As adorable as puppies can be, anyone who's raising one will tell you they can drive you crazy. To get through those sometimes trying months and come out with the dog you want, always remember two things in dealing with puppies: Be patient and be positive.

Every puppy needs to be guided on the road to good behavior, and along the way many a puppy strays off the path into trouble. The best way to avoid problems is to set up your home and your handling of the puppy so his only choice is to do what's right and get praised for it.

But what if your puppy makes a mistake? A verbal correction, properly timed and correctly delivered, is usually all you need. Speak low and sharply, but don't yell at your puppy. Really, all you need to do is to provide a distraction to stop and then redirect the errant behavior.

Here are two more ways to send a clear message of disapproval:

-- Distract and redirect. Especially useful for the young puppy, this technique stops a behavior you don't want and guides the puppy to one that's acceptable. For example, if your young puppy is chewing on your nice leather shoes, make a noise to startle and distract him -- slap the counter or clap your hands -- and then give him something you do want him to chew on, such as a toy. When he takes it, praise him for redirecting those sharp puppy teeth.

With older puppies, you can often stop a bad behavior by asking for a better one, and praising him. Ask the puppy who's jumping up to "sit," and praise him or give him a treat for doing so. Tell him once, and if he doesn't mind you (to be fair, be sure he understands what you want), gently guide him into a sit, and then some praise and a treat.

-- The time-out. Puppies thrive on your attention, even if it's negative. The time-out removes this reward. This technique is especially good for a puppy who doesn't want to keep his mouth to himself, a bad habit for any dog to get into where people are concerned. When the puppy starts nipping, tell him "no," and then clam up, pick him up and put him in a crate or other small, safe area for a few minutes. Ignore the cries and whimpers. After a few minutes of quiet, let him out without fanfare and let him hang out with you gently for a while. The message: When the teeth touch skin, it's "game over."

If your puppy has been running around for a long time and just seems bratty, he may be tired. If that's the case, put him down for a nap in a crate or small area, along with a chew toy. Again, ignore his fussing. Chances are, he'll be asleep in a few minutes.

Corrections have their place in puppy-raising, but in general, a positive approach is preferred by today's dog-training experts. Positive dog-training isn't about letting your puppy or dog be boss, but rather about setting limits without yelling or hitting. If you find yourself resorting to any of these techniques constantly, you could probably do with some help from a trainer to spot what you're doing wrong with your puppy and to make some constructive suggestions.

Don't let your puppy grow up to be a monster. Be patient and positive, and be fair with corrections. And don't forget: Get help at the first sign of trouble, and you'll save yourself a lot of trouble down the road.

SIDEBAR

Get that puppy into class!

One of the best things you can do to get your puppy off to a good start is to get him into a puppy class. These classes are more about socialization and teaching puppies to pay attention than they are about overtaxing a puppy's short attention span. And that's perfect for a youngster who's just learning about the world around him.

Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation, or check out local pet-supply shops or park and recreation districts. You'll often find puppy classes running nearly year-round, to help catch little problems before they become big ones.

Q&A

Compromise on cat situation

Q: My boyfriend is moving into my home. My cat has been a point of conflict because he doesn't like cats, says the litter box stinks and is mildly allergic to them. The cat is the only problem we have, and he wants me to make Miles an outdoor cat. Miles has been with me longer than the boyfriend has. What do you suggest? -- H.C., via e-mail

A: Compromise. And if compromise isn't an option, I'd really think twice about having this man move in. I think you'll be having more problems down the line living with someone who won't compromise on an issue as important to you as a beloved pet.

Let's take this one complaint at a time. He doesn't like cats, but maybe you don't like something he does or has. I'm not a relationship counselor, but I do know that in a relationship, everyone has to tolerate what a partner cares about. He doesn't have to like your cat, but he will have to tolerate the animal. The ball's in his court on that one.

Stinky litter box? If you're removing the clumps a couple of times a day and cleaning the entire litter box regularly, this shouldn't be a problem. You might try switching to a different litter with odor-fighting properties, but beware: If your cat doesn't like the new litter, you'll have deposits all over the house instead of in the box. You might also try moving the box to a more out-of-the-way location. But again, you're tempting fate with this one if the new locale doesn't meet with your cat's approval.

Diligent vacuuming, weekly bathing of the cat in clear water and an air purifier may make your cat less likely to trigger allergies, as will having your boyfriend take allergy medications. If your boyfriend pets the cat, he needs to get in the habit of washing his hands before touching his eyes and triggering an allergic reaction. Making certain parts of the house permanently off-limits to the cat -- especially the bedroom -- is another option.

Work out all the issues before anyone moves anywhere. If you toss your cat outside, you're increasing the likelihood that his life will be shorter and denying yourself the pleasure of his company.

(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 SCOOP

All pet iguanas need to bathe

In the wild, reports Melissa Kaplan in her marvelous book "Iguanas for Dummies" (Wiley, $20), iguanas keep themselves sort of clean by rubbing against rough bark or dousing themselves in swimming holes. In captivity, rough bark and swimming holes are rare, which is why Kaplan recommends frequent -- as often as daily -- bathing for these pets.

Fill the bathtub chest-deep to the iguana and let the pet enjoy the warm water -- no soap, please! -- to his heart's content. Blot the animal dry with a towel and return him to his enclosure before thoroughly disinfecting the tub.

An important note of caution: If there are children or immune-compromised individuals in the home, use a completely separate bathtub for the iguana. Even with careful disinfecting, the consequences of bacterial infection for immune-compromised folks are too dire to take any chances. -- Gina Spadafori

PETS ON THE WEB

Funding research into pet health

The Morris Animal Foundation (www.morrisanimalfoundation.org) funds research at veterinary schools and colleges that seek to cure some of the diseases that claim the lives of companion animals.

Founded in 1948 by veterinarian Mark Morris (who founded the company now known as Hill's Pet Nutrition), the foundation gives more than $4 million annually in grants for animal-health studies. The foundation's Web site offers detailed information on studies in progress and on upcoming events. -- Dr. Marty Becker

PET TIP

Turn your love of pets into profit

Would you like to make money writing about or taking pictures of animals? These days it's as easy as starting your own Web log or picking up a digital camera. The Internet offers opportunity for breaking into writing, and I know several people who've been asked to contribute magazine articles, develop book proposals or sell images just by doing what they love -- writing about animals.

A great place to start is with a class in freelance writing or photography, which you can often find at a community college. These courses teach you the basics of marketing your ideas, contacting editors and more.

A great way to advance is by writing for the newsletters, magazines or Web sites of nonprofit groups such as animal shelters, breed or training clubs, or pet-therapy groups. While they generally don't pay you, these publications will provide you with the experience and clips you'll need to show to editors at national publications. To sell images, try uploading your best work to a stock photography Web site, which will pay you a small amount every time your image is purchased.

Read the publications you want to write for to get a feel for the subject matter they're interested in. You wouldn't want to pitch an anti-hunting piece to a hunting-dog magazine, for example, or a pro-hunting piece to an animal-rights magazine. You also need to know what has been covered lately, so you don't waste your time or the editor's by pitching an idea that's already been done.

Finally, consider joining the Dog Writers Association of America (www.dwaa.org) or the Cat Writers' Association (www.catwriters.org). These groups support and encourage beginners who write about animals through an annual conference (co-sponsored by both groups) and competitions (held by each). Sorry, there are no groups (at least not yet) for those who write about reptiles, birds or rodent pets. -- Gina Spadafori

BY THE NUMBERS

Training gear

Almost half (49 percent) of all dog owners responding to a 2004 survey said they didn't use any training devices or service at all. Of the remainder, here are the most popular responses (multiple responses allowed):

Treats 37 percent

All other 12 percent

Books 11 percent

Hired professional 9 percent

Whistle 5 percent

No-bark collar 4 percent

Videos 4 percent

Electric fence 3 percent

Clicker 3 percent

Source: American Pet Products Association

ON BEHAVIOR

Causes of, cures for aggression

When a pet bites, the first step is to get a veterinary exam with diagnostic tests to rule out any health problems. The next step is to work with a behaviorist.

Beware of simple answers. Any combination of factors may be triggering aggression, including fence-fighting, displaced aggression, dominance, drug side-effects, other pets, pain triggers, predation, possessiveness, fear, hormonal changes, protection of young, pack response, play, protection of home or family, neurological abnormalities, improper socialization, and intentionally and accidentally trained behaviors.

Once a pet has bitten someone, it's more likely the behavior will be repeated. If the bite broke the skin or there were repeated bites, the prognosis is even grimmer. Getting professional help right away is essential.

(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.

And Gina Spadafori

Universal Press Syndicate

People flip over puppies, but to us, a well-loved older dog is one of the most beautiful creatures on earth. An older dog has a nobleness, a look in the eyes that speaks of years of the special love that only a pet can give -- trusting, nonjudgmental and unwaveringly true.

Your dog's health in later years is not entirely in your control, but you can have a real impact on a pet's attitude. Your dog doesn't know he's getting older. His gray hairs concern him not, nor does he worry about the other visible effects of time -- the thickening of his body, the thinning of his limbs. He doesn't count the number of times he can fetch a ball before tiring and compare that to his performance when he was a young dog in his prime.

A dog lives in the now. Just as he doesn't reflect on his past, he can't imagine his future. Your dog takes his cues from you. When you're upbeat, encouraging and loving, he'll be at his best no matter his age.

This time can be a special one for both of you, and it's up to you to make the most of it.

As your dog ages, increase the frequency and diminish the intensity of his exercise. Instead of taking your dog to the park once a week to chase tennis balls until he's exhausted, take him for a long walk daily. If your dog is having problems with physical activity, talk to your veterinarian. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications may help, as may supplements such as glucosamine or alternative treatments such as acupuncture.

Your dog has no real sense of shame or embarrassment, so he suffers no loss of face if you come up with some ideas to make his life a little easier. Truly, the number of ways you can give your oldster a break is limited only by your imagination. Here are a few tips to get you thinking:

-- Beds. Think soft. Think cushioned. Think low. Think heated. Your dog will thank you for all of these thoughts, especially in cold weather.

-- Clothes. Older dogs, like older people, have a more difficult time maintaining their body temperature. This problem is even more pronounced in slender, short-coated breeds like the greyhound or whippet. So check out the sweater selection at your local pet-supply store, repurpose thrift-store children's clothes, or make your own if you're crafty.

-- Ramps and steps. If your dog is allowed on the couch and the bed, get steps to help him if he can no longer make it in one jump. You wouldn't want to watch TV without your dog at your side, would you? A permanent ramp going down the back-porch step or a slide-out ramp to help your dog get into the car will also be appreciated.

While you're making household adjustments, don't forget to make an appointment for a senior dog checkup. Your veterinarian may recommend some diagnostic tests in addition to a physical examination -- typically, bloodwork and an X-ray -- to spot problems early or to establish a baseline of what's normal for your dog. You should also consider having your dog's teeth attended to, because gum infections and mouth pain will severely affect the comfort and health of your dog. Most veterinarians recommend twice-annual exams for senior dogs, by the way.

The senior dog checkup is also a good time to determine if your dog's slowing down means his diet will need to change to take excess weight off his joints.

Helping to keep your older dog healthy and fit will mean his senior years will be happier and more comfortable as time goes by. And that will be good news for you both.

Q&A

Making vet trip easier for cat

Q: When it's time to go to the veterinarian's office, my gentle cat becomes a monster. Our veterinarian says she's used to cats like ours, but I wonder if there's a way to make things easier for all of us. -- G.W., via e-mail

A: Work with your veterinarian to come up with a strategy to make the visit easier for you all, and realize that the staff will have to handle your pet firmly to prevent injuries to your cat and the people around her. Be sure you're using a hard-sided carrier for these trips -- never try to hold an angry cat in your arms or transport her in something that lends very little protection to you or her, such as a pillowcase.

You might also consider using a mobile veterinarian. Although your cat won't be any more pleased to see a veterinarian who makes house calls, at least she'll be spared the trauma of travel.

The temptation when you have a cat who hates the veterinarian is to avoid routine preventive veterinary care entirely. It's not uncommon for cats like these to never see a veterinarian after that first visit has gone so horribly wrong.

If you go this route -- and we're not recommending it, just acknowledging it as a choice many cat lovers make -- the responsibility for spotting illness falls squarely on your shoulders. Be aware of changes in your cat's body, attitude or behavior, all of which can indicate illness and necessitate a trip to the veterinarian's, whether your cat likes it or not. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Gina Spadafori

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

[Put ABOUT 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

Better eye meds may be on the way

-- Dogs with eye problems may no longer have to rely on daily eye drops from their owners. An Iowa State University researcher has developed a way to treat a dog's eyes by producing a biodegradable medicine that can be placed in the tissue surrounding his eyes and will have lasting effects for up to a year. A small incision is made in the tissue around the dog's eyes, and medicine is inserted before stitching the eye back up, all taking only a few minutes. Six dogs have undergone treatment so far with positive results, but further testing will be done before the treatment will be available to the public.

-- Zoo animal manure may be turned into electricity at the Toronto Zoo. There's a plan to build a $13 million facility to use methane gas from the manure to produce power.

-- Veterinarians have a high level of job satisfaction, according to a survey by the American Veterinary Medical Association and compared with national surveys. The survey put veterinary satisfaction just below clergy, teachers and psychologists, and well above the satisfaction of lawyers and physicians. There are more than 88,000 veterinarians in the United States, according to the trade group.

-- Another reason to deem the Tyrannosaurus rex as the king of all beasts is an impeccable sense of smell. In a study by the University of Calgary, the T. rex was found to have the best sniffer of all carnivorous dinosaurs. Researchers speculate the sense of smell was probably used to help the predator hunt at night. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

THE SCOOP

Proper diet key to rabbit health

Diet has a huge impact on the health and well-being of any creature, and the rabbit is no exception. Common health problems in the rabbit directly relate to diet, and include obesity, gastrointestinal diseases and dental disease.

All pet rabbits need a high level of indigestible fiber, which, along with adequate water, is vital for the normal and healthy functioning of their gastrointestinal systems. Rabbits need to have their levels of carbohydrates and protein controlled to avoid obesity and kidney disease.

Properly fed rabbits do not need supplements added to their diets. Rabbits produce a good portion of their own vitamins, amino acids and other nutrients through the production and re-eating of special feces called cecotropes.

A basic healthy daily diet for a domestic rabbit should include unlimited grass hay and a minimum of 1 cup of fresh leafy greens for every 2 pounds of body weight. Use as many varieties of greens as possible, and offer other vegetables and fruits as well, in more limited amounts. Rabbits also need an ongoing supply of fresh, clean water.

Pet rabbits do not need commercial food pellets. If used at all, the pellets should be of a high-fiber, low-protein variety, given in very small amounts. Pellets should never be the only food for a pet rabbit. -- Gina Spadafori

BY THE NUMBERS

What's up, doc?

A veterinarian's advice is still the most sought after when it comes to pet care -- although the Internet is gaining steadily. Here are the top sources for information on caring for dogs, as reported in 2004 (multiple responses allowed):

Veterinarian: 66 percent

Past experience: 54 percent

Books/library: 26 percent

Friends/relatives: 25 percent

Magazines: 19 percent

Internet: 19 percent

Pet store: 13 percent

Source: American Pet Products Association

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Overcoming dog's fear of strangers

Using yummy treats as a training aid may help to lessen your dog's fear of strangers or other dogs when out on walks.

Walk your dog before meals so he's hungry. At the first sight of a stranger, act jolly and relaxed, and give your dog a treat. Your goal is to help the dog see a stranger as your reason to pull out the treats and be happy.

As your dog begins to show anxiety or fear, stop giving the treats freely. Ask your dog for a calmer, more controlled behavior such as a "sit," and reward him with treats.

Over time, repeat these techniques as you decrease the distance between you and the stranger in tiny stages.

(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.

Universal Press Syndicate

In these tough times, keeping a pet healthy often means taking a good look and a sharp pencil to every aspect of pet care to make sure you're getting the biggest bang for your buck.

If you're doing that now, you should know that you can save money on your pet's prescription medications in ways that many people don't even know exist. The place to start: With a respectful and open discussion with your pet's veterinarian.

Dr. Patty Khuly, a Miami veterinarian, pet-care columnist and the author of the top veterinary blog Dolittler (Dolittler.com), says veterinarians should be open to helping clients save money on medications -- and that more are, all the time.

"Our job as veterinarians is to help people get their pets the care they need," she says. "What I'm seeing in practice now is that people need to make cuts so they can afford basic and emergency veterinary care. One way I can help make that possible as a veterinarian is to offer options when it comes to prescription medications. People can then weigh those options and make an informed decision."

There are benefits to buying medications from your veterinarian, notes Khuly. Convenience is one factor, and being able to start treatment immediately is another. There's also a risk with some sources that the medication you may buy isn't what you think you're getting -- which is one reason why your veterinarian's help is so vital.

"There's long been a gray market problem," says Khuly. "Some drugs people buy can be ineffective or even dangerous. You have to be careful."

Saving money on prescriptions isn't about cutting your veterinarian out of your pet's health care, stresses Khuly. Ideally, it's about shifting your veterinary expenditures away from retail purchases and toward medical expertise, so your pet can get the necessary medications without cutting into your overall budget for the best care your veterinarian can provide you.

Khuly's tips include:

-- Take the prescription to go. Talk to your veterinarian about getting a better price elsewhere. Your veterinarian may have a reason for wanting you to buy from the practice, and you should listen to and consider those reasons. It's also not unreasonable to ask for price match, which will save you both money and time. But if you can get a better deal on some medications elsewhere, your veterinarian shouldn't mind your taking a prescription away with you if it doesn't risk your pet's health to do so.

-- Go for the generics. The same medications are often prescribed for people and pets both. Instead of getting a name-brand medication, ask your veterinarian if there's a generic equivalent. Some common antibiotics, behavior-modification medications, thyroid and anti-inflammatory drugs can be found in less-expensive generic equivalents. Big-box retailers and grocery stores with pharmacies offer many generic medications for as low as $4 for a typical course of treatment.

-- Look for prescription savings clubs. For a low annual fee, some pharmacies and associations will grant you access to huge discounts on hundreds of different generic drugs and on name-brand medications as well. Pets often count as family where these plans are concerned, so don't be shy about asking and signing them up.

-- Online pharmacies. Shopping online can save money on the animals-only medications you can't buy from a "human" pharmacy. But there is a big caveat, says Khuly: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns against doing business with online merchants that don't ask for a prescription. These may be offshore outfits selling expired, unapproved or even counterfeit drugs. (For more on the FDA's advice in dealing with online pet pharmacies, see www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2006/606_pets.html.) Stick to reputable companies that will work with you and your veterinarian, and you'll likely be fine.

-- Buy in bulk. For pets with chronic illness who need to be on medication for a long while or for life, ask about buying 60- or 90-day supplies. Larger buys of common generic medications can save you enough money to make asking about it well worth your time.

-- Ask your veterinarian to prescribe medications in larger doses and then split them. Many pills are already scored to make splitting easier, and the pill-splitting gadgets found in any pharmacy make it easier still. Splitting larger doses is often less expensive than giving single pills of smaller doses -- but the splitting needs to be accurate for safety.

Some of these strategies are no-risk no-brainers, while others (such as splitting doses) are really not to be undertaken without your veterinarian's assistance and oversight.

And that's really the point, says Khuly. Working with your veterinarian is essential to making sure your pet stays healthy, even as we all work to weather the rough economy.

Q&A

Keeping cat from tripping owners

Q: Our cat, Cookie, loves us very much and wants to be with us constantly. She walks closely to our legs and often stops right in front of us. She has twice tripped my husband and has made him fall. With his bad back, this is a real problem.

He has tried pushing her aside with his foot, but she keeps coming back. We have an elderly friend who comes to visit, and Cookie likes him a lot. We are afraid that she will trip him as well. (I guess I'm a little more nimble, since she hasn't tripped me yet.)

My husband loves the cat as much as I do, and he wouldn't dream of getting rid of her or being mean to her when she does this. But we need help. What can we do to make her stop before someone really gets hurt? -- M.T., via e-mail

A: Try to remember when Cookie began walking near your legs and how you responded then compared to how you are responding now.

Most likely, Cookie's habit began some time ago and was initially met with a positive response from you and your husband. Perhaps, in the beginning, you saw Cookie's desire to be so near you as an adorable trait and responded with lovey-dovey talk, picking her up or providing her with some other type of positive outcome or attention.

Behaviors that become problems often start just like this -- traits that were once considered adorable by the owners. In other words, pets learn how to get what they want by adapting their behaviors based on human responses. If a behavior works in the pet's best interest, it continues, even escalates. The best example of this principle is how excessive vocalization becomes a problem with both dogs and cats. When pets first begin to vocalize, our knee-jerk response is to pay attention to them and give them what they want, such as letting them come indoors or giving them food. Over time, they become even more demanding.

The very best way to decrease an unwanted behavior is to make sure it never works in the pet's best interest, while you at same time begin encouraging a replacement behavior that ideally cannot be done at the same time -- such as sitting and jumping up -- and that rewards the pet for what you do find acceptable and, in your case, safe.

With that said, be prepared for the behavior to escalate before it disappears. When a pet no longer finds a behavior effective, the animal will try harder and harder to get the response it expects. You've heard of the calm before the storm? This is the storm before the calm. Once your pet learns that the behavior will never, ever get the desired response, the behavior will ultimately disappear.

So with Cookie, we would suggest pretending Cookie is completely invisible whenever she walks near your legs. Do not look at, talk to or respond to this behavior.

Your replacement behavior can start by using her kibble for rewards (don't leave food down during the re-training, so she'll be eager for food). Toss kibbles off to the side as you walk and praise Cookie for getting the kibble instead of walking between your legs.

If you run into problems, ask your veterinarian for a referral to a behaviorist who can break down this problem and lay out a targeted modification program for you and for Cookie. -- Susan and Dr. Rolan Tripp

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

THE BUZZ

Dogs, falcons work for airport safety

-- Airports are turning to furred and feathered help to keep runways clear, according to USA Today. At the Southwest Florida International Airport, a border collie is used to clear birds away from the airfield, while New York's JFK airport uses trained falcons to drive away other birds. Throughout the nation, more than 20 airports use dogs as part of their effort to control wildlife.

-- A three-legged mare with a prosthetic leg has started a revolution in horse medicine. The Best Friends Animal Sanctuary took in the mare with the injured hind leg and opted to have the leg amputated and replaced instead of putting the animal down, as is common practice. The procedure has been so successful that she can trot and can even be ridden. Many hope the mare's success story shows others that a horse's life doesn't have to end when a leg is irreparably damaged.

-- A canine bloodmobile travels in a 50-mile radius around Pennsylvania to collect donated blood. The bloodmobile is the only one of its kind in the nation and helps serve sick dogs in need of transfusions. Dogs have a greater variety of blood types than humans do, with at least 12 blood types. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

[Put ABOUT UNDER BUZZ]

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 BOOKS

We humans have taken the rich genetic material of the wolf and have selectively bred the dog to be all things to all people. We've made him small enough to fit in our pockets and tall enough to tower over us, gentle enough to sleep with our children and strong enough to take down a wild boar.

But maybe the dog has changed us more.

That's the argument that Stanley Coren, best-selling author of popular dog books, makes in his latest, "The Modern Dog: A Joyful Exploration of How We Live With Dogs Today" (Free Press, $26). Dogs, he writes, made human existence possible, aiding us as we developed civilization.

But dogs have changed more than our lifestyle -- they've profoundly changed how we see the world. There's no better example of this than Hurricane Katrina. Before the disaster, Coren writes, the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency head Michael Brown dismissed questions about evacuating companion animals, saying, "They are not our concern."

But as New Orleans drowned, a new and different attitude emerged. The nation watched, horrified, as people died with their pets or battled the elements trying to save them. One elderly lady's Yorkshire terrier was taken away by a soldier as she boarded a rescue helicopter. "I got nothing and no one," she said, crying. "He's all I got left!"

An officer from the medical corps intervened. "That's not a dog," he told the soldier. "That's medicine. Medicine for the mind." After Katrina, notes Coren, disaster planning for pets really took hold.

His Katrina essay is but one of many that will have the reader pausing to consider how dogs have changed us -- and will change us in the future. This thoughtful book deserves a wide audience. -- Christie Keith

BY THE NUMBERS

Dressing up the fish tank

People who keep freshwater fish such as goldfish also spend money on adding decorative items to their pets' bowls and tanks. A few of the most popular purchases (by percentage reported purchased by fish-keepers) include:

Artificial rocks: 57 percent

Background scenery: 42 percent

Gravel/sand/crushed coral: 62 percent

Plastic plants: 61 percent

Ornaments: 41 percent

Natural rocks: 25 percent

Live plants: 18 percent

Source: American Pet Products Association

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Teaching kittens where to scratch

Go back to basics if your kitten is climbing the drapes and scratching the furniture.

Confine your kitten to a small room, such as a bathroom or laundry room. Place the litter box on the opposite side of the food and water, and make sure he has a cat tree for scratching, with a resting area on top.

Spend time in the small room with him. Use toys, treats and catnip to encourage and reward him for scratching the cat tree. When your kitten has adopted the post for scratching and climbing, it's time to continue the training routine in a larger room.

As you expand his freedom, interrupt unwanted behavior by putting your kitten on the cat tree and rewarding him for scratching where you want.

(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.