It used to be that carrying a tiny dog in an expensive handbag was the nearly exclusive behavior of aging society matrons. In recent years, the age of high society has drifted downward at least half a century, as women like Paris Hilton have set off a fashion fury with their constant carrying of diminutive canines such as Hilton's own Tinkerbell, a Chihuahua almost as well-known as the heiress herself.

Toy dogs have never been more popular or more fashionable. Cast as furry accessories in the pages of fashion magazines, the smallest dogs are suddenly the biggest trend in pets.

But there are problems with being a must-have accessory for the fashion-forward, and toy dog expert Darlene Arden is happy to list them. Author of "Small Dogs, Big Hearts: A Guide to Caring for Your Little Dog" and a certified behavior expert specializing in small dogs, Arden is an unabashed fan of tiny canines. But she'd also like to stop people who aren't really thinking things through from getting one this holiday season.

"Small dogs are my passion," said Arden, on the phone from her home in the Boston area. "I've had dogs all my life, but there's something special about the little dogs. They bond in a very different way, and they're totally portable companions. The dog to a certain degree understands he depends on you for protection."

The dependence starts long before you ever bring a little dog home, says Arden. The popularity of small dogs means there are lots of clueless and careless people breeding them. At this time of year, reputable breeders are hard to find, but adorable puppies from large-scale breeders (including those hellholes that animal advocacy groups call "puppy mills") and money-driven backyard breeders are everywhere.

Arden says it's important to find the right toy breed and the right breeder, and that may take time. If you don't proceed with caution, she warns, you may end up with a dog with severe health and temperament problems.

"The problem with toy dogs is that they're so small -- think what they're like inside. Part of what's going on now is because the emphasis is on producing ever-smaller dogs," she says. "'Teacup' is a marketing term coined by commercial breeders and backyard breeders, not by reputable breeders. Getting smaller and smaller dogs is NOT what good breeders strive for."

Even if people do get their dog from a reputable source, they can ruin a little dog's attitude by forgetting that their adorable little pet is indeed a dog.

"People truly confuse these dogs with toys," says Arden, "and that's a huge mistake. I blame fashion editors, who feature celebrities carrying dogs as if they were accessories. But they're not bracelets or purses. Other people turn them into child substitutes to the nth degree, dressing them in frilly dresses and Mary Jane shoes.

"You have to realize a dog is another species. You're not doing the dog a favor if you're treating it as if it were a human child," she says, adding that such indulgence can lead to a pet who's anything but a good companion. "There's nothing worse than Cujo in a small package. Socialization and training are so important, because facial bites are not unusual if you end up with a nasty toy dog.

Arden isn't trying to discourage anyone from adopting a small dog, but she does want people to consider all their options before they buy.

"Do a lot of research," she says. "Figure out which toy breed you want, which fits in with how much grooming you're prepared for, how active you are, and how big your dog should be. Find out which health problems exist in the breed. Then go to a dog show, meet with breeders, and ask them what they're doing to eliminate those health problems. You should be able to get a health guarantee to a reasonable age if you're dealing with a reputable breeder."

If you choose well, says Arden, you'll be rewarded with the companionship of a healthy, well-mannered pet for many years, since many toy dogs outlive their larger relatives. Consider those extra years as your reward for choosing the dog who's right for you, instead of choosing what's trendy at the moment.

SIDEBAR

Resources for those who love little dogs

Darlene Arden had already written one of the best reference books on small dogs ever in 1997. "The Irrepressible Toy Dog" celebrated these diminutive dogs and predicted their climb in popularity.

Arden has had a chance to redo her wonderful reference, revising and updating it completely as the new "Small Dogs, Big Hearts: A Guide to Caring for Your Little Dog" ($20, Howell Book House). The book expands on the first one, including more information on health, behavior and training. A must-have for anyone who has or wants a little dog as a companion.

Q&A

Puppies need Time, training

Q: I am 12 years old, and I have a yellow Labrador named Cali. She's 6 months old. I love her so much, but I have to admit she is a bad dog. She chews many things, and she cannot sit still. Whenever guests come in the door, she jumps all over them. She digs in the back yard and gets dirt all over the carpets.

My mom gets very angry. We had a lot of talks about giving her to my aunt, but I would not let that happen. Please help me! -- D.N., via e-mail

A: Cali's not a bad dog: She's a puppy. Labradors are notorious for being extremely active and often destructive in their youth. But with guidance, most mature into wonderful, easygoing companions.

Your dog needs exercise, training and patience. When you get home from school, play fetch with Cali for at least a half an hour, more if you can. Better still would be two sessions of fetch or other high-energy exercise every single day. Lots of exercise will help with her energy levels, and it will also help with the destructiveness.

Ask your mom if you and Cali can be enrolled in a local dog-training class. You'll also need to restrict Cali's range in the house and yard to limit the destructiveness. Get her some sturdy chew toys (such as a Kong, which can be stuffed with peanut butter) to keep her busy when you cannot be with her or supervise her.

Finally, I have a book that's perfect for you. Kate Eldredge is just a little older than you are, and her book, "Head of the Class: A Teen Dog Expert Teaches You to Raise and Train the Perfect Pal" ($17, Howell Book House), was written with you in mind.

Hang in there! If you keep Cali exercised and stay with her training, things will get better for everyone.

Calming a yapper

Q: We have a 13-year-old Sheltie who's extremely shy and noisy. She barks at strangers and family who come and go. If we have company, she's settled and quiet if everyone is seated and not moving, but if anyone stands or leaves the room, she barks. If we close her in a bedroom, she barks until we let her out.

We're having holiday company over soon. Do you have any suggestions for helping a neurotic herding dog get through the holidays? -- G.S., via e-mail

A: Is this extreme barking a new behavior? Shelties are one of the noisier breeds -- believe me, I know, having had at least one for the last 25 years -- but there are degrees of noisiness, and your dog seems over the top. If the barking has increased recently, I'd wonder if there is not some health issue going on, especially given your dog's age.

If this is long-standing behavior, then I'd get a crate (one with closed sides, not open grating) and get her used to it by feeding her in it with the door open, then the door closed. Get her used to the crate slowly, so she's comfortable in it.

When you have company over, crate her behind a closed bedroom door, with something yummy to chew on, and turn on a radio to muffle noises that trigger barking. It's not ideal, but it ought to get everyone through the day with the least amount of stress.

For a longer-term solution, please ask your veterinarian for a referral to a behaviorist who can help you with this problem. Old dogs can often learn new tricks!

THE SCOOP

Don't delay: Neuter today

Veterinary organizations such as the American Veterinary Medical Association now endorse early spaying and neutering on animals as young as 8 weeks old. Many humane associations and shelters are already doing this to prevent the "kittens out, kittens in" cycle.

At 8 weeks, 8 months or even 8 years, there's no reason to wait -- and a lot of reasons to go forward. Keeping kittens from being parents is the only way to prevent future kittens from dying for the lack of a home. And that's not all -- spaying and neutering offer some real health and behavior benefits for you as a pet owner:

-- Neutered males are less likely to roam and less likely to fight (and thus less likely to have you writing checks to your veterinarian after she patches up your cat). Neutering greatly reduces the problems with urine-spraying and will give your cat a chance at the longest life possible. With all that "catting about," unneutered males are prime candidates for getting run over or picking up deadly contagious diseases through mating or fighting.

-- Spayed females are more attentive and loving because they're not spending all their time looking for mates. Female cats are in heat nearly nonstop until they become pregnant, and they are also at a higher risk for accidental death or contagious disease.

-- Living with a cat looking for a mate can be very trying. They cry. They roll. They rub. They yowl. They spray. It's no fun.

Get your pet fixed. It's the right thing to do.

PET TIP

Winter garden for your cat

Cats love to nibble on plants, especially the tender shoots of new grasses. You can delight your pet by keeping a windowsill garden, sowing a new crop of alfalfa, rye and wheat grasses every couple of weeks. Long, shallow planters are ideal for grasses, and decorative ones can be found inexpensively at any garden or home center.

Your cat may also enjoy pots planted with parsley and thyme, although you may wish to allow these plants to become more established before putting them where your cat can chew on them. The same can be said of catnip and of valerian, another plant that offers mood-altering benefits to some cats.

Unless you want to find these plants uprooted by a very happy cat, you're better off growing them out of reach of your pet and cutting off sprigs for your pet to enjoy.

PET Rx

Rapport, technique key to choosing a vet

Many pet lovers make the mistake of believing veterinarians are pretty much interchangeable. In fact, you're doing your pet a disservice if you don't put a little effort into choosing the right veterinarian.

And once you've found a good one, you need to develop trust and rapport so you're working as a team for your pet's health.

Any veterinarian you consider should be technically proficient, current on the latest treatments, and willing to seek out more information on your pet's behalf or work with a veterinary specialist. A good vet should be able to explain what's going on with your pet in a way you can understand and be willing to answer your questions, so you can make a responsible decision on your pet's behalf.

Ask friends, co-workers and neighbors for recommendations. Over the years, animal lovers can tell which veterinarians are knowledgeable, compassionate and hardworking. Those veterinarians are always talked up by satisfied clients. Other factors may help you narrow down your list of possibilities:

-- Is the clinic or hospital conveniently located, with hours you can live with? If you have a 9-to-5 job, a veterinarian with a 9-to-5 clinic doesn't do your pet much good. Many veterinarians are open late on at least one weeknight and for at least a half-day on Saturday.

-- What kind of emergency care is available, if any? Although emergency veterinary clinics are prepared for any catastrophe, they are not familiar with your pet. If your veterinarian's practice does not offer 24-hour care, does it work with one that does?

-- Do you feel a rapport with this person? Are you comfortable asking questions? Discussing fees?

The final call on whether a particular veterinarian is right for you comes down to intangibles. If you don't feel comfortable, you're less likely to ask your veterinarian questions, and the lack of productive communication hurts your pet in the long run.

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Pets? No thanks!

Among people who have no desire for a pet, cleaning up after the animals is one of the main reasons for lack of interest. Here are some of the top reasons why people don't want pets (multiple answers allowed):

Don't want to clean up after them 38 percent

No one home during the day 36 percent

Not enough time 33 percent

Shedding 33 percent

Too much responsibility 32 percent

Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association

PETS ON THE WEB

Site offers home for all dog books

Want to find the cutting-edge books on dog care and training? Check out Dogwise (www.dogwise.com). Mass-market suppliers of books and pet products generally rely on large or well-connected publishers for a rather limited range of titles that may not reflect the latest thinking in training, dog sports or care and nutrition. Even retailers with large inventories -- such as online giant Amazon -- don't know enough about pets to steer you to the best dog books.

The folks at Dogwise have made it their business to figure out what's new and what's likely to change the way we think about dogs. Dogwise is also careful to stock high-quality titles that won't sell enough to interest a mass retailer, such as a care manual on a rare breed. The Web site is also the place to look for books on working through a specific training problem, such as aggression.

Award-winning writer Gina Spadafori has two new books out, which were co-authored with "Good Morning, America" veterinary correspondent Dr. Marty Becker: "Do Cats Always Land on Their Feet?" and "Why Do Dogs Drink From the Toilet?" 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.petconnection.com.

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

Some people seem to have bad luck over the holidays, and I have traditionally been one of them. I've filled the house with smoke from a poorly laid fire in the fireplace just before guests arrived for dinner, and I've tripped over a sleeping dog on Christmas morning and ended up in the emergency room (the dog was fine; I went home with a cast).

But that's nothing compared to the disasters that seem to dog the pets in our family over the years. I've spent good parts of many holidays in after-hours veterinary clinics, and a few times those trips were for problems that could have been prevented.

Fortunately, the better part of two decades -- and most of my writing career -- have passed since my last holiday pet disaster, and I'd like to think it's because I learned a few things along the way. In the interest of helping your holiday season go easier, I'd like to remind you of what to look out for in the weeks to come.

Every year at this time I offer a list of the most common holiday hazards for pets, including foreign-body ingestion and accidental poisoning. The bad news is that many pets will end up at a veterinarian's office this holiday season. The good news is that yours won't be among them if you keep an eye out for these hazards.

The place to start? The Christmas tree. This popular sign of the season is full of hazards for dogs and cats. Tinsel can be an appealing target for play, but if ingested, it can twist up the intestines and may need to be surgically removed. This is a particular danger to cats and kittens, who seem to find tinsel -- along with yarn, ribbon and string -- especially appealing to eat.

Ornaments, too, are deadly in the mouths -- and stomachs -- of pets, and even the water at the base of the tree contains secretions that can at the very least cause a stomachache. Light strings are no good for chewing, and the whole tree can come down on the cat climbing in its branches. Some dogs may even be inclined to break the rules of house-training on a freshly cut tree -- why else, they reason, would anyone bring a tree into the house?

The best way to keep your pets out of tree trouble is by making the tree off-limits unless you're there to supervise. Putting the tree in a room with a door you can close is probably the easiest solution.

And how about holiday greenery? Holiday plants such as mistletoe may look intriguing to your pet, but they're also toxic, as are the bulbs of the amaryllis plant. (Long the poster child for holiday poisoning, the falsely maligned poinsettia can be safely welcomed into the pet lover's home.) Holiday food can be a problem, too (see sidebar).

The best way to keep your pet safe is to look at everything new that's in your house for the holidays and figure out the best way to keep it out of the mouths and paws of your pets.

And just in case the worst should happen, find the number now of the nearest veterinary emergency clinic and know how to get there if you have to.

SIDEBAR

Thanksgiving: Don't share the goodies

We love to share food with our pets, and what better time to do it than on Thanksgiving?

Problem is, foods that are too rich, too fatty or too spicy -- or anything your pet's not accustomed to -- can trigger a bout of intestinal upset. For some animals, the treat can trigger a serious inflammation of the pancreas or intestine, and that means a life-threatening illness.

What to avoid? Anything that you wouldn't eat, your pet should avoid, too. And while a little bit of lean meat -- beef or poultry - can be added to your pet's meal, steer clear of the fatty parts and poultry skin. And no gravy!

While you're waiting for the Thanksgiving feast to begin, don't share the appetizers, either. And as for the sweets in festive holiday bowls? Put them out of reach, so your pets don't help themselves.

Q&A

Tips for ending cat scratching

Q: May I share how I trained our cats to use the scratching post instead of the furniture?

You're right in your recent column: Yelling at the cat and punishing him won't work when it comes to destructive scratching. You have use motivations that mean something to the cat. And you have to teach him where to scratch. Otherwise, how is he to know you want him to scratch the post?

I use the cat's favorite treats, a scratching post, a squirt bottle and some wide, double-sided sticky tape.

The tape goes on the spots where the cat prefers to scratch, and the sticky feel discourages scratching. I begin training by rubbing their paws on the post, so their paw-scent is left on it. I immediately give the cat a treat for having his paws on the post.

Usually it takes only a few tries for the cat to get the message that scratching the post would get food -- a reward all cats understand. My oldest cat still goes through an evening routine where he trots up to the post, scratches it, and looks at me with a "Well, where's my treat?" expression. He also scratches and stares at me when he knows it's dinnertime.

The squirt bottle is for when I catch them scratching elsewhere. One brief squirt is all it takes to convince them to stop. Then I can redirect their attention to scratching the post.

We have three indoor kitties (one is a feral kitten that we took in), and our furniture is still mostly unscathed. Understanding the feline mind really does work! -- K.B., via e-mail

A: Thank you for sharing your tips. They're excellent! I wish more people would understand that reward-based training is really the way to go with cats. Punishment often stresses out the cat more and not only damages the bond with the animal, but often leads to other stress-related behaviors, such as urine-spraying.

Working with a cat's natural tendencies and rewarding him for good behavior is the best way to train these pets.

Potty where?

Q: Until a month ago, we spent weekends in a different home with our dog and cat. In the weekend home, our cat would spend time outside, but he would always come in to use the litter box. At our home, it is just the opposite: He spends time outside but never uses the litter box inside. We provide the same box and same litter. Can you explain this? -- A.H., via e-mail

A: When you are dealing with litter box questions, you have to remember always that cats may seem mysterious in their ways, but their choices are not at all mysterious to them.

Each cat will prefer one kind of area to potty over another. Factors that go into the preference may include box and filler type, location, past illness and so on. Without knowing the complete history of your cat in both houses, and without observing the cat for signs of unhappiness with the box in the weekday home, I'd guess there's a difference that's quite obvious to your cat but not to you.

It could be as simple as this: At the weekday home, there's a potty area outside that's more appealing than the litter box, and at the weekend home, the situation is reversed. For example, there may be a kind of soil in the beds at one home that your cat likes. Or maybe at the home where your cat chooses to use the box, there could be a neighborhood bully-cat who's driving your cat inside.

PET BUY

Paperwork needed for pet purchase

Adding a pet to the family is often referred to as an "adoption," but make no mistake: It's still a business transaction. Whether you're getting a pet from a shelter, rescue group or private breeder, you should come away not only with a new family member but also with a sheaf of paperwork.

At minimum, the rescue group, shelter or seller should provide you with a contract that spells out any guarantees for health and temperament as well as return policies if the animal isn't working out. A basic medical history -- vaccines, wormings, neutering -- should also be included, as should recommendations for future medical care, food and so on. If you're buying a registered animal, make sure you get the forms you need to transfer ownership with such organizations as the American Kennel Club and the Cat Fanciers' Association.

If you do not get all the breed registration paperwork, it can be difficult to track it down later. Some sellers flat-out disappear after a sale, while others will try to charge more for "papers" after you've already taken your pet home. Mind you, any breeder who'd do either is likely not someone you should have been getting a pup or kitten from in the first place. But that won't help you much when you've already fallen in love with your new pet, will it?

If you don't get registration 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.

PET Rx

Head tilt common in pet rabbits

Head-tilting in rabbits is common and can be caused by a variety of diseases. A common name for head tilt is "wry neck," although the correct medical term is "vestibular disease."

Rabbits with vestibular disease can have a head position that ranges from a few degrees to 180 degrees off the normal position. They can fall over, circle, have difficulties standing and develop eye injuries because the downward-facing eye is in a position of vulnerability. These pets need to see a veterinarian for proper diagnosis of the causes behind the head tilt and then targeted treatment.

For most rabbits with vestibular disease, the vast majority will recover most of their normal head position and lead normal lives, as long as good nursing, veterinary care and time for recovery are provided. Some rabbits, however, will have a lifelong residual head tilt even if the inner ear disease is cured.

(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.)

THE SCOOP

Pet choices? Don't rule out the rat

Let go of everything you've ever thought about rats and consider the benefits of these pets with an open mind.

-- Rats are social animals. Many small pets don't like being handled, but rats get used to careful socialization easily and come to enjoy riding in pockets and on shoulders.

-- Rats are smart. Rats respond quickly to food-based training and seem to love to perform tricks.

-- Rats are agile and sturdy. Try to get a guinea pig to run a maze or climb a ladder and you'll appreciate the fleet-footedness of a rat. Unlike mice, rats can stand up to the handling -- and occasionally, the unintentional mishandling -- of well-meaning children.

-- Rats are diverse. Think colors like silver mink, platinum, blue and chocolate, and markings like hooded (the head a different color than the body) or masked.

-- Rats are easy to keep. Get a cage sized for a slightly larger animal, such as a chinchilla or guinea pig, and your rat will be content. Add bedding, a place for the animal to hide and sleep, a food dish and a water bottle, some toys, and you're set. Your rat will happily eat the food manufactured for them and will be even happier if you add fruit, nuts, vegetables and other "people food."

The downside of rats? They don't live all that long -- two to three years -- and they're prone to tumors. And like all rodents, they love to chew and can be destructive if left unsupervised.

Be sure to choose a healthy rat from a reputable source. As with all pets, good sanitation practices are a must, especially hand-washing after handling the animals. A calm, well-socialized rat isn't likely to bite, but any nips that do happen should be discussed with the family doctor, especially when children are involved.

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Why keep a cat?

Companionship is the No. 1 reason why cats are so popular, according to a survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association. Here are the top responses given (multiple answers allowed):

Companionship 90 percent

Fun to watch 73 percent

Relieves stress 62 percent

Like family member 60 percent

Easy to maintain 57 percent

Pest control 51 percent

PET TIP

Different cats, different boxes

Tailor the litter box to your cat's size, age and preferences, and you'll be more likely to get your cat to use it consistently. For example, a big cat needs a big litter box, and a cat who isn't good at squatting may need one with higher sides to keep the mess in the box.

Be creative when choosing boxes. While any good pet-supply store will offer plenty of choices, you're not limited to shopping there. Plastic sweater boxes with the lids off provide a roomier box, and retired baking pans are small and shallow enough to make a kitten feel comfortable.

The problems of age may factor in, too. Young kittens and old cats may have problems getting over the high sides of a big litter box. Make things easier for them -- and ultimately, for you -- by cutting down one side to serve as an easy entrance.

Award-winning writer Gina Spadafori has two new books out, which were co-authored with "Good Morning, America" veterinary correspondent Dr. Marty Becker: "Do Cats Always Land on Their Feet?" and "Why Do Dogs Drink From the Toilet?" 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.petconnection.com.

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

When it comes to rules and laws, I'm not much of a risk taker. I'm not a speeder or a tax cheat, and when young, I never was tempted to get a fake ID.

But I am a chronic law breaker when it comes to exercising my dogs, and oh, do I wish I didn't have to be. In this, I'm not alone: A massive underground of determined dog lovers trades information on places to run our dogs off-leash with the least chance of being ticketed.

Believe me, we'd rather be legit -- so give us legal opportunities for off-leash recreation. Not just tiny fenced areas so overused the grass won't grow, but places where we can walk with our dogs and have them swim and fetch. The exercise is good for both us and our dogs, and it makes our dogs healthier and better behaved.

Although my community is slow to embrace the concept of open off-leash recreation areas, others in the region are not. Sometimes I will drive more than an hour for the privilege of visiting areas like the fabulous Point Isabel off-leash recreation area in Richmond, Calif.

Point Isabel is popular with responsible pet lovers who play by the rules and govern by peer pressure. Leave a pet mess behind? Prepare to be yelled at. Dog untrained? Prepare to be lectured. People who use areas like Point Isabel aren't about to lose them because of clueless dog owners and their ill-mannered pets.

I'd choose a dedicated off-leash open area to run my dogs in anytime. But I can't always drive out of town, so I also drive to local places where my retrievers can swim. I go at odd hours, my dogs are friendly, trained and well-socialized, and yes, I clean up after them.

Why should we dog lovers have to skulk around like this? In terms of sheer numbers, we are a larger population than tennis, soccer or softball players, all groups whose needs are recognized and addressed by those who plan public recreation facilities. Our dogs are our chosen form of recreation, and we deserve open space as much as any other group.

Exercise is one of the most important -- and least-recognized -- components of dog care, especially for large dogs. Destructive and anti-social behaviors find their roots in boredom and unspent nervous energy. How many dogs would be spared a trip to the shelter if only they had a place to be socialized and exercised on a regular basis?

Medical issues matter, too, with veterinarians reporting obesity as rampant in pets as it is in humans -- and with many of the same sad results when it comes to health and quality of life.

Off-leash recreation areas work, and they're just as good for dog haters as dog lovers. If the recreational needs of dog lovers are covered, it's perfectly fair to crack down on them elsewhere. Steep fines for off-leash dogs are justified in areas of high human use, just as long as there are alternatives elsewhere for off-leash play.

I don't like being a criminal, and I wouldn't be if my legitimate needs as a dog lover were recognized. If you feel the same way, let your elected officials know about it. Every community is capable of putting aside some open space for off-leash recreation. Don't feel like writing a letter? Clip this column and send it to the decision makers in your community. Your dogs will thank you, and so will mine.

SIDEBAR

Off-leash recreation that works

The Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Park has been open to off-leash recreation since 1987. The Point Isabel Dog Owners (PIDO) group works to keep the 21-acre site functioning smoothly for the people and dogs who use it -- an estimated 800,000 visits every year, with relatively few problems.

Point Isabel also has a retail store that offers pet supplies and dog-washing (Mudpuppy's). For people, there's a dining facility with snacks and light food and drinks (the Sit-and-Stay Cafe).

For more information, visit the PIDO Web site (www.pido.org).

Q&A

Vet closest to 'miracle'

Q: I have a fairly new dog that started having seizures for the last year. He is about 2 years old. I absolutely adore this dog, and I'm afraid that I will lose him. I'm treating him with the usual medication and an enzyme vitamin. Have you heard of any miracle cures? I would appreciate any advice you may have. -- D.P., via e-mail

A: Seizures are among the most frightening things anyone can witness in a pet or other loved one, and the feelings of helplessness and fear that go with them can likewise be devastating. As tempting as it is to reach out for "miracle cures," however, your best bet when it comes to helping your dog is to find a competent and caring veterinarian to help diagnose what's causing the seizures and what medications will best treat the disease.

In chasing "miracles cures" on the Internet, you are wasting time while putting your pet's health in jeopardy. Not to mention, many of those who offer what seem to be miracles are truly interested only in the miracle of your money magically appearing in their bank accounts.

If you do not think your veterinarian is helping with the problem, then by all means ask for a second opinion or get a referral to a specialist. But before you do, ask yourself if you're truly giving your veterinarian permission to use what he or she needs to accurately treat the illness. Are there diagnostic tests you've turned down, or re-check visits you've passed up? When it comes to chronic conditions, diagnostics and re-checks can be vitally important.

You and your veterinarian need to be partners in your pet's care. Make sure your veterinarian is someone you like and respect, so you will be more inclined to work together on your pet's behalf.

As we used to say when I was running the Pet Care Forum on America Online: Get off the 'Net and call your vet. Modern medicine is miraculous in many ways, but only if you're working with a good veterinarian who can help you.

Dog won't listen

Q: I feel like "wait until your father gets home" with our dog. She won't mind me at all, but she hangs on my husband's every word. I feed her, and I took her to obedience class. Why won't she mind me? -- G.W., via e-mail

A: It could be your tone of voice. A deep voice gets respect. That's true with people, and that's true with dogs.

"Most men have deeper voices than do most women," says dog trainer and award-winning author Liz Palika, who notes that canine mothers use a deep growl when correcting bad behavior in their young puppies.

Most women start out with higher-pitched voices than most men have, and when women get frustrated or angry, their pitch goes even higher. "In verbal canine language, a high-pitched voice means either play or hurt," says Palika. "Neither of these conveys authority."

Palika says women can learn to speak so their dogs will respect them. "A deep sound, such as 'acckk' or 'err-err' -- think of Tim Allen in 'Home Improvement' saying 'power tools' and 'err-err' -- is all that's needed," she says. "The sound gets the dog's attention and then other training tools and techniques do the teaching."

If you're still not getting anywhere, ask a good dog trainer to help you. Despite the fact that men seem to have an edge when it comes to getting a dog's respect, most dog trainers these days are women! Male or female, a good dog trainer will help you project the right body language and tone to get your dog's attention and respect.

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

PET TIP

Keep hounds from howling

Howling is fun. It's like group singing or picking up the microphone at a canine karaoke machine. It's a way for dogs scattered across a few miles and separated by fences to get in touch with their inner wolf and be part of something bigger ... a pack!

It used to be thought that sirens hurt the sensitive ears of dogs and that howling was a protest of pain. But now it's thought to be an instinctive group behavior. The right noise -- a siren, or even the right notes on a viola -- will get a dog lifting his nose to the sky, and once the woo-wooing/wow-wowing starts, other dogs just can't help but join in.

Some breeds are more prone to howling than others. The wolfish Northern breeds seem to take to it naturally, as do hounds such as beagles and bassets, with their distinctive baying.

Of course, no matter how much fun your dog is having, the howl-fests aren't winning you any fans with your neighbors, so when the woo-wooing starts, hush your puppy.

PET BUY

Glowing is good for your dog, too

If you walk or run after dark, you're probably aware that it's a good idea to wear some sort of reflective garb so drivers can see you and avoid you. But do you realize your dog needs protection, too?

If you're wearing reflective gear and your pet is not, a driver might see you but not notice your canine companion. That's why it's a good idea to have safety gear on your dog, too.

Many pet-supply stores and catalogs offer reflective collars, leashes and vests. If you can't find anything suitable, RuffWear is one of several companies offering safety vests for dogs. Its Lighted Lab Coat with "glow-in-the-park" features has a suggested retail price of $60 (www.ruffwear.com or 888-783-3932).

PET TIP

Cats eye a marvel of adaptation

If cats wore sunglasses or didn't evolve into creatures who have the nighttime munchies, they probably would have round pupils like ours.

But they're nocturnal hunters who can see well in very dim light. Just as we adjust our headlights from normal headlights to brights, cats' eyes adjust to different lighting conditions. In the daytime, cats have precise control over the amount of light reaching their eyes. This enables them to gaze out the window and zero in on that squirrel in the tree or a bird on the feeder.

Having eyes that reduce the pupils to slits rather than tiny circles gives cats greater and more accurate control in different types of lighting; this ability is particularly important in bright sunlight.

Vertical slits also have another advantage over horizontal slits. Because a cat's eyelids close at right angles to the vertical pupil, a cat can reduce the amount of light even further by bringing her eyelids closer and closer together. This combination of the vertical slits of the pupils and the horizontal slits of the eyelids enables the cat to make the most delicate adjustments to accommodate different lighting. And these actions, in combination, protect the eyes better than sunglasses.

It's a perfect setup for a nighttime hunter who loves to bask in the daytime sun.

This adaptation sets the domestic cat apart from her majestic relative, the lion. Because the lion hunts by day, her pupils do not have the same sensitivity to light as the domestic cat. The lion's eyes contract -- as ours do -- to tiny circles, not vertical slits.

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Leaping lizards

Reptiles and amphibians are generally quiet pets, and that's one of the top reasons people cite for keeping them. Here are a few of the top reasons (multiple answers allowed):

Fun to watch 75 percent

Companionship 60 percent

Quiet 56 percent

Conversation piece 56 percent

Educational 44 percent

Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association

PET BOOKS

Great reads in tales of pets

Allan Zullo and Mara Bovsun have made a career out of collecting interesting news stories and assembling them into equally interesting little books. The pair have three such offerings on pet themes: "Amazing But True Bird Tales," "Mews Items: Strange But True Cat Tales" and "Dogmania: Amazing But True Canine Tales" (each is $10 from Andrews McMeel Publishing).

I picked up the trio of pet books recently and found they're perfect for when you just want a little something light to read -- in my case, they're ideal for picking up for a few minutes just before I fall asleep. Each item is interesting enough to make you glad you opened one of the books, but not so long as to keep you from getting other things done, like napping. They're great little gift books for any pet lover, too.

Award-winning writer Gina Spadafori has two new books out, which were co-authored with "Good Morning, America" veterinary correspondent Dr. Marty Becker: "Do Cats Always Land on Their Feet?" and "Why Do Dogs Drink From the Toilet?" 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.petconnection.com.

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