Universal Press Syndicate

After many years of caring for and writing about pets, two things constantly surprise us:

-- How little it takes for some people to break the human-animal bond and dump a pet. For some people, any failure on the pet's part to meet often unrealistic behavior expectations can cause an end to a pet's stay in the home.

-- How much it takes for some people to even admit there's a problem with a pet. For these people, giving up on a pet isn't an option. But they often don't realize they can get help that will make life better for everyone in the family, pet included.

Life doesn't have to be this way for those pet owners at either extreme, or for most people in the middle, who have some mild behavioral challenges with a pet. While some behavior problems aren't fixable -- a dog who has attacked with true intent to harm, for example -- many other issues can be resolved.

To accomplish such change, though, you have to be prepared to put some time into changing the situation. Quick-fix, halfhearted efforts are doomed from the start. And you need help from your veterinarian and a pet-behavior expert.

Why your veterinarian? Because the first rule of solving any behavioral problem is to make sure it's not a medical problem. Health issues that cause or contribute to behavior problems must first be accurately diagnosed and treated with the help of your veterinarian.

Once you know your pet is healthy, a behaviorist can help you work on getting you and your pet on the same page.

This is the stage where many people balk, but they shouldn't. Consulting a behaviorist can save time, money and aggravation. Time, because someone with experience in animal behavior can quickly determine the root of the problem, without the emotional baggage that a pet owner may bring to the situation. Money, because a consultation or two is a great deal cheaper than replacing a chewed couch or blitzed landscaping. And aggravation? Anyone who has ever lived with a problem pet -- and that's most of us, at one time or another -- can understand how annoying it can be.

Behaviorists are not "trainers" in the sense of offering group obedience classes to sharpen a pet's manners. Instead, they work one-on-one with you to solve a specific behavior problem. The consulting takes various forms. Some behaviorists consult by phone, others take appointments with or without your pet, and others make house calls. All of these can work, depending on the problem and the pet.

One of the best choices for help is a veterinarian who has received additional certification in solving pet-behavior problems. These professionals have gone through years of study in animal health and behavior and have done a residency in the field as well. One plus with this group: They can prescribe medications to help correct problems as part of an overall behavior-modification program.

People with other academic degrees (such as in psychology) and people who've picked up their knowledge in the field also make themselves available for advising on pet behavior problems. Some in the latter group can be excellent, so don't let a lack of degrees deter you from getting help from someone who has studied in the "school of hard knocks" (or would that be the "school of bites and scratches"?).

If you're in a situation where you're thinking of dumping your pet, are living with a difficult pet behavior problem or just have a couple of issues you'd like resolved, don't put off getting the help you need. With the help of a veterinarian and a good behaviorist, you can have that peaceable kingdom you've always wanted.

SIDEBAR

Where to find pet-behavior help

The best place to start dealing with a pet's behavior problems is by asking your veterinarian for a referral to a local trainer or behaviorist. If you come up with nothing suitable, check out the nearest school or college of veterinary medicine -- most have veterinarians on staff with additional training in animal behavior.

You may also find a veterinarian working with pet behavior problems through one of these organizations:

-- American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (www.dacvb.org)

-- American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (www.avsabonline.org)

Other organizations whose members have experience in solving pet-behavior problems include:

-- International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (www.iaabc.org)

-- Association of Pet Dog Trainers (www.apdt.com)

-- National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors (www.nadoi.org) -- Gina Spadafori

Q&A

Towels keep setter calm

Q: Regarding your article on dogs who react poorly to fireworks and thunderstorms, may we share what works for us? My husband found a way this year to get our dog through the Independence Day fireworks.

We ask our English setter to lie down on the floor. We then put three beach towels over his body. We think that blocking his vision and reducing his hearing did the trick. He was quiet the whole time. Usually he keeps trying to find a place to hide, and he shakes the entire time the fireworks are going off. Yet this dog does not mind the sound of a gun when out hunting. Go figure! -- M.M., via e-mail

A: I would guess your innovative improvisation works like commercial products such as the Calming Cap (www.premier.com or 888-640-8840) and the Anxiety Wrap (www.anxietywrap.com or 877-652-1266). Really, you've provided your dog with a combination of both! Your beach towel cure helps your pet to relax because it cuts off some of the sensory input, and it may even offer the calming sensation of pressure on the body.

As for your dog thinking the gunfire associated with hunting is fine while fireworks is not ... well, part of it is likely because he enjoys doing the work he was bred for, out on a beautiful day with someone he loves. The sound of gunfire means good things to your dog, while the fireworks are just scary noise. Thanks for sharing! -- Dr. Marty Becker

Q: May I add one more tip to your piece on dogs and swimming? Watch for signs that your dog is drinking too much water while swimming.

I have a friend whose Australian shepherd drinks quite a bit of water when she swims. One day she almost died from water intoxication because she drank too much water while she was swimming. -- J.M., via e-mail

A: Thanks for the additional caution. Yes, it's true that some dogs drink too much water, and even clean, fresh water can become a problem in such circumstances. (Brackish water and saltwater can cause their own problems, especially when toxic algae blooms are in season.)

As we wrote in our earlier piece, swimming is great fun and good exercise. But it's always up to us to be sure our dogs are safe in and around the water. That's true if it's your backyard pool or any nearby body of water. Thanks for writing with your additional words of warning. -- Gina Spadafori

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

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

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. The two are also the authors of several best-selling pet-care books.

On PetConnection.com there's more information on pets and their care, reviews of products, books and "dog cars," and a weekly drawing for pet-care prizes. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or visiting PetConnection.com.

PET BUZZ

Pets two times the allergy 'fun'

-- Dogs and cats are primary carriers of allergens (their own dander, urine and saliva trigger allergy responses) as well as secondary carriers. Their coats are like a dust mop filled with whatever pollen is in the air or on the ground. Weekly baths with a hypoallergenic shampoo have been shown to help.

-- Feline eye implants offer hope for humans. A University of Missouri veterinary ophthalmologist hopes the technology behind microchips to curb retinal blindness in cats may one day help humans.

-- A dog-appeasing pheromone (DAP) designed to mimic a scent that mother dogs produce to calm their puppies has been shown to minimize anxiety in response to stressful sounds or experiences including fireworks, thunderstorms and car travel. This product is available in a spray, as an air diffuser or on a collar from Veterinary Product Laboratories (www.vpl.com).

-- Your average opossum has 13 nipples arranged in a circular pattern with one in the middle.

-- According to the Morris Animal Foundation, the dog breeds most likely to get cancer include the Bernese mountain dog, boxer, chow chow, cocker spaniel, collie, English springer spaniel, flat-coated retriever, golden retriever, Labrador retriever, greyhound, pug, shar-pei, Scottish terrier and Rottweiler. -- Dr. Marty Becker

PET BUY

Make a batch of pupsicles

Everybody appreciates cool refreshment on hot days, and that includes our pets. Keep pet water supplies cool by adding ice chips or cubes to the water supply of smaller pets, ice blocks for larger animals. Ice blocks can be made easily by freezing water in used margarine tubs.

If you want to get a little fancier, check out Ice Pups from The Honest Kitchen (www.thehonestkitchen.com or 858-483-5995). The product is dehydrated chicken and turkey, along with other healthy ingredients such as honey and dandelions. It contains no salt, preservatives, sugar or artificial flavoring. Mix the powder in warm water and then freeze either into blocks or cubes. You can also serve it as a cool liquid treat.

Suggested retail is $7.50 for a 4-ounce pouch that makes 16 servings. -- Gina Spadafori

PET BOOK

Good advice on keeping dog parks safe, fun

Dog parks sound like a wonderful idea -- a fenced, dedicated area for dogs to run around off-leash and play with other dogs. What's not to love?

Unfortunately, there can be plenty of problems. Unscooped poop, dog fights, unattended children, unsupervised dogs, rude owners and damaged fences can ruin the dog park experience, not just for dogs and their owners but for entire communities.

"Some dogs just aren't right for dog parks, and others need a little assistance to appreciate the social opportunity," writes Cheryl S. Smith in "Visiting the Dog Park: Having Fun, Staying Safe" (Dogwise, $12). "You will be better able to see that all goes well for your dog if you have some essential knowledge of dog parks before venturing through the gate."

Some tips from the book:

-- Teach your dog to come when called. You'll be able to call her away from potential fights and open gates, and get her to leave when you're ready, not when you can catch her.

-- Make sure you know how your dog reacts with other dogs before that first visit.

-- Use the "personality types" guide to decide if your dog has the right temperament to use a dog park at all, or if she needs some training and socialization first.

-- Check fences and gates for safety before letting your dog loose in a dog park.

-- Obey the rules! Keep gates closed, pick up after your dog, and don't let your dog bother other dogs.

This useful book is just the place to gain that knowledge, from how to prepare your dog for his first visit to the park to how to read canine body language. Along the way it covers evaluating dog parks for safety, safety tips for small dogs, preventing diseases and even how to find -- or start -- a dog park in your community. -- Christie Keith

BY THE NUMBERS

More the merrier

While most people with dogs are happy to have just one, among cat lovers the trend is for multiple ownership. Figures from 2004:

Number of cats owned:

One 49 percent

Two 25 percent

Three or more 26 percent

Average number of cats owned: 2.4

Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Teach your pup to do push-ups

Puppies and dogs need lots of mental and physical exercise. Teaching "push-ups" gives dogs of all ages and sizes a great release for excess energy.

Since dogs read body language better than they learn verbal language, teach them hand signals for these behaviors.

With your elbow at your side, lift up your hand for a "sit," and move your hand down to your side for a "down." In the beginning, praise and give a treat for each "sit" and "down." As your dog learns the pattern, phase out treats by rewarding the down only, then every other down. Always praise for each position before going to the next.

Canine push-ups are great way for canines to earn attention, toys or permission to pass through doorways.

(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

Universal Press Syndicate

Is there anything a dog can't use his nose to figure out? Dogs have long been used to sniff out escaped cons and missing children (think bloodhounds), dinner (think spaniels, retrievers and hounds), and even truffles (think poodles).

But in recent years, trainers have come up with all kinds of new ways to use a dog's extraordinary sense of smell. Here are a few you maybe knew -- and a few more we bet you did not:

-- Drugs. Dogs can be trained to sniff out all kinds of illegal drugs, finding them not only on people but also in massive cargo containers, long-haul trucks and school lockers.

-- Plant matter. Since fresh fruits and vegetables can bring insects and diseases into the country that have the potential to cause great damage to agriculture, dogs are used to detect the foodstuffs in the luggage of people coming through customs. Dogs are also used to sniff out invasive weeds in fields, so the plants can be eradicated before they take hold.

-- Insects. Termites? No problem. Dogs are also being used to detect the resurgence of bedbugs in big cities.

-- Mold. It's not just the mold that bedevils homeowners, but also the mold that puts the vines at wineries at risk from the spread of disease.

-- Explosives. Meetings of high public officials would be hard to imagine without the diligent work of bomb-sniffing dogs. To take it a bit further, dogs are even being taught to sniff out cell phones that could be used to detonate a bomb.

-- Cows in heat. A lot of money depends on being able to artificially inseminate a cow without wasting time guessing when she's ready. While a bull could tell, he's not always available, as his contribution usually arrives on the scene frozen. A dog can tell when the cow is most fertile -- although it's a good bet the dog couldn't care less.

-- Cancer. While cancer-detection is still in the trial stage, it's looking pretty promising that dogs can spot a malignancy. Some day your doctor may order up a "lab test" and mean Labrador!

-- Chemicals. Dogs have been known to look for items as varied as mercury and the components of potentially pirated DVDs.

While most of us tend to think scent work is the near-exclusive province of a handful of breeds -- bloodhounds, German shepherds and maybe a Labrador retriever here and there -- in fact, a wide range of breeds and mixes is trained to detect various scents. Because of their fine noses and friendly dispositions, beagles are used to work airports by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and any manner of mixed breeds -- lucky dogs pulled from shelters -- have been used for other kinds of detection work.

Because all dogs have keen noses filled with many more scent receptors than we humans have, a dog's future doing nose work relies more on enthusiasm, reliability and trainability than on the canine common ability to tell one scent from another.

SIDEBAR

Wrinkles for a reason

Humans have about 5 million scent receptors in their noses; dogs have about 200 million. Dogs can detect tiny levels of odors, even a few parts per billion. Their noses are also uniquely designed to draw air samples through -- for the most part.

You're not going to see a dog with a pushed-in muzzle, like a pug, tracking someone on "America's Most Wanted." That's because when breeding for a short nose -- and a face more like ours -- we've reduced the real estate available for scent receptors in these breeds.

On the other end of the scale, a dog developed for tracking, such as the bloodhound, has a sense of smell so keen, the results of his work are admissible in a court of law. In addition to a long, deep muzzle, the bloodhound has ears to sweep scent from the ground and skin folds to hold scents around the face. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Q&A

Stress may be behind licking

Q: My cat has developed a licking problem. Her companion (a male cat) died in January, and her licking started in late March or early April. She has become very territorial, and she fights with any cats who try to enter her yard. I was wondering if her problem has developed because she is now responsible for the yard rather than her male companion. She doesn't want to play and will no longer sit in my lap. Her whole personality has changed. Help! -- S.H., via e-mail

A: Cats are often stressed by changes in their environments. Losing a companion cat is one such change. Her male companion gave her companionship and a "safety in numbers" comfort that is no longer there. The other cat may have also taken the lead in chasing off cat invaders, a job that now rests heavily on her feline shoulders.

Regardless of what has changed for her socially or environmentally, this new licking behavior is likely triggered by stress. She may be experiencing a general underlying anxiety related to change, or she may be reeling from a bad experience with another cat. It's impossible to know for sure because she can't tell us what she's thinking or feeling.

Skin problems flare up with stress in pets and in people -- think about those human skin flare-ups of eczema, hives or acne. In pets, these problems may be best addressed by both an animal behaviorist and veterinary dermatologist.

Before concluding that her licking problem is stress, though, we must consider another explanation. Pet behavior changes are often the first signs of an underlying medical condition. She may have a hidden physical pain or discomfort missed during a typical physical exam. You did not say where she is licking, and that's a clue that may point to a medical issue.

If she has not undergone a complete diagnostic profile that includes a thorough exam, plus blood, urine, stool and imaging tests, please arrange these with your veterinarian.

Once medical conditions are ruled out, getting a behavioral diagnosis is your next step. You start by completing a comprehensive behavioral history to be analyzed by a veterinary behaviorist or veterinarian with a special interest in behavior. It's impossible to narrow down the probable causes of her licking without this comprehensive approach to her behavior.

Based on her behavioral profile, a behavior-modification plan can be developed that's combined, perhaps, with medications to lower her anxiety so that she can relearn calm, relaxed behaviors and stop licking. -- Susan and Dr. Rolan Tripp

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

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

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. The two are also the authors of several best-selling pet-care books.

On PetConnection.com there's more information on pets and their care, reviews of products, books and "dog cars," and a weekly drawing for pet-care prizes. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or visiting PetConnection.com.

PET BUZZ

Creative mixes mean big bucks

-- In an Internet poll of more than 2,200 people, sponsored by Eukanuba and Gatsby Publications, 15 breeds of dogs were selected as the most beautiful (out of those currently recognized the American Kennel Club).

Cuties in small sizes included the Yorkshire terrier, Shetland sheepdog, Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Maltese and Pomeranian. In a medium size, it was the Siberian husky, border collie, Australian shepherd, Samoyed and bulldog. Large-breed beauties include the golden retriever, German shepherd, Labrador retriever, Alaskan malamute and boxer.

-- By 2025, the country will be short by about 15,000 veterinarians. That includes not only those health-care professionals who care for our pets, but also those who protect the nation's food supply.

-- All but three U.S. presidents have chosen to have house pets on the White House grounds. The pet-less presidents are James K. Polk (11th president), Franklin Pierce (14th) and Chester A. Arthur (21st). Guess they didn't know the common wisdom perfectly expressed by Harry S Truman (33rd): "If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog."

-- It used to be that a golden retriever poodle mix puppy meant the neighbor's golden hopped a fence while Fifi was in heat. But today these canine cocktails, such as the "goldendoodle," are commanding big bucks. According to the American Association of Retired Persons, here are some of the hottest mixes and what they'll set you back:

Peagle (Pekingese plus beagle) $800-$1,100; puggle (pug plus beagle) $600-$1,600; Chiweenie (Chihuahua plus dachshund) $400-$850; Labradoodle (Labrador retriever plus poodle) $1,200-$1,600; cockalier (cocker spaniel plus Cavalier King Charles spaniel) $1,200-$1,400; Faux Frenchbo (Boston terrier plus French bulldog) $750-$1,000.

Or just skip the high prices and wait for these dogs to turn up at your shelter, where along with all the other all-American originals -- aka "mutts" (and purebreds, too) -- you'll pay around $100, including neutering and shots in many cases. -- Dr. Marty Becker

PET BUY

An easy way up for a big dog

Getting a large dog in and out of a tall vehicle like today's popular SUVs can be a challenge, especially as age takes the spring out of a dog's rear legs -- and the strength out of an owner's back.

The Otto Step has been invented to make travel easier for all. The 18-inch-square step slides easily into a standard trailer hitch and offers a halfway point to make loading in a lot easier. Made of sturdy high-impact plastic, the lightweight platform (less than 6 pounds) features a non-skid surface. An optional pickup extension is available.

The product is named after inventor Tim Ridzik's dog, a half St. Bernard, half Newfoundland who weighs 170 pounds. The Otto Step is $60 plus shipping from www.ottostep.com or 1-888-311-OTTO (6886).

BREED TYPE

Parson packs a lot into a little body

The Parson Russell terrier -- more commonly known as the Jack Russell -- is nobody's idea of a layabout. And that's bad news for those thinking they're getting a dog as cute and well-mannered as the TV and movie dogs who helped to drive the breed's popularity.

These hard-driving little dogs are loving, loyal and very smart. But when they're bored and don't get enough exercise, they can be destructive of property or engage in other non-desired behaviors. They dig, they bark, and many of them are extremely intolerant of smaller pets, especially those of the rodent variety.

So why are these dogs so popular? When living with people who understand them, who keep their minds and bodies exercised, who train them and work them constantly, and who set limits and gently but firmly enforce them, the Jack Russell is an outstanding companion. They are always full of energy, and their joyfulness is infectious.

The Jack Russell Terrier Club of America (www.terrier.com) is the older club for the breed in the United States, fiercely independent of the American Kennel Club and its Parson Russell Terrier Club of America (www.prtaa.org).

Both clubs oversee a breed that's supposed to be a working dog, a small terrier (less than 20 pounds), with a smooth or wiry coat, and with any combination of black and tan on a mostly white base coat. The JRTCA has a nifty interactive profiler that rates a prospective buyer's suitability for owning one of these lively dogs.

For people who understand the breed and are willing to work to keep a working terrier happy, there's no better dog in the world. For anyone else, though, if you're looking for a lazy dog, or an easygoing dog for beginners, you're better off without this high-energy breed. -- Gina Spadafori

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Persians stay popular

The Persian has long been one of the most popular of registered pedigreed cats. In 2006, the Top 10 breeds were:

1. Persian

2. Maine coon

3. Exotic

4. Siamese

5. Rag doll

6. Abyssinian

7. Birman

8. American shorthair

9. Oriental

10. Sphynx

Source: Cat Fanciers' Association

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

How to choose a good kitten

Keep these tips in mind when choosing a shelter kitten:

-- Beware the kitten who shows signs of illness, such as lethargy, runny nose, pot belly or dull coat. You maybe be taking home heartbreak, or at least a big veterinary bill.

-- Look for a kitten who approaches the front of the kennel and seems to like people. Watch for eye contact, attempts to rub against you or kneading. The best sign of all is when you pick up the kitten and the purr machine starts as the kitten settles in for as long as you want to hold him or her.

-- Although playfulness is cute from a kitten, beware of the kitten who is in constant motion, does not welcome being held and bats at you for fun. This one could become a handful!

(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

Universal Press Syndicate

The last few weeks in my home have been magical, in a way only other cat lovers can understand.

I've watched a tiny kitten come into a home already filled -- to the brim, some might say -- with four boisterous dogs, a raucous prankster of a parrot and an extremely bossy rabbit. Within days, she went from overwhelmed to relaxed to ruling, and now the entire family is under her spell. She grooms and is groomed by the oldest dog, plays with the youngest, and sleeps with the others. She watches the parrot with fascination but has learned (with a sharp nip from him) that he is most decidedly not for lunch. And the rabbit? They've reached a peace agreement and completely ignore each other.

As for me, I'm smitten with my kitten.

Having a kitten in my home, though, has sent me diving back into my own books and past columns for reference, just to remind myself that I'm not forgetting anything that will keep her healthy and help her grow into a confident and loving companion.

This is a great time of year to adopt a kitten, with plenty of eager youngsters at the shelters. And if, like me, you're dealing with the joy of a new baby in your home, you'll want some guidance, too.

-- Getting off to a healthy start. Off to the veterinarian with you both! I took Clara in for some visiting and snuggling that were unrelated to any medical procedures -- yes, I have a great relationship with my veterinarians and the staff! -- so she could see that not all veterinary visits are awful.

And then, we tailored a vaccination schedule -- things have changed from the old "yearly shots" -- designed to suit her life as an indoor cat and reduce the risk of vaccine-associated cancers. Preventive care for kittens also includes a discussion of various parasites -- from intestinal worms to fleas to heartworms -- and preventive medicine for all these pests.

Finally, of course, she was spayed (see sidebar).

-- Thinking inside the box. Clara started her life with me in a quiet corner of my home office, living in a large wire dog crate (think Great Dane-sized) with a bed, litter box, toys and food and water. From inside it, she could see the other animals and vice versa without any physical altercations.

Once she relaxed around the other pets (and the dogs learned she was off-limits to them), she graduated to getting the run of the entire room, with the litter box in the adjacent half-bath. She slowly gained the entire run of the house, but still knows the office as her home base. The litter box is still in that half-bath -- a quiet, dog-proof sanctuary. I use a big box and a high-quality clumping litter, and I scoop twice daily to keep it clean.

If I keep up my end of the bargain, keeping the litter box clean in a safe place, she should be able to keep up hers (barring any illness, of course).

-- Keeping the house kitten-safe. I thought because of the parrot and the rabbit (not to mention having just raised a puppy) that my house was fairly kitten-proof. Not so: Kittens add the excitement of elevated trouble, with their ability to get those needle-pointed paws into almost anything and climb upward with speed if not grace.

Knick-knacks too heavy for the parrot to push over proved no match for little Clara, and the control cords of my blinds likewise suffered for her attention. Within a few days I had everything put away, covered up, rolled up and tucked in tight. A new, multilevel cat tree with both carpeting and sisal scratching surfaces soon became her new base of operation. I praised her for using it for her clawing, and so far she's leaving most everything else alone.

-- Embracing the bond. Kittenhood is the time not only to stop bad habits, but also to instill good ones that will last a lifetime. The best part of all is learning to share love.

Clara has learned to play in ways that encourage her to exercise her mind and body, but not her claws, when my skin is involved. She loves the laser pointer, cat-fishing toys and is always left alone with puzzle games that require her to work for food and entertainment. We're even working on a little trick-training, using operant conditioning and food rewards. She loves it!

In just a few short weeks she has gone from a little waif too terrified to leave her carrier to a confident, half-grown cat who's quick to purr and even quicker to pounce in play.

I just can't imagine life without her now, and I look forward to many years with her as part of my loving and entertaining family of pets.

SIDEBAR

Neuter that kitten!

Not all kittens are as lucky as the little fuzzball you took home. That's why it's so important that you help out all kittens and cats by doing one very important thing with your new feline companion:

Have your pet neutered. The sooner the better.

Veterinary organizations have long endorsed early neutering, on animals as young as 8 weeks. Many humane associations and shelters are already doing so -- perhaps your kitten was fixed before you were allowed to take her home!

At 8 weeks, 8 months or even 8 years, there's no reason to wait -- and a lot of reasons to go forward. Neutering helps to stop the "kittens out, kittens in" game that shelters play -- and lose -- every summer. And spaying and neutering offer some real health and behavior benefits for you as a pet owner.

Get your kitten fixed as soon as you can. It's the right thing to do. -- Gina Spadafori

Q&A

Cat's rub is love -- and much more

Q: Why are cats so eager to rub up against us? -- B.Q., via e-mail

A: When a cat rubs against a person, it's a sign of friendliness and affection. But rubbing also performs a very important feline function: scent-marking.

Cats want everything in the world to smell as they do, and they spend their lives trying to accomplish that feat. When cats rub against people or furniture, they're depositing sebum from glands on their heads to spread their own trademark scent on what -- or who -- they're bumping.

That's the most "people-approved" form of scent-marking in cats, but there are others. When cats claw, they're not only keeping the tips of their claws razor-sharp, but they're also depositing scent from glands in the feet. When they lick themselves -- or you -- they're putting scent-impregnated saliva all over. Smelling right to a cat is so important that they'll even start grooming themselves after being petted, to cover your scent again with their own.

The least popular form of scent-marking -- from a human point of view, anyway -- is urine-spraying. Although many cat lovers believe this to be a litter-box avoidance issue, in fact it's a completely separate behavior.

A cat urinating in a box squats. A cat scent-marking with urine stands, backs up to the object he's intending to mark, twitches his raised tail and lets it fly. Although urine-spraying is commonly a problem of unneutered males, cats of both genders, neutered or not, have been known to indulge in this messy, smelly habit. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Q: Is it true that a cat's whiskers are always as wide as his body? Do they use them to judge what they can fit through? -- F.B., via e-mail

A: Sort of. Cats are able to squeeze through spaces that seem narrower than they are because they don't have a rigid collarbone to block their way through nooks and crannies. Once they can get their head and shoulders through, their sleek bodies present no further obstacle.

That's if those bodies are sleek, that is. The world is full of fat cats, after all, and for them, fitting through tiny holes is not a given. For one thing, they may think they're capable of fitting even if their paunch says otherwise. That's because a cat's whiskers -- super-sensitive, specialized hairs -- spread roughly as wide as a cat does. But they don't grow longer as a cat gets wider, which can lead some corpulent cats into sticky situations. -- Gina Spadafori

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

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

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. The two are also the authors of several best-selling pet-care books.

On PetConnection.com there's more information on pets and their care, reviews of products, books and "dog cars," and a weekly drawing for pet-care prizes. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or visiting PetConnection.com.

PET BUZZ

Full moon means pet emergencies

-- A study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association finds that emergency room visits for pets increase during or near a full moon.

-- According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, veterinarians have the lowest risk rate of all professions, often allowing them 100 percent financing on their SBA loans. Veterinarians have a charge-off rate of just .02 percent, whereas medical doctors have a 1 percent charge-off rate.

-- Pets who are overweight or obese are 50 percent more likely to develop asthma than those of normal weight.

-- Grandpa Simpson has some strong opinions. When asked in an AARP interview what movie star he'd most like to be, "The Simpsons" character chose Lassie. "Then at least I'd be fed, walked and hugged," he said.

-- Common foods in the kitchen that can make your pet sick: chocolate, moldy foods, onions, raisins or grapes, salt, and any gum or candy containing xylitol as a sweetener. -- Dr. Marty Becker

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Adult dog rules a must for pup

Puppies learn most rapidly before 14 weeks of age and retain those lessons for life. If you have a puppy who's going to be a big dog, you may be letting him learn some bad lessons now. Does he stand on his hind legs reaching up for attention as you sit on the couch? Do you scoop him up and place him on the couch as you watch television? Do you encourage him up onto your bed?

Consider this a warning. At 5 months old, your puppy will not grasp that he's grown plenty big and is going to be even bigger. He will still try putting his front paws on you, sitting on the couch and sleeping in your bed. Training your puppy at 6 months of age not to jump on you and to stay off the furniture is much harder after you've already let him learn unwanted behaviors when he was a little pup.

Always remember to start the "adult dog rules" with your puppy from day one.

(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.)

DOG CARS

Stylish Chevy HHR comes with room for dogs

The Chevrolet HHR is one of the more distinctive vehicles on the road, with retro styling that you'll either love or hate. But there's no debating the versatility of this crossover, which has room for people, pets and more.

The four-door with a squared-off back and a lift hatch looks as if it needs a surfboard to complete the picture. Competitive pricing also makes it look as if its appeal should be to the entry-level buyer, with prices starting just a tick under $17,000 in five trim styles, including a windowless panel version. (Multiple option packages, including the useful road-assistance OnStar service, can add on the dollars quickly, though.)

But flip that rear hatch, and you'll find an interior that's roomy and versatile. The bench rear seats flip down easily in a 60/40 configuration, opening up almost 58 cubic feet of cargo space. Even better, the backs of those seats and the rear compartment are covered with high-impact plastic -- no carpet for muddy paws to muck up.

A large storage bin is hidden under the rear deck, with two smaller storage areas with flip-up covers just behind the rear seat.

The HHR's rear deck is low enough that most dogs can get in with ease. And although the cool little hauler isn't wide enough for a pair of side-by-side crates for large dogs, crates for small dogs will have no problem fitting in. Even big dog crates can be accommodated with some creative cargo-loading, with a safe ride available for all.

Basic fuel economy is a decent 23 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, making this a great car for traveling with your pet. There's room for everything, and getting there won't break the bank. -- Gina Spadafori

(For all the Pet Connection vehicle and travel products reviews, visit DogCars.com.)

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Where birds stay when you fly

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

TRAVEL CARE FOR BIRDS

Family/friend/neighbor comes to home 53 percent

Leave bird with family/friend/neighbor 17 percent

Leave bird home alone with food/water 13 percent

Take birds along 4 percent

Board bird 1 percent

Professional pet sitter 1 percent

Other/no answer 11 percent

Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association

THE SCOOP

Errand? Leave your dog home

With just a few weeks left in summer, don't let your guard down when it comes to protecting your dog from a hot car.

Even if your pet loves to run errands, it's better to leave him home at this time of the year. That's because the "greenhouse effect" can turn a car into an oven even on a day that's only warm, not hot.

An 85-degree day may mean 102 degrees inside a vehicle in 10 minutes and 120 degrees within 30 minutes -- even with the windows rolled down slightly.

In just the amount of time it takes to run a quick errand, a dog with heat intolerance -- because of age or a short nose -- can be put at grave risk. And in the time it takes to do a little grocery shopping, any dog can be killed.

It's just not work the risk. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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