Universal Press Syndicate

When you're looking for an easy way to train your pet, it doesn't get much better than clicker training. The no-force technique works on animals of all sizes, ages and abilities. And that's true of the people who would administer clicker training, since it doesn't require strength or much coordination on the part of the trainer.

Best of all: It's fun for trainer and pet alike.

A clicker is a small plastic box that fits in the palm of your hand -- a child's toy that's also called a "cricket." To make the noise, you press down on the metal strip inside the housing and quickly release it -- click-click!

The clicker itself doesn't have any magic powers. What it provides is timing -- it allows a trainer working with a dog who understands the game to let the pet know that the behavior he's doing right now is the one that's being rewarded. And that means the behavior will be repeated. The clicking noise becomes a reward because in the early stages of training the sound is linked to the delivery of something a dog wants, most usually a tiny treat.

Does this sound familiar? Like from a psychology class, perhaps? It should ring a bell, because the underlying principal of clicker training is scientific and is called "operant conditioning" (Pavlov's drooling dogs and all). But you can be excused if you don't want to know the ins and outs of the science and just want to cut to the chase.

After all, your pet just wants to get to the good part, too.

You start by teaching your pet that a click means a treat. Pick a time when your pet isn't sleeping (not just after a meal) and is a little hungry (a couple of hours before a meal). Choose a relatively small, quiet place you can work without too many distractions, and prepare a pouch or bowl of tiny, yummy treats (diced hot dogs are popular, as are pieces of cheese or even bits of kibble). For the next few minutes, click and treat. One click, one treat. Again, and again, and again. Eventually your pet will show you he understands that the sound means food. For example, he may look immediately to the source of the treats after hearing the click.

When that happens, you're on to the next stage. But wait until your next session, because clicker training works best with a couple of short sessions -- less than 10 minutes -- every day.

When you're all set up again, sit quietly with your clicker and treats -- and wait. Your dog should start volunteering behaviors, everything from sitting to pawing to wandering in a circle. When your pet chooses one you like, click, treat and wait again. Your dog will initially be confused but should eventually offer the behavior again. Be patient! When that moment comes, click, treat and wait again

Say you clicked your dog a couple of times because he finally got bored and sat. Soon your dog will sit to test his theory that sitting means a click-treat. When that happens, click and "jackpot" him with a handful of treats. When the pattern is firmly established, you can then give it a name ("sit") and make the food reward more random to strengthen it (this is the principal that keeps you pulling the slot machine handle).

In future sessions you'll move on from the "sit" that your dog knows, waiting for more behaviors to click, treat and name, as you build your pet's repertoire of commands. More complicated behaviors are trained by "chaining" -- training in pieces and putting them together.

One more thing: Never punish your pet for not "getting it right." Clicker training is all about the payoff, and once you get it mastered, there's no end to the things you can teach your dog to do.

SIDEBAR

Learn more about clicker training

Clicker-training pioneer Karen Pryor's books, seminars and Web site (Clickertraining.com) are highly recommended for learning more about this training method. While you're on the Internet, you can also join the ClickerSolutions e-mail group (clickersolutions.com) run by trainer and author Melissa Alexander, whose "Click for Joy" (Sunshine Books, $25) was named the dog-training book of the year when it first came out.

Many trainers also offer clicker classes, so ask around for help locally.

Clicker training isn't limited to dogs -- all animals (and even aquarium fish) can learn with this method. Check out YouTube for a video of a cat learning with a clicker to turn on a light (www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vja83KLQXZs). Search for "clicker training" for more on YouTube. -- Gina Spadafori

Q&A

Seeds a bird treat, not a staple

Q: My Amazon parrot's veterinarian tells me she should eat some dry food that he recommends and sells, plus a variety of "people" food, mostly chopped vegetables and fruits. But she loves sunflower seeds, and she seems depressed and angry if they're not always available. She won't eat anything else if they are available.

I have read that sunflower seeds are addictive, which would explain my bird's behavior. My vet says that's not true, but that they're not good as a regular part of her diet. What's the truth? -- T.L., via e-mail

A: I guess the answer depends on how you define "addictive." If you mean is there a substance in the seeds that alters the body's chemistry and leads to a frantic craving, then the answer is no. There's just no evidence that sunflower seeds can exert that kind of hold on a bird.

But if you mean addiction in the more casual sense -- like my "addiction" to chocolate -- then you're probably on to something. Many birds find sunflower seeds to be the yummiest of treats.

Your vet's advice on feeding your bird is spot on. A variety of healthy foods (fruits, vegetables, pasta, cooked eggs, etc.) is key. Covering the bases with a respected commercial dry parrot food is what most avian vets would recommend.

You don't have to completely force your bird to go cold turkey on seeds, though. Since they have such a high value to your pet, use them as rewards for training. Make sure they're the unsalted kind, though. -- Gina Spadafori

Don't leave cat home alone

Q: How long can my cat stay home alone if I leave plenty of food and water? I don't have anyone to care for him while I am gone, up to four days at a time for business. -- S.W., via e-mail

A: How would you like to be left with food that's getting older by the minute, water that's developing a skin of slime and a bathroom where the toilet's backed up? That's pretty much what you're dealing with if you leave your cat unattended for more than a day.

Even worse, what if the water is spilled, or your cat eats all the food on day one? And what if he gets seriously sick or injured and no one's around to help?

Although there are some time-release food-dispensers that can keep a cat covered for a weekend in a pinch, your pet really should have someone check in at least once a day.

If you don't have friends, relatives or neighbors who can help, hire a pet sitter to come to your home. PetSitUSA.com, Petsitters.org and www.petsit.com all offer searchable listings, or simply ask friends and co-workers for recommendations (and check references!). -- 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

That smell? It must have been the dog

-- We just got wind of an interesting book: "Blame It on the Dog: A Modern History of the Fart" by Jim Dawson (Ten Speed Press, $10). Reviewers say it's a breezy read.

-- Higher than previously understood, about 14 percent of the U.S. population is infected with roundworms contracted from dogs and cats. That's according to the results of a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study presented at the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. People under age 20 are most at risk, picking up the parasites through accidental ingestion of roundworm eggs found in areas contaminated with feces of infected dogs and cats (such as play areas and sandboxes). The best protection is to keep your children's sandboxes covered, teach them to wash their hands frequently, and take your veterinarian's advice on year-round parasite control for all pets using monthly prescription products that are simple, safe and effective.

-- While the dog-related strain of the fatal rabies virus has disappeared from the United States, dogs can still become infected through tangles with raccoons, skunks or bats. So while there is some good news, don't think for a moment that rabies has been eliminated. You still need to follow your veterinarian's recommendations (and the law) regarding rabies vaccinations. Mandatory vaccinations have created what's known as "herd immunity" in U.S. dogs, and it's vital to continue this practice to protect dogs and people from the deadly virus. -- Dr. Marty Becker

PET TIP

Pet sweaters aren't just for fashion

With much of the nation in the grip of bitter cold, don't hesitate to help out your dog with a sweater.

Yes, it may look silly to some, but for older dogs, smaller dogs, those with little body fat (such as greyhounds and whippets) or sparse fur coats, the extra warmth a sweater provides is a kindness.

You don't need to make a fashion statement with a leather jacket or a fur-lined collar. A couple of easy-to-wash acrylic knits from your local pet-supply store will do the trick, and fairly economically. -- Gina Spadafori

THE SCOOP

Cat door means freedom -- for you both

Installing a cat door can end your days as a door opener. Putting one in as a gateway to a screened porch is a great way to give your cat safe access to the smells and sounds of the great (and dangerous) outdoors.

The basic cat door has a flexible plastic flap that opens as your cat pushes on it and seals shut again with gravity -- and sometimes magnets -- to keep the heat, cold and wind out after he's passed through. Although these flaps are fine for warmer climes, they may be a little drafty in areas with more severe winters. Be sure to check out window models such as those from LetMeowt.com.

To teach your cat to use the door, tape the flap up securely for a few days so that he comes to appreciate the fact that he can conveniently come and go on his own schedule through this magic portal. (And I do mean securely. If your cat gets clobbered by the flap, it'll take a long time to coax him near it again.)

Then put the flap down and put a little butter or margarine on the bottom edge of the flap and encourage him with tasty treats and praise from the other side. You can also drag toys on a string through, encouraging him to chase them.

Repeat in very short intervals over the course of several days and your cat will get the hang of it, sure enough. If you have another cat who already knows how to use the cat door, you usually don't need to do anything. Your new cat or kitten will learn from the other cat -- or even the dog. -- Gina Spadafori

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Cats vs. dogs

In terms of popularity, cats hold the upper paw. More households have dogs than have cats, but families with cats tend to have more of them -- an average of 2.2 cats per household compared to 1.7 dogs. In 2006, Americans kept:

-- 81.7 million cats

-- 72 million dogs

Source: American Veterinary Medical Association

PET BUY

Perch assortment needn't cost much

A perch is more than something to stand on for your bird. Chosen properly, it's also an important tool for helping to keep your bird physically and emotionally sound. When choosing perches, think variety, and select an array of textures. Choices you'll find at the bird store include rope, natural wood and concrete, and each should find a place in your bird's cage.

Some of the best perches around won't cost you anything more than the time it takes to trim them from your trees. Limbs from most fruit and nut trees make fine perches, as do those from ash, elm, dogwood and magnolia. Break off any pods or pieces that might harbor bugs, cut to fit the cage, scrub with detergent, rinse well, and let dry in a sunny spot before putting them in the cage. -- 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 by visiting PetConnection.com.

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

Universal Press Syndicate

Many of us resolve to turn over a new leaf at the beginning of the year. We'll lose weight, exercise more, save more money -- you name it, the list is as long as that of the bad habits so many of us have in common.

But while you're vowing to shape up, why not add a resolution or two that will help animals? After all, you'll never have any regrets when you vow to help pets.

Don't set yourself up for defeat by setting the bar too high. The fact is that every little bit helps, especially if a lot of people contribute. We have our own list, and we're happy to share our ideas for a better 2008 for you and your pets.

-- Look before you leap. Choose a pet who fits your family and lifestyle well, and be sure you have time to handle training and behavior issues before you choose your animal companion. Make sure you understand what's necessary for your pet's nutrition, preventive health care and training, so you can set up your pet to start on the right track and stay there. Many pet problems are easier to prevent than to fix.

-- Work to keep your pet healthier and happier. Simple measures such as spaying and neutering and keeping your pet at a normal weight can prevent many serious health problems and improve your pet's quality of life. Ensuring that your pet gets enough exercise can go a long way toward helping with behavior issues and is good for the relationship you have with your animal companion.

-- Prepare for health emergencies. The time to find a good veterinarian is before you need one. Establish a relationship now with a veterinarian who'll answer your questions, present all options and support you in your decisions. Consider getting pet health insurance before you have a pet health crisis, or have another plan at hand in case you need to pay for a pet's accident or unexpected illness.

-- Be a responsible pet owner. 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. Train and socialize your dogs so they can be "model citizens" wherever you take them. And don't forget to pick up after your dog when walking him.

-- Help others keep pets in their lives. Do you have an elderly relative, friend or neighbor who could use some help? 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. 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?

-- Volunteer your time. You can bottle-raise motherless kittens, foster rescue dogs, socialize pets in the shelter or offer to help with raising funds or finding needed supplies. The possibilities are endless, and there's hardly a charity around that can't use some volunteer assistance.

-- Make a call for animals. Animal cruelty is often shrugged off by the judicial system, even though studies have long shown a link between cruelty to animals and crimes against people. Call, e-mail, fax and write to prosecutors and judges in animal cruelty cases and demand accountability. You can also get involved when it comes to laws regarding animals: Make sure your elected representatives know where you stand.

Of course, we'll be working throughout the year and beyond to help you do what's right for your pets and for all animals. We wish all our readers and their pets nothing but the best in 2008.

Q&A

Open the heart after deadly accident

Q: Last summer something horrible happened: I killed my own cat. I was backing out of the driveway and didn't see her sunning herself on the concrete behind my car. Sophia died in my arms after I heard her scream of pain, and I have never cried so hard or felt so guilty in my life. I have had a very hard time dealing with this since, as you may imagine.

I haven't been able to get another cat, but I so miss having one that I am almost ready to start looking.

I'm afraid that I'll get turned down by the shelter if I admit what happened. What should I do? -- T.D., via e-mail

A: You don't have to lie. If the shelter or rescue group asks what happened to your last cat, you can honestly say she was killed by a car and keep the painful details to yourself. Accidents can happen to the pets of even the most caring people, and I can't imagine you won't be able to find a group who will trust you with one of their pets, based on your love of cats.

Something that you should consider, though, to put you definitely in the category of a responsible pet lover: Make the decision for your next cat to be kept safe at home -- no more roaming free.

You are not the first person to have run over your own cat -- I know of at least one other person in my extended circle of acquaintances and at least a half-dozen readers in the last few years. And your own car certainly isn't the only risk out there to a cat allowed to roam at will.

Cats live longer, healthier lives inside, but can they also find happiness? Yes! Make sure your pet has a good cat tree, lots of toys and plenty of your attention. A screened-in porch or other safe access to fresh air is recommended, but many cats do fine without them. If you do have a yard, do an Internet search for "cat-fencing" for ready-made products or do-it-yourself plans that will help you set up your yard in a way to keep your cat safely inside it.

You did not mean to hurt your cat, and I hope you can find a way to come to terms with what happened. Don't hesitate to talk to a pet-loss bereavement counselor, even so many months later. Many veterinary schools and colleges offer this service for free, staffed by veterinary students who understand how important pets are to us and how difficult their loss can be. -- 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

Dogs bite for predictable reasons

-- Territorial behavior, anxiety and medical issues lead dogs to bite children, according to a study reported by the LiveScience.com Web site. Young children were more likely to be bitten when a dog felt the kids were threatening to take food or toys, whereas older children were bitten when animals felt their territory had been invaded. Three-quarters of the biting dogs exhibited anxiety, either by being left by their owners or by being exposed to loud noise, such as a thunderstorm or fireworks.

-- Prevention magazine reports on a cat in the United Kingdom who takes the bus several times a week to visit a friendly fish and chips shop. The article also reports that animals understand the passing of time, parrots understand the mathematically complex concept of zero, dogs understand language, and other animals such as monkeys and rats are capable of metacognition -- the ability to think about their own thoughts.

-- Dogs, cats and other animals should have fuzzy feelings for San Francisco, reports Veterinary Economics magazine. The Humane Society of the United States has named it the overall most humane city for animals. Criteria include the ratio of hunters to wildlife watchers, mentions of animal issues in newspapers, and the number of fur retailers per capita. The top five cities, in decreasing order: San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, Washington, D.C., and San Diego. -- Dr. Marty Becker

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Body language key to communication

Want to know what your dog is thinking? Learn to read canine body language.

Our dogs are always reading our body language, and they try to communicate to us with theirs. If your words say one thing and your body language says another, your dog will ignore what you say and will respond to what you do.

For example, if you call your dog with your body stiff and your brow knitted, your dog will think he is in trouble. A loose body shows friendliness, in contrast to a tense, frozen posture.

When reading your dog, be aware that ears folded back and tails tucked under show fear, while ears and tails up show confidence. Pay close attention to what your dog says with his body and what you say with yours.

(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.)

DOGCARS.COM

The best car for dog lovers? It's Elemental

Based on factors such as cargo capacity, cargo space usability and ease of cleaning, the Pet Connection's DogCars.com Web site named the Honda Element as 2007's top car for dog lovers. The DogCars.com team also picked the Suzuki Forenza wagon as the best overall value.

The boxy Element is as good a dog car as could possibly be imagined. From its versatile cargo space to easy-clean interior -- which, contrary to common belief, cannot be hosed out -- is a near-perfect vehicle for dog-loving drivers.

In addition, the DogCars.com team noted four vehicles to watch in 2008: The all-new Toyota Scion xB, Volvo XC70, Dodge Grand Caravan and Buick Enclave. In the "green" category, DogCars.com marks the 2008 Ford Escape hybrid as worth a test drive for dog lovers who want a cleaner ride.

Surveys show about half of all pet owners consider the comfort of their dogs when buying a new car -- and 65 percent take their pets on errands. That means the dog-loving car buyer is a serious niche market that carmakers ignore at their peril.

Other top picks for 2007 include:

–- Best Luxury SUV: Land Rover Range Rover

–- Best Midsized: SUV: Volkswagen Touareg and Volvo XC90 (tie)

–- Best Small-Sized SUV: Mitsubishi Outlander

–- Best Sporty Wagon/Hatchback: Mazda Speed3

–- Best Pickup Truck: Ford F-150

–- Best Minivan: Dodge Grand Caravan

–- Best Hatchback: Honda Fit Sport

The selections were based on weeklong trials with a variety of vehicles. -- Gina Spadafori and Keith Turner.

(The Pet Connection's DogCars.com Web site offers reviews of SUVs, wagons, minivans and more with an eye from how well they suit the needs of dog lovers.)

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Ease stress with a pet

Studies have consistently shown that animals are good for our mental well-being and our physical health. Not surprisingly, 92 percent of people polled in 2002 said they believed their pet provided them with some personal health benefits (multiple responses allowed):

-- My pet eases my stress level: 84 percent

-- My pet helps improve my mental health: 71 percent

-- Providing exercise for my pet has improved my physical fitness: 34 percent

-- My pet lowers my blood pressure: 32 percent

Source: American Animal Hospital Association

PETS ON THE WEB

Animal charities: How to choose

Charities of all kinds pull out the stops in December when it comes to filling our mailboxes with pleas for donations. Before you give, be sure you agree with the focus of any group you're considering, and research it to be sure the charity isn't spending more on fundraising and staff salaries than on helping animals.

Improving animal health is one good use for donations. Your nearest school or college of veterinary medicine will have a fund set up to accept donations, either for scholarships or ongoing research into animal health. To find your nearest school or college of veterinary medicine, visit VetNet (www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/vetnet.html). You can usually find out where to donate on the school's Web site.

The Morris Animal Foundation (www.morrisanimalfoundation.org), AKC Canine Health Foundation (www.akcchf.org) and Winn Feline Foundation (www.winnfelinehealth.org) also accept donations to support research into animal health. -- 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 by visiting PetConnection.com.

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

Universal Press Syndicate

Everyone wants a cat who'll spend these cold evenings serving as a purring lap warmer. But some cats need help to learn how to be that contented companion.

Feline aggression is often misunderstood and even more often mishandled. Never hit a biting or scratching cat, since putting your pet on the defensive will only make matters worse. Instead, learn to understand why cats bite and scratch, and learn to react in ways that will teach your cat rather than terrorize him. With time and patience, you can turn most quick-to-hiss cats into a pet who loves attention.

Make sure your cat is healthy before starting a behavior-modification program. A cat who's sick or injured will lash out, and can't learn. For cats who are completely out of control (as opposed to just a little claw-happy), getting a referral to a veterinary behaviorist is also a good idea. A veterinarian behaviorist can prescribe medications that can ease your cat through the rough spots as you get help with the program.

For most healthy cats, though, all that's needed is to learn why cats lash out when being petted and how to deal with them properly and patiently:

-- Overstimulation. You're petting your cat, and suddenly he grabs you with his claws and teeth. Not a full-powered attack, but you still have those sharp tips around your hand. What to do? In the short run, freeze. Don't struggle or fight back, or you may trigger a real bite. Sometimes smacking your other hand hard against a hard surface -- a tabletop, for example -- may startle your cat into breaking off the attack. If you stay still, however, he will usually calm down and release you.

That's the solution if you've gotten to the attack stage. The better option is to be familiar with your cat and his body language and stop petting before he becomes overstimulated. Cat lovers often think such attacks come without warning, but they've missed the warning signs of a cat who has simply had enough. The tail is the key. If your cat starts twitching his tail in a jerky fashion, it's time to stop petting. (See the sidebar on how and where to pet an easily overstimulated cat.)

-- Play aggression. Sure, it hurts all the same, but the cat who pounces on your feet and then careens off the wall isn't trying to hurt you -- he's playing. Instead of punishing your cat, redirect his energy. Increase your play sessions with your cat with an appropriate toy, such as a cat fishing pole or toy on a string, to help your cat burn off his excess energy before you try for a quiet petting session.

No matter what, never let your cat view you as a plaything, not even when he's an adorable kitten. Wrestling bare-handed with your cat or kitten is a no-no, because you're setting up a bad precedent. A stuffed sock is a great substitute for a human hand when it comes to playthings -- let your cat bite, claw and bunny-kick to his heart's content.

What if he persists in seeing you as a plaything? As with an overstimulated cat, stop the behavior by freezing. Don't give him a reason to continue the attack. You can also inform him that attacks on you are not permitted by letting him have it with a shot of water from a spray bottle.

With a scratch-happy cat, always work to eliminate the triggers for unwanted behavior and work on your cat's tolerance levels for being petted. If you're patient and consistent, your cat can learn to play nice.

SIDEBAR

Learn your cat's favorite places for petting

Some kinds of petting are easier for cats to tolerate than others. For a highly reactive cat, restrict your caresses to behind the ears, under the chin or the base of the tail.

A long stroke down the back is too much for some kitties, and you're really taking chances when you decide to tickle your cat's tummy. The cats who enjoy it are greatly outnumbered by the cats who'll quickly tire of a tummy rub and will seek to stop it with teeth and claws. -- Gina Spadafori

Q&A

Planning keeps parrots neater

Q: Do you have any suggestions to keep a parrot from pooping all over the house? I read in your "Birds for Dummies" book that parrots need playtime outside the cage, but I'm having a hard time dealing with the mess. -- B.D., via e-mail

A: If you don't want your bird to mess all over the house, don't let him roam all over the house. Instead, limit him to areas of the house that can be lined with paper or have easy-to-clean surfaces such as tile, hardwood or laminate flooring, and cover furnishings in those areas with old towels. (Caution: Kitchens may have those easy-to-clean surfaces, but they're not safe play areas for your parrot.)

House-training your bird may also help. With patience and consistency, many birds can be taught to relieve themselves on command, in a place of your choosing. Young birds seem to pick up the skill most quickly and reliably, but you can sometimes teach an older bird new tricks, too.

Start by observing your bird, noting the times of day he's most likely to relieve himself and the body language he uses just before, such as wagging his tail feathers. Pick your desired command: "Go potty" or "hurry up" will do, as will anything, just as long as you're consistent.

When you see your bird getting ready to go or you know it's the usual time he does (such as first thing in the morning), ask him onto your hand and hold him over a lined wastebasket, newspaper, paper plate or whatever "poop zone" you've chosen. Give your potty command and praise him when he obeys -- even though the response is just a coincidence at first, of course.

The larger the bird, the longer the time he can "hold it." Budgies and cockatiels aren't good for much more than 15 to 20 minutes, tops, while large parrots can hold it for several hours or more. Be aware that no bird can ever be expected to be perfectly reliable: Sometimes a bird just has to go.

Another suggestion is to use "birdy diapers" to catch some of the mess when your bird's not in his cage. One such product is the FlightSuit, a body-hugging harness with an absorbent liner. The product (starting at $16) comes in many colors and patterns and can be purchased from pet-supply retailers or from the manufacturer, Avian Fashions (www.birddiaper.com, 888-412-7667).

The best you can hope for is to minimize any mess and cleanup. Parrots are very messy pets, and cleaning up after them is part of having them around. -- 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

Secondhand smoke bad for pets, too

-- Secondhand smoke poses a severe health risk to pets, causing oral cancer and lymphoma in cats, lung and nasal cancer in dogs, as well as lung cancer in birds. One of the reasons cats are so susceptible to secondhand smoke is because of their grooming habits: As they groom, they literally "eat" the carcinogens that accumulate on their fur.

-- A family of proteins known to fight off microbes surprisingly also helps determine whether or not a poodle's coat will be black, white or somewhere in between. Researchers at Stanford University studied the DNA of hundreds of dogs, looking for a gene that controls coat color. They found, surprisingly, that the coat-color gene also controls a family of proteins that are thought to defend the body from invading microbes.

-- Robert Draper (author of "Dead Certain: The Presidency of George W. Bush") interviewed President Bush for thoughts on his presidency and found that he conveyed a level of sanguinity about his approval ratings. Draper recalled that in their last meeting, Bush pointed to his dog, Barney, and said, "That guy who said 'If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog' knew what he was talking about. ("That guy," by the way, was Harry S Truman.) -- Dr. Marty Becker

PET BOOKS

Making the most of senior years

Senior dogs and their owners can keep enjoying walks, favorite activities and tummy rubs well into the dog's old age. In fact, the golden years can be the best years of a dog's life, says Diane Morgan in "The Living Well Guide for Senior Dogs" (THF Publications, $20).

Morgan debunks myths about older pets, gives nutritional information based on the most recent studies on aging in dogs, and shares tips on grooming, behavior and health issues for older canines. Standout sections include adopting senior pets, travel, coping with disabilities and fun activities for aging dogs.

If there's an old dog on your sofa, this handsome book, with its pages of glossy photographs, is for you. -- Christie Keith

THE SCOOP

Birding a great activity for animal lovers

People who share their lives with pets are obviously animal lovers, so it's probably only natural that many pet lovers are active bird-watchers as well.

If you're not yet, it's easy to get started with birding.

Whether you're curious about who's showing up at your bird feeder or if you'd like to be involved in a more active form of bird-watching, "The Sibley Guide to Birds" (Knopf, $35) should be in your reference collection.

David Allen Sibley's book is notable for his truly astonishing illustrations -- nearly 7,000 in all. The guide is also well-organized and easy to use. Every beautiful, informative page in this book is a delight, a masterly work by one of the nation's top painters of wild birds.

"Of a Feather: A Brief History of American Birding" by Scott Weidensaul (Harcourt, $25) is another must-read for the would-be birder. The story of how birding grew in America from the days of the Pilgrims to today is as compelling as a good novel.

You'll also want to consider participating in the Cornell University Lab of Ornithology's Project FeederWatch (www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/index.html). The Audubon Society's Christmas Bird Count (www.audubon.org/bird/cbc) started on Dec. 14, but you can keep an eye on the progress on the Web site (through Jan. 5, 2008).

These two winter projects have been running for years now and let "citizen scientists" do their good deed for the birds of the world and those who study them. -- Christie Keith and Gina Spadafori

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Rabbit races to be a top pet

When it comes to small mammals as pets, rabbits are the most popular, followed by hamsters and guinea pigs. All small mammals are common children's pets, but most have considerable followings among adults as well. Among those households with small mammals as pets, here's how the animals ranked in 2004 popularity (more than one answer allowed):

Rabbit 43 percent

Hamster 36 percent

Guinea pig 20 percent

Mouse/rat 8 percent

Ferret 7 percent

Gerbil 5 percent

Chinchilla 4 percent

Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Skip the collar for easy walking

A leash-pulling dog is one who often never gets taken for walk. In recent years, head halters and front-clip harnesses have helped people get the upper hand without punishing or hurting their dogs. The head halter can also make it easy to teach dogs other good behaviors such as "sit."

Although most pets come to enjoy or at least tolerate their head halters, initial introductions normally meet with resistance. (Front-clip harnesses seem to be accepted more readily.)

Introduce the head collar with treats and praise. Ignore any efforts to remove it, and praise your dog for moments of acceptance. With either of these tools, you'll soon be walking your dog with pride and pleasure.

(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.

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