -- J.J., via e-mail

A: Thanks for your suggestion. Other folks wrote in to suggest using clear plastic wrap on the corners of furniture, and offering corrugated cardboard for scratching instead of (or in addition to) sisal -- or carpet-covered scratching posts.

Each pet is an individual, and sometimes you just have to keep experimenting to find out what works.

PET Rx

Vaccines changing along with the times

The cornerstone of proper preventive medical care for dogs used to be yearly shots. That's no longer true.

Newer recommendations instead suggest an approach to vaccines tailored to the individual needs of each dog, with some boosters to be given at three-year intervals, some as needed and some not at all.

The driving force behind the changes is an understanding that many vaccines protect well beyond one year, and that vaccines themselves were not without the potential to cause harm. Last year, an American Animal Hospital Association task force presented a 28-page report that divided available vaccines into "core" and "non-core" categories and offered guidelines for their use in adult dogs.

According to the AAHA's task force, "core" vaccines recommended at three-year intervals include those for rabies, canine parvovirus, canine adenovirus-2 (hepatitis) and distemper. These diseases are considered to be extremely dangerous to animals (or to humans, in the case of rabies), and the vaccines have been shown to be effective.

The use of non-core vaccines depends on such factors as the lifestyle of the dog and the prevalence of a certain disease in the area. A dog who is going to spend time around other dogs may need to have protection against bordetella, contagious disease more commonly known as kennel cough.

Other vaccinations are not recommended by the task force, either because they have not been shown to be effective, or because the disease they protect against is either uncommon or easily treatable.

The recommendations are for adult dogs. Puppies must still go through a series of vaccinations to develop sufficient immunity to disease.

The bottom line: Talk to your veterinarian about what combination of vaccines is right for your dog. And don't skip your dog's annual examination just because you'll be skipping those yearly "shots."

(Pet Rx is provided by the Veterinary Information Network (VIN.com), an online service for veterinary professionals. More information can be found at www.veterinarypartner.com.)

ON THE WEB

Get the facts on the Jack

What most people call a Jack Russell, the American Kennel Club now calls a Parson Russell. But things haven't changed on the Jack Russell Terrier Club of America's Web site (www.terrier.com). As feisty and independent as the dogs they adore, the club's members note that the "JRTCA is not affiliated in any way with the American Kennel Club (AKC)," with the word "not" in capital, bold-faced letters. You can almost hear them yell, "And we mean it!"

The site is one of the best devoted to any breed: well-organized, easy-to-navigate, quick to load and utterly jam-packed with great information on the breed. Best areas on the site are those seeking to discourage ownership of this intelligent and energetic breed. The "Jack Russell Profiler" rates people on their suitability for the breed, and "The Bad Dog Talk: I Am Not 'Wishbone'" lists every undesirable trait TV dogs never have -- but Jack Russells usually do.

The Jack Russell is one of those adorable, smart breeds that most people admire but few are capable of handling. If you're thinking of adding one of these scrappy darlings to your family, the JRTCA's Web site will give you plenty to read and even more to think about.

THE SCOOP

Vest offers protection for dogs

The crisp fall evenings may seem perfect for walking with your dog, but it may not be the safest time to be on the street. When drivers can't see you in the dark, you and your dog are at risk. Reflective leashes and collars help increase canine visibility, as do reflective runner's vests for the human half of the team.

To make outdoor activity safer, K9 Top Coat has come out with a stylish dog vest in bright safety orange Lycra with reflective strips. I tried one on my jet-black retriever Heather, who disappears in the dark, and found the product easy to put on and remove and highly visible even from a couple of hundred feet away. The stretch fabric fit well and moved comfortably with her no matter how active she became.

The vest is $36.50 in all sizes not including shipping from K9 Top Coat (www.K9topcoat.com; 888-833-5959.)

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Where pet birds stay when you fly

Professional pet-care has long been an option for dogs and cats, but few bird-lovers use boarding or pet-sitting services when they travel.

TRAVEL CARE FOR BIRDS ... PERCENTAGE

Family/friend/neighbor comes to home ... 53

Leave bird with family/friend/neighbor ... 17

Leave bird home alone with food/water... 13

Take birds along ... 4

Board bird ... 1

Professional pet sitter ... 1

Other/no answer ... 10

Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association Inc.

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 petconnection@gmail.com. You can also read her frequently updated Web log or view her column archives at www.spadafori.com.

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