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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Examining Your Horse
Category:
Equine, Choosing Your Pet, Horses
Even if you fall in love with the horse, do not buy it before the animal has been thoroughly examined by a veterinarian with experience in performing purchase examinations. Long-time horse owners almost always have a veterinarian examine any animal before purchase and first-time owners should certainly
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Why Turnout is Essential Your Horse
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Newsletter Library
Could your horse's health suffer if it spends too much time indoors?
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Is Your Horse Showing Signs of Problems in its Hind Legs?
Category:
Newsletter Library, Equine
Do you know the common causes of hind leg problems in horses?
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Signs That Your Horse is Stressed
Category:
Newsletter Library, Equine
Can you recognize the signs of stress in your horse?
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Facts to Help You Care for Your Foal
Category:
Newsletter Library, Equine
Do you know these foal facts?
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Managing Equine Asthma
Category:
Newsletter Library, Equine
Does your horse have equine asthma? These tips will help you relieve asthma symptoms.
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Your Senior Horse and Exercising
Category:
Newsletter Library, Equine
Do you know how much exercise your older horse needs?
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Horseback Riding in the Winter
Category:
Newsletter Library, Equine
Are you planning to ride your horse this winter? Check out these safety tips.
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Your Winter Horse Care Checklist
Category:
Newsletter Library, Equine
How prepared is your horse for winter weather?
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Anxiety in Horses
Category:
Newsletter Library, Equine
Are you worried about your anxious horse? Try a few of these suggestions.
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Pregnancy in Horses
Category:
Newsletter Library, Equine
Is your horse pregnant? A little extra care and attention will help keep your mare healthy during the pregnancy.
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How to Treat Eye Infections in Horses
Category:
Newsletter Library, Equine
Do you know the signs of an eye infection in your horse?
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Caring For Your Horse in Hot Weather
Category:
Newsletter Library, Equine
Improving your horse's comfort during hot, humid days can be as simple as following these tips.
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Your Horse's Night Vision
Category:
Newsletter Library, Equine
Can your horse see better at night than you can?
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The Importance of Horseshoes for Your Horse
Category:
Newsletter Library, Equine
Are you thinking about removing your horse's shoes? Learn why going barefoot may not be the best choice.
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The Growth and Care of Your New Foal
Category:
Newsletter Library, Equine
Do you know how to care for your new foal? Take a look at these important tips.
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