Canine nutrition hasn’t become as laden with diet fads as have human meal planning. But it has accumulated a number of myths which survive the ridicule of the veterinary profession. As you acquire a dog, your more experienced friends will shower you with advice, which may include some of the following affirmations: “A clove of …
Play is one of the best forms of exercise for a puppy. Fifteen minutes of vigorous play can be equivalent to an hour’s walk. Many owners do not realize that games are also good vocabulary builders. When it’s all part of a game that he enjoys, your puppy will very quickly learn the meaning of …
The intelligence of the dog is among the highest of all the animals, maybe higher than we give him credit for. Although his brain is proportionately only half as large as ours, he is certainly the most intelligent of domestic animals. As with humans, individual intelligence varies greatly according to inherited genes. While no one …
Canine training is the same as for all animals, you communicate to your dog what you want him to do; when the dog has performed as desired, you reward him. You immediately repeat the exercise a few times and review it frequently until the dog’s response to the command is practically automatic. But of course …
Is barking a form of language among dogs with precise significance, or just playful noise? Dogs exchange information among themselves less by voice than by a wide range of facial expressions, body postures and gestures, as well as by various scents. Dogs, who bark at night, are probably working off excess energy or announcing their …
Physically, he is in his prime, and will continue to develop heavier bone, a deeper chest, a fuller coat, as well as greater strength and endurance. Large breeds attain their full physical maturity and definitive proportions between the ages of 18 months and 2 years, while smaller breeds reach their maturity a little sooner. An …
Until he has been weaned, a puppy plays with his litter mates and playthings aren’t necessary. They are even uninteresting and possibly dangerous. From the age of 6 to 8 weeks, he starts to take an interest in toys. Almost anything will do, as long as it cannot be swallowed, or cause injury. Puppies enjoy …
A constant supply of fresh water is essential to your dog’s good health and comfort. Water is very important, representing and estimated 70 percent of the dog’s weight. Like man, a dog can go without food for a surprisingly long time, but if he is deprived of water, he can’t survive for more than a …
Physically, this is the full weaning period. At the beginning, the puppy is being nourished half by nursing and half by feeding. At 2 months the process is completed, and he can leave his mother. Between 6 and 8 weeks is a good time for ear-cropping, if necessary by the vet. He is growing rapidly …
Most dogs enjoy listening and are proud of the knowledge and skills they acquire. Untrained dogs are seldom as happy as trained ones, and lead much less interesting lives. Many dogs also get a sense of security from obedience and discipline, especially the more intelligent ones. Every observant dog owner can see for himself that …