• A dog is by nature a pack animal and will follow the leader of the pack. As the master it should look up to you as the leader and the only way it will do this is if you are firm.
• Some breeds bark more than others. Usually the smaller breeds — especially terriers — bark and yelp a lot more than bigger dogs. The gundogs are usually the quietest. There is an operation to stop a dog’s barking, in which holes are punched in the vocal cords. Needless to say, most vet will not perform this controversial operation.
• While most people see cats and dogs as incompatible animals, they can live together quite well. Surprisingly, it is the cat who dominates in the home.
• Dogs in North America are unable to watch TV because all they see are dots on the screen. Dogs can see TV images better in Europe because of the difference in transmission quality.
• Dogs dig holes for a number of reasons. The most common is that they want to bury leftover food or a bone because they are not hungry. Another reason is boredom, or when they want to escape under the garden fence.
• If you have to muzzle your dog for any reason, make sure that the muzzle will allow the dog to drink water or pant easily. Until you know exactly how your dog reacts to having its hair or tail pulled or its ears yanked, it is a good idea to muzzle the dog around very small children.
• Buy a heavy china bowl as it is easier to keep clean and will not tip over easily.
• Never feed a dog scraps from the table. And always try to feed the dog its meal after you have eaten. This reinforces the idea that you are the leader of the pack and you always get to eat first.
