As I drove down our one-mile lane in heavy snow, a neighbor stuck his head out of the door and waved me over to his home. After a warm hello, he pointed to Misty, his obese bichon frise, and asked, "Is she overweight?" Before I could answer, he added, "We think she's just got a lot of hair!"

What "big-boned" is to big people, "fluffy" is to big pets.

In surveys about pet body types (ideal, overweight, obese), about half of pet lovers with obese pets said their pets were at an ideal body weight. Because we equate food with love, we're killing our pets with kindness.

We are putting too much food in our pets' mouths and too few miles on their feet. Working dogs, once born to herd, guard or retrieve, are now born retired. The end result? About half of American pets are overweight or obese. This pet-health epidemic increases the risk of diabetes, heart and joint problems, and cancer and skin problems.

Losing just 20 percent of excess weight results in 50 percent improvement in pet health. One long-term study showed pets at their ideal body weight living 15 percent longer, an average of two years.

To reverse health problems and tap into the furry fountain of youth, help your dog lose weight in 2007 with these seven tips.

1. Walk away the weight. Famed human-obesity expert Dr. Robert Kushner, working with Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Hill's Nutrition, did a landmark study called "People and Pets Exercising Together," which found that overweight people and their pets not only lost weight but also kept the weight off by dieting and exercising together. I teamed with Dr. Kushner and wrote "Fitness Unleashed: A Dog and Owner's Guide to Losing Weight and Gaining Health Together" (Three Rivers Press, $14), which details a proven, personalized and progressive program for losing weight and getting healthier.

2. Consider a change in diet. Talk to your veterinarian about a diet pet food that has lower calories and fat, and special ingredients to help burn fat and maintain lean muscle mass. A prescription diet may be a big part of any weight-loss plan.

3. Maintain portion control. Labrador retrievers put on a controlled diet safely lost 2 percent of their body weight each week. A similar group of Labradors put on a diet at home lost less than one-quarter that amount because the food at home was "guesstimated," seemingly on the high side. Invest in a measuring cup, and feed exactly the amount recommended by your veterinarian.

4. Split portions. Your dog may feel more satiated if you split his total daily allotment into three equal feedings. If your dog doesn't eat right away, don't worry. In the wild, it would be normal to skip a meal now and again. One cause of obesity is owners "doctoring up" food to be more tasty when dogs walk away from a meal.

5. Healthy snacking. Everybody, even veterinarians, enjoy giving pets treats. Try healthier choices such as whole baby carrots, apple slices, green beans and so on.

6. Play the slots. In Las Vegas, you don't expect to win on every pull, hand or cast. It's the anticipation that keeps you going. Instead of constantly handing treats to your dog, give intermittent treats to amp up the expectation of winning for your dog. Offer pieces of dog kibble as treats, with occasional "jackpot items" such as freeze-dried meat or fresh cooked poultry meat, skin removed.

7. Use food puzzles. Today, dogs mindlessly chow down what's been put in their bowls, leaving them bored, overweight and acting out with behavioral problems. By using food puzzles such as Canine Genius, Bustercube, Molecuball and Busy Buddy, you allow the dog to work for his food and feel more satisfied, both physically and emotionally. Food puzzles are available through pet-supply stores on online pet-supply retailers.

Stop making excuses for your "fluffy" pet. Take a few simple steps, and your pet will be healthier and happier in the new year.

SIDEBAR

On PetConnection.com

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "Good Morning America" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori.

PetConnection.com features a weekly drawing for free prizes -- now featuring memberships to 1-800-HELP4PETS and gift baskets from the Kong company.

You'll also find more on pet health and behavior, a searchable archive of all past columns, and reviews of "dogmobiles," pet products and pet-care books, along with a popular Web log offering frequent contributions from the entire Pet Connection staff.

Q&A

Destructive Lab needs options

Q: I have a yellow Labrador retriever. He's a year and a half old, weighs 95 pounds, and he eats absolutely everything. When he was younger, he ate a Ziploc bag he found on a walk, my soft eyeglass case and wood whenever he finds it (the tree in the back yard, the lattice off the deck, etc.). In the last month he ate a small wool glove. Last week he ate a small thick sock with leather on it whole, as a snake would. Is it just Labs? When will it stop? -- L.K., via e-mail.

A: Labradors are well-known for their propensity to keep their mouths busy, especially through adolescence, which lasts until about their second birthday. A common saying among veterinarians is that Labradors "chew 'til they're 2 and shed 'til they're dead." That chewing perhaps goes along with another nickname for the breed: "Flabadors," because of their tendency to overeat if allowed to.

Aside from the annoyance factor of losing gloves, socks and more to your dog, his chewing is putting his life at risk. Dogs who pick up and swallow randomly found objects are at high risk for developing intestinal blockages. These often require surgery and can be deadly.

It's up to you to protect your pet. Work to keep items out of his reach by picking up after yourself and getting after the rest of the family to do so, too. When you cannot supervise your youngster, restrict his roaming to a smaller area that you can keep safely cleared -- no more run of the house and yard when you're not there to watch.

Finally, satisfy his normal urge to chew by providing him with safe, durable chew toys. You'll find a wonderful selection at your pet-supply store, including products from Nylabone and Kong. Kong toys are especially useful for dealing with chewers, since you can pack them with broken bits of treats layered with peanut butter. A stuffed Kong will keep a vigorous chewer busy and out of trouble for a good long time.

When you see your dog chewing something you don't want him to, don't scream at him or hit him. Instead, take the item from him and offer an acceptable chew toy. Praise him for taking it and for chewing on it.

Labradors are wonderful family dogs, but their adolescence can be very trying. Be patient, diligent and consistent in keeping him out of trouble, offer him acceptable alternatives to errant chewing, and the situation should improve as he ages. -- Gina Spadafori

Bargain neatness

Q: Would you share a tip for pet lovers trying to keep things neat on a budget? I find that the $3 rubber welcome mats from the dollar store have become a life saver for putting underneath the litter box and food dishes. They can be cleaned so much easier than rug-type mats, they dry faster, and they don't hold odors as cloth/rug types of pet mats do. They also stay in place better on slick floors. -- T.C., via e-mail

A: Thanks for your suggestion! I'm also a believer in rubber mats for keeping pet messes at bay. I use them not only under dishes and litter boxes, but also on both sides of every door to the outside. I clean up a lot fewer muddy paw prints with mats in place.

The dollar-store suggestion is a good one. I also keep an eye out for bigger mats at warehouse and home-improvement stores. The mat just outside my back door is huge, so it's more likely that all four paws on all four dogs will hit it at least once on the way into the dining room. -- Gina Spadafori

THE SCOOP

Keeping cats off counter

Tired of cats on the counter? Keep kitty from going airborne by covering the off-limits areas with double-sided tape, aluminum foil or upside-down carpet runners. Cats don't like it when their paws stick to something. They also dislike the sound and feel of aluminum foil, and find the knobs on the carpet runners uncomfortable.

You can also try cookie pans filled with water, or spraying bath towels with pet repellent and covering the affected areas. The advantage of these approaches is that they work whether you're around or not. Plus they set up the cat to choose to make the proper response -- staying off the counter -- on his own. Studies indicate that animals set up to choose the correct response learn faster than those who are simply frightened away.

Don't forget that deterring cats from climbing where they shouldn't solves only half of the problem. You also need to provide them with safe and approved places to climb, such as a sturdy cat tree. -- Dr. Marty Becker

PET TIP

Recycled beds for cold cats

Cats crave warmth, which is why they're wonderful bed companions on a cold night. But when you can't be there to provide snuggle space, your cat will appreciate a soft bed to sleep on.

One option for comfortable pet beds at no cost is to recycle toilet-seat covers. The covers are the perfect size for most cats and provide a perfect option to throwing out old covers when they're worn or your decor changes. (If you have extras, check to see if your local shelter will welcome the donation.)

Because covering upholstery is one way to protect it from cat hair, you might put a seat cover or two in places your cat loves to nap, such as on the couch or a favorite chair. Whatever hair ends up on the seat cover won't get on your upholstery and will easily come out in the wash. -- Gina Spadafori

BREED TYPE

Health problems dog cute Cavalier

Nearly 50 Cavalier King Charles spaniels will prance into the ring at Westminster this year, which makes their breed the second-largest entry at the famous dog show. It's a tribute to the rapid rise in popularity of this toy breed.

Bred to resemble the big-eyed, long-eared lap dogs seen in so many 18th-century portraits, the good looks and charm of this toy spaniel are undeniable. Their silky coats come in four color combinations, with the chestnut-and-white "Blenheim" pattern the most common.

Sadly, the breed suffers from a number of potential health problems.

The most serious is mitral valve disease, a potentially lethal defect of the left valve of the heart. It can strike while the dog is still quite young and is found in all bloodlines from all countries. All responsible breeders screen their dogs for heart disease, and there are no exceptions. Cavs can also suffer from a neurological disorder known as syringomyelia.

There are two clubs for the breed in the United States, and both have strict codes of ethics requiring their member breeders to screen their dogs for health problems. Be certain the breeder you select is a member in good standing of either club and is actively working to produce healthy puppies. More information on finding a Cav puppy from a health-conscious breeder can be found at www.cavalierhealth.org.

Cavs are wonderful dogs for seniors and apartment living. Their grooming and exercise needs are modest, although they love to play and do need daily brushing. They have a tendency to put weight on easily, so owners must not overfeed them. And Cavs cannot live outdoors or in a kennel. They are lap dogs through and through, so be sure you have a warm lap to offer if you bring a Cav into your home. -- Christie Keith

BY THE NUMBERS

Go fish!

While stunningly beautiful fish tanks are what catch attention, many people are still content to have a small setup with just a goldfish or two. In 2004, people who have fish reported the kinds they kept (multiple answers allowed):

Tropical 43 percent

Goldfish 38 percent

Other 20 percent

Cichlids 7 percent

Pond-kept 7 percent

Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Early handling key to kitten development

Early socialization is important in turning a kitten into a loving cat. A moderate amount of gentle handling, which should start from birth and continue through a kitten's key stages for learning social skills (between 3 and 8 weeks of age), will help increase a kitten's ability to bond with people.

Kittens are born both blind and deaf. Eyes and ears begin to function at seven to 10 days after birth, and kittens start walking days later. Each one finds his or her own nipple on the mother cat, which then becomes identified by smell. Most kittens start purring by the time they're a week old, and the sound reassures their mom that they are fine and she can relax. We can relate!

(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

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.

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