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Illustrated Articles

Behavior & Training

  • Strong-willed and with a body more powerful than the average bear, the Bullmastiff cannot be coerced to do something he doesn't want to do. But for a master he loves and respects, nothing is impossible. These dogs crave physical contact and consider themselves to be lapdogs despite their girth.

  • Fond of children but fierce with trespassing backyard wildlife, adorably small and gigantically courageous, the Cairn Terrier can be hard to pin down.

  • Even though young pups may be more actively curious, dogs never stop learning. In fact, adult dogs are often easier to train than their younger canine friends. Older dogs are not as easily distracted as pups and can focus for longer periods of time. Teaching and learning new tricks can be a fun pastime for you and your dog, no matter your respective ages.

  • As befitting a dog that lived on its own, The Canaan Dog is aloof toward strangers, including strange dogs. Protective of family and a natural guardian, Canaan Dogs may bark a lot but are smart, devoted, and willing to please.

  • Extremely loyal and willing to please, Cane Corsos are very protective of home and family. They're highly intelligent, even-minded and stable, and stay close to their masters.

  • Dogs are smart, and we see examples of their intelligence through both scientific research and real-life situations. They can learn by watching, cooperating with another dog or person, or just by being in their environment over time.

  • It is important to understand your dog's body language for your dog's emotional comfort as well as to assure safety. Dogs use subtle signals to reveal their comfort in social interactions. Through their body language, dogs communicate fear, anxiety, and frustration. When signals are not recognized, dogs may become frustrated or anxious and their communication can escalate to more overt threats.

  • People often confuse the Cardigan Welsh Corgi with the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, but the tail of the Cardi (or lack thereof with the Pem) is a dead giveaway. These long-bodied, vertically-challenged dogs are confident individuals who, like many herding breeds, are somewhat reserved with strangers but totally devoted to their families and chosen friends.

  • A bonded pair consists of two cats that thrive when kept together. Shelters recognize the benefits of housing and adopting out bonded pairs together. Potential cat owners should consider the pros and cons and make an educated decision regarding their adoption options. Caring for two cats means a commitment of more time and money, but it may also mean more joy.

  • Cats that are kept for companionship are typically neutered (castrated), unless they are intended to be used as breeding stock. Neutering prevents accidental or indiscriminate breeding and reduces the frequency of undesirable sexual behaviors, such as mounting and marking.