It's a myth that only mean dogs bite — it's important to realize that duress can cause any breed of dog to bite. Responsible pet ownership leads to good canine citizenship. Dogs must be trained and socialized and carefully monitored to identify and correct behavior problems. Early training of your puppy is the best defense against aggression. Give him a day to adjust to his new home and begin training the next day. It is never too soon, and your puppy is never too young to start learning good behavior if training is done with a positive, nonpunitive approach.

Socializing your dog at a young age is the greatest gift a new family can offer. It is vital to expose him to positive experiences with a variety of people, dogs, other animals, sights, sounds and places. At a young age, your pup should be exposed to anything that he's likely to encounter in life. Veterinarians and behaviorists are finding that animals socialized at an early age are likely to have fewer behavioral problems as adults.

If he is too young to be out in public, start by socializing him at home. A "puppy petting party" is a fun suggestion by Wendy Mah, director of Sirius Puppy Training & Behavioral Consulting. Invite friends or family members to your house to meet your new pet. Limit exposing your dog to outside diseases by asking guests to leave their shoes at the front door and having them wash their hands before interacting with the pup.

Off-leash play is also important. Playing not only prevents aggressive behavior but it builds confidence, releases pent-up energy and provides an outlet for your dog's instinct to socialize with other dogs. Canines crave companionship with their own kind so playing is not just fun, but it also helps build basic social skills. Playing with adult socialized dogs allows puppies to learn the complex body language and vocalizations that guide appropriate dog interaction.

Consider neutering or spaying your puppy. Neutered males are less likely to cause trouble with other male dogs. Other benefits to altered dogs are that they are healthier and less likely to roam and bite. Reduced-rate sterilization certificates redeemable with participating O'ahu veterinarians are available through the city and county's Neuter Now program. Certificates can be purchased at a Satellite City Hall or at the Humane Society.

Other aggression-prevention training includes teaching him to be relaxed when people are near his food or toys and training him to enjoy being handled.

When training your pup, use techniques that shape and encourage desirable behavior. Undesirable behavior should be ignored or prevented, not punished. For example, play biting can quickly become more aggressive. Immediately stop if play leads to biting so he will understand that play stops when teeth are used.

Use rewards-based techniques to shape and encourage desirable behavior. When you want to give your dog a treat or his chew toy, or if he wants affection or a walk, this is your opportunity to train him. Also, if your dog does something good, reward him immediately.

TRIXIE

Tag No. 07-5562. Here is an older cat, surrendered at the ripe ol' age of 10 — to try and find a happy home to live out the remainder of her years. Sweet Trixie is a tiger-calico with a coat as soft and lush as lambskin, and a disposition as sweet as sugar. What's more, she's free to anyone 60 or older.

DAISY

Tag No. 07-6096. You will fall in love with Daisy's face - she is such a little princess! Accustomed to being a solo pet, Daisy does not like to share her family with other four-legged critters; she needs someone who will dote on her, her, her! True to her nature, Daisy enjoys being groomed.

These animals already may have found homes. The Hawaiian Humane Society and McInerny Dog Park at 2700 Wai'alae Ave. are open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekends and holidays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For directions, special events and to see more pets available for adoption, visit www.hawaiianhumane.org or call 946-2187. Call immediately to report lost or found animals, ext. 4.