As adorable as puppies can be, anyone who's raising one will tell you they can drive you crazy. To get through those sometimes trying months and come out with the dog you want, always remember two things in dealing with puppies: Be patient and be positive.

Every puppy needs to be guided on the road to good behavior, and along the way many a puppy strays off the path into trouble. The best way to avoid problems is to set up your home and your handling of the puppy so his only choice is to do what's right and get praised for it.

But what if your puppy makes a mistake? A verbal correction, properly timed and correctly delivered, is usually all you need. Speak low and sharply, but don't yell at your puppy. Really, all you need to do is provide a distraction to stop and then redirect the errant behavior.

Here are two more ways to send a clear message of disapproval:

-- Distract and redirect. Especially useful for the young puppy, this technique stops a behavior you don't want and guides the puppy to one that's acceptable. For example, if your young puppy is chewing on your nice leather shoes, make a noise to startle and distract him -- slap the counter or clap your hands -- and then give him something you do want him to chew on, such as a toy. When he takes it, praise him for redirecting those sharp puppy teeth.

With older puppies, you can often stop a bad behavior by asking for a better one, and praising. Ask the puppy who's jumping up to "sit," and praise or give him a treat for doing so. Tell him once, and if he doesn't mind (to be fair, be sure he understands what you want), gently guide him into a sit, and then praise and treat.

-- The time-out. Puppies thrive on your attention, even if it's negative. The time-out removes this reward. This technique is especially good for a puppy who doesn't want to keep his mouth to himself, a bad habit for any dog to get into where people are concerned. When the puppy starts nipping, tell him "no," and then clam up, pick him up and put him in a crate or other small, safe area for a few minutes. Ignore the cries and whimpers. After a few minutes of quiet, let him out without fanfare and let him hang out with you gently for a while. The message: When the teeth touch skin, it's "game over."

If your puppy has been running around for a long time and just seems bratty, he may be tired. If that's the case, put him down for a nap in a crate or small area, along with a chew toy. Again, ignore his fussing. Chances are, he'll be asleep in a few minutes.

Corrections have their place in puppy-raising, but in general, a positive approach is preferred by today's dog-training experts. Positive dog-training isn't about letting your puppy or dog be boss, but rather about setting limits without yelling or hitting. If you find yourself resorting to any of these techniques constantly, you could probably do with some help from a trainer to spot what you're doing wrong with your puppy and to make some constructive suggestions.

Don't let your puppy grow up to be a monster. Be patient and positive, and be fair with corrections. And don't forget: Get help at the first sign of trouble, and you'll save yourself a lot of trouble down the road.

SIDEBAR

Get that puppy into class!

One of the best things you can do to get your puppy off to a good start is to get him into a puppy class. These classes are more about socialization and teaching puppies to pay attention than they are about overtaxing a puppy's short attention span. And that's perfect for a youngster who's just learning about the world around him.

Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation, or check out local pet-supply shops or park and recreation districts. You'll often find puppy classes running nearly year-round, to help catch little problems before they become big ones.

Q&A

Compromise on cat situation

Q: My boyfriend is moving into my home. My cat has been a point of conflict, because he doesn't like cats, says the litter box stinks and is mildly allergic. The cat is the only problem we have, and he wants me to make Miles an outdoor cat. Miles has been with me longer than the boyfriend has. What do you suggest? -- H.C., via e-mail

A: Compromise. And if compromise isn't an option, I'd really think twice about having this man move in. I think you'll be having more problems down the line living with someone who won't compromise on an issue as important to you as a beloved pet.

Let's take this one complaint at a time. He doesn't like cats, but maybe you don't like something he does or has. I'm not a relationship counselor, but I do know that in a relationship, everyone has to tolerate what a partner cares about. He doesn't have to like your cat, but he will have to tolerate the animal. The ball's in his court on that one.

Stinky litter box? If you're removing the clumps a couple of times a day and cleaning the entire litter box regularly, this shouldn't be a problem. You might try switching to a different litter with odor-fighting properties, but beware: If your cat doesn't like the new litter, you'll have deposits all over the house instead of in the box. You might also try moving the box to a more out-of-the-way location. But again, you're tempting fate with this one if the new locale doesn't meet with your cat's approval.

Diligent vacuuming, weekly bathing of the cat in clear water and an air purifier may make your cat less likely to trigger allergies, as will having your boyfriend take allergy medications. If your boyfriend pets the cat, he needs to get in the habit of washing his hands before touching his eyes and triggering an allergic reaction. Making certain portions of the house permanently off-limits to the cat -- especially the bedroom -- is another option.

Work out all the issues before anyone moves anywhere. If you toss your cat outside, you're increasing the likelihood that his life will be shorter and denying yourself the pleasure of his company.

Too much hair!

Q: My shorthaired calico sheds more than any cat I've ever known. Her hair is everywhere, especially white hair. I thought shorthaired cats shed less. What can I do to stop this? -- T.A., via e-mail

A: Assuming the fur coat looks healthy -- sleek, shiny and full with no bare patches -- your cat is probably shedding a normal amount, which is to say, constantly.

It's a myth that longhaired pets shed more than shorthaired ones. The former just appear to shed more because the hair they lose is more visible. Your cat's shedding may seem more prolific because much of the fur is white and thus shows easily on any dark-colored piece of clothing.

You can't stop a cat from shedding, nor should you try to. It's a normal process for a healthy cat, in which old fur is replaced by new. You can reduce the impact of shedding by grooming your cat daily. After all, the fur you catch on a brush won't show up on your clothes or furniture. Gentle brushing is also an experience that will strengthen the bond with your pet.

For your shorthaired cat, try a grooming glove. These have nubs to catch the fur while you're petting your cat. A couple of minutes a day will collect a large amount of the loose fur that's ready to be shed. -- Gina Spadafori

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

THE SCOOP

All pet iguanas need to bathe

In the wild, reports Melissa Kaplan in her marvelous book "Iguanas for Dummies" (Wiley, $20), iguanas keep themselves sort of clean by rubbing against rough bark or dousing themselves in swimming holes. In captivity, rough bark and swimming holes are rare, which is why Kaplan recommends frequent -- as often as daily -- bathing for these pets.

Fill the bathtub chest-deep to the iguana and let the pet enjoy the warm water -- no soap, please! -- to his heart's content. Blot the animal dry with a towel and return him to his enclosure before thoroughly disinfecting the tub.

An important note of caution: If there are children or immune-compromised individuals in the home, use a completely separate bathtub for the iguana. Even with careful disinfecting, the consequences of bacterial infection for immune-compromised folks are too dire to take any chances. -- Gina Spadafori

PETS ON THE WEB

Funding research into pet health

The Morris Animal Foundation (www.morrisanimalfoundation.org) funds research at veterinary schools and colleges that seek to cure some of the diseases that claim the lives of companion animals.

Founded in 1948 by veterinarian Mark Morris (who founded the company now known as Hill's Pet Nutrition), the foundation gives more than $4 million annually in grants for animal-health studies. The foundation's Web site offers detailed information on studies in progress, and on upcoming events. -- Dr. Marty Becker

On PetConnection.com

You'll find even more pet-care help on the PetConnection.com Web site.

PetConnection.com features a weekly drawing for free prizes -- now featuring memberships to 1-800-HELP4PETS and gift baskets from the Kong company. It also offers tips on pet health and behavior, a searchable archive of all past columns, and reviews of "dogmobiles," products and pet-care books, along with a popular Web log offering frequent contributions from the entire Pet Connection staff.

PET TIP

Turn your love of pets into profit

Would you like to make money writing about or taking pictures of animals? These days it's as easy as starting your own Web log or picking up a digital camera. The Internet offers opportunity for breaking into writing, and I know several people who've been asked to contribute magazine articles, develop book proposals or sell images just by doing what they love -- writing about animals.

A great place to start is with a class in free-lance writing or photography, which you can often find at a community college. These courses teach you the basics of marketing your ideas, contacting editors and more.

A great way to advance is by writing for the newsletters, magazines or Web sites of nonprofit groups such as animal shelters, breed or training clubs, or pet-therapy groups. While they generally don't pay, these publications will provide you with the experience and clips you need to show to editors at national publications. To sell images, try uploading your best work to a stock photography Web site, which will pay you a small amount every time your image is purchased.

Read the publications you want to write for to get a feel for the subject matter they're interested in. You wouldn't want to pitch an anti-hunting piece to a hunting-dog magazine, for example, or a pro-hunting piece to an animal-rights magazine. You also need to know what has been covered lately, so you don't waste your time or the editor's by pitching an idea that's already been done.

Finally, consider joining the Dog Writers Association of America (www.dwaa.org) or the Cat Writers' Association (www.catwriters.org). These groups support and encourage beginners who write about animals through an annual conference (co-sponsored by both groups) and competitions (held by each). Sorry, there are no groups (at least not yet) for those who write about reptiles, birds or rodent pets. -- Gina Spadafori

BY THE NUMBERS

Training gear

Almost half (49 percent) of all dog owners responding to a 2004 survey said they didn't use any training devices or service at all. Of the remainder, here are the most popular responses:

Treats 37 percent

All other 12 percent

Books 11 percent

Hired professional 9 percent

Whistle 5 percent

No-bark collar 4 percent

Videos 4 percent

Electric fence 3 percent

Clicker 3 percent

Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Causes of, cures for aggression

When a pet bites, the first step is to get a veterinary exam with diagnostic tests to rule out any health problems. The next step is to work with a behaviorist.

Beware of simple answers. Any combination of factors may be triggering aggression, including fence-fighting, displaced aggression, dominance, drug side-effects, other pets, pain triggers, predation, possessiveness, fear, hormonal changes, protection of young, pack response, play, protection of home or family, neurological abnormalities, improper socialization, and intentionally and accidentally trained behaviors.

Once a pet has bitten, it's more likely the behavior will be repeated. If the bite broke the skin or there were repeated bites, the prognosis is even grimmer. Getting professional help right away is essential.

(Animal behavior experts Susan and Dr. Rolan Tripp are the authors of "On Good Behavior." For more information, visit their Web site at AnimalBehavior.net.)

Pet Connection is produced by a team of team of pet-care experts headed by "Good Morning America" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are also the authors of several best-selling pet-care books. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper, by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or by visiting PetConnection.com.

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

Born and raised on a small family farm in Southern Idaho, I've been blessed to spend my entire life surrounded by animals. Growing up, we had dairy and beef cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens, and lots of cats and dogs. Today, I live with my beloved wife of 26 years, Teresa, and our two children, Mikkel and Lex, on our Almost Heaven Ranch in extreme Northern Idaho. We have two dogs, five cats, four quarter horses and a betta.

I knew from age 7 that I wanted to be a veterinarian. The local veterinarian came out to the family farm to help a holstein cow who had milk fever, a condition where the cow who just calved has such low blood calcium that the nerves can't fire, paralyzing the animal. I watched as the vet poked a needle into the cow's jugular vein and hooked up a jug of calcium fluids to gurgle into the black-and-white statue. Suddenly the calcium took hold, the nerves and muscles came to life and the cow rose to her feet and ran off, the needle popping out of the vein like a half slingshot. Everyone who witnessed this resurrection was impressed, but for me it was much more than that.

I loved pets and people, and I knew becoming a veterinarian would allow me to help both.

After graduation, I went back to Southern Idaho, where I practiced for 16 years. My partner and I had a chain of veterinary hospitals in Idaho and Utah. I have taught in all the veterinary schools in the United States, lectured to veterinarians and staff in more than 40 countries, been writing constantly about pets and their care, and serve as the resident veterinarian on "Good Morning America." I'm still a practicing veterinarian, at the North Idaho Animal Hospital in Sandpoint.

My philosophy of practice has always been to "match the science with the soul." This means I strive for a state-of-the-art veterinary practice with competent veterinarians and staff who are lifelong learners (the science) balanced with a veterinary team who is caring and compassionate (the soul).

Whether I'm communicating one-on-one or through the media, my goals are always the same. These are the things important to me:

-- Authenticity. I tap into a rich network of experts and do the research to make sure that when I'm writing about a subject, I can present the current best thinking.

-- Pre-cradle to post-grave. There's much more to veterinary medicine than just treating accidents and illnesses. There's prenatal care and pet selection (pre-cradle), preventive health care, treating accidents and illnesses, grooming, nutrition, geriatric care, euthanasia, and bereavement counseling (post-grave). I know it's much better to prevent problems than to treat them. And just because a pet isn't sick, it doesn't mean the animal is healthy. There are many degrees of health, and I always aim to optimize a pet's health, happiness and longevity.

-- Celebration. I often say, "There's only one greatest pet in the world, and everybody has that pet!" I love to write in a style where you enjoy learning, smile when appropriate, and find reasons to love your pets at an even richer, deeper level.

-- Threat level. I won't unnecessarily alarm you to a problem that is of minor significance, but I will always give you a head's up on real dangers. For example, the threat to pets from poinsettias is minimal, but the threat to cats from lilies is serious. I will never be a "Henny Penny" communicator where a potentially fatal danger lurks everywhere. I will alert you to real threats as they emerge (such as xylitol toxicity) and revisit ones people tend to ignore (such as obesity and dental disease).

I'm a veteran veterinarian, and I love practicing and communicating with people who love pets as much as I do. I've pulled a puppy wiggling from its mother and watched the animal take a first breath. I've been there when a cat, cradled in her family's arms, drew her last breath. My hands have healed some pets and comforted others, made dogs' tails wag and cats purr, hugged an anxious pet owner, and poured the last few handfuls of dirt on my pets' graves at our Almost Heaven Ranch.

I know most of you believe your pet is special, unique and precious, and think that if I could just come and visit your home and witness the love, loyalty, tricks and endearing qualities, I'd most certainly agree.

While I'll have to visit most of you via television, radio, in print or on the Internet, remember that I know there is only one greatest pet in the world, and that's your pet!

Thank you for welcoming me, once again, into your home as the new member of the Pet Connection team.

Q&A

AKC still runs dog-show game

Q: When will puggles compete at dog shows? Who decides? I love my puggle, and I want to see others on TV. It's not fair, and it seems kind of snobby! -- I.F., via e-mail

A: The American Kennel Club decides eligibility for most U.S. shows, and you'd better not hold your breath hoping to see your puggle invited to compete.

People who love "designer dogs" such as puggles (pug-beagle mixes) may call them "breeds," but the AKC sees it differently. To have a breed, you have to be mating examples of that breed to other examples of the exact same breed. All the trendy designer dogs have parents of two different breeds. In the AKC's eyes, that makes them ineligible for competitions aimed at dogs who are a member of an established breed.

"Most breeds started as some kind of mix as people were searching and selecting for a dog that had all the traits that they wanted. Eventually, those traits became fixed, the dogs bred true to those traits and the dog became a purebred dog," explains David Frei, spokesman for the Westminster Kennel Club and the show's longtime announcer. "As long as a Labradoodle is a poodle crossed with a Labrador, where the resulting offspring vary in their traits -- for example, some with poodle coats and some with Labrador coats -- those dogs will never be considered a purebred, and the combination will not be considered a breed."

Is there any hope for the Labradoodle or puggle lover who dreams of seeing one of these dogs as the Westminster Best in Show? Frei hedges his bets a little.

"As traits get fixed and Labradoodles are bred to Labradoodles -- instead of Labradors to poodles -- to produce a consistent type in all regards, then there is the chance they will be recognized," he says.

"The AKC will decide. A breed has to have a widespread geographical following, a certain minimum number of dogs, a parent club, and a good record of its breedings. That is the starting point in the recognition process," says Frei.

Since these dogs aren't even at that starting point, and may never be, dog shows will be out for a long, long time. But remember that there are plenty of other canine sports that welcome any breed or mix. -- Gina Spadafori

Mix pets carefully

Q: We have a mellow 8-year-old cat who doesn't seem that interested in hunting, and my daughter wants a cockatiel as her own pet. What do you think? -- G.P., via e-mail

A: While many people successfully manage multispecies households, you must always be careful when you're mixing predators and prey.

That's true when you have dogs and cats, and it's true when you have cats and birds, or small pets such as rats, hamsters or lizards. The lion doesn't lie down with the lamb in the wild, and you should not expect your cat to consider your cockatiel as his brother. Keep these pets safely apart.

Also consider the stress factor. Birds know that cats are predators, and birds are prey. Gerbils and hamsters know this, too. It can be tough for tiny prey animals to see a deadly predator lurking about all the time -- even if their cage is very secure.

If your daughter intends to have the birdcage in her room with the door closed when no one is around to supervise, you'll probably be OK.

A warning though: You should regard anytime your cat gets his paws (and especially his teeth or claws) on a pet bird or rodent as a medical emergency, even if the smaller pet seems fine. At the very least, your little critter may need a course of antibiotics. Once prey animals such as birds seem sick, they're often too sick to be saved. -- Dr. Marty Becker

PET BUY

Giving pets a big boost

It used to be pet columnists and trainers were asked for advice on how to keep dogs off the furniture. I guess that war is over, and the pets have won, to judge by how many products are now available to help older or injured pets get up where they used to not be allowed.

The Pet Steps ($40) from the pet-products company Petmate (best known for its line of animal carriers and airline crates) is 20 inches tall, designed to come up to the level of most sofas. The product is easy to move (only 4 pounds in weight), made of sturdy plastic and covered with carpet for better traction. They come in different colors to help match home decor.

Long, low-slung dogs such as dachshunds are prone to back injuries. If you're going to let them up on the furniture, it's a good idea to minimize the jumping up and down. Getting steps or a ramp and training the dog to use them can help. -- Gina Spadafori

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Signs of stress in your canine

Do you wish your dog were more like a stuffed animal who could comfort you but didn't require any energy on your part? Unfortunately, many people seem to want this type of dog. Maturing and aging will slow a pet down, but waiting for your pet to become mellow isn't the best way to get the most out of a relationship with him.

Dogs have natural behaviors that need to be shaped for a good fit into our lives. Dogs don't raise themselves -- they are dependent on their human families for socialization, training and care.

Exercise and socialization go a long way toward calming a "hyper" dog.

Signs of canine stress may include scratching, hyperactivity, excessive vocalization, destructive chewing and digging, shedding, difficulty learning, running away, shivering and aggression.

Signs of a relaxed canine are belly-up sleeping or resting, easy breathing, initiating play, stretching, relaxed muscle tone, relaxed ears and eyes, and being responsive to training.

(Animal behavior experts Susan and Roland Tripp are the authors of "On Good Behavior." For more information, visit their Web site at AnimalBehavior.net.)

PET CONNECTION ONLINE

PetConnection.com features a weekly contest for free prizes, tips on pet health and behavior, a searchable archive of all past columns, reviews of "dogmobiles," products and pet-care books, and a popular Web log offering frequent contributions from the entire Pet Connection staff.

PET Rx

Thin cat or fat, talk to your vet

Can a cat be too skinny? Yes! A healthy cat should have a small amount of fat padding over the ribs. When you press in just a little and move that skin back and forth over the ribs (the way you'd move a shirt over the ridges of a washboard), you should be able to feel those ribs. A cat who's too skinny -- and especially a cat who loses weight quickly -- needs to see the veterinarian.

When an older cat becomes skinny, it may be a relatively common malady called hyperthyroidism. In cats with this disease, the thyroid gland starts overproducing its special hormone, making these cats lose weight and often seem more active than normal for older cats. Veterinarians sometimes call the condition "zoom around the room" syndrome. Left untreated, hyperthyroidism can be deadly. Fortunately, treating the disease is a real veterinary success story.

The overactive thyroid can be persuaded to slow down using drugs, surgery or radiation therapy. Radiation therapy involves a hospital stay, but it usually resolves the problem permanently. Other pet lovers decide on surgery or daily medication. If you're facing this decision, discuss all the options with your veterinarian, and choose what's right for you and your cat.

Hyperthyroidism is what makes many cats look like a rack of bones, but it's certainly not the only possible problem. The cat could have a digestive problem, suffer from a severe internal parasite infestation, or even have an autoimmune disease. If you're free-feeding in a multicat household, your skinny cat may simply be losing out at the trough.

Bottom line: A cat who's too fat or too skinny needs to be checked out by a veterinarian. -- Dr. Marty Becker

BY THE NUMBERS

How big's your dog?

Although small dogs seem all the rage these days, canine popularity isn't much influenced by size. According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, dog lovers like their pets no matter what size (multiple answers allowed):

Own small dogs 43 percent

Own medium dogs 34 percent

Own large dogs 44 percent

PETS ON THE WEB

Watch videos on feline care

Have you ever struggled to give your cat pills or liquid medicine? Ever pulled out your hair over the prospect of trimming your cat's nails? Help is just a few clicks away, thanks to a collection of cat-care videos produced by the Cornell University Feline Health Center and available on the veterinary college's Web site (www.vet.cornell.edu/FHC).

What a fantastic idea! In addition to demonstrating giving medication and basic grooming, the site also provides information on caring for a diabetic cat. Each video is a few minutes long and breaks each subject into easy-to-understand segments.

That these high-quality videos come from Cornell is no surprise. The Feline Health Center program of the university's College of Veterinary Medicine has offered the very best in cat-care information for a long time now. It is one site every cat lover should bookmark. -- Gina Spadafori

Pet Connection is produced by a team of team of pet-care experts headed by "Good Morning America" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are also the authors of several best-selling pet-care books. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper, by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or visiting PetConnection.com.

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

Are your pets on your list of New Year's resolutions? They should be, along with plans for making the world a little bit better not only for your animals, but also for others in need.

Although problems can seem overwhelming, especially when it comes to animal cruelty or homeless pets, the fact is that every little bit helps. After all, if every one of us animal lovers did one small thing a couple of times a year, the total effort would be grand indeed.

Here are a few suggestions for helping animals in the months to come:

-- Take better care of your own animals. Studies show that, just like many of us, a lot of animals desperately need to lose weight and exercise more. Remember: Food is not love, and lay off the treats.

You and your pet will both do better with a walk or some otherwise active playtime together. Don't neglect other aspects of preventive health care. Use your pet's regular exams to go over those areas that need improving. In addition to weight loss and exercise, your veterinarian should evaluate your pet's vaccination schedule, dental health and parasite-control strategies. Preventive health care saves money, makes your pet more comfortable and helps extend life span. Make that veterinary appointment today!

Part of taking better care of your own pet is making sure your animals are "good citizens" to your neighbors. Don't let your cats roam or your dogs bark constantly. In addition to being inconsiderate, people who allow their animals to be a nuisance give ammunition to communities looking to pass laws against pets.

-- Help others take better care of their pets. If you have a friend, neighbor or relative who is having difficulty caring for a pet because of advanced age or illness, offer to help out. Pets are extremely important to those who are cut off from social activities. Helping people keep their pets is a kindness to both pet and pet owner.

What can you do? Pick up food or litter, or offer to take the pet to the veterinarian when needed. Many times, people who rely on others for assistance are reluctant to ask for more help on account of a pet. So ask if you can help. After all, if you're already going to the pet-supply store or veterinarian, is it really that much trouble to pick up some extra supplies or stay for an additional appointment?

-- Make a call for animals. Animal cruelty should not be tolerated, not only for the animals but also because of the proven link between animal cruelty and crimes against people. Too often, though, animal cruelty is shrugged off by the judicial system as a lesser crime.

Don't accept the attitude that animal cruelty is a normal part of adolescence. Call, e-mail and write to prosecutors and judges in animal cruelty cases. Demand that young adults get the help they need to break the cycle of cruelty and that adult offenders are punished to the fullest extent of the law. Public opinion counts in these cases!

-- Pay to spay. Don't place an animal in a new home unless you've made sure the pet won't reproduce. You may think you're doing a good deed in finding a home for a pet you cannot keep, or for a litter of kittens born in your garage to a semi-wild mother cat. But if you don't pay to spay, you really aren't helping.

Instead of placing a pet for free, spay or neuter the animal and then charge an adoption fee to cover the cost of the procedure. You'll save the adopter time and will ensure that the pet you place won't add to the overpopulation problem.

-- Help a shelter or rescue group. Volunteers are always needed to help with the animals in the shelter or to foster pets who need a home environment. But if you don't want to contribute on a regular basis, then see if you can help on a short-term project.

Many groups have fund-raisers throughout the year. They need volunteers to help with ticket sales, setup, concessions and cleanup. You can also help by finding out what your local shelter or rescue groups need in the way of services or supplies and then calling to ask for donations.

Shelters are in constant need of pet food, litter, old newspapers and towels, as well as office and janitorial supplies and building materials. Get a wish list from your shelter and get to work!

Q&A

Safe carriers for cats, too

Q: I read your column with the advice about putting dogs in crates when traveling, and I'm wondering: Why didn't you mention anything about cats?

Cats and kittens also need to go in crates, especially if they have to be transported by car. Otherwise, they'll seek a safe spot and may end up lodged under a seat or somewhere in the wiring under the dashboard -- and they might lacerate someone with their claws on the way there.

Lots of people I know say their cats hate getting into crates. Of course they do if the only time the crate comes out is when the cat has to go to the vet!

We've overcome that little problem for our cats by keeping the crates in a corner of the living room, with a towel or soft piece of fleece inside. The crates are a favorite napping spot for all three of our cats. When it's time to go to the vet, instead of the crate being that "awful thing" they have to get into when they go to that "awful place," the crate is a piece of home that goes with them. It gives them a familiar, safe place to hide. I usually cover the crate with a towel when we're at the vet so the cats feel more hidden and secure. -- K.B., via e-mail

A: That particular piece was about holiday travel with dogs, but you can bet I've written plenty about how important crates are for all pets. That includes not only cats, but also birds, reptiles, rabbits, ferrets and more. Having a secure way to take a pet out of the house is always important, but never more so than during a time of emergency.

Your tips are wonderful, by the way, and will help many cats be more relaxed in their crates no matter the circumstances.

No outside dogs

Q: I wholeheartedly agree with your stand against "outside dogs" and hope that people take your advice not to get a dog if it is not going to be part of the family. How sad it is to think of all the lonely dogs outside alone year after year, especially in the coldest parts of the country. What's the matter with people, anyway?

Could you mention one more reason not to abandon a dog to the outdoors? In addition to all the points you made, these dogs are probably denied prompt and proper medical care because their owners do not notice their ailments. -- K.H., via e-mail

A: Happily for the dogs of the world, there are lots of pet owners who agree that dogs are not happy living their lives completely alone outside. Their numbers are bolstered by people who agree for a different reason -- they live near outdoor dogs, and have to listen to the barking of these neglected pets day and night.

Humane societies, behaviorists and other experts have long agreed that making a dog part of the family makes them not only happier, but also less likely to be a nuisance or a danger. This is especially true if the dog is maintained outside on a chain.

And yes, I've neglected in the past to mention your point that dogs who live completely outdoor lives may not get the attention they need when it comes to medical care. That's because it can be difficult to spot the sometimes subtle early signs of serious illness in an animal who isn't living underfoot.

CHANGES COMING TO THE PET PAGE

Starting with next week's issue, you'll see some changes to Pet Connection.

Becker is also the host of "The Pet Doctor With Marty Becker," which has been airing on PBS stations around the country since early December. In association with the American Animal Hospital Association, Becker hosts a nationally syndicated radio program, "Top Vets Talk Pets," on the Health Radio Network. He has appeared on Animal Planet and is a frequent guest on national network and cable television, and on radio shows. He has also been interviewed for countless magazine and newspaper articles.

He is an adjunct professor at both his alma mater, the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, and at the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Additionally, Becker has lectured at every veterinary school in the United States, and has been named Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year by the Delta Society and the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Becker is co-author of the fastest-selling pet book in history, "Chicken Soup for the Pet-Lover's Soul," and is either sole author or co-author of other top-selling books, including other animal books in the Chicken Soup line. With Gina Spadafori, he is co-author of "Do Cats Always Land on Their Feet?" and the New York Times best-seller, "Why Do Dogs Drink Out of the Toilet?"

Pet Connection is also gaining the contributions of other pet-care experts. Behavior experts Susan and Dr. Rolan Tripp of AnimalBehavior.net are writing "On Good Behavior," a series of tips to make living with a pet easier. In addition, Christie Keith will be contributing to the Pet Connection on a regular basis. Keith is a longtime pet-care writer with a special interest in health and nutrition.

All members of the team will contribute to the frequently updated Pet Connection Web log. Information on all Pet Connection contributors, the Web log, column archives, popular "dogmobile" reviews and more are all available at PetConnection.com.

DOGMOBILES

Newest Jeep offers dog-friendly value

When did DaimlerChrysler become such an innovative, value-oriented car company?

First, the Stow 'N Go seats on the Dodge and Chrysler minivans knocked my socks off, enabling very comfortable vehicles to go from hauling a soccer team to hauling a team of sled dogs in about the five minutes it takes to fold all the seats into the floor.

Then I get the Jeep Compass Limited 4-by-4, the new "cute ute" from the venerable line of rugged off-roaders. This one's a great dogmobile at fantastic price -- starting below $16,000 for the two-wheel-drive version, with the four-wheel-drive vehicle I test-drove optioned out for a tick under $25,000.

What's to like? Just about everything:

-- The back seats fold flat easily.

-- The cargo area has rubber matting instead of carpet, making cleanup after dirty paws easy.

-- Fuel economy is a 23 mpg city/26 mpg highway (and up to 30 mpg for the two-wheel drive model).

-- Good cargo space for a little SUV.

-- Well-placed cargo anchor hooks.

-- Good ground clearance and easy changeover to the four-wheel drive, both of which you'd expect in a Jeep, after all. This vehicle would have no problem with the fields where I'm often training my dogs.

The only dog-related complaint? The cupholders are down low between the front seats, easy for a dog to put a foot in (or a tongue, in the case of my youngest retriever, McKenzie, who loves coffee with cream.)

Aside from the doggie aspects, this little SUV is fun to drive and very responsive. Pretty darn cute, too.

The Jeep Compass would be a great dogmobile at a higher price. As it is, it's one of the best value-oriented dogmobiles I've driven.

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Dogs need to play

Puppies learn from play to be friendly and relaxed about the world around them. And playtime is a wonderful way to help develop a rich and rewarding relationship with your dog.

Initiate play with your dog by imitating a canine "play bow," front down, rear up and slapping the floor with your hands. Feel the day's tension melt away as you wiggle and giggle, and watch your dog light up in response.

Lead gentle play by example. Make sure canine teeth grab toys -- not flesh -- during play. Use treats and new vocabulary to create new games and keep all play lighthearted, fun and interesting. Vary play, and stop play sessions before your pet shows signs of losing interest.

(Animal behavior experts Susan and Dr. Roland Tripp are the authors of "On Good Behavior." For more information, visit their Web site at AnimalBehavior.net.)

PETS ON THE WEB

Is raw food good for dogs?

While home-prepared dog diets will never give commercial manufacturers much competition, there's no doubt that the trend toward "species appropriate" food for dogs has been growing for years.

One such diet is called BARF, which stands for Bones and Raw Flesh, or Biologically Appropriate Raw Food. The diet is controversial and hotly debated, with passionate people on both sides. Is raw food a good way to feed your dog, or a serious health risk for dogs and people?

The BARF for Beginners Web site (www.njboxers.com/faqs.htm) won't settle the dispute, but it does offer a great deal of information on the diet, the theories behind it and the balancing act involved in preparing meals. Other fresh-food advocates are less dogmatic (if you will), promoting home-prepared diets of human-grade meats that are not necessarily raw.

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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