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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Does Your Cat Have a Grooming Problem?
Category: Newsletter Library, Cats
Noticed a sudden change in your cat's grooming habits? Over- or under-grooming can be a sign of trouble.
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August Newsletter: How Spaying or Neutering Your Pet Can Prevent Health Problems
Category: Newsletter Library
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August Newsletter: How Your Veterinarian Can Help with Pet Separation Anxiety
Category: Newsletter Library
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July Newsletter: The Benefits of Daycare Services for Your Pet
Category: Newsletter Library
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July Newsletter: Do Pocket Pets Need Regular Exams?
Category: Newsletter Library
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June Newsletter: How X-Rays Can Help Detect Early Stages of Dental Diseases
Category: Newsletter Library
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June Newsletter: How Often Should Cats Be Vaccinated?
Category: Newsletter Library
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May Newsletter: How to Keep Your Cat at a Healthy Weight
Category: Newsletter Library
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May Newsletter: Pets Have Allergies too!
Category: Newsletter Library
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April Newsletter: Tips on Keeping Your Cat Calm through the Night
Category: Newsletter Library
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April Newsletter: Signs Your Dog May Have Bloat
Category: Newsletter Library
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March Newsletter: Care Tips for Your Pocket Pets
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March Newsletter: First Time Pet Owner? Here's What You Need to Know
Category: Newsletter Library
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Caring for Your Older Pet
Category: Newsletter Library, Keeping Pets Healthy
Many of the same problems that affect people as they age, such as arthritis and diabetes, can also affect your pet. Making a few changes to the way you care for your furry friend will help you ensure that your pet stays healthy and happy as the years go by. Look for Common Signs of Illness Changes
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February Newsletter: Weird Things Your Cat Does and What They Mean
Category: Newsletter Library
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February Newsletter: Where to Start When Training Your Puppy
Category: Newsletter Library