In the last two decades, the number of organized competitions for dogs and their owners has seen incredible growth in terms of the number of events, participants and the number of sports.

Dog sports are good both for dogs and their people, providing better communication between species, an outlet for canine energy and plenty of fresh-air exercise for all. Most dog sports are family-friendly, encouraging youngsters to compete as well. There's a dog sport these days for everyone and for every dog.

In the months to come, I'll be taking an occasional look at each of the dozens of dog sports, telling you what you need to know to get started.

First up: dog shows.

What seems to be the easiest of canine competitions is in fact one of the most difficult in which to be successful. It's a lot harder than simply trotting a dog around in a circle for a judge, as it may appear to the outside observer.

Dog shows are supposed to be about evaluating breeding stock, with the goal of preserving and improving the dog breeds involved. But over the years the sport has become a high-stakes and high-cost endeavor that's perhaps the most difficult of all canine competitions for beginners to break into successfully.

Even if you have a "show quality" dog with no disqualifying or major problems in appearance, winning is tough. Getting a dog to look his best in the ring is a subtle art that's difficult to master. In many breeds, the work of getting a dog groomed for the show ring takes years to learn. And then there's the final hurdle to winning: Dog shows are one of few competitions of any kind where beginning handlers compete in the same classes with experienced amateurs and polished professionals.

So how do you start? While technically you can enter any registered purebred in any show recognized by that registry -- in most cases, we're talking about the American Kennel Club -- in fact, you won't get very far if you do.

Your dog must match up favorably to the ideal of his breed, called "the standard." Judges mentally compare each dog to the standard, choosing the one who most closely conforms to their vision of a "perfect" dog. Top handlers know how to emphasize a dog's best attributes and minimize his weakest in how they groom him and move him in the ring.

Typically, people who develop an interest in showing start competing seriously with a dog specifically chosen for the animal's competitive prospects. Many times a beginner will co-own a show dog with the breeder: It's a way to get a foot in the door while allowing a breeder to be assured of your good intentions.

A reputable, competitive breeder is the key to entrée in this sport, which relies heavily on mentoring for its infusions of fresh blood. A top breeder will be able to school you on correct grooming (for you and the dog), on how to understand what's going on in the ring and how to show your dog to best advantage.

The first rung of competition is for championships, and it's conducted in the breed ring, where dogs of the same breed compete against each other for championship points. Dogs who are already champions compete against other winners, with the best of each breed going on to challenge other best-of-breed dogs at the semifinal, or "group" level, and finally for best in show.

It'll be hard to get there without a mentor to help. So if you're interested in showing, you'll need to start off with some background knowledge. Then go to the shows, and network in your breed to find someone willing to help you. They're out there -- but in the clubby, tradition-bound and competitive world of dog shows, it will take some time to find yours.

But with the assistance of a show veteran, usually in a co-ownership agreement, you'll be bringing home the ribbons soon enough.

SIDEBAR

Getting started: Where to get help

For more information on showing your dog:

-- The American Kennel Club (www.akc.org) is the governing body for the majority of dog shows in the United States. The group offers information on sanctioned competitions on its Web site, in books such as "The Complete Dog Book" (Ballantine, $35) and in its magazine, the AKC Gazette. The AKC also provides contact information on breed clubs to help you find dog-show competitors and handling classes in your area.

-- The dog-books publisher and retailer Dogwise (www.dogwise.com, 800-776-2665) offers a wide selection of materials on all aspects of canine competitions. For showing, check out titles such as Lynn Hall's "Dog Showing for Beginners" ($20) and D. Caroline Coile's "Show me! A Dog-Showing Primer" ($13).

-- The InfoDog Web site (www.infodog.com) is where dog-show folks go to find show schedules and enter dogs in upcoming competitions. Click on "show information" to find the calendar listings.

Q&A

Ramps, stairs help older pets cope

Q: I live with three older dogs: two 10-year-old littermates and one old dog who was a rescue. The owners claimed he was 5 when they gave him up, but according to his veterinarian, he is probably closer to 15.

The old guy has trouble getting on the couch, frequently failing to make it. Where do I find stairs for him? I know that would help. The other dogs are taller than he is, and their longer legs are helpful in getting up on the couch. -- P.C., via e-mail

A: Few things so perfectly reflect the changing attitudes we have about pets as the kind of questions I get about couches. It used to be that the majority of questions regarding furniture were about how to keep pets off. Many people still don't want to share their furniture with their pets, but more and more I'm getting questions like yours.

The pet-supply market has moved with the times, of course, and you'll find plenty of items geared toward helping older pets. Pick up a copy of any dog magazine and flip back to the advertisements. You'll surely find a couple of manufacturers of small stairs or ramps to help pets onto furniture. I also found a surprisingly large selection of handsome indoor stairs and ramps from the catalog retailers Doctors Foster & Smith (www.drfostersmith.com, 800-381-7179) and J-B Wholesale Pet Supplies (www.jbpet.com, 800-526-0388).

You'll also find stairs and ramps for more than just furniture. When my sweet retriever Ben was in his final decline, he couldn't jump into the van. At 80 pounds, he was more than I could lift comfortably, so I looked for a ramp. I found several lightweight plastic models that were quick to use and could telescope into a smaller size for easy storage.

After Ben died, I took the ramp out of the van and put it in the garage. All the dogs I have now are capable of jumping up into the vehicle, but I know I'll have need of that ramp again, with Heather closing in on 10 years old and me getting even less capable of lifting a big dog.

Of course, if you're handy -- or know someone who is -- it's not difficult to make ramps and stairs at little cost. My neighbor John put together a ramp down the back stairs for Ben with little more than a few dollars' worth of scrap lumber and carpet. After Ben died, I left the ramp in place because all the dogs seemed to prefer it to the stairs.

Inside or out, ramps and stairs just make life easier for our pets -- and our backs!

Old age and birds

Q: Do birds get arthritis? I ask because my 16-year-old cockatiel seems to favor one leg on chilly mornings. Is there anything I can do? -- D.W., via e-mail

A: Birds can and do have problems with their joints as they age. "Arthritis" is a general term for any inflammatory problem within a joint, and the condition could have several causes.

A bird who's consistently lame or who has swelling at the joints should be checked out by a veterinarian with experience in avian medicine. Caught early and properly diagnosed, arthritis may be treatable. Another reason to see an avian veterinarian: Some forms of arthritis, such as gout or infection in the joints, can even be life-threatening.

Because birds are so good at hiding signs of illness until it's almost too late to help them, the best thing any bird lover can do for a pet is to schedule annual "well-bird" checkups to help spot and treat problems before they become worse.

(Do you have a pet question? Send it to petconnection@gmail.com.)

PET RX

No easy cure for ear woes

Veterinarians call chronic inflammations of the external ear canal "otitis externa." Caused by bacteria, yeast, ear mites or allergies, these painful problems are one of the top reasons people take their pets to the veterinarian.

The key to getting on top of an ear infection is proper diagnosis by a veterinarian and a commitment to follow-through on the part of the pet lover. Follow-up care is especially important, because it can take dedicated daily attention for weeks to get ear problems cleared up for good.

Home care after the veterinary visit will likely involve thorough cleaning of the ear canal at prescribed intervals, followed by regular application of medication. Squirt the cleaning solution deep into the canal, massaging the base of the ear gently to work it in further. Use a cotton ball soaked in cleaner -- not a swab -- to collect debris. Follow with a dry cotton ball.

Your veterinarian can show you the proper technique for cleaning ears and applying medication. Be sure to ask if you're not sure what to do.

(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.)

PETS ON THE WEB

Feline advice from top vets

The Cornell Feline Health Center has been an influential source of innovation and advice when it comes to caring for cats. The center's Web site (www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc) offers both basic and cutting-edge information for cat lovers looking to provide the best care possible.

The heart of the site is the collection of articles covering topics ranging from house-soiling and aggression to diabetes and senior cat care. Each article provides detailed advice written in a straightforward, easy-to-understand style that doesn't get into too much jargon. The piece on the risks and benefits of vaccinations is especially thorough and helpful in explaining the controversies and concerns of recent years.

The center also offers consultations with staff veterinarians, for a $55 fee, and has various items in its online store, including the notable "Cornell Book of Cats" ($35, including shipping).

PET TIP

Minimize the stress of moving with pets

Moving is stressful for any family, and the addition of a worried dog or frightened cat can increase that stress enormously. What can you do to ensure things go smoothly for your four-legged family members?

Before you start packing up the china, your pets will probably know something is up and will start acting out. Cats may decide this is the perfect time to disappear for a few days, and dogs may suddenly decide to relive the happy days of puppyhood by eating your shoes.

Prior to the move, start keeping your cats indoors. Consider closing them in one room, even if it's for a week or more. That way, they won't slip out in the confusion of packing or loading up the moving van, or just out of anxiety. Be extra vigilant with your dog, too.

The morning of the move, put cats and dogs into carriers or crates. This way they are safe and out of the way. A large dog crate with a litter box and water is ideal as a temporary room for a cat, but a cat's regular carrier will be fine if that's what you have. Confined and stressed dogs will benefit from something to chew, such as a hard rubber toy stuffed with treats.

Upon arriving in the new place, get your cats settled in a secure place, with familiar furniture or objects in the room, and close them in safely. Although it's safest for cats to live indoors, if you do intend to let them outside, begin by keeping them inside for several days. This allows them to adjust to their new home.

The key to a successful move with pets is planning. Get them squared away before chaos descends. Strangers moving furniture, putting everything in boxes and leaving doors open can be a recipe for disaster. Moving is stressful enough without losing your family pet as well. -- Christie Keith, pethobbyist.com

BY THE NUMBERS

Hello, Doctor!

Dogs spend more time at the veterinarian than cats or birds do. That's according to a 2004 survey of pet lovers, which also revealed the total money spent at the veterinarian was higher for canine companions. In a year's time:

Percent who went to veterinarian

Dog 88 percent

Cat 63 percent

Bird 15 percent

Average number of veterinary visits

Dog 2.8

Cat 2.3

Bird 2

Average annual routine (non-surgical) expenses

Dog $211

Cat $179

Bird $71

Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association

THE SCOOP

Molting normal in springtime

With spring just a month away, many pet birds are getting ready to go through a big change. Worn feathers will be replaced with shiny new ones.

Birds are fastidious in caring for their feathers, but eventually a bird's body switches into replacement mode, and old feathers start falling. Molting happens typically once or twice a year, generally in the spring and fall, when the rapid lengthening or shortening of the days triggers the change.

The words "sitting duck" apply perfectly to a bird who has lost all flight feathers at once -- which is why nature doesn't work that way. These key feathers are usually dropped only one or two at a time. Many birds molt their flight feathers symmetrically: The same one or two flight feathers that are missing on one wing will be missing on the other.

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

Not long ago I answered a question from a couple whose four cats were sick, all with similar symptoms. The couple had guessed the cats had worms, and they wanted to know how soon before an over-the-counter medication could be re-administered. A veterinarian hadn't been consulted because finances were tight.

I advised them to ask around shelters and rescue groups for suggestions on finding a veterinarian who'd work with the couple on costs, and to take at least one of the cats in for a diagnosis. Without knowing what the problem was, I argued, worming the cats was a waste of time and money, and likely wasn't helping them.

Fair enough, and no complaints on that part of the advice. But then I suggested that when time finally took one or two of the cats, the couple set their total number of pets at what they could afford to care for. It's better to care properly for one or two cats, I wrote, than to offer inadequate care to four.

For this reasoning, I heard from quite a few readers. Most pointed out that the couple were indeed caring for their cats -- the animals were fed, neutered and out of the cold. The care they got was "better than nothing," argued one reader, who chided me for not being kinder to a couple struggling to keep as many pets as possible.

Here, I have to make a distinction between household pets and feral cats. I know many people who are caretakers for colonies of wild, free-roaming cats. These often-controversial efforts are about keeping the number of cats down and alleviating as much suffering as possible. For these essentially wild animals, neutering and feeding is often about the best you can do.

But once you take an animal into your home as a pet, I believe you must be prepared to provide decent care. That includes shelter and sustenance, as well as the basics of preventive care, such as vaccines and heartworm medication.

The responsibility of caring for a pet must also include working with a veterinarian when the animal is sick.

If you can afford to provide adequate care for only one pet, you shouldn't choose less-than-minimal care for more. Where do you draw the line? I've no doubt those people who end up overwhelmed by a house stuffed to the rafters with cats started out with just a handful. Most people who end up with dozens or even hundreds of starving, sick pets -- in the humane community they're called "hoarders" -- are firm in their convictions that they "love" their animals.

But love is not enough, and neither are good intentions.

I would like everyone who wants a pet to be able to enjoy the companionship of an animal. I wouldn't be writing this column if I didn't believe that people benefit from having animals in their lives -- an idea backed up by countless studies.

But I also believe the road goes both ways, and it's not right to take without giving. We have a responsibility to provide for those animals we take into our lives. One pet or a dozen, we must resist the temptation that substandard care is better than nothing at all.

Reasonable people can disagree on what those minimal standards of care should be. But we should all agree that denying veterinary attention to a suffering pet in your care is not acceptable.

SIDEBAR

Keeping pets in can save money

In the veterinarian's shorthand, it's HBC (hit by car). These accidents are as common as they are expensive, and often, as deadly.

One of the best ways to keep veterinary costs down is also the easiest: Prevent accidents by keeping cats inside and by containing dogs with fences and leashes. Keeping pets from roaming will also protect them against poisoning (accidental or deliberate) and from fights with other animals. When finances are tight -- and even when they're not -- keeping pets restrained is probably the one biggest factor you can control that will spare you from paying for expensive veterinary care.

Accidents can cost hundreds or even thousands to treat, but of course it's not just about the money. Protecting your pet from injury is one way to help you keep your pet's companionship for years to come.

Q&A

No shortage of adult cats

Q: We are looking for two kittens to adopt. We are having trouble finding what we want. We don't want to pay breeder prices, and the shelter doesn't seem to have much selection. We are looking for two kittens from the same litter. We would like black-and-white "tuxedo" markings on one of them. Do you have any suggestions? -- A.N., via e-mail

A: Prime kitten season is a few months away yet, peaking in late summer. By August most shelters will be swimming in kittens, with seemingly endless choices when it comes to coat type and markings. Too many kittens, really, because each year many more kittens will be born than can possibly be adopted. (Which is one reason why the constant effort of humane and animal-rescue groups to spay and neuter pets is so important.)

At this point, you have two main choices: Adopt a pair of adult cats, or wait until the shelter selection is larger later this year if you want two kittens from the same litter. If you don't mind cats who are not siblings, you could also adopt an adult cat now and a kitten or cat later.

The choice is yours, of course. But my advice is to seriously consider adopting a bonded pair of adult cats. Shelters always have a difficult time placing adult cats, and placing bonded pairs is harder still. But since you want to end up with two siblings, adopting adult littermates who are already comfortable with each other seems to me to be the perfect solution. If you're really interested in adopting siblings, I have no doubt you can find that in a bonded pair of adult cats. Just check around with area shelters and rescue groups.

How dry I am

Q: Our house is on the dry side even though we run a humidifier in winter. My cat's skin has been extremely dry. Is there something I can do to eliminate this massive white dander he is scratching out? -- P.T., via e-mail

A: I wouldn't be so certain the low humidity in your house is causing the problem. After all, cats are descended from desert-dwelling creatures, and low humidity alone shouldn't cause a massive amount of flakiness.

See your veterinarian to determine what's causing your pet's skin to be so flaky.

By the way, other pets do have a problem with the dry air of the modern home, most notably birds. Many species of pet parrots originally came from hot, humid environments. For these, dry air presents a problem and may contribute to feather-picking. That's why parrots need to be offered frequent opportunities to get damp, such as by being misted or being allowed to bathe.

Jumping pup

Q: Would you pass another idea along to the owners of the dog who jumps the baby gate?

There's no need to pay for an extra-high gate, which can be hard to find. They could do as we did: Get two cheapo gates exactly alike and fasten one to the top of the other.

My husband used metal bands and tightened them in several places. It worked perfectly, and the gate is eye-high to me (I'm 5 feet, 5 inches). We've used this strategy successfully for many years now. -- S.S., via e-mail

Never underestimate the ability of pet lovers to come up with all sorts of solutions for all kinds of challenges!

Other ideas from readers for keeping high-jumping little dogs out of trouble included canine exercise pens with lids, baby playpens modified with soft mesh material across the top and, as mentioned in an earlier column, an interior screen door. Thanks for all the suggestions!

(Do you have a pet question? Send it to petconnection@gmail.com.)

THE SCOOP

Lively terriers remain popular

Terriers are tireless, plucky and stylish, equally comfortable in city, suburban or rural homes. Even small terriers are generally sturdy enough to be a child's pet, but their take-charge attitude can be a problem if they are not socialized and trained. If allowed to rule the roost, some of these dynamos can become little despots.

Other common behavior problems come straight from the terrier's background: They dig and they bark. Both are important skills for a dog trying to rid a place of vermin, but not so appreciated in a suburban back yard. Some terriers may get a little glassy-eyed and drooly over the presence of rodents in the house -- you may call hamsters, gerbils, rats and mice "pets," but you'll never convince a terrier they belong. Terriers may also be less than civil to other dogs.

The most popular terrier in the American Kennel Club rankings is the miniature schnauzer (or the Yorkshire terrier, if you count the breed as a terrier rather than a toy dog). Other popular terriers include the West Highland white, Scottish and Jack Russell (also known as Parson Russell), and the cairn. Terrier owners need a high tolerance for mischief and a good sense of humor, because their dogs will test both.

PET BUY

Pendant contains unique material

A display of jewelry caught my eye at a recent pet show. The pendants were pretty enough to draw me to the booth, where the saleswoman explained that they were more than eye-catching: Each of them contained a sample of an animal's DNA. You couldn't prove it by me, so I'll take the company's word for it.

The Life Jewel pendant is meant to be a wearable memorial to a cherished pet, with the animal's DNA spun onto a sterling silver thread and then suspended into the buyer's choice of 12 colors of resin.

The company says the DNA isn't preserved in a way suitable for potential cloning and isn't meant to be anything more than a way to keep the memory of a pet alive. DNA samples can be taken from a blood or hair sample, or a cheek swab.

The Life Jewel pendant is $55 from www.perpetua.us, or 800-584-2434.

PET Rx

Don't overlook care of teeth, gums in pets

Veterinary associations have made February their month to remind people that pets need healthy teeth, too.

Your veterinarian should check your pet's mouth, teeth and gums as part of an annual physical and make recommendations based on what he or she finds there. For many pets, the next step will be a complete dentistry under anesthesia. The procedure takes 45 minutes to an hour. It involves not only cleaning and polishing the teeth, but also checking for and treating broken or rotting teeth, cavities, abscesses and periodontal disease.

Today's anesthetics are dramatically safer than those of 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 regularly. Use a toothpaste designed for dogs and cats a couple of times a week at least, although daily is better. Don't use toothpaste made for people, because animals don't know how to rinse and spit. Pet toothpastes contain enzymes that help dissolve plaque and can be swallowed. They also have a flavor that pets appreciate.

-- Offer teeth-cleaning toys and consider teeth-cleaning food. Some pet-food companies now offer kibble with a mild abrasive texture to help keep teeth clean, or with ingredients that help keep plaque from forming. Ask your vet about these if tartar buildup is a chronic problem for your pet.

Good dental health will also go a long way toward preventing bad breath in pets. But, more important, it will help with an animal's overall health and comfort.

(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.)

BY THE NUMBERS

My puppy Valentine

It seems some people are not dreaming of getting a puppy as a Valentine's Day gift, but rather wishing their human mates were more like a dog. And their dogs are helping them look for mates! According to the American Kennel Club's recent survey:

-- 25 percent of women polled wished men were in a perennially good mood, like a dog

-- 15 percent of men polled wished women were just as happy to stay home as go out on the town

-- 58 percent of men said a puppy is a foolproof way of meeting women in a park

-- 46 percent of women said they'd stop and talk to anyone with a cute puppy

PETS ON THE WEB

Gecko fans find plenty to love

The Global Gecko Association's Web site (www.gekkota.com) offers care information, photographs, links and merchandise to any fan of these cute little reptiles.

The information can be a little hard to find because many of the listings use the scientific names of the species, not the common ones. If you're looking for a picture of the leopard gecko, you're going to need to know that the scientific name is Eublepharis macularius in order to find it.

The GGA offers a generous selection of useful links and classifieds to help gecko lovers find what they need. For youngsters with a scientific leaning, the site is both fun and educational. There's enough information here to help any young reptile fan with a school report.

Membership in the GGA can be purchased on the site, and it comes with subscriptions to a gecko journal and newsletter, and discounts on other publications.

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

People flip over puppies but, to me, a well-loved older dog is one of the most beautiful creatures on earth. An older dog has a nobleness about him, a look in the eyes that speaks of years of the special love that only a pet can give -- trusting, nonjudgmental and unwaveringly true.

Your dog's health as he ages is not entirely in your control, but you can have a real impact on his attitude. Your dog doesn't know he's getting older. His gray hairs concern him not, nor does he worry about the other visible effects of time -- the thickening of his body, the thinning of his limbs. He doesn't count the number of times he can fetch a ball before tiring and compare that to his performance when he was a young dog in his prime.

A dog lives in the now. Just as he doesn't reflect on his past, he can't imagine his future. Your dog takes his cues from you. When you're upbeat, encouraging and loving, he'll be at his best no matter his age.

This time can be a special one for both of you, and it's up to you to make the most of it.

As your dog ages, increase the frequency and diminish the intensity of his exercise. Instead of taking your dog to the park once a week to chase tennis balls until he's exhausted, take him for a long walk daily. If your dog is having problems with physical activity, talk to your veterinarian. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications may help, as may supplements such as glucosamine or alternative treatments such as acupuncture.

Your dog has no real sense of shame or embarrassment, so he suffers no loss of face if you come up with some ideas to make his life a little easier. I once bought a wagon so an older dog with bad legs could go to the park -- the best part was the harness that let the younger dog pull the load! Truly, the number of ways you can give your oldster a break is limited only by your imagination. Here are a few tips to get you thinking:

-- Beds. Think soft. Think cushioned. Think low. Think heated. Your dog will thank you for all of these thoughts, especially in cold weather.

-- Clothes. Older dogs, like older people, have a more difficult time maintaining their body temperature. This problem is even more pronounced in slender, short-coated breeds like the greyhound or whippet. So check out the sweater selection at your local pet-supply store.

-- Dishes. Raised food and water dishes are helpful to tall dogs of any age, but they are especially easy on the back of an oldster. You can find them at pet-supply stores, or you can make your own booster for your dog's dishes.

-- Ramps and steps. If your dogs are allowed on the couch and the bed, consider buying or building steps to help the dog who can no longer make it in one jump. You wouldn't want to watch TV without your dog at your side, would you? A permanent ramp going down the back-porch step or a slide-out one to help your dog into the car will also be appreciated.

While you're making household adjustments, don't forget to make an appointment for a senior dog checkup. Your veterinarian may recommend some diagnostic tests in addition to a physical examination -- typically bloodwork and an X-ray -- to spot problems early, or to establish a baseline of what's normal for your dog. You should also consider having your dog's teeth attended to, because gum infections and mouth pain will severely affect the comfort and health of your dog.

The senior dog checkup is also a good time to determine if your dog's slowing down means his diet will need to change to take excess weight off his joints.

Helping to keep your older dog healthy and fit will mean his senior years will be happier and more comfortable. And that will be good news for you both.

SIDEBAR

Should a new puppy wait?

Having an old dog makes some people long for a puppy. If you're among them, you want to be as sure as you can be that your older dog will welcome the new addition.

For some older dogs, a puppy is a big boost to the senior's enthusiasm for life. For others, a puppy's energy and attention are enough to make an older dog want to leave home.

In general, older dogs who are still fit and full of life will probably get the most out of a puppy; elderly or severely debilitated dogs will enjoy it least.

If you do add a puppy, don't let your older dog overextend himself, and put the puppy in a crate or behind a baby-gate now and then to give your oldster a break.

Q&A

Tiny greyhounds hard to contain

Q: I just read the inquiry in your column about pet gates from the owner of an 8-month-old Italian greyhound. Would you pass along some invaluable information?

Italian greyhounds can get into more mischief (intentionally and accidentally) than any breed I know of. Unfortunately, some of their antics result in emergency trips to the vet. As for the baby gates, I'd pass on them. These guys can both jump and climb. They have been known to climb 6-foot-tall cyclone fences, and they can easily climb baby gates.

When our Italian greyhound was just a pup, we had the best luck with using an exercise pen with a canvas top that was lashed on well. That's the only thing that worked with our little Houdini.

I still have to keep a close eye on our dog because she is a kitchen counter surfer. She can jump on the kitchen counters with ease like a cat. As a result, we must take care to put away knives and foods, and to make certain the burners are cool before we leave the room. It's a challenge!

There is a Web site called IG Post (www.igpost.com) that offers guidance, support and much more to Italian greyhound owners. I know that everyone thinks that his or her breed is special, but these guys are truly unique in their abilities and needs. I don't think we would have made it through puppyhood without the IG Post. -- S.J., via e-mail

A: Thanks for the information. I heard from a few other Italian greyhound fans as well, including one who suggested mounting a screen door inside to keep a pup from wandering where he shouldn't.

It's true that Italian greyhounds are extremely athletic, fast and agile, and also very delicate. Broken legs are a real problem in this breed, which is why these animals really need owners who'll look out for them. Like their larger relatives the whippet and the greyhound, Italian greyhounds also have difficulty staying warm. In the winter, a dog sweater on any of these breeds is a kindness.

"The Italian Greyhound Nuts and Bolts Book" by Patricia Kelly is a great addition to the library of anyone with one of these dogs. I got a copy as a door prize at a conference a few years ago and was impressed with the thoroughness of this self-published book. You can buy it for $16 from Dogwise (www.dogwise.com).

Babies and cats

Q: My son and daughter-in-law are expecting their first baby in September. They have an indoor, declawed cat.

I have always heard that a cat can suck a baby's breath away because of the milk smell. Is that an old wives' tale? I've never owned a cat, but it seems logical to me. What can they do to keep their cat? I suggested putting a screen door on the baby's room. -- S.C., via e-mail

A: It's an old wives' tale. Cats do not suck the breath from babies. The idea that they do probably stems from cats being around when babies were found dead from what was likely sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS. The idea that the cat was responsible seemed logical then, too, but we know otherwise today.

That said, it's always a good idea to keep an eye on young children and pets. The screen door idea is actually an excellent one that I've suggested before. It allows your son and daughter-in-law to keep their pet out of the nursery when one of them is not in the room, while allowing their pet to get used to the sounds and smells of the infant.

(Do you have a pet question? Send it to petconnection@gmail.com.)

PET TIP

Publications packed with great articles

Every year the Whole Dog Journal comes out with a list of its approved dry dog foods, products that offer high-grade ingredients and natural preservatives. The list grows longer every year, as small companies pop up to satisfy the market for high-end kibble, and more established pet-food manufacturers offer products aimed at this niche.

This year's list is the heart of the February issue. The selections, along with the publication's rationale for choosing them, make for thoughtful reading for any dog lover.

The Whole Dog Journal is $20 for 13 issues, or $16 for the electronic edition only (www.wholedogjournal.com, 800-424-7887).

Another notable publication out with a new issue is the House Rabbit Journal, the quarterly newsletter of the House Rabbit Society.

The organization seeks to raise awareness of proper care for pet rabbits, including education about their suitability as pets for adults. The HRS also runs a rabbits-only shelter in Richmond, Calif.

The journal is an unusually eclectic pet publication. Its current issue has a piece on rabbit-proofing the house along with an article on the stereotypes promulgated by rabbit images in the popular media. It also has success stories from successful adoptions, articles on training, and a commentary against the growing popularity of rabbit meat.

The House Rabbit Journal comes with an $18 annual membership to the House Rabbit Society (www.rabbit.org, 510-970-7575).

PET Rx

Don't worry over a broken feather

Blood feathers, or pinfeathers, are feathers just starting to grow out, covered with waxy sheaths and equipped with a healthy blood supply to support growth.

A broken pinfeather is rarely a life-threatening emergency in an otherwise healthy bird, contrary to popular opinion. If one of these feathers gets accidentally broken, it will most likely clot on its own.

Birds with chronic health problems -- usually involving the liver -- may have clotting problems, and these birds may be predisposed to bleeding problems. Talk to your bird's veterinarian if you have a concern.

Blood feathers are sensitive and seem to itch as they mature, so many birds love to have their incoming feathers scratched by their owners. If you kink or hurt one of these developing feathers, though, you may get a protest from your pet.

(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.)

PET TIP

More exercise may help curtail a digging dog

Are you frustrated with your dog's digging? It's essential to understand what's at the root of the problem before you can come up with a fair approach to minimizing the damage.

Digging is natural for dogs, with any number of triggers driving the activity. Among them:

-- Wanderlust. Some dogs, especially unneutered males, have a strong desire to dig their way out of the yard.

-- Prey drive. Subterranean wildlife is irresistible to some dogs, especially to terriers or terrier mixes.

-- Need for shelter. A well-dug den can keep a dog cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

-- Recreation. Digging is just plain fun.

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

Neutering can greatly reduce the desire to wander, so 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 control pests. And make sure your pet has the shelter he needs to stay comfortable no matter the weather.

Lack of exercise and, again, sheer boredom are often the biggest contributors to this behavior problem. If you make it impossible for your dog to dig -- say by cooping him up in a concrete-floored kennel run -- he may switch to another unwanted behavior such as nonstop barking or self-mutilation. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise every day.

With your dog's needs covered, design your yard for compromise. Make a less-visible part of the yard a dog-friendly free-dig zone, and limit your pet to that area when you can't be there to supervise. Discourage digging in off-limit areas by filling in holes and covering them with chicken wire and large rocks.

BY THE NUMBERS

Biting the Big Apple

The top dogs will soon be in New York City for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, Feb. 13 and 14. All 165 breeds and varieties recognized by the American Kennel Club will be represented at the show. The top 10 entries by breed (note: counts for dachshunds and poodles include all three varieties within the breeds):

Dachshund

Poodle

Samoyed

Cavalier King Charles spaniel

Golden retrievers

Rhodesian ridgeback

Australian shepherd

Chinese crested

Havanese

French bulldog

PETS ON THE WEB

Helping kids love caring for pets

If the How to Love Your Dog Web site (www.loveyourdog.com) seems as if it were put together by someone who loves kids, dogs and helping kids learn how to care for their dogs, it's with good reason. The author, Janet Wall, is a longtime educator who, along with her two therapy dogs, volunteers in a pediatric oncology unit.

Her love of children and animals comes through on every page, along with commonsense advice for children on dog care and training. The most popular page, according to Wall, is the one on trick-training, always fun for kids and dogs alike. More than a dozen tricks are listed, along with instructional video to help understand the steps in training.

For those children who are begging for a dog, Wall helps them to understand that not every home is ready for a dog, and why.

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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