Universal Press Syndicate

In recent months the worsening economy has had us all tightening our budgets. Pet lovers are no exception, and although our animals provide us with comfort and companionship during difficult times, there's no doubt that many people are looking to make sure they're getting the most "bang for their buck" when it comes to caring for their pets.

The most important advice we can offer you is to focus on prevention. Keeping pets in good health is the best way we know of to prevent illnesses that can make your pet miserable and cost you a lot at the veterinarian's. Likewise, working to prevent accidents, such as keeping your cat inside and your dog on-leash in high-traffic areas, will spare you the most expensive pet-related spending of all: the late-night visit to the emergency veterinarian.

Some more tips for keeping costs down include:

-- Take the weight off your pet. Extra pounds increase the likelihood of serious health problems, such as arthritis, diabetes and cancer in pets just as they do in people. And yet few people recognize when their pet is overweight -- or even grossly obese!

If your pet is normal weight -- you should be able to feel ribs -- measuring food, keeping treats to a minimum and working in a daily exercise session will keep him that way. If your pet is overweight, get your veterinarian's help to reduce weight slowly to avoid the health risks of sudden weight loss, especially in cats.

-- Change your buying habits. You can save money buying the largest bags of food or litter, or get case discounts on canned goods. Split your dry food purchases with family or a friend, and store your portion in an airtight container. (Do keep product info from the bag, though, in case there are questions or problems.)

Other purchases should be considered carefully. Replace such things as collars when wear first shows -- you don't want a collar to break and your dog to get loose in a dangerous situation. Buy quality, not silliness: One good collar is a better value than a lot of shoddy but cute ones.

Be careful when cutting down on toys, though: Good chew toys have saved many an expensive pair of shoes.

-- Get the do-it-yourself bug. Most people can learn to handle basic pet grooming at home, from bathing to nail trims. If nothing else, you can probably stretch out time between professional grooming for high-maintenance pets with some at-home care. Check your library for grooming guides and home in on breed-specific tips with an Internet search.

And don't forget the value of bartering: Ask about trading goods and services for your pet's needs.

-- Poison-proof your home. Go through your home with an eye toward possible hazards. From food hazards such as raisins, Xylitol-sweetened goodies and chocolate to houseplants such as lilies, many poisoning risks can be prevented just by removing them. Both over-the-counter and prescription medications are also a danger, and these are best dealt with by putting them behind cupboard doors. (The ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center offers information on all toxic risks to your pet at ASPCA.org/APCC.)

-- Don't neglect preventive pet care. Vaccinations are no longer recommended annually for most dogs and cats, but that's not a good reason to skip your pet's yearly vet check -- twice a year is recommended for senior pets. These "well-pet" examinations can spot little problems before they become expensive ones.

Don't be shy about asking your veterinarian to work with you on keeping costs down. For example, ask your veterinarian to give you prescriptions for medications to be filled elsewhere or to match prices. Comparison shopping for medications may offer considerable savings, especially if there's a generic equivalent available.

We also recommend looking into pet health insurance, because no pet lover wants to say no to a pet who can be saved because the money isn't there for the care. Because plans differ, do your research before buying to make sure the most likely health problems of your pet are covered.

(Share your best tips for saving money on pet care! Drop us an e-mail at petconnection@gmail.com. We'll use the best tips in a future column and feature them on our Web site, PetConnection.com.)

Q&A

Redirect chewing for better puppy

Q: Is there anything I can do with a puppy who chews on everything she sees? I'm at my wit's end. -- B.C., via e-mail

A: With time and guided effort, you can help your puppy learn to chew on the right things and to leave your stuff alone.

Some puppies chew to alleviate the discomfort of teething. Try offering your pup a bowl of ice cubes or a washcloth that's been soaked in water and then frozen. Take the washcloth away as soon as it thaws. There are also commercial dog products made for freezing, with one part rubber chew and one part reservoir for filling with water or broth.

Most puppies chew to explore, or to blow off steam when they are not getting enough daily mental and physical exercise. Before feeding your puppy, play easy games of "toss the kibble" so your puppy gets used to finding food. Put your puppy's kibble into a food puzzle, instead of using food bowls, to add even more activity. Confine your puppy to a small laundry room or puppy-proofed area when you are gone to prevent chewing mistakes, and rotate chew toys to provide variety.

When you are home, put your puppy near you on a mat with a long-lasting rawhide chew. Prevent your puppy from wandering off by attaching a leash to a heavy desk or table or the chair you are sitting on. Ignore any tantrums by not making eye contact. Wait until your puppy settles down. Then praise her in a soothing voice or give a loving back rub in exchange for resting quietly and for chewing on that rawhide. Focus your efforts on praising your puppy for chewing on what's right and prevent your puppy from chewing on what's wrong.

Teach your pup to "get your chew" by praising her for taking it from you and for picking it up from the floor when you say, "Get your chew." When your pup learns what that means, she'll also learn that getting the chew is the ticket for your attention.

You cannot expect a young, untrained puppy just to hang out. Help her learn good behavior by providing daily walks to satisfy natural canine instincts to explore and exercise. If you meet your pup's basic needs and provide gentle, proven behavior training, you will have less destructive chewing and overall better behavior.

Most people do not know instinctively how to teach puppies to meet basic canine needs within a human household. Early, off-leash puppy socialization classes are the best place to learn from professionals.

If you continue to feel frustrated, do yourself and your puppy a big favor by asking your veterinarian for a referral to a trainer or behaviorist for some individual help with raising her. It's a good investment in a lifetime of good behavior. -- Susan and Dr. Rolan Tripp, AnimalBehavior.net.

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

PET BUZZ

Yawn at your dog and get yawn back

-- Yawning is contagious among people, and now researchers from Birkbeck's School of Psychology at the University of London have shown for the first time what pet lovers have known all along -- that dogs can also catch our yawns. Researchers said the presence of contagious yawning in dogs suggests that dogs possess the capacity for a rudimentary form of empathy.

-- The American Veterinary Medical Association has found that veterinarian salaries increased from 2005-2007, although most surveyed said they don't expect the income growth will continue from 2007-2009. The survey also showed that male veterinarians are still paid more than female ones.

-- The state with the highest ranking for the occurrence of animal abuse is Kentucky, followed by Arkansas, Idaho, Mississippi and North Dakota, according to the Animal Legal Defense Fund. The top five states for protecting animals are Illinois, Maine, California, Michigan and Oregon.

-- Japan's pet population has exploded, but pet owners are now facing a pricey tax on their furry friends. The proposed tax on the purchase of animals will be put toward microchipping, ID tags, funding for animal shelters and an awareness campaign of animal welfare. The number of pet dogs has doubled in the last decade, reaching 13 million and surpassing the number of children under 12 in Japan. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

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

Grooming helps with cat's health, happiness

Considering how much time your cat spends grooming, do you really even need to be involved in the process? Yes! Taking care of your cat's coat keeps her healthier, makes her easier to live with and strengthens the bond between you.

Although many cats -- typically longhaired, older or obese -- must have some help with their grooming, any cat can benefit from human intervention. Even if your cat isn't a high-maintenance type with silky, long hair, helping with grooming offers some benefits to you, as well:

-- Shedding. The fur you catch on a comb or brush doesn't end up on your sofa cushions, sweater or the cream cheese on your bagel in the morning.

-- Hairballs. Regular grooming by you keeps the volume of fur swallowed by your cat to the utmost minimum, and that means fewer hairballs on your rugs.

-- Bonding. Although your cat may not like you getting involved in grooming at first, if you're persistent, especially with the praise, your cat eventually comes to enjoy the time you spend together at this important task.

-- Money. Paying attention to your pet's body not only helps avoid some health problems, but it also helps you detect signs of illness early, which is better for both your wallet and your pet.

-- Allergies. Studies have shown that good grooming, including regular baths, can help allergy sufferers cope with their pets. -- Gina Spadafori

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

A single bird will do

Birds of a feather don't flock together, at least not in the homes of bird lovers. Trends in pet ownership suggest that most people who want a bird will have just one at a time. Number of birds kept:

One 52 percent

Two 25 percent

Three or more 23 percent

Source: American Pet Products Association

ON THE WEB

Delta celebrates animal-human bond

The Delta Society (deltasociety.org) is an organization dedicated to making the most out of the natural bond between people and animals.

The group provides information and resources on a variety of topics, including dogs who serve people with disabilities and animal-assisted therapy programs, such as those that take animals into nursing homes or provide therapeutic horseback riding for disabled children and adults.

Delta also offers a variety of publications and recognizes groups and individuals with a variety of annual awards. If you're looking to get started in volunteering, the site shows you how to get started.

The site is clean, well-designed and easy to navigate, and offers lots to learn on this extraordinary group. A scrolling news feed on the home page tracks stories about the value of animals in our lives. -- Gina Spadafori

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

Universal Press Syndicate

Behaviorists love to recommend toys for all pets. Playthings are an important part of "environmental enrichment," a fancy phrase for strategies that keep animals from being bored and turning that boredom into destructiveness.

But as important as toys are for dogs and cats, they're even more essential to those who spend a great deal of time in cages that can never be big enough for a pet whose ancestors had the sky as their home.

No parrot can ever be happy, in other words, without toys.

Playthings are essential to maintaining the physical and mental well-being of parrots large and small. They help keep pet birds fit while fighting the boredom that can contribute to behavioral and health problems such as feather-picking.

Although you can buy toys by major manufacturers from the big chain stores, it's also nice to choose from the variety of playthings lovingly made by a cottage industry of bird lovers and available from independent bird shops, through catalogs and on the Internet. You can even make your own!

Some basic rules apply when shopping for toys, to ensure they are suitable and safe for your bird. Look for the following when choosing bird toys:

-- Materials: Toys are subject to your bird's healthy urge to destroy, which means safe components are a must. Wood, rawhide, plastic or stainless-steel chain, rope, cloth and hard plastic are among the more popular materials that make up safe toys. Choose toys that break down into pieces that can't be swallowed. An exception: Toys made to hold food items, such as dried corncobs or fruit chunks. With these, eating is a large part of the fun.

-- Construction: Challenging toys, the best choice for busy birds, feature pieces combined in ways that make it hard for the birds to pull the whole product apart -- but not too hard. Indestructible toys are not appropriate for most birds, because the time and energy used to rip apart the gadget is part of the reason toys fill such a need.

-- Size: Little toys for little birds, big toys for big birds. A big bird can catch and lose a toe in a toy made for a smaller bird, and small birds can get their heads trapped in toys made for their larger relatives.

Some birds are apprehensive of new toys. If yours is one of them, try to set the toy outside the cage (but within eye range) for a day or two, and then put it on the floor of the cage for another day or two. Once your bird starts to play with the toy, you can go ahead and attach it to the cage. (Stainless-steel split-ring key chains, available at any hardware store, are a safe, secure and inexpensive way to attach toys to cage bars.)

Don't overwhelm your pet with toys. Instead, keep two or three in the cage and rotate new ones in regularly.

Shopping for bird toys can be fun, but the costs do add up, especially if you have one of those gleefully destructive parrots. With some creativity, you can make your money go further by complementing store-bought bird toys with alternatives.

The cardboard cores of toilet-paper and paper-towel rolls are perfect for shredding, especially for smaller birds. String those tubes together on a thick leather cord and hang them in your bird's cage. Other cheapies include ballpoint pens with the ink tube removed, ping-pong balls, old plastic measuring cups and spoons, and plastic bottle tops. (Wash in hot soap and water, rinse well and air-dry before offering such items to your bird.)

Toothbrushes are another bargain toy, sturdy and colorful. You can buy cheap ones new or give your pet your worn ones after running them through your dishwasher. (Or hand-washing in soapy water, followed by rinsing and air-drying.) The hard plastic keys on a ring sold for human babies are also a budget-wise buy that birds love, and real keys can be just as fun, after a scrubbing.

Keep your eyes and mind open for playthings your bird can enjoy -- you may surprise yourself with the possibilities!

Q&A

Neutering a first step in solving problem

Q: We have a 3 1/2-year-old cocker spaniel. He is pedigreed, so my husband is against getting him neutered because he says he wants to breed him in the future. The problem is that I am finding our dog has some behavioral problems that I believe may be lessened if he were fixed. Primarily, he is aggressive to people who come to our door or walk by our house. He runs and aggressively barks at them.

I am concerned that if he doesn't get fixed, we'll have to find a new home for him. If you have any ideas that could be persuasive with my husband, I would greatly appreciate the help. -- S.M., via e-mail

A: Territorial and protective aggression are normal canine behaviors. We're guessing your cocker spaniel also goes crazy when the mail arrives.

What we think happens in the canine mind in such cases is pretty simple: The dog sees what he interprets as a threat approach the home and tells that threat to back away. The threat leaves, and the dog feels power over the situation.

The dog now feels he can control people who approach, because when he threatens them, they back off. The dog doesn't know they were leaving anyway. Then, in the dog's mind, we guess he thinks something like, "How dare they keep coming back after what I told them?" The dog probably gets more serious to make his point. Your dog's confidence goes up every time a person passes because he is taking the credit for them leaving.

One way to think about your cocker spaniel's behavior is that he has simply found work at home that he enjoys and feels good about. Dogs need outlets for normal canine behaviors. If you don't want your cocker to continue his chosen line of work, you will need to engage him in equally satisfying activities.

Dogs who are housebound build up frustrations. In nature, canines wander (getting plenty of physical exercise) to seek food (getting plenty of mental exercise). At maturity, it is not unusual for aggression to show up in an adult dog when basic canine needs are not being met.

We agree with you that neutering is a good first step, reducing your cocker spaniel's testosterone levels, which do affect aggression. However, neutering alone will not change the behaviors you describe unless you combine the surgery with behavior modification.

Your dog needs a new job to replace his current passion. With help from a behaviorist or trainer, you can learn how to channel that passion into new, satisfying work that promotes desirable home behaviors.

An example is teaching your dog that he gets what he wants by doing what you want. Dogs do very well as indoor members of human families when they work to earn their keep. What motivates dogs to learn good behaviors is learning that specific words such as come, sit, down, stay, wait, fetch, quiet and more are the tickets to everything a dog could ever want or need.

In order for your dog to learn from you, he must be relaxed. Your dog needs daily walks and car rides to new places to help release the mental and physical stress he gets from living an urban life. Your dog cannot cooperate and follow instructions if he is confused. (Instructions are words that tell your dog what to do and replace trying to tell your dog what not to do.)

Be fair to your dog by seeking professional help from a behaviorist or trainer to provide your pet with alternatives to charging people when they walk by. Not only will you and your husband be happier if your pet stops the aggressive behavior, but you will also both discover a relationship with your dog that makes everyone happier. -- Susan and Dr. Rolan Tripp, AnimalBehavior.net

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

PET BUZZ

DNA tests point to poop droppers

-- People can now can now walk without worrying about dog poop in the streets of Petah Tikva, Israel, now that they're using science to pick up where the dogs left off. Veterinary Economics magazine reports that the city has launched a six-month trial that asks residents to take their dogs to a veterinarian to collect DNA. The information is then used in a database aimed at matching feces to dogs and identifying each dog's owner. Owners who pick up their dog droppings and deposit them in specially marked bins will be eligible for rewards of pet food coupons and dog toys. Droppings left in the street could earn the dog's owner a fine. The city is considering requiring DNA samples from all dogs if the trial run is successful.

-- Quick bites: In the last 4,000 years, no new animals have been domesticated. ... A shark is the only fish that can blink with both eyes. ... A snail can sleep for three years. ... A cat has 32 muscles in each ear.

-- Bird flu remains a threat primarily to poultry, not humans, among whom it's poorly transmitted. Since a peak in 2006, the number of confirmed human cases of H5N1 bird flu reported to the World Health Organization has tapered off, with 38 cases in 2008 -- the majority in Indonesia -- leading to 29 deaths. That's a tiny fraction of the number of deaths each year from regular influenza. As reported in The New York Times, a threat remains in the strain's potential to mutate into a truly human disease that the WHO warns could kill tens of millions. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

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

Want a better pet? Get moving!

Your dog barks non-stop. Your dog digs, ruining your yard. Your dog chews anything he can get his teeth on. What's missing from this picture? Chances are, it's exercise.

While environmental management (such as removing barking triggers or giving a dog something acceptable to chew) and training your dog are important, these strategies are only part of the solution. When dogs don't get the exercise they need, it causes problems.

If you're thinking of getting a dog, think very seriously about what breed you want and whether you can provide an active dog with the exercise it needs. If you can't honestly say that your dog will get 30 minutes of heart-thumping aerobic exercise at least three to four days a week -- daily is better -- then you really ought to reconsider getting an active breed.

Instead, consider the alternatives. For large breeds, look at the sighthounds, such as the greyhound, saluki or even the massive Irish wolfhound. These breeds were not developed to work all day like the retriever, husky and sheepdog, but rather to go all-out for a short period of time and then chill out. They're big, but they're couch potatoes by choice. Many guarding breeds, such as Rottweilers, boxers and Akitas, also have relatively minimal exercise requirements. All dogs love and need their exercise, but not all dogs will go crazy if they don't get a ton of it.

Most small breeds are easier in the exercise department, too, not because they don't need a lot of exercise, but because it's not as difficult to exercise a small dog with short legs. A Yorkie, pug or corgi can get good exercise in a small yard or on a brisk walk. -- Gina Spadafori

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Top AKC dogs for 2008

Every year the American Kennel Club releases its ranking of the top breeds registered with the organization. AKC rankings don't reflect the purebreds not registered with the club or registered with another organization, nor do they reflect the popularity of the popular cross-breeds, such as the Labradoodle (Labrador-poodle mix). The top 10:

1. Labrador retriever

2. Yorkshire terrier

3. German shepherd

4. Golden retriever

5. Beagle

6. Boxer

7. Dachshund

8. Bulldog

9. Poodle

10. Shih tzu

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Surprise your pet for good response

If you want your dog to come when you call without thinking twice, call your dog a few times daily for a fun surprise.

Call your dog to initiate play, to get dinner, to leave home for a walk or car ride, or to enjoy a petting session. Mix up the good stuff, so your dog never knows what to expect but learns that it's all good.

If you never make the mistake of calling your dog and then doing something your dog thinks is unpleasant, your dog will automatically come when you call with a wagging tail and happy look on his face.

Always praise your dog as he's heading toward you, since silence can worry dogs. If he hesitates, squat down to his level with open arms. Good routines become good habits. -- Susan and Dr. Rolan Tripp, AnimalBehavior.net

Universal Press Syndicate

The signs of illness in cats can be particularly subtle, so much so that owners often don't realize their cats are sick until they're really sick -- and sometimes that's too late.

To keep your cat healthy, you must be able to recognize what is normal for your pet so you can tell when something isn't right. Changes in appetite, drinking habits, litter-box routines, grooming, and even a change in the sound of your cat's voice can all mean trouble -- and should mean a trip to the veterinarian.

Physical changes are important, too. A monthly hands-on examination will help you become aware of changes that could signify something serious.

Before starting a hands-on exam, though, stand back and study your pet for a few minutes. Consider his posture, activity level, gait, coat and overall appearance for an impression of good health. Trouble signs include exposed skin, thin or dry coat, ribs showing, sluggishness, limping or just a lack of "spring" in his step.

Pick up your cat and head for the bathroom scale. Note your weight with your cat, then yours alone. The difference is your cat's weight, and it should be between 8 and 10 pounds. Your cat is normal if a comfortable pad of fat lies over his ribs but you can still feel the ribs if you press your hands in gently. A difference of a pound up or down is fine over the course of a few months -- anything more, or rapid weight loss, is reason for concern.

Now for the hands-on part. Here's what to look for:

-- Nose. Your cat's nose should be moist and clean, not dry, scabbed or cracked. There should be no discharge or bleeding.

-- Eyes. Probably the most beautiful part of any cat, eyes should bright, moist and clear, centered between the eyelids, with the pupils of equal size. Eyes that are dull or sunken, that appear dry or have thick discharge are not right. Take your cat into a darkened room, and then quickly turn on a light. The pupils should contract quickly, with no difference between them.

-- Ears. The skin should be clean, dry, smooth and without wounds. The ear canal should be clean and almost odor-free. Crust, moisture, discharge or strong odor in the ear canal is bad news, as is pain at the touch or an unusual way of holding the head or ears.

-- The mouth. Your cat's teeth should be clean and white, with gums that are uniformly pink. Press on your pet's gum with your finger or thumb and release quickly. The color will be white but should return to the same color as the surrounding tissue within one or two seconds, a sign your cat's circulatory system is working well. Problem signs here include loose or missing teeth, tartar, or gums that are red, pale, inflamed or sore in appearance.

-- Breathing. It should be hard to hear your cat breathe, and his chest wall should move easily in and out as he does. Most of the act of breathing should be performed by the chest wall; the stomach should barely move. "Crackles" or wheezes indicate a problem, as does labored or rapid breathing.

-- The abdomen. Start just behind the ribs and gently press your hands into the abdomen. Proceed toward the rear of your pet, passing your hands gently over the abdomen. Some bumps should be there -- they're internal organs, such as the kidneys. You should find no other lumps, bumps or masses, though, and your pet should feel no discomfort as you press gently into him.

-- Hydration. Check to ensure your cat has enough fluids by pulling the skin just behind his shoulder blades into a tent and then releasing quickly. Your pet's skin should snap immediately back into position. Another good sign of hydration is that the gums just above the teeth are moist when touched.

Chances are your cat will check out fine, in which case your exam should turn into a long, loving petting session. If anything came up that worries you, see your veterinarian to ensure your cat's good health.

Q&A

Curing a dog of licking carpets

Q: We have a year-old longhaired dachshund, a spayed female. She has plenty of toys to chew on, but she licks the carpets all over the house. Sometimes she scratches on the rugs as though she is trying to build a nest. That I can understand, but the licking? What do you think? -- S.L., via e-mail

A: One reason dogs lick objects, including surfaces like your carpet, is because of stress. Excessive licking can be what's called a "stress-induced displacement behavior." It means that this particular dog, in this particular environment with these particular genetics, is having trouble coping with something.

When dogs are in conflict over two seemingly stressful choices, they may choose a third option: the displacement behavior. For example, if you ever punished your dog during house-training by rubbing her nose in the carpet, she may believe you want her to lick the carpet.

Any time she feels a need to relieve herself or get your attention, she may begin the carpet-licking because she is in conflict about what else to do. Behaviors become repetitive if the dog gets any kind of positive outcome, such as your attention, or if the behavior seems to help her escape punishment.

In the dog's mind, it's like he's figured out a safe retreat behavior: "My owner never yells at me or hits me when I lick the carpet."

The trigger could also be some other stress. Possible sources of stress for dogs who check out as healthy by a veterinarian include a lack of sufficient exercise, no clear training, misunderstood punishment and no feeling of control over their environment.

Our guess is that your dachshund may have normal canine confusion that comes from not understanding the dynamics of a human household.

Dogs can also have obsessive-compulsive disorders. Your dog could have an OCD if it is difficult or nearly impossible to interrupt the licking behavior with a toy or treat. Displacement behaviors can become compulsions. The longer a behavior has been present, the more difficult it is to replace it with a more desirable behavior.

Try to change your dog's behavior by using gentle interruptions -- no scolding or punishment, because that may increase your dog's anxiety and increase the licking behavior.

If your dog begins licking the carpet, your best bet is to immediately turn your back and leave the room. Teach your dog that chewing or playing with toys results in your positive attention, while licking the carpet results in no attention. Do not be emotional, as dogs read and react to our emotions.

Be aware that if your dog has learned to lick the carpet to capture your attention and you suddenly remove that attention, then your dog's carpet-licking may increase and your dog's anxiety may increase, resulting in new attention-seeking behaviors.

Each dog, like each person, is distinct. You may be doing everything right and this is just who she is. In that case, if she's doing no harm to herself or the carpet, you can simply ignore the behavior. If it has become a problem for you or the dog, ask your veterinarian for a referral to a veterinary behaviorist who can work with you to change your pet's behavior. -- Susan and Dr. Rolan Tripp, AnimalBehavior.net.

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

*

PET BUZZ

Hey! His treat looks better!

-- Loyalty may be why we love our dogs, but scientists have found that dogs can display a less-appealing attribute: envy. Austrian scientists found that a dog may stop obeying a command if he sees that another dog is getting a better deal. Until now, chimpanzees and some monkeys were the only non-humans to show what is called "inequity aversion" in the absence of a reward. The study used well-trained dogs who offer a paw on command. The researchers put the two dogs side by side but treated them differently, giving one a better reward (sausage) and the other a lesser one (bread) when the paw was given, or giving one dog no reward at all. The quality of the reward made little difference. But in the case in which one dog got no treat at all, that dog became less and less inclined to obey the command.

-- Whether the hair on a horse's head curls around clockwise or counterclockwise can tell you whether the animal is right- or left-footed, say researchers in Ireland. Clues to which direction a horse favors could help trainers develop animals who run straighter and maybe even win more races.

-- Research involving the use of animals is down by half since the 1970s, according to USA Today. Opponents of animal testing focus on the number of drugs that have tested well in animals but failed in humans (among them, HIV/AIDS vaccine and Vioxx). Proponents point to the drugs or procedures that were discovered, tested and refined in animal trials including: insulin, vaccines for rabies and polio, skin grafts for burn victims, CAT scans, corneal transplants and heart bypass surgery. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

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

Proper handling makes parrots better pets

Parrots are brilliant pets. They learn quickly and respond best to owners who practice consistent, firm handling and gentle training. Punishment is a parrot no-no.

Some guidelines:

-- Learn when to leave your bird alone. Birds are emotional and sometimes quite moody, and there are times when it's best just to let them be.

-- Control your bird's comings and goings. Instead of opening the cage door to let your pet out, ask your bird to step up onto your hand and then bring him out. Likewise, give the "step up" command when it's time to put your bird back in his cage. This routine sends a message of leadership to your bird.

-- Keep training sessions short and upbeat. Parrots are highly intelligent, but they don't have the longest attention spans. They get bored easily. Several short interactive sessions a day -- just a couple of minutes at a time -- are better than one or two long ones.

-- Don't let your bird ignore a command. If you say "step up," persist until your bird complies or you'll set yourself up for trouble down the road. Birds are very smart, and if they figure a way around you, they'll take it. -- Gina Spadafori

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

We love to buy pet toys

Pet toys are more than an indulgence -- they can help prevent destructive behavior and keep pets more fit and less bored. According to the American Pet Products Association, 62 percent of dog owners buy toys for their pets. The top toys reported by those buyers, by percentage reported purchased, with multiple answers allowed:

Balls 63 percent

Plush 44 percent

Rope 40 percent

Hard rubber 31 percent

Nylon bones 26 percent

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Show your dog how to be calm

When you are walking your dog and you see something that triggers out-of-control behavior, resist the temptation to yank back on the leash. Instead, set a good example for him.

Do not yell at him to stop. Your agitation only increases his. Be calm: Let out a deep breath, squat down and get him to sit, reinforcing the behavior you want until whatever it is that drives him bonkers passes by.

Talk softly: "Yes, that's a school bus. Gooood sit. Gooood quiet."

Being calm provides your dog with emotional leadership. If you begin praising his calm behavior before he blows his top, it will be easier for him to maintain self-control. And eventually, the triggers will no longer fire the behavior you don't want.

(Animal-behavior experts Susan and Dr. Rolan Tripp run 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.