Q: I know Chow Chows can be willful and our dog is trying to dominate us. The first hint was that Max would jump on the sofa when we weren't home. He knows he's not supposed to be up there, yet we find his hair on the sofa when we arrive home. The other day, I even caught him on the sofa. I have to repeat over and over what I want him to do. I tried the Cesar (Millan) method with mixed success. How can I show my dog who's boss? -- S.T., Louisville, Ky.

A: You have two major problems to deal with here. The first is your belief that your dog wants to dominate you. Dogs do have a social structure, but they know people aren't dogs. I can assure you Max has no agenda to dominate you. However, you do need to be clear, consistent and motivating with him. Here lies your second problem. I suggest there's a specific reason Max jumps on the sofa (aside from it being more comfortable than the floor) and generally doesn't listen to you. It has to do with a lack of clarity, consistency and/or motivation.

Are you sure everyone in the family is consistent about the rules? Perhaps, the kids (if you have kids) or another person in the household doesn't mind Max on the sofa. As a result, Max really doesn't understand what to do or not do, or he's taking advantage of the inconsistency. Sometimes, such behavior is not a matter of obedience or dominance, but simply taking advantage of an opportunity.

To deter Max, consider buying a plastic runner and placing it over the sofa, nubby side up, when you leave the house. Also, consider a dog-training class. This would open a window of communication with your pet. Seek out a fun, upbeat class. Efforts to dominate dogs through intimidation aren't nearly as successful as efforts to encourage them through motivation.

Q: Windy, our 3-year-old Bengal (cat), goes crazy when I leave the house. He really doesn't play much with our other cat, though they do get along. Someone suggested we also get a kitten, but two cats is all we can handle.

We play with Windy a lot and his activity level matches our children's. When we arrive home, we never know what we'll find. Once Windy trashed her own litter box, spreading litter all around. He's toppled the blinds more than once, knocks things off shelves and has left us little poopy presents at the door. What's going on? -- J.K., San Diego

A: If a cat breed can have ADD (attention deficit disorder), it's the Bengal, which originally was a hybrid cross that included the Asian Leopard Cat. With their dramatic markings, Bengals have become popular. However, these bright, active cats can be quite a challenge; they demand activity like few other breeds.

Marilyn Krieger, of Redwood, Calif., is a cat-behavior consultant and coordinator for California Bengal Cat Rescue. She says Bengals require places to climb and activities when people are there to entertain them. "A cat tree with various levels is important, and perhaps it overlooks a window where you put the bird feeder. I suggest a Turbo Scratcher for Bengals because it's two toys in one for cats twice as active (as most). This combination scratcher and track toy is available online and in pet stores.

Krieger says clicker training is a great idea, and you can use it to teach your cat to do things. "All cats enjoy learning, and Bengals in particular," she notes. You can impress folks by teaching Windy tricks, including the biggest one of all: coming when called.

Krieger also suggests putting a portion of both cats' daily food into Play 'n Treat balls. First, teach your cats to roll the balls so the kibble tumbles out. Next, begin moving the balls away from the food dish. Soon your pets -- Windy, especially -- will be "hunting" for the kibble when you're not at home. In addition, Krieger urges you to make time to play with Windy using an interactive, fishing pole-type toy with feathers before leaving the house.

As for the breakables, at least for now, remove them. You could try one of the "sticky" products available to affix breakable items so they'll stay put during earthquakes or protect them from rambunctious cats.

If none of these suggestions works for you, Krieger feels your cat may have separation anxiety. This problem requires a formal diagnosis, and you'll do best contacting a cat-behavior consultant or veterinary behaviorist who can make a house call. Find this help at www.iaabc.org and www.dacvb.org.

Q: My 3-year-old cat has a problem with constipation. I've had him to the vet three times since January to be "unblocked." The first two times, I didn't realize what was happening; he was vomiting and acting lethargic. The problem was so bad they had to put him under (anesthesia) at the clinic to remove the stool. We now have the cat on a high-fiber prescription food and Enulose twice daily. I'm hoping we can avoid this happening again. Or will it always be a problem? -- M.J., Vernon, Conn.

A: Dr. Anna Worth, president of the American Animal Hospital Association, feels for you and your cat. "This constipation issue appears pretty severe for such a young cat," says Worth, who practices in Bennington, Vt. "I can't help but wonder if there's something else going on (perhaps a disease known as megacolon). We see this (severe constipation) in cats who've been hit by cars and have suffered a pelvic injury. If there seems to be no other explanation, this may be more or less how this cat will be. Aside from Enoluse, there are other laxatives your vet can recommend, and perhaps one will work better. Also, ask your vet about adding water to (the cat's) food. So many cats believe they're camels, and water can help constipation. You may even have to learn to give your cat an occasional enema."

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