If it's time to teach that mutt some manners, meet Petaluma, Calif., canine behaviorist C.W. Meisterfeld, author of Tails of a Dog Psychoanalyst, who dispenses dos and don'ts. Roughhousing with a dog or even nuzzling can stimulate an animal's biting instinct, especially if the pooch misinterprets playfulness as aggression. Instead, teach Fido to fetch and reward him with a pat on the chest, Never, never, rush an introduction. Let a dog sniff the back of your hand, then allow a minute for it to absorb the scent. Correct training, Meisterfeld says, can subdue an animal's instinct to dominate. Just how is not made clear, which may create some distemper among those who shell out its hefty retail price. (Meisterfeld Associates, $195 or $125 for libraries), 800-345-1441)
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