Universal Press Syndicate

Every now and then we hear from someone who wants us to write about how awful it is to have dogs or cats on the bed.

Maybe it's a grandmother who wants us to convince a son or daughter that having a pet on the bed is unhealthy for children, or new sweethearts who want us to solve an argument about where a pet should sleep.

If you're thinking we're going to suggest that all pets be forbidden a spot on the bed, you're barking up the wrong tree. In our homes, as in so many others, our pets share the bed. They're like heating pads that you don't have to plug in or recharge -- and they'll readjust automatically every time you move. Pets will also never steal the covers or complain that the sounds of late-night TV are keeping them from their rest.

That said, there are good reasons to keep your pets off the bed and maybe even out of the bedroom. Among them are behavioral problems (theirs), as well as insomnia and allergies (yours).

For dogs who are ill-mannered or prone to aggression, allowing access to the bed isn't recommended. It gives the animal the idea that he or she has a status that's equal to or better than the human family members. For these dogs, sleeping elsewhere (such as in a crate in the bedroom) will likely be a part of a retraining program to modify the animal's exalted opinion of his own value. (It's important to work with a veterinary behaviorist or trainer with experience in aggression to modify the behavior of dominant pets, so don't just revoke such an animal's bed privileges.)

For people with allergies, turning the bedroom into a pet-free zone is common medical advice that ought to be followed. Maintaining a pet-free bedroom is part of an overall strategy to minimize the impact of pet dander. For those with allergies, keeping pets out of the bedroom gives them enough "breathing room" to make it possible to keep both their pets and their overall good health.

More recently, letting pets sleep in the bed has been suggested as one of many reasons why people have problems getting a good night's sleep. If you have insomnia, you might also consider getting your pet his own comfy bed and keeping yours for yourself.

And what about those couples who don't have pet-behavior problems, insomnia or allergies, but still argue over letting their pets on the bed? That's the sort of thing you have to work out on your own, since we have enough work giving pet advice without venturing into relationship counseling.

Chances are, though, you'll be able to find a bed big enough for everyone to be happy in, if both sides will compromise on the issue.

SIDEBAR

Accessories for the bed-sharing pet

In many homes, the "pets on the bed" debate is long over -- and the pets won. Proof can be found in the marketplace, where accessories abound to help pets get onto the bed -- and keep the bedding cleaner.

I've always kept an eye out for sales on relatively inexpensive, washable cotton quilts to throw over the top of the bedding. I also use rubber-backed fuzzy bath mats on top of the quilts when older pets get leaky. The catalog retailer Orvis took this idea one step further, with its waterproof Three Dog Night comforters. (Downside: They need to be dry-cleaned.)

Speaking of steps, any number of manufacturers makes pet-sized sets to help aging or small animals get onto the bed or couch. Pet retailers have a wide selection to match your budget and decor. -- Gina Spadafori

Q&A

Cat resists move to his new home

Q: We've moved to a new duplex a couple of miles from our old apartment. We can't get Beezy, our 4-year-old neutered male cat, to recognize the new place as home. We've had to go back to the old place to get him twice now. We're afraid he's going to get hit crossing the streets on the way. Any suggestions? -- L.W., via e-mail

A: Cats are highly territorial, and they don't much like it when their territory changes. That's why some cat lovers find that their free-roaming pets keep showing up at their old home after a move, especially if the new home, like yours, isn't very far from the old one.

My best suggestion for you is to convert your cat to an indoor pet, because crossing streets to head back to the old home considerably ups his risk factor for getting hit.

If keeping him in permanently is not possible, bring Beezy inside for a couple of weeks at least. Dedicate extra time to playing with him, especially interactive games such as with a toy on a string. This play helps to relieve him of some of his stress or excess anxiety, and it also aids him in forming attachments to his new home and to the idea of you in it.

You may find that he settles in so well, he can be kept inside, even if he resisted that in his old home. (For ideas on how to make a cat's life indoors a good one, check out the Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine's Indoor Cat Initiative at http://vet.osu.edu/indoorcat.htm.)

But if you must let him out, do so for short periods with you, and take him back in when you go inside again. You should be able to get a feel for when he's starting to recognize the new digs as his home, and you can increase his freedom accordingly. You're still taking a big risk with his life, but at least he'll know where home is.

Make sure the new people at your old apartment complex aren't encouraging your cat to stay. Ask them not to feed or pet him, and have them use a squirt bottle or a noisemaker to deter him from staying if they see him 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

Genetics tracing feline family ties

-- Researchers at the University of California, Davis, have discovered that the ancestors of all pet cats came from what is now the Middle East. They arrived at that conclusion after taking cheek cell samples from more than 11,000 cats around the world to compare the genetic code.

The resulting study was the cover article in the January issue of the journal Genomics. Researchers further found the cats were genetically clustered in four groups that corresponded with the regions of Europe, the Mediterranean basin, east Africa and Asia. Among the surprising results: The Persian cat is genetically linked not with the felines from the Near East, but with those from Western Europe.

Noting that more than 200 genetic disorders are found in modern pet cats, many in purebreds, UCD's Dr. Leslie Lyons said she hopes the research can be used to help breeders avoid introducing genetically linked health problems into their cats.

-- Pet lovers aren't getting the message when it comes to dental health, according to an analysis of claims by Veterinary Pet Insurance. VPI reports that dental problems linked to excessive tooth decay and plaque are costing pet owners millions of dollars each year -- $3.8 million in claims for tooth abscesses, root canals and advanced periodontal disease in 2007. Despite this, the percentage of policyholders who have their pets' teeth regularly cleaned by their veterinarians is 6.8 percent.

-- Every healthy dog has a reflex reaction to any passing skin irritation, whether it's an insect crawling between the hairs or a fingernail giving a scratch. If nerve endings detect something that's annoying the skin, the dog's leg will automatically come up to scratch off the pest -- even if there's no pest there. The response is most pronounced if you scratch a dog on the rump near the base of the tail, along the upper part of the flanks or on the belly -- not coincidentally, places where fleas like to congregate. The "scratch reflex" is so predictable that veterinarians will use it to help with their neurological exam when spinal damage is suspected. -- Dr. Marty Becker

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Getting a pup to enjoy rides

Dogs get carsick for many reasons, including anxiety, full bellies and lack of experience. But most puppies can outgrow car sickness if taken out regularly in the car.

If you want your dog to enjoy car rides, then take him to dog parks and other fun destinations. Otherwise, if all trips seem to end at the veterinary hospital, he may never think car rides are fun.

A dog who rides in the car only when it's time for vaccinations or boarding may benefit from taking anti-anxiety medications and from having an empty stomach, to prevent having to clean up a mess. Talk to your veterinarian about medications (over-the-counter or prescription) that can help if your puppy doesn't outgrow carsickness. And make sure when your pet is on the road that he's safely secured in a crate or with a harness.

(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 Rx

Healthy rats can be entertaining pets

The negative reaction many people have to the sight of a rat -- even a healthy pet one -- is unfortunate, because they can be entertaining, affectionate and clever pets. Healthy rats from reputable sources can be great pets for school-aged children and even for open-minded adults.

Some of the advantages:

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

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

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

-- Rats are cute. Pet rats come in many colors and coat patterns. Think colors like silver mink, platinum, blue and chocolate, and markings like hooded (the head a different color than the body) or masked or patched.

-- Rats are easy to keep. All you need is a good-sized cage with bedding, a place for the animal to hide and sleep, a food dish, a water bottle, and some toys. Your rat will happily eat commercial food and will love to share your healthy food, too.

The downside of rats? They don't live all that long -- two to three years -- and they're prone to tumors. As with all small pets, cage changes must be frequent. Otherwise, the smell will become unpleasant, to you and your pets. -- Gina Spadafori

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Keeping it clean

According to a survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, the top complaints of people with fish have mostly to do with the time and effort spent keeping the tanks and water clean. The top drawbacks (multiple answers allowed):

Cleaning 66 percent

Keeping water clear 42 percent

Algae 39 percent

Fish fighting 22 percent

Equipment cost 22 percent

ON THE WEB

Ferret fans share care information

Ferrets are nothing if not lively to live with, and people who fancy them can't imagine life without these domesticated members of the weasel family. Ferrets are rarely dull to watch, always playing and investigating, and often getting into trouble, especially if not watched.

While they're not legally kept everywhere -- California is the biggest holdout against ferret legalization -- ferrets are a perennially popular pet, for good reasons. (That's true even in California, where countless thousands of ferrets live "underground.")

A Web site with good basic information is Ferret Central (www.ferretcentral.org). VeterinaryPartner.com also offers care guides, with a special emphasis on ferret health issues. As for those still hoping for ferret legalization in California, Ferrets Anonymous (ferretsanonymous.com) keeps track of the fight. -- 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

Cancer is the most common natural cause of death in dogs in the United States and Canada. And while the diagnosis is one that every pet lover dreads, the fact is that canine cancer is more treatable than ever before. Even better: Veterinarians now know more about what steps can be taken to help prevent the dreaded disease.

To reduce the risk of cancer in your pet:

-- Adopt a healthy dog who fits into your lifestyle. If you're considering a purebred dog, know that cancer hits some breeds more than others. Do your homework before deciding on a breed, and work with a reputable breeder who is aware of the health problems of the breed and is working to reduce those problems. Because of the breed-specific health problems in purebred dogs, some believe it's better to bring a mixed-breed into your home. (Although there's no guarantee that a mixed-breed dog won't be stricken with cancer, of course.) Shelters and rescue groups will be happy to help you find your best pet, no matter your choice.

-- Make sure your dog has good nutrition, weight-management and plenty of exercise. Help your dog to maintain a fit body for life. A fit dog will have a wasplike waist and a tucked-in abdomen.

-- Feed your dog a high-quality diet made by a reputable company or a home-prepared diet prepared with the help of your veterinarian. Start with the amount of food recommended for your dog and adjust accordingly with how your pet's body responds. Cut down on extra calories by substituting baby carrots as treats or by adding volume to meals with green beans.

-- Consider adding omega-3 fatty acids (also known as n-3, found in fish oils and other sources) to potentially to reduce the risk of developing cancer. Add regular exercise, and you and your dog will benefit with greater health and a closer, more vibrant relationship.

-- Spay or neuter your dog early in life. Spaying and neutering have been shown to be an effective method of preventing cancer. Spaying has a significant effect of preventing breast cancer if it is done before a dog goes into her first heat cycle.

-- Choose clean living for your dog. Eliminate exposure to environmental carcinogens such as pesticides, coal or kerosene heaters, herbicides, passive tobacco smoke, asbestos, radiation and strong electromagnetic fields. Each one of these factors has been suggested to increase the risk of cancer in your dog (and in you).

You may do everything you can and still end up with a cancer diagnosis for your pet. Don't despair. Cure rates and an improved quality of life are increasing because families are working with veterinarians to identify the disease in its initial stages and to employ new technologies that are highly effective in the early stages of cancer care.

Even for those dogs who cannot be cured, most dogs who are treated are still able to enjoy an improved, robust life. In most situations, animals undergoing cancer treatment experience limited to no decrease in their quality of life.

Almost all dogs with cancer can be helped. You can defeat the darkness of cancer with knowledge. Work with your veterinary team to learn as much about the disease and its treatment as possible. Be proactive. Ask questions and obtain resources to tear away the many misconceptions about cancer and cancer therapies. Tackling the emotional aspects of cancer can enhance your ability to think clearly, make decisions, and begin to find the hope and opportunities that lie before you as you deal with your dog's cancer.

Understand there are no wrong decisions -- only decisions that are right for you. Do not worry what other people will think about your decisions. You know your dog better than anyone else in the world. Once you are empowered with the information you need, listen to your heart and you will make the right decisions.

(Mikkel Becker contributed to this article.)

SIDEBAR

Cancer: Symptoms of disease

If you notice any of the following symptoms, don't waste any time getting your pet to your veterinarian to have the problem checked out:

1. Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow.

2. Sores that do not heal.

3. Weight loss.

4. Loss of appetite.

5. Bleeding or discharge from any body opening.

6. Offensive odor.

7. Difficulty eating or swallowing.

8. Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina.

9. Persistent lameness or stiffness.

10. Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating.

Source: American Veterinary Medical Association

Q&A

Clumsy cat risks the knickknacks

Q: My cat is clumsy. She's constantly knocking stuff off the shelves. How can I make her stop? -- W.G., via e-mail

A: Instead of going against your cat's nature, consider moving valuable display items to glass-fronted cases that will keep your cat at bay and will still allow you to enjoy the look of your favorite collectibles.

For less valuable pieces, double-sided tape or Velcro can be used to "lock" objects in place on shelves, and can be found at any home-supply store. You can also try a product called Quake Hold, a putty that seals objects to their display surface. QuakeHold, also called Museum Putty, can be easily found from an online merchant.

An end to bad habit

Q: We adopted a shelter dog and added her to our family, which already had an established cat. We have one problem that we desperately want to end: The dog likes to eat what the cat puts in the litter box. Can you offer a solution? -- K.L., via e-mail

A: As soon as I read "new dog" and "established cat," I knew the question you were going to ask. That's how common a problem this is. Feline feces are so attractive to many dogs that in most cases the only "cure" for this disgusting habit is restricting the dog's access. Suggestions include:

-- Covered litter boxes. You can find litter boxes with lids at almost any pet-supply store, and this might fix the problem. Cats who have asthma shouldn't use them, some cats won't use them, and some dogs are strong enough (or small enough) to get to the box anyway. But for some households, a covered box will solve the problem.

-- Change the litter box location. Make any change slowly, so as not to discourage litter box use by your cat. But it doesn't hurt to experiment with such things as moving the litter box to a location above the dog's reach.

-- Provide barriers. One way is to rig the door to the room with the litter box so it stays open wide enough for the cat but not for the dog. (This is what works in my home.) Another possibility is to cut a cat-sized hole through the door to the litter box room. For a small dog able to fit through any opening a cat can, a baby gate is an alternative: The cat can jump over, but the dog cannot. You might also be able to put the box in an unused bathtub, if your dog is small enough.

Experiment with what works, and realize that punishment doesn't work when the reward is as wonderful (to your dog) as the litter box contents. This is one case in which training the people in the house to make adjustments works much better than trying to train the dog. -- 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

Cats race in quick bursts

-- The average domestic cat can run at a speed of around 30 mph. Egyptian Maus are reportedly the fastest breed of domestic cat, capable of reaching 36 mph. For comparison, a thoroughbred racehorse can maintain a speed of 45 mph for more than a mile. The fastest racing greyhounds run at speeds of just under 42 mph for about a third of a mile. Cats, well, they're not marathon runners, or even middle-distance runners; they're sprinters. While you could never outrun a dog over distances, you could best a cat, as they quickly overheat when running and have to stop after just 30 to 60 seconds to rest and cool down.

-- The California-based K9 Water Co. offers canines an assortment of vitamin-enriched products with names such as Toilet Water (chicken flavor), Gutter Water (beef flavor), Puddle Water (liver flavor) and Hose Water (lamb flavor). Wonder who does the taste-testing?

-- When cats rub their heads up against you -- an affectionate activity called "bunting" -- they are actually tapping into special scent glands located on their cheeks and near the temples to mark you as belonging to them. This friendly gesture -- which is much better than being marked with urine -- could be considered the feline equivalent of a promise ring or wearing matching shirts that say "I'm with stupid!" -- Dr. Marty Becker

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Watch the tail for mood swings

Your cat's tail has a tale to tell. When your cat's tail is held straight up, she's happy to see you and wants to be greeted. Cats raise their tails like flags when they feel confident and alert. As a cat's mood drops, so does the tail.

Consider your cat's tail as her mood barometer. When your cat explores, read a high tail as bravery and a low tail as uncertainty or fear. When your kitty arches her back with a skunklike tail, she is saying, "Please pet me, now. I'm in the mood for love." As her tail lowers with waving or twitching, back off. She's getting annoyed and is putting up the "no trespassing" sign. Leave her be!

(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 Rx

Missing the box? May be FLUTD

Aside from routine preventive care, the No. 1 reason cats are taken to a veterinarian is for what's called feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD).

Missing the litter box is a classic symptom of this serious illness. Yet many people don't recognize the fact that a cat is sick, and they sometimes resort to punishment (which not only doesn't work on a sick cat, but is also grossly unfair). Cats with FLUTD may also be observed straining or crying in pain when they urinate, and that urine can smell "different" even to the human nose.

The disease can turn up in any cat but tends to hit middle-aged, overweight pets most. Stress may also be a contributing factor, which is why the problem sometimes turns up when cats are moved to a new home or when new people or pets join the family.

Litter box problems often mean a sick cat, not a bad one. Keeping cats from becoming obese and encouraging them to drink more can help prevent problems, as can offering smaller meals and more play to relieve stress.

Cats with chronic urinary tract issues may benefit from a special diet. In any case, a veterinarian's advice can help keep a cat from contracting this top feline health problem and keep it from coming back when it does. -- Dr. Marty Becker

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Rabbits multiply in popularity

When it comes to small mammals as pets, rabbits are the most popular, followed by hamsters and guinea pigs. 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 THE WEB

Feline fans have a site to learn

The Cats International Web site (www.catsinternational.org) is the home of an organization dedicated to getting out good information on feline behavior and care, to help people and cats live more happily together. The articles range from common behavior problems (house-soiling, furniture-scratching) to interesting information about cats, and are well-written and reflect the latest behavioral advice. (As for fun facts: Did you know a cat will blink when his whiskers are touched? It's an automatic response designed to protect the eyes.)

The site also offers a behavior hot line for those who'd like to discuss their pet's problems directly. Links to other sites offering cat-friendly advice and products are also provided. The well-designed site is a wonderful way to spend time learning about your cat and getting smart about fixing those feline problems that drive us cat lovers crazy. -- 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

Study after study shows that people are not only crazy about pets, but they also love to spend money on them. We're certainly not arguing against buying that perfect dog collar or cat toy, but we do want you to know that you don't have to buy a lot of things for your pets to care for them well.

In fact, some of the best gifts you can give your pet don't cost any money at all -- your attention. In the Valentine's Day spirit of giving the best to those we love, we offer a few suggestions that will make you and your pet happier and healthier -- and may even save you money in the long run.

-- The gift of health. Preventive veterinary care can spare your pet from suffering and may also catch little problems before they become life-threatening (and expensive). Develop a healthy relationship with your pet's veterinarian, starting with regular "well-pet" examinations. These visits are no longer about "shots" -- most vaccinations are no longer recommended on an annual basis -- but rather about catching and correcting problems as they develop.

A dental examination is part of that well-pet visit, and follow-up preventive care may require a dental cleaning under anesthesia. A healthy mouth not only keeps your pet free of pain -- imagine eating with rotting teeth and infected gums -- but also spares your pet's internal organs from struggling to combat the shower of bacteria from an infected mouth.

-- The gift of fitness. By now we've all read the news that pets have their own obesity crisis. The reasons are similar to ours -- too much food and not enough exercise. But pets can't open the refrigerator on their own or hit the drive-through: They need our help to get fat.

Cut back on the treats, and get your pet moving. You can use your dog's enthusiasm for a daily walk to help get yourself in shape, too, which is the message of "Fitness Unleashed: A Dog and Owner's Guide to Losing Weight and Gaining Health Together" (Three Rivers Press, $14), Dr. Becker's book with human physician Dr. Robert Kushner.

-- The gift of time. Many pets spend most of their lives alone, while our busy lives keep us from home. While much of this alone time is unavoidable -- someone has to work for food and shelter, right? -- some simple changes will give you more time with your pet.

Skip some of your TV or computer time, and play fetch with your dog or get out the laser pointer for your cat. Look for opportunities to include your dog on family outings.

-- The gift of training. A well-trained pet has a better, closer relationship with his owner, because they speak a common language and spend more time together. If your pet has behavior problems -- from house-training to aggression, from leash-pulling to furniture-destruction -- ask your veterinarian for a referral to a local trainer or behaviorist.

-- The gift of safety. Be sure your home offers a safe, secure environment for your pet. Inside the house, garage and basement, keep cleaning supplies and other troublesome household chemicals out of reach, and clean up spills promptly. Cats are drawn to warm spots, so make sure to keep the door on your clothes dryer shut. Choose plants inside and out that aren't toxic. Finally, because your pet can become lost even with the most careful prevention, be sure your pet has a collar with current ID, and a microchip as a backup.

Got all the basics covered? Good for you! You can now celebrate by going out and buying your pet something special, just because. Happy Valentine's Day!

SIDEBAR

Got a story to tell?

Pet Connection's Dr. Becker and Gina Spadafori are working on a new series for the publisher of the best-selling "Chicken Soup" books -- and they're looking for stories and photographs from readers. You don't have to be a professional writer or photographer, or even a published one. You just have to have a story to tell, or a great picture of cats, dogs or horses to inspire other animal lovers.

The deadline for submissions is March 15, with the Ultimate Pet Lover books coming out in the fall. For more information or to submit stories or photographs, visit TheUltimatePetLover.com.

Q&A

Making up for a puppy error

Q: Yikes! I brought home my basset hound puppy at 5 weeks of age. I was not aware that this is too early until I read your column. One problem I am noticing is that she prefers to chew on my hands rather than on her toys. I am discouraging this behavior, but now I am concerned that she will not outgrow it because I separated her from the litter at such a young age. She is mine now, so what other problems can I anticipate and how do I correct them? -- S.K., via e-mail

A: No reputable, knowledgeable breeder would have sold you a puppy this young. Pet experts have known for decades the importance of leaving a puppy with littermates at least until the age of 7 weeks, so the babies can learn critical socialization skills from each other. Puppies who are denied that extra time with mom and siblings may never fully understand the importance of keeping teeth to themselves and the nuances of body language so important to a well-mannered dog.

I'm happy you're committed to your puppy now, even though her start in life was not ideal. Ask your veterinarian for a referral to a trainer or behaviorist who can help you work with your puppy on bite inhibition and socialization.

When your puppy starts chewing on you, say "ouch" in a loud, high-pitched tone and immediately switch your puppy over to a chew toy. Praise her when she takes the substitute item. Never let your puppy play with your hands or any part of your body (clothes count, too!). When teeth touch skin, there should be one message: Game over.

Use toys to engage your youngster, allowing her to learn that toys are acceptable to chew on, always. (This will also help spare your shoes from being chewed.)

Look for places with lots of people but few, if any, other dogs to socialize your young puppy before all her vaccinations are complete.

Keep lots of treats, and encourage strangers to give them to her gently. Sign up for a puppy-socialization class for you and her to start immediately after her vaccinations are complete. These often have supervised puppy playtimes to help her learn to interact properly with other dogs.

An excellent resource for raising a well-socialized, well-mannered puppy is the Ultimate Puppy Tool Kit (www.urbanpuppy.com, $18). The kit provides a poster of puppy development along with week-by-week details of what a youngster needs to know at every stage.

By the way, few puppy problems are "outgrown" -- they almost always take time, training and patience to resolve, no matter where your puppy comes from. -- 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 BUY

Many pets like their beds warm

Looking for a way to convince your pet that your bed isn't the best in the house? Try a heated pet bed.

Older pets will especially appreciate the warmth of a heated bed in cold weather. And while dogs may like the heat only in the winter, many cats enjoy warmth all year around. A wide selection of heated beds and heating elements is available from pet-product retailers.

Many manufacturers offer inserts into beds you already have. The Snuggle Safe ($30) is meant to be microwaved and will provide warmth for hours. Petmate offers add-on heating elements with PVC coating and chew-resistance cords to provide a nonstop 102 degrees of warmth.

Petmate also offers a line of attractive, heated beds in both pillow and round-cup designs, with coverings to match any decor. Pet-bed mainstays such as Orvis also offer heated beds as part of their product line. Prices vary with size and covering. -- Gina Spadafori

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Kitten-proof home before new arrival

Proper preparation of your home before you get a kitten can get your pet off to a great start.

Start with a litter box that is not too big for a kitten to get into. Make sure window screens are secure and that household cleaning products, houseplants, strings and other potentially dangerous objects are out of your kitten's reach.

Select the tallest scratching post you can find, preferably with a climbing and resting area on top, so your cat can stretch, groom his claws and perch himself off the ground. Keep all these items and your kitten in one room for a couple of weeks to lower kitten stress, control safety and prevent behaviors you don't want in an adult cat.

(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 BOOK

'Fifteen Legs' shares stories of animal rescue

Animal shelters and rescue groups may seem unlikely places for a revolution, but that's exactly what's happening today -- on two fronts.

One area of change is in the conflict over the policies, procedures and philosophy of traditional animal shelters that use killing to address the surplus of pets in a given area. As if to prove the point of "no-kill" advocates that nearly every animal can find a home somewhere, the other revolution is in the growth of loosely affiliated networks of volunteer animal lovers working to move pets hundreds and even thousands of miles to find them good homes.

Bonnie Silva's "Fifteen Legs" (Riverbank Press, $23) is the story of the people who make up the chain of drivers, truckers, pilots and overnight foster homes providing a chance for animals who would otherwise be killed. Those people, writes Silva, "have made conscious decisions to move beyond the bleak details in favor of doing something, no matter how small, to alleviate animal homelessness wherever they may find it."

Dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, guinea pigs -- even a turkey -- have made the rides documented by Silva. Are the local shelters full of small dogs no one wants? Move them to a region where toy breeds fill the adoption waiting lists. No qualified pit bull rescue in the state? There may be responsible adoption groups a thousand miles away. Local animal control getting pounded by a recent raid on a cat hoarder? Animal transport volunteers can find help for those cats, too.

Despite -- and sometimes in defiance of -- the conventional wisdom that shelters are overflowing because people don't care enough about animals, these dedicated transporters prove just how much people do care and exactly how far (literally) they're willing to go to help. -- Christie Keith

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Snoopy would be so proud

The Labrador retriever repeats as the American Kennel Club's top breed, according to the group's 2007 registration numbers. The bulldog (both English-style and French) made impressive gains with the English-style bulldog jumping into the top 10 for the first time in decades. But if you want to talk consistency, consider the beagle, the only breed included in the top 10 list since 1915. Beagles also reigned as the most popular breed from 1954 to 1959.

Here's the top 10 for 2007, for AKC registrations:

1. Labrador retriever

2. Yorkshire terrier

3. German shepherd

4. Golden retriever

5. Beagle

6. Boxer

7. Dachshund

8. Poodle

9. Shih tzu

10. Bulldog

THE SCOOP

A bite can be an emergency

Accidents can happen even to the cautious. One disaster that's all too common in a multipet household is a biting incident between a predatory animal (cat or dog) and a prey one (bird, hamster, rabbit). A bite is a genuine medical emergency, even if the pet who has been bitten seems fine afterward.

Dogs and cats have bacteria in their mouths that can develop into a deadly infection in a bird or other prey animal. For many of these, a prompt trip to a veterinarian and a course of antibiotics will mean the difference between life and death. Nights, weekends -- no matter when it happens -- a bitten bird or rabbit needs help, fast.

Never assume your dog or cat won't bite your rabbit or bird. The prey-predator wiring can be very difficult to short-circuit. Keep these pets safely apart at all times. -- 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.

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