Universal Press Syndicate

This week and next, we're pulling out some of the best "must know" information from our just-released books, "The Ultimate Dog Lover" and "The Ultimate Cat Lover."

Each "must know" piece in the book has been developed with the help of one of the top experts in each area of expertise, and these experts are noted at the end of each tip.

(This week, dogs. Next week, cats will get their due.)

-- Socializing: Once you have picked up your puppy at 8 weeks, you still have five weeks left of the critical socialization period. Your puppy needs to meet another 100 people in this period. If the puppy sees only family for the first months of life, he or she often will develop a fear of strangers. -- Dr. Ian Dunbar, veterinarian and behaviorist, founder of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (www.apdt.com)

-- Dog parks: Not all dogs learn to play nice, and some perfectly good dogs just aren't well-suited for the communal experience. Some will unintentionally provoke fights or fearfulness from other dogs with overly aggressive or unrelenting play. These are likely dogs who never learned to read the language of another dog's "leave me alone" cues and will keep pushing until there's a fight. Hormones can also play a role, and that's why it's usually best for dog-park play to be among spayed and neutered animals. -- Dr. Melissa Bain, veterinarian and behaviorist, head of Clinical Animal Behavior Service at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine

-- Low-shed pets: If you're looking specifically for a dog who won't shed much, get a small, longhaired dog and keep the coat trimmed short. Why? Because the hair of longhaired dogs falls out less frequently, and a smaller dog has less hair to shed than a larger one. If you keep the hair clipped short, the hair that does fall out will result in less volume to deal with. -- Dr. Craig Griffin, veterinary dermatologist, lecturer and instructor on skin problems in animals, and founder and co-owner of the Animal Dermatology Clinic

-- Canine cancer: The best treatment for cancer is prevention. Restrict your dog's daily intake of food to maintain a fit body weight, and feed him a balanced, delicious high-quality diet with limited amounts of carbohydrates (sugars), moderate amounts of good-quality proteins and higher levels of n-3 fatty acids such as DHA. Consider supplementing omega-3 fatty acids to potentially reduce the risk of developing cancer. Add regular exercise. -- Dr. Gregory Ogilvie, veterinarian and oncologist, former head of research at the Animal Cancer Center at Colorado State University, and director of the Angel Care Cancer Center

-- Trick training: All dogs can learn tricks. Which kind of trick depends on the dog -- his physical abilities and how quickly he thinks. Some breeds have a physical advantage: Basset hounds will never be as quick as border collies, for example. Even old dogs can learn new tricks, despite the saying to the contrary. In fact, old dogs love new tricks, because they enjoy the attention and fun of trick training. -- Liz Palika, certified dog-trainer for more than 25 years, award-winning author of more than 50 books, including "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Dog Tricks" (Alpha, $15)

That's just the tiniest of tastes of all the information that we've put into these new "Ultimate" pet books. Enjoy, and we'll be back with cat tips next week!

SIDEBAR

Pet Connection's Dr. Becker on 'Good Morning America'

The Pet Connection's Dr. Marty Becker is starting his 11th year as the veterinary correspondent on "Good Morning America" with an appearance Oct. 8 to debut the latest books he and Gina Spadafori have co-authored.

"The Ultimate Cat Lover" and "The Ultimate Dog Lover ($15 each from HCI) are the sixth and seventh books the two have written together. Their eighth, "The Ultimate Horse Lover," will be out next month.

The "Ultimate" books are the first in a new series from HCI, publisher of the best-selling "Chicken Soup" series. The "Ultimate" pet books combine original stories from top writers, must-know information from experts in every specialty and lush, full-color photography.

Q&A

Front-clip harness makes walks easy

Q: Our 2-year-old golden pulls on the leash. There's no way the kids can walk her, and she's supposed to be their dog. My husband is the only member of our family strong enough to control her, and she's a trial for him, too.

Our veterinarian recommended we try a head halter. I've seen them a couple of times, but I thought they were muzzles. Do you second the endorsement? -- I.C., via e-mail

A: A lot of dogs pitch a fit when they're learning to accept a head halter, and these tools do seem a tad complicated for many people to put on correctly. That's why I prefer to recommend a front-clip harness, such as the Easy Walk from Premier. Here's the rundown on both pull-stoppers:

-- Head halter: These work on the idea that where the head goes, the body will follow -- a premise that has helped control horses for centuries. As noted, there can be a steep learning curve and lots of frustration on both sides of the leash. Plus, let's be honest: Head halters are ugly, and they do look like muzzles.

-- Front-clip harness: The front-clip harness uses a dog's own momentum to stop the pulling. When the dog pulls, pressure on the front of the harness impedes her forward motion. The dog quickly learns to stop pulling while the harness is on.

It's important to remember, however, that a front-clip harness prevents pulling behavior, but it doesn't change it. Put the leash on your dog's collar, and you have a puller again.

Because I'm guessing your exuberant young dog has other behavioral issues in addition to poor leash manners, I'd recommend finding a good trainer.

A couple of private sessions will help you get both the right equipment on your dog and a plan for turning her into a well-behaved member of the family. -- Gina Spadafori

Q: My brother almost never cleans his dog's dish. He says the dog eats every crumb of kibble and so cleans the bowl himself. This seems gross to me. Is it dangerous? -- E.U., via e-mail

A: Well, it's not good, that's for sure. Ask your brother if he would put dishes back in the cupboard after licking them clean. (And if he says "yes," make a note to meet him in restaurants from now on.)

Food dishes should be washed in hot water and soap after every meal, and water dishes should get the same treatment daily. They can also be run through the dishwasher, which has always been my preference since my model has a sanitizing cycle. -- Gina Spadafori

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

Spay-neuter: not all good

-- Increased pet lameness may be the result of spaying and neutering. Pet sterilization is rightfully heralded for its effectiveness in decreasing the number of potentially homeless pets and for some health benefits to altered animals. However, a large retrospective study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association makes the case that the picture isn't all positive, with an increased incidence of knee and hip disorders in altered animals.

-- Trail food is now available for dogs. The company Peakwaggers offers food said to be perfect for hiking at $6 to $10 retail per package, and with flavors such as Wild Alaskan Salmon Jerky.

-- Elephants' legendary memories may aid survival by helping them beat droughts, according to USA Today. A herd's older females can remember from previous water shortages where to find distant resources. As many older elephants were poached in the 1980s, scientists say protecting experienced herd leaders could be key in helping elephants adapt to a warming climate.

-- Where does the drinking expression "hair of the dog" come from? The saying originated from an even longer saying, "the hair of the dog that bit me," referring to an old idea that a few hairs taken from the same dog who had bitten you could be used to prevent rabies. Nowadays the expression is generally used in reference to drinking too much alcohol, suggesting that a hangover can be cured by drinking more alcohol. (Not true, by the way.) -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

PET BOOK

Lizards, snakes and frogs: best pet picks

Are you -- or your child -- wishing for a pet that's a little different from a dog or a cat? A reptile might be the answer. Consider these top pet picks:

-- Bearded dragon: They look tough, but they're really calm and gentle as adults, if handled with respect and care during their flighty young stages. And they never get too big to handle (18 to 20 inches, tops), unlike the green iguana, which can be measured in feet as an adult.

-- Leopard gecko: A popular ad campaign for an insurance company has drawn attention to these lizards. Fortunately, they're good pets, and tolerate gentle handling well. Their big-eyed faces are pretty cute, and they remain small in size, about 6 inches long.

-- Corn snake: Captive breeding has produced wonderful color variations in the corn snake. These calm snakes rarely ever try to bite, and if they do, the bites are a warning that you have done something wrong. These are good pets for busy people, as they require minimal care.

-- Ball python: These pythons mature at about 4 feet in length. They are constrictors, though, and they love going up around your neck. You'll need to know the way to unwind a snake: Start at the tail and gently unwind.

-- Pac-Man frogs and White's tree frogs: Two of the larger species of frogs available in the pet trade, both the Pac-Man and White's tree frogs have plenty of fans. They're attractive, easy keepers that never get too big -- 6 or 7 inches is about the max.

Deal with a reputable source for reptiles, and buy a captive-bred pet only. And be sure you've done your research into housing, care and feeding before you buy, to make sure you're prepared and willing to provide what your pet needs to thrive. -- Gina Spadafori

BY THE NUMBERS

Helping the wild ones

When the weather gets colder, wild birds can use a little help, and many people are happy to oblige. (Interesting note: Households with pet birds are more likely to feed wild birds than those without pet birds.) According to a 2006 survey (multiple responses allowed):

-- 52 percent of all households feed wild birds

-- 44 percent provide wild birdseed

-- 19 percent offer bread crumbs

Source: American Pet Products Association

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Teach pet that vet isn't bad

Why wouldn't a pet be afraid of her veterinarian? After all, many pets see the veterinarian mostly for scary and painful events, and often when they're not feeling well already.

Think about your pet, in this respect, like a child. Many doctors and dentists give goodies to children when they come in, helping to turn a bad experience into a good one. You can do that for your pet, too.

Make sure your pet is hungry when it's time to go to the vet, and bring along his favorite treats. Give your pet treats in the car, in the parking lot, in the lobby and in the exam room.

Over time, your pet will come to associate the sights, sounds and smells of a veterinary practice with good things, not bad.

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

Pet Connection is produced by a team of team of pet-care experts headed by "Good Morning America" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are also the authors of several best-selling pet-care books. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper, by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or by visiting PetConnection.com.

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

Given a choice, your dog would probably prefer to go everywhere with you.

But for most dogs, the reality is that they live with a family who goes to work and school, leaving them with lots of alone time. While few dogs really like being alone, for some, the behavior problems that result -- called separation anxiety -- can put their very lives at risk.

Dogs who stress out when left alone may cause significant damage to themselves or their surroundings. Others may fill their time alone by frantically barking themselves to exhaustion. Faced with nonstop destruction or complaints from neighbors, some dog owners feel no choice but to take their pet to a shelter, where a dog with a serious behavior problem is a poor prospect for re-homing.

But it doesn't have to come to that.

If your dog has a hard time staying alone, you'll need patience, a plan, and possibly the help of a veterinary behaviorist, who can help you with that plan and prescribe medication to ease your dog's transition to good behavior. (Your dog's veterinarian can provide you with a referral to a behavior specialist.)

You'll need to build your dog's confidence by teaching him that comings and goings aren't forever. They're a normal part of his life with you. You need to relieve some of that excess energy by exercising him regularly -- most dogs, like most people, don't get enough exercise. And you need to minimize the damage potential while his confidence builds by confining him to a small area and giving him something else to concentrate on while you're gone besides how much he misses you.

Here are some strategies that may help your pet cope with his time alone. Remember, again, that a veterinary behaviorist can help you tailor a program that's best for you and your dog.

-- Feed your dog his biggest meal before he's about to spend his biggest chunk of time alone. What dogs do after they eat is sleep, and if you're lucky, he'll sleep most of your stay away.

-- Don't encourage your dog to be your shadow when you're home. All that devotion is wonderful and it feeds our human egos, but it's making matters worse when you leave. If you have a dog who isn't happy unless some part of him is touching some part of you, encourage his confidence and independence by not constantly reassuring and petting him when he demands attention.

-- Give him something special to chew. Have a really good chewy that's just for his alone time, and hand it to him as you leave. Stuff a marrow bone or Kong toy with a little peanut butter and broken biscuit bits. Digging out the good stuff will keep your dog busy, relieve him of some of that excess energy and help him over the worst part of his separation from you -- the beginning.

-- Practice no-fuss comings and goings. Some people unwittingly make matters worse by overdoing hellos and goodbyes. When you leave, calmly tell your dog "guard the house" and give him his special chewy. When you return, ignore him while you go through the mail, check the answering machine and so on. Then, tell him to "sit," and then praise him just the tiniest bit. The message you want him to get is that all this in-and-out is no big deal, so relax.

-- Don't punish your dog for destroying things. "But he knows he did something wrong," you say. "He's acting guilty." Not true. What he knows, from past experience, is that you're angry about something and he's going to get punished. He doesn't know why, and punishing a dog who doesn't understand what his "crime" was only serves to make him more anxious, not less.

Don't give up on your pup. Many a dog has learned over time that your leaving isn't a reason to panic. Yours can, too, especially if you get help from a veterinary behaviorist.

Q&A

Yes, cats can be walked on a leash

Q: When we were at a pet store the other day, we almost bought a slender leash for our cat. She's an indoor cat, and we wonder if she's bored and would like to go outside with us. Is walking a cat really possible? -- P.S., via e-mail

A: Indoor cats can indeed be trained to enjoy an outdoor outing on leash, and for this treat, you need a harness to go with that leash you were looking at. Choose a harness designed for cats, not for dogs, in a figure-eight design, or a comfortable cat harness vest. (Cat collars are made to allow escape, and that's not good!)

Don't expect your cat to walk on leash like a dog, however. Walking a cat consists of encouraging your pet to explore, with you following, offering plenty of praise and maybe a treat or two.

Never leave your cat tethered and unattended. This leaves him vulnerable to attack or to a terrifying time of hanging suspended from his harness should he try to get over a fence. -- Gina Spadafori

Q: It bugs me when people complain about pets who shed. As every cat lover knows, no outfit is complete without pet hair. Got a problem? Get a lint brush and get over it! What do you think? -- H.E., via e-mail

A: I can certainly say that I've never left the house without pet fur on me, no matter how much time I might have spent with the lint-roller before stepping out the door. A little fur is a small price to pay for the love we get from our animals, the way I see it.

I once read a comment that's both funny and true: A true animal lover is a person who'll send back a meal in a restaurant because there's a human hair in it, but who at home will pick pet fur off the butter and eat without a moment's hesitation. -- Gina Spadafori

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

Getting a jump on bird disease

-- Texas A&M University's Schubot Exotic Bird Center is developing a diagnostic test for proventricular dilatation disease (PDD), a wasting disease that affects many psittacine species, such as macaws, cockatiels, budgerigars and other parrots. Veterinary Practice News notes that PDD is an important disease to diagnose and control, because it is the most significant killer of pet birds and is also a major problem for recovery programs trying to preserve parrots in the wild.

-- A 16-foot "plastinated" giraffe joined human bodies at a recent exhibition at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. The plastination process halts decomposition and preserves the body after death. Besides the giraffe, an ostrich plastinate also made its North American debut.

-- "The leash you can do" could be the motto of senior citizens signing up for Fetch! Pet Care, a franchised pet-sitting and dog-walking network. The company has started a recruiting drive to get seniors with time on their hands up on their feet and walking dogs. Besides getting some additional income, these seasoned dog walkers get exercise, social stimulation and plenty of tail wags from their happy charges, reports AARP magazine.

-- American dogs go "woof woof," but things are different elsewhere. In Catalan, dogs go "bup bup," and in China it's "wang wang." Greek dogs say "gav gav," Slovenian dogs "hov hov," and Ukrainian dogs "haf haf." In Iceland, it's "voff," and in Indonesia, it's "gong gong." Finally, "bau bau" say the dogs of Italy. "The Book of General Ignorance" says that when there is less variety heard in an animal's noise, languages seem to agree more commonly on its interpretation. For example, nearly every language has a cow going "moo," a cat going "meow" and a cuckoo going "cuckoo." -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

PET BOOK

Getting the most from a trip to the vet

When Dr. Nancy Kay faced a cancer scare, she found that her work with animal patients helped her to navigate her own path to health. That experience inspired her to write "Speaking for Spot: Be the Advocate Your Dog Needs to Live a Happy, Healthy, Longer Life" (Trafalgar Square Books, $20), a how-to manual on getting the best possible care for your pet.

Good care starts with good communication, and eliminating obstacles to openness between vet and client is crucial. The first step? Get your veterinarian down off her pedestal, writes Kay, who argues that "advocacy requires active client participation, and a client who feels intimidated does not feel comfortable voicing an opinion."

Some people have no problem voicing an opinion or with overdosing a pet's vet with an animal's entire life history. Too much information can be as much of an obstacle as too little. So Kay spells out how to give useful, brief answers to questions about your dog's symptoms and lifestyle that are aimed at helping your vet diagnose and treat the problem. She details when and how to ask questions in ways that will get you the answers you need, and insists no owner should ever leave a veterinarian's office without a clear plan for the dog's care.

One last, somewhat unorthodox tip: If your vet doesn't like answering questions or is a lousy communicator, get a new vet.

"Speaking for Spot" is a user-friendly guide to becoming an effective medical advocate for your dog. Buy it and read it before your next vet visit. -- Christie Keith

BY THE NUMBERS

Bulk up for savings

Buying in bulk can make pet-food budgets go further, a cost-cutting strategy already popular with many dog lovers. Here's how bag sizes for dry dog food rank in popularity at the cash register:

5 pounds or less: 10 percent

6-10 pounds: 13 percent

11-20 pounds: 22 percent

20-40 pounds: 26 percent

40-plus pounds: 23 percent

Don't buy dry: 3 percent

No answer: 3 percent

Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Got begging? Change rules

Feeding your dog an occasional treat from your plate probably once seemed like no big deal. Sharing is good, right? But now you want to stop all that pestering of guests, stealing of food from the table and pawing at you while you eat.

If you want to stop your dog from begging, you must change the rules and quit rewarding him with goodies from your meals. If you stick to your guns and don't give in -- not once, not ever -- your dog will eventually stop begging.

However, prepare yourself for the begging to get worse before it stops. Changing the rules is confusing to a dog. Pets naturally try harder to get what they want until they finally realize that things have changed for good.

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

Pet Connection is produced by a team of team of pet-care experts headed by "Good Morning America" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are also the authors of several best-selling pet-care books. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper, by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or by visiting PetConnection.com.

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

Universal Press Syndicate

Fall is a wonderful season, and our pets seem to love it as much as we do. They seem to perk up as the evenings get cool and the breezy days gently warn of cold to come.

Dogs seem to be even more excited about walks in the autumn crispness, and cats seem to love playing in the leaves, no doubt looking for the mice who are busy beneath.

But even as we're enjoying the brisk beauty of fall, we need to remember it means winter is around the corner, and with it, an awareness of seasonal challenges for our pets.

Primary among these, of course, is cold weather.

The weather -- heat in the summer, cold in the winter -- is certainly of most importance to outdoor pets. We don't agree with the practice of keeping dogs and cats outdoors all their lives -- these pets are often lonely and bored, and are more likely to be suffering from physical neglect.

That said, we realize some people won't bring animals in the house, no matter what. If you're one of those people, you must provide adequate outdoor shelter. And the time to review your pet's shelter is now.

Animals must be able to get out of the elements. A pet must have a well-insulated structure just large enough so that he can curl up inside to maintain body heat. The structure should also have a wind-block to protect it from wintry blasts. In the coldest parts of the country, it should also have some sort of outdoor-rated pet-heating pad or other device. And be sure that there's always a supply of fresh, unfrozen water by using a heated bowl.

Animals who spend any significant amount of time outside will need more calories during cold weather. Food is fuel, and they'll need to burn it to stay warm.

Final outdoor caution: Remember to thump on your car's hood on cold mornings. You neighbor's cat may be nestled against the engine for warmth, and thumping your car's hood will get the animal to skedaddle to safety.

Indoor pets don't face the challenges outdoor pets do, but winter can be uncomfortable for them as well. For pets with arthritis, cold weather can be more painful, so ask your veterinarian about supplements or prescription medications that may help your pet feel better. A soft, heated bed may be much appreciated, too, especially by older pets. And remember that one of the best things you can do for a pet with joint problems is to keep the extra weight off: A pet who's more sedentary in winter needs to eat less.

What about sweaters and coats for dogs? Some animals really can use the extra insulation of a well-fitted sweater: older pets, and dogs who are tiny (such as Chihuahuas), or who are shorthaired and naturally lean (such as greyhounds or whippets). Overcoats can save you time drying your dog if you walk in inclement weather, especially if your pet's longhaired. And don't forget to wipe your pets' feet, legs and belly after they've been outside to keep the animal from ingesting any de-icing solutions.

Because home heating systems can dry out the air, you and your pets may be more comfortable if you introduce some humidity. Birds, especially those species originating in tropical climates, will enjoy extra opportunities for bathing or being misted.

Cold-weather pet care is a matter of compassion and common sense. Use both in equal measure, and your pet will get through the worst of the season in fine shape.

Q&A

Are dogs supposed to shed in fall?

Q: I've noticed my dog seems to shed as much in the fall as in the spring. Is this normal? I thought shedding was only supposed to be in the spring. He's a husky mix, if that has any relevance. He always has a lot of fur, no matter how much he sheds. -- G.W., via e-mail

A: Fall shedding is perfectly normal.

Dogs typically lose their winter coats in the spring, when it is replaced by a shorter, lighter one for summer. In the fall, this cycle is reversed, as the summer coat is shed to make room for heavy protective fur for winter. The change is most obvious in "double-coated" breeds such as collies, shelties and keeshonden. Those breeds carry not only a harsh, protective long overcoat, but also a soft, insulating undercoat -- and they lose masses of fur from both in spring and fall.

The amount of shedding varies widely from breed to breed. German shepherds, for example, are prolific year-round shedders, while poodles seem to lose little fur at all. Shorthaired breeds may shed as much as the longhairs, but since the hair they shed is easily overlooked, it may seem as if they are shedding less.

All shedders -- even the heaviest -- can be tamed by a regular and frequent schedule of combing and brushing. After all, the fur you catch on a comb won't end up on a rug. Work against the grain and close to the skin to catch as much of the ready-to-fall fur as possible.

If you have a purebred, or a dog that has the characteristics of a purebred, ask a breeder for grooming advice, especially in regard to the proper kind of grooming equipment. The slicker brush that works fine on a poodle won't make much headway in the thick mane of a full-coated collie at the height of a seasonal shed. For a shorthaired dog, a curry comb or hound glove will do the job well, catching the short fur before it ends up on your rug.

No matter what the breed, shedding -- and heavy seasonal shedding -- is normal, but some heavy shedding can be a sign of health problems. Skin allergies and skin parasites may trigger shedding, and poor nutrition can also be a cause of coat problems.

Become familiar with your pet's normal pattern of shedding, and ask your veterinarian for advice if coat condition seems to dull or excessive hair loss or patches of baldness are noticed. -- Gina Spadafori

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

-- To avoid becoming dinner, some animals use brilliant, razzle-dazzle markings (such as stripes, zigzags or other high-contrast patterns on their skin or fur) to throw off their predators. A study reported in The New York Times reports that stark, high-contrast markings make it difficult for a predator to judge the animal's speed or trajectory while moving.

-- With an estimated 17 million overweight dogs in the United States, it's probably no surprise that 100-calorie snack packs are now available for pets (from bluedogbakery.com) reports Weight Watchers magazine. The same article noted that 40 percent of cats are obese in part because cat owners leave unmeasured amounts of food out all day. If your pet is fat, talk to your veterinarian.

-- The eight tentacles of an octopus divide up into six "arms" and two "legs," reports a recently released study. The creatures favor their first three pairs of tentacles for grabbing and using objects. Unlike humans and some other animals, most octopuses did not appear to be left-handed or right-handed.

-- The North American market for pet insurance will grow from an estimated $248 million in 2007 to $1.1 billion by 2012, according to a recent Packaged Facts report. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

PET TIP

Moving a cat? Confinement is key

The best way to move with your cat is to confine him before and after moving day in a "safe room."

Choose a room where your cat isn't going to be disturbed, and outfit it with food and water, a litter box, a scratching post, a bed and toys.

Confining your cat not only reduces his stress, but also prevents him from slipping out, which is a danger at both the old home and the new. Your cat could easily become scared, take off and get lost, even in his familiar neighborhood, if he gets disoriented. Even if your cat turns up back at your old place, a reunion can be hard to arrange if you need to leave before you find him, especially if you've moved to another city.

Your cat should be confined in his safe room the day before packing begins, moved to his new home in a carrier, and then confined again in his new safe room until the moving is over, the furniture arranged and most of the dust settled.

Trying to force a scared and stressed-out cat to do anything he doesn't want to is hazardous to your health. After you arrive at your new home, don't pull your cat out of his carrier. Instead, put the carrier in his safe room, open the carrier door, and let him come out into the room when he wants to. After he's a little calmer, you can coax him out with some fresh food or treats if you want. But don't rush him and don't drag him out -- or you may be bitten or scratched.

When you have the rest of the house settled, open the door to the safe room and let your cat explore his new home, on his terms. -- Gina Spadafori

BY THE NUMBERS

Hop to popularity

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 rank in 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

Cue 'happy' dog with greetings

Help your dog relax when greeting new people or dogs by giving your dog a consistent "be friendly" cue. In a happy, relaxed voice, ask your dog to "Say hi!" Over time, these words will be a sign to your dog that something good is going to happen.

In training, remember to not set up your dog with a bad experience. Observe the body language of dogs you don't know. A friendly dog has relaxed, fluidly moving body postures. Unfriendly dogs are stiff. Do not cue your dog to greet a dog who does not look friendly even if that dog's owner says it's OK. You be the judge!

Praise friendly postures as you allow dogs to touch noses but be prepared to pull your dog back if tensions rise suddenly.

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

Pet Connection is produced by a team of team of pet-care experts headed by "Good Morning America" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are also the authors of several best-selling pet-care books. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper, by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or by visiting PetConnection.com.

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