STRUCTURE, SOCIALIZATION AND LOVE ARE KEY TO GETTING PUPPIES OFF TO A GREAT START

While I've fostered homeless pets transitioning to new families for more than 30 years, only in the last decade have I been raising puppies for other people. I'm good at it, my house is set up for it (no carpets, easy-clean surfaces), and most of all -- I love it!

It isn't a "job," and no money changes hands. But I work from home with a flexible schedule, and that makes it easier to do the early training and house-training. I love having puppies around, and since I know what I'm doing, the friends I do this for now and then end up with a pretty nice youngster in a few months' time. There's still a lot of growing and training to do, but a good foundation has been laid.

What do I get out of it? Puppy breath, and lots of it.

I'll soon be starting with another 10-week-old puppy, so I'm getting the house puppy-proofed and dragging the crates and pens out of the shed to help with the house-training. After a couple of months, the retriever pup will go home with friends for good, and I'll let my own pets recover for a while before I start another puppy project.

While it's unusual for most puppies to be given a head start with an experienced puppy raiser, the practice has long been part of the lives of service dogs, such as those who assist wheelchair users or the vision-impaired. The advantages of a loving, consistent and structured upbringing are many.

While the chances are that you'll be raising your own puppy -- most people do, after all -- making the most of those first few months is key to a great start.

Your puppy wants to be part of your family, and he craves loving leadership. So if you're starting with a puppy, here are a few things to keep in mind:

-- Bond with your puppy. Dogs are social animals. Don't throw your pup into the backyard, however nice the doghouse you've put there. Make your pup a member of your family.

-- Socialize your puppy. Be careful with this until all the puppy shots are done -- no parks or areas where other dogs frequent. You don't want your puppy getting sick. But after the veterinarian gives the go-ahead, pull out all the stops. Expose your pup to all the sights, sounds, smells, people and other animals that you can.

-- Never let your puppy do anything you wouldn't want a grown dog to do. Puppies jumping up are cute. Dogs doing the same are not. It's always easier to prevent a problem than to try to fix it later.

-- Teach your puppy using positive methods, and make training fun! The dog-training world has made great strides in developing positive training techniques. Find a book, a tape, a class -- or all three -- that will help you make the most of these exciting new ways to train. And don't overlook puppy classes -- they're great for socialization.

-- Realize your puppy will make mistakes, and don't get angry when he does. Puppies are babies! Don't expect perfection and don't be heavy-handed. It's better to distract and redirect puppies than to punish them.

Love your puppy, play with your puppy, enjoy your puppy. But you should always, always be thinking of how you're molding this little baby into the confident, obedient dog of your dreams. Time passes all too quickly in the life a puppy.

The great life you want with your dog starts with the effort you put into a puppy. Keep your attitude positive, and enjoy every minute. I know I do.

Q&A

Body language key

to safer petting

Q: We've been adopted by a cat, and he's earned his way from "stray we fed" to "our outside cat" to "sometimes inside" to "sleeps anywhere he wants in the house." He's usually affectionate and loves to purr, but now and then he just gets wound up and claws and bites us when we're petting him, just out of the blue. He never breaks skin with his teeth, but sometimes he hurts with his claws. It seems to be a game with him, but we need it to stop. Advice? -- via email

A: Human stupidity (from the cat's point of view, that is) in misreading or ignoring body language earns more than a few cat lovers a scratch or bite from time to time -- the result of misinterpreting a cat's "I've had enough" signs.

The classic example of this phenomenon is the cat who, while being petted, "suddenly" grabs the hand that pets him with teeth and claws, to the shock and sometimes anger of the human doing the petting.

In fact, these "out of the blue" attacks rarely are that. Before the biting or clawing, a cat gives out subtle signs of diminished tolerance. Primary among them: an increase in the stiffness and twitching of the tail.

Often, the problem starts with petting your cat's tummy, a very vulnerable area for any animal. Your cat may even offer his belly out of love, but after you start to pet, he may become increasingly uncomfortable with the attention. Most cats just don't like tummy rubs, although exceptions to this rule certainly do exist.

Watch your cat's body signs: If he's tensing or that tail starts twitching, stop petting immediately. Not only does doing so save you claw and teeth marks, but stopping before your cat strikes also slowly builds up his trust in you and his tolerance for physical attention. -- Gina Spadafori

Do you have a pet question? Send it to petconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Are parasites becoming

resistant to control?

-- Researchers are warning about the development of heartworms and other parasites resistant to products commonly used to kill them in domesticated animals. Speaking at the Western Veterinary Conference, Dr. Dwight Bowman of Cornell University cited evidence of resistant heartworms in the southeastern part of the U.S. Dr. Christy Corp-Minamiji, writing for the VIN News Service, quoted several researchers who likewise believed the wide use of products for parasite control and prevention was driving the evolution of pests resistant to the drugs, which are in common use for both pets and livestock.

-- "Green" does not necessarily mean "safe for pets" when it comes to household products, veterinarians at the University of California, Davis, and the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center told The Associated Press. Of particular risk are homemade cleaning concoctions, some of which contain essential oils, such as citrus or mint, that are toxic to cats.

-- Proposals to tax veterinary services are again being floated as part of larger strategies to balance state budgets. Veterinarians in Ohio and Minnesota argue that the proposals put veterinary care out of reach for many in struggling communities, and drive others to cross state lines for care, putting local veterinary businesses at risk. California, Michigan and Georgia have previously floated plans to tax veterinary services, but only Hawaii, New Mexico and South Dakota currently levy sales taxes on pet health care. — Dr. Marty Becker and Gina Spadafori

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet care experts headed by "Good Morning America" and "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and also the authors of many best-selling pet care books. Dr. Becker can also be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker.

10 QUESTIONS TEST YOUR FELINE EXPERTISE

Cats seem so mysterious, but sometimes their mysteries aren't so hard to figure out. How well do you know cats? Check out these 10 fast questions, with the answers at the end. No fair letting your cat help!

1. When used to describe a cat's behavior, "bunting" is when a cat:

a) Uses urine to mark a doorway

b) Chatters at the sight of a bird

c) Bumps and rubs his head to leave a scent mark

d) Bats around his prey

2. Which of these is not a reason why cats claw things?

a) To keep claws sharp and help remove worn claw sheathes

b) To leave scent on an object

c) To provide muscles with a good stretch

d) To be spiteful

3. A cat who's getting agitated to the point of lashing out while being petted will often have a tail that's:

a) Twitching and flipping at the tip

b) Wagging gently from the base

c) Perfectly still

d) Carried straight up

4. Cats purr when they're:

a) Content

b) Frightened

c) Injured

d) All of the above

5. Most cats have how many whiskers?

a) 18

b) 24

c) 32

d) 56

6. Which of the following places are not good for petting, in the opinion of most cats?

a) Tummy

b) Underside of chin

c) Base of tail

d) Side of face

7. The average cat weighs:

a) Between 12 and 15 pounds

b) Between 8 and 10 pounds

c) More than 15 pounds

d) Between 6 and 8 pounds

8. Cats start their grooming routine by:

a) Licking their tail tips

b) Licking their flanks

c) Licking their lips

d) Licking their paws

9. "High-rise" syndrome refers to:

a) A cat's preference for perching on tall objects

b) The ability of cats to live happily in upper-floor apartments

c) The survival rate of cats who fall from high places

d) A cat's enjoyment of a good view

10. The normal body temperature of a cat is:

a) 97 degrees

b) Between 100 and 102.5 degrees

c) 99 degrees

d) 104 degrees

ANSWERS

1. c -- Every cat lover is familiar with "bunting," which is what a cat does when he bumps and rubs on something, such as your leg or hand.

2. d -- Contrary to common belief, cats don't destroy your sofa for spite, but because clawing is natural feline behavior.

3. a -- You may avoid a nasty bite by watching your cat's tail. When the tip starts to flip, end the petting session.

4. d -- Although most purring is a sign of contentment, cats have also been known to purr in stressful or painful situations.

5. b -- In most cats, the 24 whiskers are neatly divided into four rows on each side of the face. Each whisker -- technically called a "vibrissa" -- is imbedded deeper than normal hairs to enhance its sensory input.

6. a -- Many cats become agitated if petted on the tummy, and they may claw or bite. Save tummy rubs for your dog!

7. b -- While most average-weight cats will come in between 8 pounds and 10 pounds, some cat breeds will normally be much heavier. A healthy cat should have a little padding over the ribs -- but not too much.

8. c -- A cat will generally groom himself in the same sequence, starting by licking his lips, then his paws, then rubbing the paws over his head. The tail is generally last to get cleaned.

9. c -- Cats can right themselves in midair and brace for impact if they have time, which is why cats have a better chance of surviving a fall from a few floors up than from a balcony closer to the ground. Above a certain height, however, no cat can survive the fall.

10. b -- Temperatures below 99 degrees or above 103 degrees are reason to worry -- and to call your veterinarian.

How'd you do? If you got them all right, you really know your cats.

Q&A

Training, not punishing,

key to well-mannered dog

Q: My dog takes off every time he gets a chance. He knows better than to run, because when I finally catch him, I shake him by the collar and tell him what a bad dog he is. I can tell he knows better because he looks so guilty. But, things aren't getting better. If anything, they're getting worse. He's always looking for a chance to take off. What can I do? I am afraid he'll get hit by a car. -- via Facebook

A: Reprimanding a dog for running from you is one surefire way to make sure he's even harder to catch the next time. Wouldn't you keep running if you knew you'd get punished when caught?

If your dog takes off on you, kneel down and open your arms when calling to make yourself more inviting. If that doesn't work, try to use a command he knows well, like "sit" instead of "come." Many dogs know "sit" so well that they'll plant their rumps, and once they're sitting, you might be able to walk up and take their collars. Another possibility is to catch your dog's attention and run in the other direction, enticing his instinct to chase you.

When you have your dog safely back on leash, praise him, be grateful and make a vow that you'll take the time to teach him this most important of commands.

You should also teach him to wait at the door for your verbal release to stop the bolting. Put a leash on your dog with the door closed and ask him to sit. Practice this for a few days, until he reliably sits quickly for his treat and praise. Then reward him for a longer sit, adding the word "wait" and a release word, such as "OK" or "Let's go," to let him know he can move from his sit. Finally, start with the door cracked, gradually working toward the door opening and you walking through ahead of him before you release him. Be patient and praise for waiting, instead of punishing for running ahead.

If you find yourself getting frustrated, a home visit from a good trainer can get you both on track. Your veterinarian should be able to refer you to a good trainer or behaviorist in your area.

By the way: Your dog really doesn't "know better." That "guilty" look he gets when you catch him is not remorse at all but rather his anticipation of being punished. He doesn't really know why, though, because you haven't taught him anything, except possibly that you're unfair and highly likely to become angry with him. -- Gina Spadafori

Do you have a pet question? Send it to petconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Kitten-raising program

saves lives in shelters

-- Shelter programs geared to raise the youngest, most fragile kittens to adoption age are catching on, generating enthusiastic support from volunteers and donors alike. Last year the Jacksonville (Fla.) Humane Society, First Coast No More Homeless Pets, and the City of Jacksonville's Animal Care and Protective Services worked together to raise and place more than 500 kittens brought in too young to survive on their own. The program was such a success that this year the coalition has secured the financial and volunteer support to expand the program to save more than a thousand motherless kittens.

-- The market for pet care and pet products in North America hit an all-time high of $53 billion in 2012, according the figures released last month by the American Pet Products Association at its annual trade show, Global Pet Expo. That was a 5 percent increase in spending over 2011, and the APPA is predicting a 4 percent increase in 2013. While most spending is on veterinary care, food and other basic necessities, a 10 percent increase in spending on services such as boarding, pet-sitting and grooming was noted from the previous year.

-- The recall of pet treats manufactured by Colorado-based Kasel Associated Industries and sold through retailers including Target, Petco, Sam's Club and Costco was a result of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's use of new recall authority given to it by Congress as part of the 2011 Food Safety Modernization Act. ABC News reported that agency had warned the company to cease production and launch a voluntary recall amid concerns that the products were contaminated with salmonella.

In December, the FDA had advised consumers to avoid the treats, which include fish jerky and pig ears. The company says no illnesses have been reported, but the FDA warns that salmonella contamination carries a risk to the caretakers of pets as well as to the pets themselves. -- Gina Spadafori

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet care experts headed by "Good Morning America" and "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and also the authors of many best-selling pet care books. Dr. Becker can also be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker.

PATIENCE WHEN ADOPTING AN ADULT PET PAYS OFF IN LOVE

Even though my pets, from dogs to goats to horses, generally get along with others not of their kind, I believe most animals like having a companion of their own species. This is why I keep at least two of almost every type of pet I have, and why, three months ago, I added a cat.

Not a kitten -- a cat. I thought my middle-aged indoor cat, Ilario, seemed lonely after my other cat had died. And while kittens are always appealing, I knew that many wonderful adult cats need homes.

I had one opening and wanted to fill it with a middle-aged cat. Enter Mariposa.

Within a month, I knew I'd made the right decision in adopting her. An adult cat can slide quickly into your life. You know pretty well what you're getting with a grown cat -- activity level, sociability, health, etc. Given time in a loving environment, a grown cat forms just as tight a bond with his new people as any kitten can.

If you're thinking of adopting a kitten, I encourage you to think cat instead. (Or better yet: one of each!) Because adult cats are generally more reserved than kittens, you need to cut them some slack in the adoption process. And then give them plenty of time to adjust to their new home.

Mariposa spent the first two weeks alone in a closed spare bedroom, secluded away from Ilario and the dogs to give her time to adjust to the upheaval. When I went in to feed or clean the box, I sat quietly on the bed, letting her choose how much she cared to interact. For the first few days, all I saw of her was the flash of her tail as she slid under the bed. When she started greeting me by purring and jumping up beside me to be petted, I moved to the next stage, putting a baby gate across the open doorway.

After a few days and some hissy interactions, the two cats were happily sharing the sunny spot in the spare bedroom. But while Ilario came and went over the baby gate, Mariposa did not. She felt safer with the dogs on the other side of the gate, and I didn't push it. Another couple weeks went by before she felt brave enough to explore a little more.

My dogs are not cat-aggressive. If they were, I'd never risk having a cat in the home. But they are naturally curious, so I kept a close eye on interactions. After a few sniffs and one aborted chase that ended with Mariposa flying over the baby gate to safety -- my dogs know the "leave it" command very well -- everyone decided to get along. Each week they seem to get along better than the week before.

I made it easy, of course, with three litter boxes (experts advise one per cat, plus one) and separate feedings for everyone. Two cat trees at opposite ends of the house offer places for togetherness or quiet time alone. Not that either cat is often alone: As I'd guessed he would, Ilario loves having another cat in the home.

My biggest challenge now? Finding space on the bed. With two cats and two dogs, there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of room left over. Mariposa, for her part, sleeps on top of me. That's going to be uncomfortable in the summer, but on these cold evenings I have to admit: It makes me even happier for adopting her than I ever would have dreamed possible.

Q&A

Topical solution best

for dead lawn problem

Q: We moved to California a couple of years ago, and we don't miss the snow at all. But we are at wits' end over dead spots on our lawn where our dog squats. We finally have a beautiful yard, and now this. What can we give her to neutralize her urine? -- S.R., via email

A: The idea behind most "cures" given to pets for this situation is to trigger increased thirst, thereby diluting the urine produced. It's not a very effective strategy, though, and it's certainly not worth messing with the normal body processes of your pet to keep your lawn green. And there are better options.

One solution is to set aside a part of your yard -- an out-of-sight corner, ideally -- for your dog's potty needs, and train or restrict her to use this area exclusively. Replace the lawn in this area with decomposed granite, pea gravel or other kill-proof cover that will present a nice appearance and offer easy cleanup.

If it's not possible to split off part of the yard for your dog's potty area, the best way to fix the die-off is to dilute the urine yourself, on the spot. Keep the hose or a bucket of water handy and flush the area to dilute the urine to non-damaging levels. You need to do this fairly soon after your dog urinates, and you cannot rely on every-other-day water from the sprinklers to help much.

Years ago, a dog-loving friend of mine with an exceptionally lovely yard came up with a solution that takes some effort, but worked well for her. She kept a fresh roll of sod growing in an out-of-the-way corner of her yard, and when a spot on the lawn started to turn yellow, she'd cut it out and replaced it with fresh sod. The maintenance was constant, but so was the green of her yard. -- Gina Spadafori

Do you have a pet question? Send it to petconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Smartphone can help

your fat dog get fit

-- Miami veterinarian Dr. Patty Khuly, a popular columnist and blogger, has developed a smartphone application to help dog lovers trim down their pets. The Fat Dog Diet ($2.99) allows dog owners to enter precise details about their dog, including selecting from a menu that includes most commercial diets. The application then recommends meal portions, treats and minutes of exercise every day to slim down the pet. The app also tracks progress and encourages the pet owner through text alerts to keep on the program. Veterinarians say that more than half of all pets are overweight or obese, which triggers or worsens many health problems.

-- Swimming is great exercise if you're trying to lose weight, but it's a rare cat who'll agree with that. Enter Holly, a 13-year-old Virginia cat weighing about twice the normal feline weight. Holly's owner takes her swimming in a pool meant for rehabilitation therapy for pets. While swimming and water-treadmill therapy are common for dogs, few cats will tolerate the water. Holly has lost one pound over six months -- while gaining quite a following at the veterinary rehab center.

-- Over-the-counter medications are one of the top pet poisoning risks. While many times pets ingest the medications by accident, other times they're given to them by owners who don't realize some medications safe for people are toxic for pets. That's why you should never give your pet any over-the-counter medication without clearing it with your veterinarian first. For example, the common painkiller acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, can kill your cat. -- Gina Spadafori

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet care experts headed by "Good Morning America" and "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and also the authors of many best-selling pet care books. Dr. Becker can also be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker.