Don't push your luck when it comes to keeping the attention of your puppy or kitten. Engaging your pet in frequent, shorter training sessions is more effective than long, periodic lessons for teaching youngsters.

Look for a few good responses, and try to end each lesson before your pet shows any sign of losing interest. Ideally, each lesson should end on one of your pet's best responses and your best praises. You want your pet to remember that best response and be eager for the next lesson -- not dread it.

Be an exciting teacher, not a boring one. When your pet associates your time plus food with learning specific behaviors, he'll naturally repeat those behaviors to earn your attention and food rewards. It's that simple!

Animal behavior experts Susan and Roland Tripp are the authors of "On Good Behavior." For more information, visit their Web site at AnimalBehavior.net.