Select your new dog with your lifestyle and living situation in mind. In addition to your new family member's personality, consider its temperament, size, and coat as well. Some breeds have traits that may be objectionable in certain circumstances, such as hyper excitability or a tendency to bark. Your veterinarian is a valuable resource and should be consulted before you acquire a pet of any kind.
Breed Selection
There are two types of dogs--purebred and mixed breed. The 124 recognized breeds are grouped into seven categories: hound, working, terrier, toy, sporting, non-sporting, and herding. There are thousands of mixed-breed combinations. Each purebred or mixed-breed dog has a unique personality. Dogs originally bred for a specific purpose tend to retain these characteristics. These dogs may require additional training and patience. Selecting a specific breed does not guarantee a particular behavior, but choosing offspring from animals with desirable temperaments does increase one's chances of getting the best pet. Mixed breeds can be as beautiful, intelligent, loving, and companionable as purebreds.Veterinarians, breed-specific books (usually available at libraries and pet stores), and dog shows are excellent sources of information about individual breed characteristics and needs.
Friend or Protector?
Most dogs, even tiny ones, bark when strangers approach their home or yard. This bark is usually enough to deter intruders. A pet should not be trained as an attack dog. Attack-trained dogs require special handling and knowledge to prevent accidental injury to people, including members of your own family.
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Diabetes in Cats: Prevention and Treatment
Category: Newsletter Library, Cats
Diabetes in cats, also known as feline diabetes mellitus, is an increasingly common disease affecting 1 out of every 400 cats. Obesity is the leading risk factor for diabetes. "Overweight or obese cats are two to four times more likely to develop diabetes than cats with a healthy body weight," says board-certified
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Cat Backpacks: The New Trend in Feline Transportation
Category: Newsletter Library, Cats
Wearing your cat is all the rage these days. Find out why more cat lovers are making the switch to cat backpacks.
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Should You Declaw Your Cat?
Category: Newsletter Library, Cats
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Can My Dog Give Me a Blood Infection?
Category: Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners
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Homemade vs. Store Bought Pet Food
Category: Newsletter Library, Nutrition & Food
Not sure if homemade or store-bought food is best for your pet? Consider these important factors.
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Pet Health Insurance
Category: Newsletter Library, Visiting the Vet
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Nail Trimming Do's and Don'ts
Category: Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners
Is pet nail trimming a hectic experience at your house? These tips can make the process a little easier.
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The Benefits of Pet Massage
Category: Newsletter Library, Keeping Pets Healthy
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Small Dog Health Problems
Category: Newsletter Library, Keeping Pets Healthy
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Pet Blood Donors: Helping Other Animals in Need
Category: Newsletter Library, Keeping Pets Healthy
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Protect Your Hairless Pet's Sensitive Skin with These Tips
Category: Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners
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Your Big Dog May Be More Likely to Develop These Health Problems
Category: Newsletter Library, Keeping Pets Healthy
Big dogs can have equally big health problems. Find out what conditions and diseases typically affect larger dogs.
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Try These Tricks the Next Time You Have to Give Your Pet Medication
Category: Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners
Would you rather do anything than give your pet medicine? These tips may make the process easier.
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From Dalmations to Siberian Huskies: How the Big (and Little) Screen Influences Pet Fads
Category: Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners
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Ehrlichiosis: What You Should Be Looking For
Category: Newsletter Library, Fleas & Parasites
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What is Taurine and Why do Cats Need It?
Category: Newsletter Library, Nutrition & Food
Does your feline friend get enough taurine? Serious health problems can occur if this essential amino acid is in short supply.
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