Pets in the News A new year brings a fresh set of pet challenges.

If you brought a new pet into your house over the holidays, you're probably starting to discover how much attention a new dog or cat takes; cats and dogs require less attention than kittens and puppies.

Cats are more self-sufficient than dogs, so they may not be driving you insane just yet, unless they're being mischievous, which many cats are.

Let me envision what you're going through with your new pet for a moment. If you're a novice cat parent, I'm sure your cat is learning to use the litterbox and doing really well until it doesn't get its way and decides to urinate on your couch.

Then there's the introduction of the furball, of course. I'm not talking about a black-tie event, but rather the hair that is pulled out of kitty's neck and resembles a hairy pig sausage. You should be aware that no matter how many times you tell your dog that this is not a pig sausage, he will try to eat it.

Scratching furniture, knocking stuff off counters, taunting the dog (if you have one), meowing loudly at night, bouncing off walls, peeing outside the litterbox, play biting, and other issues may be encountered by new cat owners. These habits can be remedied and regulated, but I don't have room in this column for that, so look up "crazy cat behaviors" on Google for help. Relax, everything will work out.

Now it's time to talk about new dog owners. You've realized that dogs, especially pups, require a lot of attention and training. A dog is not housebroken (taught to go outdoors or on a pee pad) until it is between 2 and 4 months old, unlike a cat that utilizes a litter tray or box from the time it is 1 week old.

My recommendation is to allow the dog to spend as much time outside as possible. Smaller, younger canines are more likely to go out than larger, older dogs. I'm sure the size of your bladder has a lot to do with it. Praise your dog and give him a little treat as a reward. (Be careful not to overdo the goodies; what goes in must come out, and you'll be right back where you started.)

It's far simpler to housebreak a dog in Florida than it is in Chicago during the winter, but it can be done. Please don't give up. The dog can hold it for up to 12 hours or longer after it is approximately 8 months old, depending on the dog. Your mileage will vary depending on the make and type of your vehicle.

In addition to housebreaking, your dog must learn house rules such as no counter surfing, no chewing on the furniture, no chasing the cat when it teases you (if you have one), no running away, no begging, no eating from the garbage, and no sleeping in our bed, among others.

All of these habits may be addressed, therefore search for "crazy dog behaviors" on Google once again. You can teach your pet if you take the time to learn, but you can't teach what you don't know. Educate yourself and share what you've learned with your animal companion. Your life together will be that much more enjoyable and enjoyable.

Finally, remember to adopt rather than shop.