It's no secret that dogs have migrated from the doghouse to the main house to the master bedroom, and cats have gone from mousers to housers. But even as pets have made the shift to full family members for many people, conflicts do arise.

This can be especially true around the holidays, when the kids come home with a four-legged feline "baby," or friends drop by with their dog for a visit and see no problem with welcoming him up on your bed as they do at home.

Minimizing visiting pet conflicts isn't hard, as long as everyone follows basic "petiquette" in planning and managing visits. Here are some tips:

-- Consider your pets -- and resident pets -- before the visit: Even if your pets are welcome, taking them may not be the best of ideas. Visiting is not a good idea if the resident pet will be stressed by yours. It's not fair for the family cat to spend the holidays under the bed because a new dog is roaming the house.

And not all pets are good visitors. Most cats would prefer to stay home, and many dogs are better left behind with a pet sitter or in a good boarding kennel.

To be a good guest, a dog must know basic obedience and be able to remain well-mannered under all circumstances. No knocking over a frail aunt or tiny toddler, and no stealing food off the counters or tables. Since you can't retrain a dog just for a visit, you can solve the pets-on-the-bed problem by bringing along old sheets to throw over the top of your host's bedding.

-- Don't make assumptions: If you're expecting pet-loving company, don't assume they'll leave their pets at home. Ask them, and don't be shy about setting conditions if you're willing to welcome a four-legged visitor.

By the same token, don't presume the welcome mat is out for your pet. Not everyone loves pets, and even those who do may not want your pet to visit for many legitimate reasons, including allergies, non-pet-friendly decor, other pets, and fearful or fragile family members.

It's essential to not only get permission but also to be clear on the rules of the house. A frank discussion beforehand can prevent many conflicts. Ask where the pet can sleep, and where he'll be expected to relieve himself (don't forget to clean up afterward!).

If friendly agreement isn't possible, a pet-friendly hotel room nearby is the best option.

-- Crates and baby-gates: Having your pet be able to relax in a "room of his own" makes visiting easier for all. A crate or carrier is your pet's best friend when you're traveling. Every pet should learn to be comfortable being contained in a safe, secure crate or carrier. This training makes everything better, from veterinary visits to car travel and more.

A crate may be the perfect place for your dog during meals, or when the family decides to catch a movie or go out for a meal. There's no worrying about what your dog will do in a unfamiliar environment when he's sleeping safely in his crate.

If using a crate isn't possible, a baby-gate can keep visiting pets out of pet-unfriendly areas while still giving them the sense that they're part of the activities. These gates are inexpensive to buy at any general-merchandise retailer. A simple plastic gate can adjust to any doorway and will leave no marks afterward.

With permission cheerfully granted and ground rules set before the door opens, having well-mannered pets join in the holiday festivities can be wonderful. It's just up to the humans to make sensible decisions so everyone is comfortable, pets included.

Q&A

Choosing a dog for a home with cats

Q: I have two spayed cats, 5-year-old sisters I adopted as kittens. I grew up with dogs and cats and have missed having a dog. I am now able to adopt a dog, but I want to keep the transition smooth.

I've noticed that some shelters indicate whether a dog gets along with cats. How accurate do you think this information is? And what else can I do to keep from freaking out my cats? -- N.D., via e-mail

A: Shelters and rescue groups can find out this information by getting it from the dog's previous owners, or by exposing the dog to a cat and evaluating the response.

The latter isn't as awful as it sounds. They'd never test a dog who's clearly aggressive, and they don't haul out some terrified guest kitty to be the guinea pig, so to speak. The tester cat is usually a permanent resident of the shelter, often a staff favorite who has proven to be calm and disdainfully confident around dogs. Dogs who are aggressive toward the cat (but not people) are so noted, as are those who are too friendly (and will need training to leave a cat alone), are friendly but not intrusive (ideal), or couldn't care less about the cat (also fine). Ask the folks at the shelter how they determine cat-tolerance in the case of any dog you're interested in.

In general, I'd look for a quiet, gentle and well-mannered adult dog of 3 to 5 years of age or older who falls into the friendly but not intrusive category, preferably one who has lived with cats before. You'll find lots of such dogs in shelters or rescue groups -- check Petfinder.com for all the possibilities in your area.

When you find your dog, don't force the pets to be together. Let the cats decide how much interaction they want, and always offer them an escape route to a dog-free area. It may take a month or more for the situation to settle down. -- Gina Spadafori

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

[Put ABOUT HERE, under QANDA]

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.

THE BUZZ

The secret behind shar-pei wrinkles

-- Ever wonder why Chinese shar-peis have all those wrinkles? A team of Spanish scientists has come up with the answer. Known as mucinosis, the condition is a genetic alteration that multiplies the activity of a particular enzyme. When it goes into overdrive, it produces excessive amounts of hyaluronic acid, which gathers under the skin and produces wrinkles. The researchers hope that this knowledge of the genetic basis of mucinosis will permit better breeding programs aimed at improving the health of the breed, as well as provide a better understanding of the biology of tissues surrounding cells and the processes of cell recognition and aging.

-- While on a walk with his owner, a normally well-behaved dog bolted across the road and into a lake. Napoleon emerged dragging a sack in his mouth. In the bag: six kittens, probably thrown into the water to drown. Four of them lived and were adopted. "He probably felt they were in danger or something, because he heard them cry out," said Alexandra Breuer, owner of the canine hero.

-- Running across 1,100 miles of the frozen Alaskan wilderness on only 12,000 calories a day is challenging enough, but doing it at 8 mph for more than a week is an astonishing accomplishment. That's why veterinary physiologist Dr. Michael Davis has been given a $1 million grant from the Pentagon to research how the dogs of the Iditarod can endure such intense physical labor. When sled dogs begin running, they initially have a racing metabolism, but after running for a day, their body slows to a resting metabolism, which helps them avoid exhaustion. The Pentagon wants to know if that metabolic slow-down would be possible for soldiers. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Mikkel Becker Shannon and Kim Campbell Thornton

THE SCOOP

Preventive care essential to bird health

A wild bird's survival strategy is to appear as healthy as possible to avoid the notice of predators. Many popular pet bird species are not many generations removed from the wild, but the same survival strategy that worked in a natural habitat is a bad one in captivity. Pet birds will sometimes show no sign of illness until they're too sick to be helped.

Proper daily care -- good nutrition and fastidious cleanliness -- is essential to preventing life-threatening illness, as is a solid working relationship with an experienced avian veterinarian. Here's why an avian veterinarian can make a difference:

-- Scarcity of urgent care. Emergency clinics are mostly geared for dog and cat care, not specialized bird care. And even if you develop an excellent relationship with an avian-savvy veterinarian, he will not always be available for emergency responses.

-- Cost savings. From the startup costs of a proper cage to annual well-bird exams with the necessary diagnostic testing, preventive care isn't cheap. Still, heading off illness is less expensive in the long run than trying to save the life of a bird in crisis.

-- Quality of life. Just because a bird is hiding his illness doesn't mean he isn't feeling dreadful. It may be days, weeks, months or even years before your bird finally gets so sick that he stops caring what happens to him. Misery has been his companion for a long time at that point, and that makes a strong argument for early intervention.

The place to start? An examination by an avian veterinarian, who'll take the time to establish the good health of your bird, correct small health problems before they become critical, and advise you about anything you're doing that might be endangering your pet's health long term. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Gina Spadafori

BY THE NUMBERS

Who makes pet-care purchases?

The kids may beg for a pet, but mom had better be on board with the addition. That's because chances are she'll be the one doing the shopping. According to a 2006 study:

Women as primary shoppers

All pets 79 percent

Dogs 79 percent

Cats 81 percent

Saltwater fish 67 percent

Source: American Pet Products Association

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Door dashes can be stopped

Teach your dog not to dash out the door by always insisting that he sit and wait before exiting your home or car.

Just as you do when putting a child in a car seat, do not make exceptions to the rule. If you are consistent, your dog will accept this routine and learn that it's no go until you say so.

That doesn't mean you shouldn't be careful when opening the front door or the car door. Some temptations, such as seeing a cat or squirrel, may trigger your dog to dash, so always keep a look out.

No training is 100 percent, but you can put a brake on most door dashing with clear, consistent instructions and practice.

(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.

By Christie Keith

Universal Press Syndicate

Your home is spotless, and the inviting aromas of a holiday meal fill the air. But as you open the door to your guests, their twitching noses suggest they smell something you didn't.

"I see you still have that cat," your older sister says disapprovingly. Her nose twitches again. "And the dog, too."

But pet odors aren't irresolvable. Eliminating them can be challenging, but following a few simple tips from the experts can leave your house smelling fresh and clean this holiday season.

One source of pet odors is urine, whether from long-ago puppy training days or from a pet who is having accidents now. Pete Duncanson, director of training for ServiceMaster Clean, a leading provider of residential and commercial cleaning services, says the key to effectively eliminating pet urine odor in carpet is to use a bacteria/enzyme digester.

"Bacteria/enzyme digesters work well, but they work slowly. So be sure to leave the solution on as long as directed," he said. "Urine has probably penetrated down into the carpet and pad, so use enough solution to reach as far down as the stain did." He recommends covering the area with plastic for several hours after treatment, and he warns that heavily soiled carpets may need professional cleaning and deodorizing.

Not sure where the urine smells are coming from? A simple black light, available in pet supply stores and catalogs for less than $20, or even free with purchase of many odor removal products, will pinpoint any sources of urine in carpet, baseboards or walls.

Bacteria/enzyme digesters can also be used to deodorize litter boxes, although if the surface has become scratched or roughened, they should be replaced. Look for boxes with Microban already in the plastic to fight odors from the start.

What about "eau de dog"? Its source is hair, dander and oil -- on your pet, and in your carpets and upholstery. The cure for both is the same: a brisk brushing and a good shampooing. Start by having your dog professionally groomed, or brush out all her loose hair and bathe her. Next, tackle your carpets and upholstery.

"To remove pet hair from carpets, use a vacuum that has a good beater brush or roller brush," said Debra Johnson, a training manager for the cleaning professionals at Merry Maids. "Plain vacuums don't generate enough 'lift' to get all the pet hair up from the floor."

Johnson also recommends pet owners use vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters if possible and has one more hint: "Vacuum bag fresheners are an easy way to enhance your guests' perceptions of 'clean' when they enter your home," she said. Follow up by shampooing your carpet with an extraction cleaner, which can be rented from many stores.

To get pet hair out of dog bed covers and upholstery, purchase a rake made for this purpose from a pet supply or home improvement store. Use your vacuum's upholstery tool to pull up loose hairs and dander, and finish with an upholstery cleaning and deodorizing product.

Keep odors from returning by using a slipcover on your sofas, scooping or changing your cat's litter box daily, washing your dog's bedding at least weekly, and keeping washable mats and throw rugs on your pets' favorite spots on the carpet.

Finally, check out true vapor steam cleaners. Using the same Italian technology that powers espresso machines, they deliver pressurized vapor at between 240 and 260 degrees Fahrenheit. They're as easy to use as a vacuum cleaner and are completely safe for you, your kids, your pets -- including birds -- and the environment. Unlike extraction cleaners, including those with onboard hot water heaters, true steam cleaners will also kill fleas, flea eggs and dust mites, will wipe out mold, mildew, fungi, bacteria and viruses, and won't leave any chemical or soapy residue behind to attract dirt.

High-quality residential units can cost as much as $2,000. A sturdy home-use model, such as the DeLonghi SteamIt, runs around $400.

(What are your favorite tips for cleaning up after pets? Send them to petconnection@gmail.com and we'll share them.)

Q&A

Coyotes put pets at risk

Q: I live in an area not too far from a big regional park. I'm always seeing "lost cat" signs, and I suspect coyotes are killing my neighbors' cats. (That's one reason why I keep my cat in at night.)

I know you've mentioned this before, but maybe it's time for another warning. -- P.G., via e-mail

A: Coyotes are everywhere, and they are just as happy to eat pets as wild animals.

Work with your neighbors to remove or move food sources that attract coyotes, such as pet food left outside, garbage cans that aren't securely closed or compost piles. If food sources are denied to them, the animals will move on to a more promising area.

Large dogs are not at high risk of attack, but small dogs and cats are tempting to coyotes. The only way to keep cats truly safe is to turn them into indoor-only pets, since a free-roaming cat is not safe day or night. For small dogs, do not let them out unsupervised, and walk them on leashes to keep them close to you. While there have been incidents of dogs being taken off the end of the leash, most coyotes won't want to get that close to a human to risk it. And try to avoid letting any of your dogs out at night if you can.

While these steps will not completely protect your pets, they will reduce the risk from these ever-more-common predators. -- Gina Spadafori

Q: I want a Christmas tree, but my cat can't resist the decorations. Suggestions? -- T.D., via e-mail

A: Cats love to follow motion, pouncing on toys as if they were prey. When stringy substances are eaten, however, they can bind up in a cat's intestines and often must be surgically removed. Strings that are electrified, such as power cords and lights, offer even more hazards.

If you can't keep your cat away from the tree -- by keeping him out of the room when you're not around, for example -- then I'm afraid the danglies can't be part of your holiday decor. -- 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.

THE BUZZ

Good neighbor saves a dog

-- A heroic man saved his neighbor's dog from a house fire in Weymouth, Mass. The dog, a German shepherd named Isabel, was home alone when the house caught fire. Neighbor Sal Litterio broke through a window in the burning home when he heard the dog barking and was able to pull the scared Isabel out through the thick smoke. "As long as Isabel is safe, the house can be replaced; my neighbors can't (be)," he said.

-- Bottled water for dogs? You bet, and in flavors such as parsley, ice cream, chicken, hot dog and lemongrass. Dogs also have their variation of the sports drink in K-9 Quencher, which provides a powdered formula with vitamins, trace minerals and electrolytes. The powder can be added to water to improve taste and increase drinking.

-- Researchers are pioneering a way to develop human skin. The skin, called Episkin, has been developed by L'Oreal in Lyon, France. Skin is collected from people who have volunteered to donate their skin after having cosmetic surgery and is then able to be grown in the laboratory. Episkin not only will decrease the need for animal testing, but will also make products for humans safer, since the testing medium is closer in properties to human skin.

-- The jellyfish population is exploding worldwide because of global warming. Reproduction is temperature-related, and with the increased temperature of the seas, mating and "blooming" (when jellyfish reproduce in huge numbers in the same area) are happening sooner, allowing jellyfish to eat fish eggs from spawning fish before they get a chance to hatch, rapidly depleting many fish populations. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

THE SCOOP

Communication key to good veterinary partnership

Many pet lovers make the mistake of believing veterinarians are pretty much interchangeable. In fact, you're doing your pet a disservice if you don't put a little effort into choosing the right veterinarian.

Any veterinarian you consider should be technically proficient, current on the latest treatments, and willing to seek out more information on your pet's behalf or work with a veterinary specialist. A good vet should be able to explain what's going on with your pet in a way you can understand and be willing to answer your questions, so you can make a responsible decision on your pet's behalf.

Ask friends, co-workers and neighbors for recommendations. Over the years, animal lovers can tell which veterinarians are knowledgeable, compassionate and hardworking. Those veterinarians are always talked up by satisfied clients. Other factors may help you narrow down your list of possibilities:

-- Is the clinic or hospital conveniently located, with hours you can live with? If you have a 9-to-5 job, a veterinarian with a 9-to-5 clinic doesn't do your pet much good. Many veterinarians are open late on at least one weeknight and for at least a half-day on Saturday.

-- What kind of emergency care is available, if any? Although emergency veterinary clinics are prepared for any catastrophe, they are not familiar with your pet. If your veterinarian's practice does not offer 24-hour care, does it work with one that does?

The final call on whether a particular veterinarian is right for you comes down to intangibles. If you don't feel comfortable, you're less likely to ask your veterinarian questions, and the lack of productive communication hurts your pet in the long run. -- Gina Spadafori

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Dog-care gear popular

Keeping a dog well-groomed is as much about health as appearance. Fortunately, most dog lovers do purchase at least the basic equipment for the grooming needs of their pets. What they own (multiple answers allowed):

Brush 92 percent

Nail clipper 69 percent

Comb 44 percent

Toothbrush 28 percent

Electric clippers 19 percent

Source: American Pet Products Association

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Cut food when using treats

If you are using treats to train your dog, reduce the amount of food you provide during meals to keep your dog at a healthy weight. Treats are an important part of training, but you don't want to end up with a well-mannered pet with weight problem.

If your dog is always a little hungry, you may be able to use 10 percent of his daily kibble for training and save treats for teaching him new behaviors.

If your dog does not work for kibble, even when hungry, then you may need to increase daily exercise during training. Exercise is a great relationship builder, as your dog associates you with an enjoyable excursion. Exercise is also a great stress reliever and may help your dog focus better during training sessions.

(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.)

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

And Gina Spadafori

Universal Press Syndicate

Adopting an adult dog from a shelter is a wonderful thing to do. But sometimes people are hesitant to try it because they worry their new pet won't be reliable in the house and can't be made so because of the myth that "old dogs can't learn new tricks."

If you're stalling on adoption or are already struggling with an adult dog who doesn't seem to "get it," take heart: You can teach an adult dog to do his business outside.

Before you start training, though, you must be sure that what you have is a behavior problem and not a physical problem. This is especially true with a dog who has been reliable in the past. You won't be able to train your pet if he's struggling with an illness. So check with your veterinarian first for a complete checkup.

If you've ruled out medical problems, house-training an adult dog uses the same principles as house-training a puppy, except you have to be even more diligent because you need to do some "untraining," too. And a lot of cleaning: You must thoroughly clean any soiled area with enzymatic cleaner (available through pet-supply outlets) to eliminate the smell that invites repeat business.

You'll 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 that 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, tell him "no," take him outside, and give him a command for going ("hurry up," "go potty," etc.). Then praise him for doing right, so he starts to understand what you want.

-- Put him in a crate whenever he's not on leash with you. It's not unfair during training to leave him in a crate for four or five hours at a stretch -- assuming, of course, that he's getting his regular daily exercise.

-- Take him outside first thing in the morning, 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, and praise him when he does as you wish. I find that people never seem shy about punishing their dogs, but too often forget to praise them -- they take it for granted that the dog should do the right thing. Never, ever forget the praise!

If you've been consistent, your dog likely will get a good idea of what's expected of him within a couple of weeks, and you can start giving 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, as he proves his understanding of the house rules.

Accidents happen. If you catch him in the act, tell him "no," take him outside, and give him the chance to set things right. Give your "go" command, and praise him if he does. Clean up the mess inside promptly and thoroughly, so he won't feel inclined to refresh his smell there. Don't punish him for any messes you find.

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

If you continue to have problems, ask your veterinarian for a referral to a veterinary behaviorist. One-on-one assistance can pinpoint the problems in your training regimen and get you both on the right track.

Q&A

Slimming a fat cat? Start at the vet

Q: I know you've said there's no reason for a fat pet, but I can't get any weight off our 17-pound cat. I don't think it's possible. Also, I'm not sure it would improve our cat's life to cut back on his food because he's such a happy eater. Any advice? -- S.W., via e-mail

A: Would it improve the quality of your cat's life -- or yours -- if he became diabetic? Because that's one of the risks of chronic obesity in cats. Overweight cats are also prone to joint, ligament and tendon problems, difficulty breathing and even skin problems because they can't groom themselves properly.

Talk to your veterinarian about your cat's overall health and a plan for slowly trimming down your overweight pet. Quick-loss programs can make your cat ill or even kill him, which is why a vet-approved slow-reduction plan is best.

Pay attention to what you're doing to contribute in ways you may not even be fully aware of. For example: Do you share your meals with your cat, handing him the choicest tidbits off your plate? Do you love to give him cat treats several times a day? These things all add up!

Make food harder to get. Our pets are now "born retired," and food takes no effort to find. Break up the daily portions and put them in places that are harder to get to -- on top of a file cabinet or cat tree, for example. Also make use of food puzzles that make animals work both their minds and their bodies to get the yummies.

Most of all, remember that food is not love. Instead of interacting with your cat over food, bond over grooming or play. Your cat will love you just as much for a loving session of gentle brushing and combing, or a playful half-hour spent being teased with a cat "fishing pole" or other toy. Time spent in either pursuit is better for an overweight cat than eating, and the exercise will help take the weight off. -- 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

Another way dogs can save lives

-- Sniffing out ovarian cancer is another talent accredited to a dog's nose. Swedish researchers taught dogs to detect ovarian cancer, even in early stages. Ovarian cancer has a high mortality rate, in large part because the cancer usually is not found until it is in the later stages, making early detection sniffing dogs a potential lifesaver.

-- An elk product can promote healing for arthritic dogs, according to a study in Canadian Veterinary Journal. The study found that velvet antler -- the early stages of antler growth, before the antlers calcify -- in elk can be used to promote healthy joints in dogs. The elements found in velvet antlers can help reduce swelling and pain, making it a natural remedy for treating arthritis pain.

-- No more need to pop pills down your pet for skin infections, thanks to a new one-dose antibiotic shot. Convenia, a veterinarian-provided treatment from Pfizer Animal Health, gives 14 days' worth of antibiotics in a single shot.

-- The long-term prospects for mammalian life don't look good, according to Science magazine. Of the world's 5,487 mammal species, at least one in four land species and one in three marine species face extinction in the near future. Land mammals face their greatest risk of extinction in South and Southeast Asia, where 79 percent of monkey and ape species are threatened. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

THE SCOOP

Experts advise a pass on a Christmas puppy

The Christmas puppy is the gift that never seems to fall in popularity. But there are reasons why shelters, rescue groups and responsible breeders are uniform in their advice to think twice about a Christmas puppy. Here are the reasons why:

-- Holiday stress. Puppies are not toys. They are animals who need a lot of attention. Who has time for a pup during the holidays, that stressful season of socializing and shopping? With a houseful of guests and a holiday dinner to prepare, who will make sure the puppy isn't being mauled by overly enthusiastic children and guests?

-- Bad timing. Try house-training a puppy when it's cold and stormy. And what about the rest of the training? The first few months of a dog's life are crucial: Bad habits are far easier to prevent than they are to break later, and ongoing socialization is critical. Will you really feel like training and socializing your pup when the holidays are over, the days are short and the kids are back in school?

-- Poor selection. Many reputable breeders and shelters will not cooperate with your Christmas puppy desire. That means if you're looking for a puppy, you may be choosing from sellers who don't know or care enough to offer healthy, well-socialized puppies.

Dogs can be great for children, and children can be great with dogs. A better bet would be to wait until late spring or summer to find the perfect pup from a shelter or reputable breeder. When the days are longer and the weather is better, it's easier to train and socialize a pup. -- Gina Spadafori

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

The bride wore fur

According to a survey by the Veterinary Pet Insurance Co., having a pet at a wedding is no longer unusual, even if it's still not accepted by traditionalists. In a survey asking about the presence of pets at weddings, VPI got the following responses:

42 percent: Involved or planned to involve a pet in their wedding ceremony

11 percent: Weren't planning to take a pet to the wedding party

47 percent: Got married in a pet-free ceremony

Source: Petinsurance.com

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Give your dog a bonus

Everyone likes to get a bonus for great work. Share the wealth with your dog by using a sliding scale of rewards to improve responses.

Think of a low-key "good dog" as worth a dollar, an enthusiastic "good dog!" as worth two dollars. From there, add it up: a back rub, a favorite toy, a game of tug or a great treat is worth more. Watch your dog to see which rewards have the highest value.

Use the reward that best matches your dog's level of performance. If your dog comes slowly when you call, that's worth a "dollar" reward. If he drops everything and comes running, that's worth a lot more.

Over time, your dog will learn to earn the best rewards by giving you the best responses.

(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.