Universal Press Syndicate

The first step in turning an adult dog into a reliable house pet is to embrace a key concept: There's no such thing as a "partially" house-trained dog. He either is or he isn't.

Why is realizing this important? Because if you have a dog who is "sometimes" reliable, you have a dog who isn't getting the picture, probably because no one took the time to teach it to him properly in the first place. To do that, you're going to have to go back to square one.

Before you do, though, make sure you're not dealing with a sick dog. If you have a pet who was perfectly house-trained and is no longer, you must determine that what you have is really a behavior problem, not a health problem. That means you need to check with your veterinarian first.

To be fair, if you've just adopted an adult dog who seems to be urinating all the time, you should have him checked out, too, before assuming he's not house-trained. If everything is fine, you can start training him.

You need to teach your dog what's right before you can correct him for what's wrong. To do this, spend a couple of weeks ensuring he has nothing but successes by never giving him the opportunity to make a mistake. Here's how:

-- Leash him to you in the house so you can monitor his every move during his training period. If he starts to mess, correct him with a sharp "no," take him outside, give a "go" command, and praise him for doing right.

-- Confine him when you cannot watch him. Dogs don't like to mess where they're sleeping, and most will quickly learn to "hold it" when resting in a crate or carrier. Make sure he has a favorite chew toy to work on while he's confined, so he's less likely to be anxious or bored.

-- Take him outside first thing in the morning, at lunch, as soon as you get home from work and just before you go to bed, when you put him in his crate for the night. Always remember to give your "go" command when you're out with him, and praise him when he does as you wish.

The most difficult part of house-training an adult dog is your attitude toward limiting his options in such a way as to make success possible. You may not like the idea of keeping such close tabs on your dog, but bear in mind you won't need to do it forever. Crates and leashes are training tools, not lifelong crutches.

If you've been consistent, your dog will likely have a good idea of what's expected of him at the end of the two weeks, so you can start to give him a little freedom. Don't let him have the run of the house yet. Keep his area small and let him earn the house, room by room, under your supervision, as he proves his understanding of the house rules.

Accidents will happen. If you catch him in the act, correct him with a sharp "no," take him outside and give him the chance to set things right. Give your "go" command, and praise if he does. Clean up the mess promptly and thoroughly, so he won't feel so inclined to refresh his smell there.

If you aren't catching him messing, you're not keeping close enough tabs on him. Go back to the crate and leash and start over.

Consistency and patience are necessary for house-training an adult dog. If you have both, you will likely succeed. Without them, you'll have a very difficult time getting the results you're hoping for.

SIDEBAR

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Even better, on the first of every month we draw a name from our e-mail newsletter subscribers and give that person a collection of pet-care supplies with a retail value of $1,000. Past collections have come from Premier Pet, Oster and Kurgo.

The Sept. 1 drawing is for a complete aquarium setup from Hagen, everything you need to get started in fish-keeping except the fish. For more information or to sign up, visit PetConnection.com.

Q&A

Iguana release against the law

Q: Our son has lost interest in his iguana now that he's in middle school. I never liked the thing, and now he's my sole responsibility. We live in South Florida, and it seems the iguana would do OK on his own. I know I've seen other iguanas around. What's the harm in turning him loose? It seems he'll survive just fine. -- M.Q., via e-mail

A: Aside from the cruel proposition of turning loose a pet to fend for itself, your plan is a bad one for the environment -- and in Florida, it's against the law.

The release or escape of non-native plants and animals causes a great deal of problems in places where they can do well enough to displace native species -- and nowhere is this more true than in Florida. The green iguana has been living wild in Florida since 1966, according to state biologists, and is one of more than 40 species of non-native reptiles with a presence in the state.

Shelters and rescue groups do take iguanas and other reptiles, but the number of new homes available for even a healthy, well-socialized large iguana isn't many.

If you cannot or will not keep your pet, you are showing your son that living things are disposable, and that's not a lesson you'll want him to take into your old age. That said, I would always rather see a pet placed in a new home rather than neglected in an old home. So contact your veterinarian, local shelters and rescue groups, and be patient as you work to find a good home for your iguana, if that's the final family decision.

"Iguanas for Dummies" author Melissa Kaplan maintains a current list of reptile rescue groups, along with information on how to find a new home for your pet -- and considerations on how you may be able to keep him instead. Check out the page of resources at www.anapsid.org/societies. PetHobbyist.com has a large and active community of reptile enthusiasts who may also be able to offer advice. -- 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 monthly drawing for more than $1,000 in pet-care prizes. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or by visiting PetConnection.com.

PET BUZZ

No dog-cat war in most homes

-- While the idea of dogs and cats at war with each other is a comedic staple, in fact, 47 percent of people who share their homes with a cat also have a dog. These pets get along to varying degrees, from out-and-out loathing to familiar affection. If properly introduced (as in slowly, at the animals' own speed), dogs and cats can usually tolerate each other well. More households have dogs, by the way, but there are more pet cats in the United States. How is that possible? More dogs are "only children," while the average number of cats kept in the average household has increased to nearly 2.5.

-- The phrase "Beware of dog" is so old, its Latin equivalent -- cave canem -- has been found on signs in Roman ruins. The word "watchdog" isn't quite as old, but it has been around a long, long time. The first mention of it: by Shakespeare, in "The Tempest."

-- Most cats have five toes on their front paws, but only four of them hit the ground. The fifth toe is called a dewclaw and is found on the inside of the front paw. The dewclaw is the feline equivalent of our thumb, and it's used for grasping prey and climbing trees. A normal feline back paw, by the way, has four toes that are all called into service when walking.

Any number of toes over the norm (usually an extra one or two, but occasionally as many as three or four) makes a cat polydactyl, which means "many fingers." Polydactylism is a dominant genetic trait, which means just one polydactyl parent is enough to make a litter of polydactyl kittens.

-- Helen Keller, the blind and deaf Alabama girl whose triumph over her disabilities made her an international sensation, was the first American to own an Akita. On a speaking tour of Japan in the days before World War II, Keller became infatuated with the courage, loyalty and lore of the Japanese breed and was promised a dog of her own. A breeder offered her an adult, but then realized a puppy was better-suited for her. The puppy was Kamikaze-Go, called Kami by Keller. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

THE SCOOP

Tall, taller, tallest: Irish wolfhounds rule

While we humans measure our height to the top of our heads, the height of a dog is measured at the highest point of the shoulder, called the withers. The tallest living dog is a Great Dane named Gibson, who is 42.4 inches at the withers -- but more than 7 feet tall when standing on two legs.

In general, though, the Irish wolfhound is considered the tallest breed of dog.

The recent trend toward ultra-tiny dogs has a lot of petite pups being carried around, but the smallest so far is a Chihuahua named Heaven Sent Brady, 6 inches long from nose to tail tip.

The heaviest breed of dog is the English mastiff. For the biggest of the big, you have to go back a few years. Zorba de la-Susa, a male English mastiff born in London, was certified as the world's heaviest dog at 343 pounds. Zorba, who was born in 1981 and died in November 1989, was also the world's longest dog, at 8 feet, 3 inches long.

And that brings up an important point: While we love superlatives -- biggest, smallest and so on -- when it comes to our dogs, breeds that are extreme in any way tend to struggle with chronic illness and die young. It doesn't really seem fair that these animals should suffer because of human whims when it comes to how dogs should look.

Nature seems to have limits to just how far we can push the design of dogs, and we go beyond those lines at peril to our pets. -- Gina Spadafori and Dr. Marty Becker

BY THE NUMBERS

Big birds more popular

While the overall percentage of birds kept as pets has remained small -- 6.4 percent of all households in 2004 -- the trend in bird ownership has been away from small birds such as canaries and finches. Ownership percentages among bird owners:

1998 2004

Small birds 58 percent 45 percent

Medium birds 30 percent 53 percent

Large birds 12 percent 18 percent

Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Dogs don't get why people spank them

Primates often swat at their offspring, but dogs do not use their paws in this way. Rather, when dogs paw at each other, it's a friendly invitation to play. When it comes to showing leadership -- or trying to -- dogs growl, show teeth or try to look bigger, with hackles up, ears and tails raised.

Puppies know instinctively that size and voice tones matter. Standing tall and using a low tone in asking your dog to sit transmits authority in a way a dog can understand.

Bottom line? Don't spank your dog. At best, it's a miscommunication; at worst, dogs who are spanked may become afraid of hands or are likely to see moving hands as a threat and a reason to bite.

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

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

Big sports-utility vehicles have been the dog-haulers of choice for years, along with minivans. But with gas prices so high, SUV sales are stalled as people look for smaller vehicles. If you can't fit your St. Bernard comfortably into a Smart Car, are there still choices for you?

You bet.

The Pet Connection's DogCars.com Web site has already been reviewing vehicles with an eye toward how they function for people who don't like leaving their dogs behind. We looked over the vehicles we've driven and came up with "Five and 25" -- five (actually six with a tie) models with a base price of less than $25,000 and a fuel-economy rating of close to or exceeding 25 mpg on the highway.

These models all have rear-hatch entries, fold-flat seats and relatively roomy cargo areas. Fuel economy ratings, cargo capacity and base price are noted, as well as alternative vehicles that almost made the list and should be considered as well.

-- Subaru Forester (20/26 mpg, 68.3 cubic feet, $19,995): All new and better than ever, with lots of room for dogs. The Forester has long been a favorite among dog lovers who want a surefooted ride but don't want a large SUV. The redesign should assure the Forester's continued popularity. (Also check out: Suzuki Forenza wagon and Volkswagen Passat wagon.)

-- Pontiac Vibe (26/32 mpg, 49.4 cubic feet, $15,895) and Honda Fit (28/34 mpg, 41.9 cubic feet, $13,950): We just couldn't pick a winner when comparing these two small hatchbacks, we liked them so much. The Vibe (which is also sold as the Toyota Matrix) is amazingly capacious -- so much so, it's almost like a magic act to see how much you can fit into it. The Fit is a winner on price and fuel economy, but not as roomy. (Also check out: Kia Rondo.)

-- Scion xB (22/28 mpg, 69.9 cubic feet, $16,600): No one's on the fence about the Scion xB. You either love the look or hate it, and the same was true of the earlier incarnation of the quirky Toyota-made box with wheels. We like it -- lots -- and so did the pile of dogs we put in it. Some people think the recent redesign made the vehicle less distinctive, but it also made it bigger, a plus when you have big dogs. (Also check out: Honda Element, perennial DogCars.com favorite edged out by a thin whisker here.)

-- Saturn Vue crossover (19/26 mpg, 56.4 cubic feet, $24,370): Most expensive of our choices, but such a comfortable ride for man and beast we just couldn't leave it out, especially since some of our best dog-friends love theirs so much. Great if you have both kids and dogs. (Also check out: The Saturn Vue hybrid. We liked the hybrid version a great deal and liked the 26/32 mpg even more. But the base price, $26,270, was beyond our set limit.)

-- Dodge Grand Caravan (17/24 mpg, 140.6 cubic feet, $22,470): The recently remodeled Dodge Grand Caravan falls just a little short of the 25 mpg fuel economy standard we were shooting for. But if you have a lot of dogs and a lot of gear, you're going to need the space. The Caravan has tons of room and a comfortable ride, with decent fuel economy. The company that created the minivan still does it right. (Also check out: The "minivanish" Mazda 5 crossover.)

Don't forget to crate or harness your dog for safety before you hit the road, no matter what you're driving.

(The Pet Connection's DogCars.com editor Keith Turner contributed this story.)

Q&A

New home for a neighbor's cat

Q: My next-door neighbor died, leaving behind her cat. The woman's daughter planned to take the cat to the pound, so Sophie is now living in my garage. My son is allergic to cats, so this isn't a long-term solution. Sophie is a nice cat, but no one wants her and we can't keep her forever. Do you have any suggestions? -- K.R., via e-mail

A: Since you seem willing to care for this cat for a while, I'd suggest you work to keep her healthy, friendly and well-behaved, and be patient while looking for a home. Many people are willing to take (and even prefer) adult cats, and your odds of finding such takers will improve when "kitten season" tails off in late fall.

Have a veterinarian check out the cat and bring her vaccinations up to date, if necessary. If Sophie's not spayed, get that done as well. You'll want to ask a small adoption fee for her to deter people who collect animals for unsavory purposes. So you'll be offering her "vet-checked, spayed and up-to-date on shots," with the adoption fee advertised as covering some of that cost -- a ready-to-adopt bargain!

Take a really cute picture of her and make up an attractive flier, briefly stressing the cat's advantages (sweet nature, litter-box trained, vet-checked, etc.) and her sad story (people naturally gravitate to animals with a difficult history).

Post the fliers everywhere you can: bulletin boards at work, pet-supply stores and veterinary hospitals. Give some to your friends and family to post, too. Talk up the cat and her story, at least briefly, with everyone you know. Even people who don't like cats (or don't want one) may know someone who is looking for a pet. Take out an ad in the newspaper, and post online at craigslist.org and other sites.

Touch base with all the non-profit feline rescue groups and shelters in your area. Some groups may be able to take your cat, if you are willing to wait for an opening in a foster home. At the very least, they may be willing to put Sophie on their Web site or fliers, especially after kitten season.

Check out prospective adopters thoroughly. If you place this cat into a bad home, you haven't done her any favors. Make sure the person who wants to adopt has a landlord's permission to have a pet, if they're renting.

Ask about previous pets. The person who has had a lot of pets who disappeared, died young or were given away is probably not your best choice. A veterinary reference is useful as well. -- 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 monthly drawing for more than $1,000 in pet-care prizes. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or by visiting PetConnection.com.

PET BUZZ

Dachshunds come in many varieties

-- Love dachshunds? Veterinarians like to say these popular short-legged dogs are "half a dog high and two dogs long." While most people think of a brownish-red, shorthaired dog when they think "dachshunds," the American Kennel Club in fact recognizes two sizes (standard and miniature) and two additional coat types, wirehaired and longhaired. As for colors, some long-coated dachshunds have fur as red as an Irish setter's, and other combinations are acceptable, too.

-- "Biomimicry" borrows nature's design ideas and applies them to solve human challenges. Reader's Digest reports that consulting biologists looked to the African reed frog, a champion in keeping cool in hot temperatures, to design Nike apparel to keep Olympic athletes cool this month. Other researchers looked at how woodpeckers can hammer away at trees without harming themselves, in order to create impact-resistant cars. And what about the humpback whale? The whale's flipper has scalloped edges to calm turbulence, a design mimicked by a new kind of wind turbine that can rotate in very low wind.

-- The show must go on, and Sandy sure knew it. The canine star of the long-running Broadway hit "Annie!" saw a lot of tomorrows, playing the entire run from 1977 to 1983 -- more than 2,000 performances. The friendly fuzzbutt (probably an Airedale-setter mix) came from a shelter in Connecticut. After all those curtain calls, the dog retired to the comfortable life befitting such a star, and died in 1990 at the grand old age of 16.

-- Looking to astound others with your knowledge of trivia? Here are a few fast facts: A crocodile can't stick his tongue out. A shrimp's heart is in his head. It's physically impossible for pigs to look up. Horses can't vomit. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

THE SCOOP

What's in a name? The man behind the breed

A handful of dog breeds were named for people. Louis Dobermann, a German tax collector in the mid-19th century, developed the elegant and protective breed that bears his name to, in the words of Britain's Kennel Club, "protect him and ... 'encourage' slow payers." (In the United States, the final "n" on "Dobermann" was dropped long ago.)

The Parson Russell terrier -- more commonly known as the Jack Russell -- was named after the Rev. John Russell, a Victorian-era clergyman with a fondness for working terriers. There's also the Gordon setter, named after one of the Dukes of Gordon.

The Cavalier King Charles spaniel was named after King Charles II, albeit centuries after his death, since the breed was developed by fanciers in England after World War II.

Arguably, you can say that the St. Bernard was named after a person, but really, probably more after the monastery where the dogs became famous for their heroic rescue efforts. (No longer practiced, by the way: The monastery now "borrows" St. Bernards from nearby towns for tourist season but doesn't keep any otherwise.)

There's also the Dandie Dinmont terrier, which isn't named for a real person at all, but rather after a character in Sir Walter Scott's "Guy Mannering."

There's something else fairly unusual about the long-bodied, short-legged dog with a puff of fur on his head and whiskers on his muzzle: Dandies are so rare that the breed is considered on the verge of extinction. Every year, more pandas are born than Dandies. -- Gina Spadafori and Dr. Marty Becker

BY THE NUMBERS

Protect your dog from poisoning

The best way to protect your dog from poisoning is to make sure you keep all such hazards away from him. For tips on protecting your pet, visit the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center Web site (www.aspca.org/apcc). According to the APCC, these are the top five household poisoning hazards:

1. Human drugs, both prescription and over-the-counter

2. Pesticides and herbicides

3. Foods, most notably chocolate

4. Toxic plants

5. Veterinary drugs

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Make learning fun with 'pingpong'

Play games with your pet to keep good behavior interesting and fun, and to practice what your dog already knows.

For example, play "pet pingpong" in a closed hallway, with one person at each end, when your dog is hungry. Start the game with each person taking turns calling the dog for a treat. As the game progresses, ask your dog to "sit," "shake" or "lie down" for the treat.

As you raise the bar, increase your praise. Keep your dog guessing. Give a treat quickly for coming one time, and then randomly ask for two or three behaviors before the treat at other times. Keep the game brief and end on a high note.

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

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

And Gina Spadafori

Universal Press Syndicate

Summer is a wonderful time to be a dog or to have a dog. The long days offer lots of opportunity to get some exercise, shake up the routine and try something new that will strengthen the bond for both of you.

If you're starting from go, though, it's important to check in with your veterinarian before ramping up the physical activity, especially if your dog is older or overweight. You may also want to check to be sure your dog's tick prevention is the best for your part of the country before you head into any hiking areas.

If everything checks out, get moving! Here are some ideas:

-- Get wet. Swimming is a natural for water dogs or dogs who love the water. If your dog has never been swimming before, try to go out with a friend and a dog who's already a good swimmer. A dog who'll like swimming may learn quickly from a dog who already knows how to swim, especially if the activity is coupled with a game of fetch. Be careful not to let your dog get into trouble: Stick to the calm shallows and be sure to pack drinking water.

For older dogs or those who aren't as water-ready as the average retriever, consider a canine life jacket. These are designed to keep the dog afloat even if he gets tired.

If your dog really takes to the water, consider trying dock-diving. This relatively new sport offers titles and prizes for the dogs who can jump farthest and highest off a dock. Two groups run dock-diving competitions: Dock Dogs (www.dockdogs.com) and Splash Dogs (www.splashdogs.com).

Finally, don't underestimate the amount of fun a dog can have in a plastic kiddie pool. Many small dogs enjoy the splashing, and even big dogs like wallowing in these little pools when it's hot.

-- Take a hike. If you're the outdoors type, your dog may enjoy hiking with you. All you need is some conditioning, a little planning (to find trails where dogs are welcome), and a few pieces of canine hiking gear.

A healthy dog can carry about a quarter of his own weight, so get a comfortable pack for your dog and he can take in his own supplies. You'll also need lightweight, collapsible food and water bowls (along with food and water), a bright bandana (so other hikers or hunters will realize your pet isn't a wild animal), and a collar with ID and a leash. Add a couple of dog-specific items (such as a tick-puller) to your own lightweight first-aid kit.

Before you hit the trail, make sure your dog is well-mannered and well-socialized, and don't let him off-leash unless you're in an area where it's allowed and you're sure of his obedience. The "Best Hikes With Dogs" series from Mountaineer Books offers regional suggestions to help you plan.

-- Get competitive. Every year seems to bring more dog sports. There's a sport for every dog and every dog owner, including some for the more sedentary among us. One of the most popular sports continues to be canine agility, in which the handler directs the dog through a timed agility course.

At the top levels of competition, a handful of breeds excel -- border collies and Shelties, most notably. But you don't need a fast dog and good knees to enjoy the sport -- you just need to try. You can get started with a beginner's agility class, which many dog trainers offer.

For practice, PetSafe (www.petsafe.net/agility) offers a collection of inexpensive backyard obstacles for beginners, or you can check out the bargains on eBay.

The U.S. Dog Agility Association (www.usdaa.com) and the American Kennel Club (www.akc.org) both host agility competitions, although the latter is only for AKC-registered dogs.

Whether your activity is competitive or just for fun, don't delay: The dog days of summer will be gone before you know it, and with them, the opportunity to have some great fun with your pet.

Q&A

Managing old cat and a new baby

Q: When you're expecting your first child, it seems everyone has advice, from your co-workers to all your relatives. When we were trying to get pregnant, we listened to people tell us that we had to get rid of our old cat. Instead, my boyfriend handled the litter box, so that was fine.

But now, some people tell us that cats are attracted to the smell of milk on a baby and may smother an infant by accident. Another old wives' tale, I'm sure, but what do you think? And what's the best way to handle the introductions? -- T.I., via e-mail

A: Common sense dictates that no animal be left unattended with an infant or young child -- for the safety of both. Although it's extremely unlikely your cat would hurt your baby in any way, you don't want to take any chances of an accident occurring.

Some parents have gone so far as to install a screen door on the nursery to keep pets out, a simple and relatively inexpensive solution. You could also confine your cat to one part of the house when no one can directly supervise your pet.

As for your cat herself, she should be fine with the new arrival. Cats thrive on familiarity and routine, so getting the household settled down as soon as you can will help your cat to settle down, too.

Despite all the household upheaval a new baby brings, try to put aside a little time for your cat every day, for petting, grooming and interactive play, and be aware of changes in your cat's behavior.

Sometimes stress can lead to litter-box avoidance. If that's the case with your cat, have your veterinarian check her out to make sure there's no health problem, and then set her up in a small bedroom -- with a litter box, food and water, and toys -- to retrain her and let her chill out for a few days.

Having a pet will benefit your baby. In addition to the unconditional love and listening a pet offers, recent studies suggest that children who grow up with animals may be less susceptible to developing allergies.

Finally, work with your veterinarian to make sure your cat is in the best of health and is current on all preventive-care measures. Veterinarians are well-versed in how pet health problems can mean human health problems and are your best bet at advising on how best to keep your pet from presenting any risk to your child.

As always, the best advice is to get rid of the risk and keep the pet. Your veterinarian can help. -- Dr. Marty Becker

(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 monthly drawing for more than $1,000 in pet-care prizes. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or by visiting PetConnection.com.

PET BUZZ

Service dogs get free eye exams

-- More than 1,500 service dogs received free eye examinations in May from members of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. The service dogs included guide dogs, handicapped assistance dogs, detection dogs and search-and-rescue dogs. The program was so successful, it will likely be repeated in 2009. For more information, visit www.acvoeyeexam.org.

-- A new Swiss law taking effect Sept. 1 broadens the rights of animals. As reported in Veterinary Economics magazine, animals classified as "social species" -- such as guinea pigs and parrots -- will be considered victims of abuse if they don't live or interact regularly with others of their own species. To promote fish health, fish-keepers must use aquariums with at least one opaque side and make sure the fish experience night and day light cycles. Flushing a sick fish down the toilet won't be permitted, either.

-- The gene that produces white or gray horses was a mutation that probably wouldn't have made it without human intervention, according to a story in the Times of London. White horses are at a competitive disadvantage in the wild and probably wouldn't have lived long enough to reproduce, had not people taken a fancy to their flashiness and preserved the mutation.

-- Dogs take a big bite out of insurance claims. One-third of U.S. liability claims paid out in 2007 were a result of dog bites, according to the Insurance Information Institute. The more than 14,000 claims represented a cost of more than $356 million, with an average cost per claim at $24,511. Dog owners are generally liable for injuries caused by their pets if the owner knew the dog had a tendency to bite, if the injury was caused by carelessness on the part of the owner, or if a state statute makes the owner liable, whether or not the owner knew the dog had a tendency to bite. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

THE SCOOP

From hissing to kissing: Two cats bond

When I brought home Ilario, my little orange tabby kitten, my biggest worry was my gray tabby cat, Clara. I wanted her to enjoy the feline company or, at the very least, not to loathe the new addition.

Four months later, the two are nearly inseparable. The key? A slow and patient introduction.

Successful feline introductions require laying the groundwork before you bring home new kittens or a cat. Prepare a room for your new cat, with food and water bowls, toys, and a litter box and scratching post that needn't be shared. This separate room will be your new pet's home turf while the two cats get used to each other's existence.

Then, start the introductions by pushing no introduction at all. Leave the new cat alone in the room with the door closed, and let him choose to explore in his own way and time.

Maintain each cat separately for a week or so, with lots of love and play for both. Then on a day when you're around to observe, leave the door to the new cat's room open. Don't force the cats together.

As the days go by, you can encourage them both to play with you, using a cat "fishing pole" or a toy on a string. If they're willing, feed them in ever closer proximity, taking your cue from the cats as to how quickly to proceed.

Some cats will always maintain their own territories within the house, while others will happily share everything from litter boxes to food dishes. Some cats will always need separate litter boxes, scratching posts, bowls and toys -- and providing them is a small investment if it keeps the peace. -- Gina Spadafori

BY THE NUMBERS

Prevention is No. 1

While not all expensive pet-care emergencies can be prevented, the No. 1 and No. 3 problems on the list provided by the Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (www.petinsurance.com), based on its claims in 2007, are entirely preventable. Keeping objects tucked away that a cat might play with and swallow can save your pet some misery -- and you some money. The top five most expensive cat health conditions and average veterinary fees paid, according to VPI:

1. Foreign body ingestion (small intestine), $1,629

2. Urinary tract reconstruction, $1,399

3. Foreign body ingestion (stomach), $1,391

4. Rectal cancer, $1,011

5. Bladder stones, $989

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Getting your pet to sleep at night

How can you get a good night's sleep when your pet won't let you? Pets wake people up for many reasons: to be fed, to be let out, or for companionship and attention. Cats, being nocturnal, are typically the biggest offenders. When you're asleep, it's time to play by their clock!

You can encourage pets to sleep through the night by increasing their exercise during the day and by waking them up when they nap. You can also feed your pet the biggest meal an hour before your bedtime and take dogs outside to go to the bathroom just before you retire.

Prepare your pet for the days you sleep in by establishing a late breakfast schedule. For difficult cases, ask your veterinarian for a referral to a veterinary behaviorist.

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

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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