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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Salamanders
Category:
Choosing Your Pet, Exotics, Amphibians
Salamanders make great pets. They’re ideal for apartment residents because they’re quiet. They don’t take up a lot of room because they’re small. They don’t need a background to run around like a dog. They don’t require a lot of personal attention, so they’re also perfect for busy working
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Macaws
Category:
Choosing Your Pet, Exotics, Birds
If you've decided to enter the entertaining world of bird ownership, you may be thinking about adopting a macaw. These giants of the parrot world make fun companions, but here are some things you should consider before making that purchase.
What You Should Know About Macaw Ownership
Macaws can make a
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Cockatoos
Category:
Choosing Your Pet, Exotics, Birds
If you're looking for a lively, affectionate, intelligent pet, you don't have to limit yourself to a dog or cat. Members of the Cacatuidae family, better known as cockatoos, can provide those qualities in abundance. However, before you bring a cockatoo home for the first time, you need to understand
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Parrots
Category:
Choosing Your Pet, Exotics, Birds
If you’re thinking of adding a feathered friend to your family, you might be surprised at what it takes to care of this type of pet. While parrots are highly intelligent and fun pets, there are a few aspects that make them more difficult to care for than a cat or dog. Here’s what you need to know
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How to Help Your New Cat Feel Welcomed in Your Home
Category:
Newsletter Library, Cats
Adopting a cat or kitten? Here's what you can do to help your cat adjust to its new home.
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Most Common Digestive Issues in Dogs and How to Relieve Them
Category:
Newsletter Library, Nutrition & Food
Do you know which digestive issues are most common in dogs?
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Glaucoma in Cats
Category:
Newsletter Library, Cats
Do you know the signs of glaucoma in cats?
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Keep Your Pets Safe From Toxic Household Items
Category:
Newsletter Library, Pet Dangers
Do you know which household items can sicken your pet?
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Preventing Obesity in Cats
Category:
Newsletter Library, Cats
Even one extra pound could affect your pet's health. Find out how you can keep your cat slim and trim.
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Pet Dental Care - Tips to Manage Your Pet’s Oral Health
Category:
Newsletter Library, Keeping Pets Healthy
Do you know how to keep your pet's teeth and gums healthy?
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Learn How to Master Walking Your Dog for Walk Your Pet Month
Category:
Newsletter Library, Seasonal Topics
Does your dog need a little help walking on a leash?
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Bringing a New Pet in the Home in the New Year
Category:
Newsletter Library, Seasonal Topics
Are you planning on adding a pet to your family this year? These tips will help you prepare for the arrival of your furry, feathered, or finned friend.
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Cold Symptoms in Dogs
Category:
Newsletter Library, Keeping Pets Healthy
Could your sneezing, sniffling dog have a cold?
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Cold Weather Pet Safety
Category:
Newsletter Library, Seasonal Topics
Do you know how to keep your pet safe this winter?
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Keep Your Pet Safe During the Holidays
Category:
Newsletter Library, Seasonal Topics
Keep Thanksgiving day safe for your pet by following these tips.
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November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month
Category:
Newsletter Library, Seasonal Topics
Do you know the symptoms that can occur if your pet has cancer?
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