If you’re like most San Franciscans, chances are you share your home with a cat, dog or some other variety of domesticated friend. As a pet owner, what can you do to ensure a clean and civilized environment?

First, solid training is the foundation of successful cohabitation between species. A well-trained animal will respect you and your home — without having an accident on your carpet, chewing couch cushions, or otherwise “acting out.” The San Francisco SPCA offers comprehensive advice for training both cats and dogs. For canines, you’ll find a variety of training and behavior classes, as well as a referral list of dog trainers. For more information on dog training, call (415) 522-3509 or email DogTraining@sfspca.org. For details on the Dog Academy, a program for people interested in becoming dog trainers, call (415) 554-3095 or email dogacademy@sfspca.org. In addition, SF's Animal Care and Control (ACC) provides an online “Guide for Dog Walkers,” including a “Dog Walking Service Referral List” and a “Dog Walkers Agreement Form.” Remember: a happy pet is one that gets regular exercise.

For owners of felines, the San Francisco SPCA offers ”Tabby Tell All,” a cat behavior class on the last Sunday of each month in the Solarium of Maddie’s Pet Adoption Center, 250 Florida Street. Reservations are required; call (415) 522-3525. You can also bring your four-clawed upholstery shredder to the SPCA’s “Claw Trimming Clinic,” held from 10 to 11AM on the first Sunday of each month. The cost is only $15 for both front and back claws! Make sure your cat is in a carrier and go to the SPCA Hospital's Cat Entrance, 2500 16th Street; call 522-3525 for details. For more information on cat behavior and training, call (415) 554-3075 or email catbehavior@sfspca.org.