Extended family members may not know your policy about letting pets in and out and they may be too busy to notice a pet slipping out.

If you have pets that tend to wander outside, warn family members in advance that they must be careful that nobody with four feet escapes. Holidays are notorious times for pets to go on unplanned walkabouts.

Helen Fazio and her dog Raja are world travelers. Click here to visit their blog, and click here to follow them on Twitter.

Radio show host and pet expert Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible. Click here to follow her on Twitter.

Radio show host and pet expert Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible. Click here to follow her on Twitter.

Why they do this is another mystery of dog behavior called “caching,” which wolves also do, although no one is certain of the reason for this instinctual drive. It is quite curious that some dogs do it with whatever treat they get while others never bury anything.

Radio show host and pet expert Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible. Click here to follow her on Twitter.

In your ad just specify the type of playmate, playmates and situation you are looking for. Hey, your dog may be what some other dog is looking for! Not a big fan of placing a personal ad for your dog? You can also visit Dogster Forums and connect with other dog lovers and paw pals in your area.

PawLux.com is a leading provider of all natural and eco-friendly products for dogs. Feel free to read our blog at http://www.pawluxury.blogspot.com or follow our popular Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/pawluxury.

Keep electrical cords tucked away where they cannot be reached and chewed. Place household cleaners and chemicals on a high shelf or in a locked cabinet. Avoid houseplants and landscape plants that may be toxic to your dog. Pick up small toys or other objects that may be a choking hazard. The safety of your dog is your responsibility!

PawLux.com is a leading provider of all natural and eco-friendly products for dogs. Feel free to read our blog at http://www.pawluxury.blogspot.com or follow our popular Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/pawluxury.

For some dogs, tail chasing becomes an obsession. This is often true in the Bull Terrier. Since Obsessive Compulsive Disorder comes out in other ways in this breed, such as playing with balls, it’s thought to be a genetic trait. These dogs will sometimes be so obsessed with their tail or ball, they won’t even stop for food. The human drug Prozac has proved to be helpful with this. Also, increasing exercise and eliminating anxiety-provoking events, such as confinement, may help.

But non-compulsive chasing can just be a cry for attention – my pit bull Hudson knows he gets applause for the goofball that he is if he chases his tail and stops after getting a treat for his performance.

Kelly is a pet writer. She lives in the Boston-area with her three pit bulls and one neurotic cat.

Thanks to the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen Program, good dogs everywhere (mixed breeds included) can try their paws at certification. After they pass, not only can they include the prestigious “CGC” after their name, but they may be able gain special access too. For example, a landlord may consider renting to a family with a certified Canine Good Citizen versus one without the certification.

The test is also a prerequisite for working and therapy dogs, and it’s simply a great foundation upon which to build upon. Learn all about it here.

Woof Report is a free weekday email newsletter with pup-perfect dog care tips, news, products & more! Sign up at www.woofreport.com or become a Facebook Fan.

As a dog owner, she’s curious to learn why dogs do the things they do and what they know, and as a cognitive scientist, she’s curious about understanding them on another level. Horowitz explores our understanding of the dog’s world view with practical application for the people who love them. Read a few excerpts from the book at the author’s site here.

Woof Report is a free weekday email newsletter with pup-perfect dog care tips, news, products & more! Sign up at www.woofreport.com or become a Facebook Fan.