The dog is one of the most popular pets in the world (of course cat lovers will argue for cats). Dogs have long played an important role in the lives of humans. It's thought that dogs have been pets for thousands of years. Dogs are often called Man's Best Friend. This is because dogs help man out in so many ways. Types and Breeds of Dogs There are lots of breeds and types of dogs. Dogs vary in size from very small (just a couple of inches tall) to very large (three feet tall).
Some breeds of dogs are considered better for indoor or outdoor pets and some breeds are considered working dogs. Jobs that dogs perform include hunting, police work, rescue work, and seeing-eye dogs for the blind. Because dogs are intelligent and willing to be trained, they make a great companion and work animal. Dogs are mammals. Different breeds have different characteristics and skills, but most dogs have large teeth, can run fast and jump, walk on their toes, and have strong muscles. Source: USFWS Smelling, Seeing, Hearing Dogs have very good senses. They have an excellent sense of smell which has made dogs good at tracking as well as sniffing out illegal items like drugs or bombs. Some dogs are specifically bred to increase their sense of smell. Dogs also have an excellent field of vision allowing them to see almost in a complete circle. Their hearing is very sensitive as well and has a large frequency range. This enables dogs to hear sounds that are much higher than humans. Their great hearing makes them good guard dogs.
Dogs as Pets Dogs can be great pets for kids. The key is to train both the dog and the child. Kids must learn how to treat a dog so the dog will not retaliate. There are many expert trainers who can help you choose the right dog for your family as well as help train your dog and children how to behave. Choosing a Dog There are lots of great breeds out there, but each one is different. If you decide to have a dog for a pet, you need to choose a dog that fits your lifestyle. Some things to consider: How active are you – Be honest here. Some dogs like to hang around, but others need lots of exercise. Pick a dog that fits your level of activity. Yard dog or house dog – Some dogs want to be outside. Pick a dog that will be happy with the home and yard you have. Do you have kids in your family – Some dogs are better with kids than others. Finances – Before you get a dog, be sure to understand the costs. Can you afford feeding a dog, getting it shots, taking it to the vet, and more? Time commitment – Dogs take time. They have emotional and physical needs that will take up a good amount of your time. Be sure you want to do this every day before getting a dog. Source: USFWS Fun Facts About Dogs A dog can smell about 100,000 times better than a human. The majority of a dog's sweat glands are between the pads on its paws. Chocolate can make dogs very sick or even kill them because it contains a substance called theobromine, which is like a poison to dogs. Dogs hear around ten times better than the average human. Smaller dog breeds tend to live longer than big dog breeds. More than 30% of families in the United States have a dog for a pet. Having a pet dog has shown to make people healthier. They live longer and have fewer heart attacks.
Dogs, like humans, are highly social animals and this similarity in their overall behavioural pattern accounts for their trainability, playfulnes and ability to fit into human households and social situations. This similarity has earned dogs a unique position in the realm of interspecies relationships.
The loyalty and devotion that dogs demonstrate as part of their natural instincts as pack animals closely mimics the human idea of love and friendship, leading many dog owners to view their pets as full-fledged family members.
Dogs fill a variety of roles in human society and are often trained as working dogs. For dogs that do not have traditional jobs, a wide range of dog sports provide the opportunity to exhibit their natural skills.
It is estimated that for more than 12,000 years the dog has lived with humans as a hunting companion, protector and friend. A dog is one of the most popular pets in the world and has been referred to as ‘mans best friend’. Whether you are poor or rich, a dog will be faithful and loyal to you and love you to bits. A pet dog will fit easily into family life and environment, they of course need caring for as any other pet – feeding, grooming, bathing and when ill, will need a visit to the vets. Dogs thrive on affection and will happily wag its tail when showered with love and attention. Dogs will also sit and sulk if they get told off for doing something wrong. A well-mannered dog must be trained properly and with patience and perseverance. You must never mistreat a dog at any time as not only is it very wrong to mistreat any animal, but some will bite in their own defense.Larger dogs need considerably more exercise over a larger area than medium sized or small dogs. You can take them out into the countryside or to your local park or recreation ground. Here, they can run about and play games and get the exercise they need to keep them fit and healthy.
