Y ou love your pet. You just wish that he/she didn't have that annoying habit of barking, biting, digging or scratching. The good news is that most pet problems are easy to fix…

DOG PROBLEMS

Digging up the yard.

Common causes: Dogs dig to root out prey… create a cool rest spot… dig a den. They also dig when bored or anxious.

Treatment: Fill a child's sandbox with dirt. Bury your dog's favorite toys in it. When your dog digs there, reward him with praise, petting and food treats.

Growling and biting.

Common cause: Being tied up or confined behind a barrier he can see through. When dogs see and hear distractions they can't get to, they are frustrated, which can lead to aggressive behavior.

Treatment: Ignore him for 72 hours except for feeding and letting him relieve himself. After that, the dog must "earn" your attention by obeying a command, such as Sit, Down, Stay, etc. Immediately discipline any aggressive behavior by startling the dog.

Ways to startle a pet: Spray the face with water… shake a coin-filled soda can… sound an air horn (available at sporting goods stores)… press an ultrasound device (available at pet stores).

Jumping up.

Common cause: Dogs have scent glands in their lips and ears, so they like to jump up to give greetings face to face.

Treatment: When you arrive home, ignore the dog for 15 minutes. If he jumps up, startle him (see above). When he stays on all fours, praise and pet him.

Nuisance barking.

Common causes: Boredom or anxiety. Also, you may inadvertently be rewarding him when he barks by petting him… talking soothingly… setting him free… or distracting him with a favorite toy.

Treatment: Ignore the dog when he barks. If he continues to bark, startle him (see above). After he has stopped for five minutes, reward him. Make sure he gets exercise and has toys to play with.

Trouble housebreaking a puppy.

Common cause: Lack of supervision.

Treatment: If you catch the pup urinating or defecating in an inappropriate spot, say, No! loudly, then quickly take him outside. Reward him with praise and petting when he goes outside. Puppies cannot be housebroken until they are at least 12 weeks old.

CAT PROBLEMS

Bolting out the door.

Common cause: Cats roam outside to hunt and mark territory.

Treatment: Tape aluminum foil on the door. If your cat comes within 10 feet of it, blast the foil with water from a sprayer. Other options include putting in front of the door a plastic door runner upside down… or a mat covered with double-sided tape. Consider making him an "indoor" cat -- not letting him out of the house.

Not using the litter box.

Common cause: Anxiety -- if you move, get new furniture, have guests, etc.

Treatment: Apply Outright or Boundary pet repellent (available at pet stores) to soiled areas. Keep the litter box scrupulously clean. Place additional boxes in other locations if you have more than one cat or are gone for long periods. Use deodorant-free, sand litter.

Clawing and scratching.

Common cause: They are marking their territory.

Treatment: Get a scratching post or "kitty condo." Sprinkle catnip on it, and hide treats around it. When he's scratching the post, reward him with praise and petting. When you catch him clawing where he shouldn't, yell, Off!… spray his face with water… or shake a can filled with coins.

Midnight meowing.

Common cause: Cats like to sleep during the day -- and "talk" at night.

Treatment: Keep the cat active during the day. If you are away all day, have someone come over. Before bed, play with him for 30 minutes. Leave out toys. Until he adapts, put him where you can't hear him.

Biting.

Common cause: Handling the cat for too long or too often.

Treatment: Have a moratorium on picking up your cat. Limit petting to 10 seconds, but only when he comes to you and only at the times of day and areas of the home where the biting never took place. Play with him to tire him out. Use wand toys to keep your hands away from his mouth.