Introducing the Topic Many dog owners wonder if their Labrador retriever would enjoy and benefit from having another dog around. Labs are known for being highly social, playful, and energetic. They often thrive when they have canine companionship and playmates. However, adding another dog to the household requires careful consideration of the needs, temperaments, and …
Dogs and wolves have a complex genetic relationship. They are technically still the same species, Canis lupus, and can produce healthy offspring together. However, dogs were domesticated from wolves approximately 15,000 years ago and have undergone significant genetic changes during the domestication process. While dogs and wolves share over 99% of their DNA, slight differences …
Dewclaws are vestigial toes found on the front and sometimes rear limbs of dogs. They are located on the inner side of the leg, above the other toes. Dewclaws typically do not make contact with the ground when a dog is walking or running. The word “dewclaw” comes from the fact that they are situated …
Rodents like mice and rats are common pests that can cause substantial damage and health risks if left uncontrolled. They invade homes, agricultural operations, food processing facilities, and other buildings looking for food and shelter. Rodents reproduce quickly, with a single pair able to produce over 2,000 offspring per year. They damage property by chewing …
Rottweilers have a long history as rugged working and guard dogs. They originated as mastiffs in the Roman Empire over 2000 years ago, marching through the Alps with the Roman legions and protecting livestock.[1] Later they were used as cattle droving dogs that helped move herds to the market.[2] This work gave them a strong …
Dogs’ Natural Instincts Dogs are predators with strong prey drives and naturally want to hunt and chase small animals due to their ancestry. As descendants of wolves, dogs retain the strong predatory instincts of their wild ancestors (The Canine Predatory Instinct). When they see potential prey animals like mice, their instincts kick in and they …
Many small dog breeds have strong instincts to hunt and kill mice and other vermin. This behavior likely stems from their history of being bred to eliminate rats and mice in homes, barns, stables, and mills. Certain small terriers and Dachshunds are especially prized for their tenaciousness in tracking down and dispatching mice. While killing …
Typical Dog Pregnancy Duration The normal gestation period for dogs is approximately 63 days from conception, though this may vary by several days. According to the American Kennel Club, pregnancy in dogs typically ranges from 58 to 68 days. While 63 days is the average length, a dog’s pregnancy can be slightly shorter or longer …
Dogs have an incredibly powerful sense of smell that allows them to detect and recognize scents from miles away. Their olfactory system is estimated to be 10,000 to 100,000 times more acute than humans’ sense of smell (1). This makes dogs adept hunters, trackers, and sniffers. But does their super-sniffing ability allow dogs to identify …
Dogs’ Attachment to Owners Similar to young children, dogs form strong attachment bonds with their caregivers and owners. Research shows that the dog-human relationship involves attachment behaviors that mirror those seen between human infants and caregivers (Payne, 20151). When a dog’s primary attachment figure, usually the owner, is present, the dog feels calm and secure. …
