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lowering risks for several types of cancer, sterilization is thought to improve the temperaments of both male and female dogs.

      Old Friends Make Good Friends

      Dogs who have entered the final third of their lives, typically around eight to ten years of age, are considered seniors. Senior dogs can make excellent pets for the right people. Many owners find this out by buying puppies or adopting adult dogs and then caring for them all the way into their senior years. Other owners find out what gems senior pets can be by adopting one.

      Senior dogs offer a wealth of benefits as pets. Unlike excitable pups, older dogs have calm natures. Most have become masters at housetraining, and they are well past problem behaviors such as inappropriate chewing or counter surfing. Senior dogs still need exercise, but instead of long walks or runs, they are satisfied with shorter strolls. They are also more than happy to curl up at their owners’ feet at the end of the day.

      For any prospective owner, the most important step in adopting a dog is finding the right match. Because of their lower activity levels, senior dogs often make ideal pets for human senior citizens or disabled people. Numerous studies have revealed the physical and mental health benefits that canine companions offer senior owners. From easing loneliness to lowering blood pressure, a dog can make a person’s senior years much better. A person can likewise improve—and often even save—the life of an older animal. Many of the dogs who go unadopted in shelters are seniors. Sadly, a great number of these homeless pets end up being euthanized. All that many of these animals need are loving owners to find and rescue them.

      Temperament

      Whether you prefer a purebred dog or a mixed breed, the most important factor to consider when selecting a pet is his temperament. No other trait even comes close to this one. Perhaps you plan to show off your dog’s impeccable looks in conformation events, or maybe you will utilize his scenting abilities for hunting or search-and-rescue work. Even in these scenarios, his temperament is still his most important quality.

      A dog with a sound temperament has the best potential to grow into a loving companion, a star show dog, or anything else you want him to be. Friendly animals are welcome in many circles. Dogs with good temperaments only help expand the list of places where owners can take their pets. But what exactly denotes a good temperament? Generally speaking, a dog’s temperament is his unique combination of personality and behavior. While some owners may prefer a more outgoing dog, others might like a dog who doesn’t gravitate to just anyone.

      Many aspects of a dog’s temperament are obvious. Running to greet guests with a wagging tail is an excellent sign of sociability, for example. Still, it is smart to consider how the animal behaves in a variety of scenarios to get a better idea of his temperament. How does the dog react to having his ears, paws, or tail touched?

      To get the best sense of a dog’s temperament, pay attention to how he acts with other animals as well. A puppy’s role in his litter reveals much about his temperament and potential for handling and training. For example, how does he play with others? A pup who tries to boss around his brothers and sisters may try to do the same thing with you or other pets in your home. Likewise, a pup who initiates play is likely to continue that behavior. Neither a gregarious nor shy pup is necessarily better than the others, but you should know where your dog falls on this scale before deciding that he is the one for you.

      Spay or Neuter Your Dog

      Nearly 4 million dogs in the United States find themselves in shelters each year. Many of these animals lose their homes when their owners get divorced, become ill, or move to rental properties that don’t allow pets. Other shelter dogs began their lives homeless, born to strays or mother dogs who have been surrendered themselves. Each year, more than 1 million dogs lose even more than their homes—they end up being euthanized after being deemed unadoptable.

      Spaying and neutering pets can drastically reduce the number of animals in shelters.

      Sterilization also keeps dogs healthy. Owners of female dogs greatly reduce their dogs’ chances of getting mammary, or breast, cancer by spaying them before their first heat. And spaying completely eliminates the risk of both ovarian and uterine cancer. Owners

      of male dogs can likewise eliminate their pets’ risk of testicular cancer by having their pets neutered.

      At one time, veterinarians recommended waiting until a dog was at least one year old before spaying or neutering, but today many vets insist that there are several advantages to performing the surgery much earlier. Vets can spay or neuter puppies as young as eight weeks old, although some veterinarians prefer to wait until a pup is four to six months of age. While sterilization is highly safe in general, younger dogs typically tolerate surgery and anesthesia even better than young adult dogs do. The procedure is also less expensive for owners when it is performed earlier.

      Many myths surround sterilization. For example, some owners believe that a female dog’s maternal instinct runs deep and that she will be happier if she has at least one litter of puppies before getting spayed. Similarly, old wives’ tales circulate about male dogs becoming less masculine, and consequently less fulfilled, if they are neutered. Both beliefs are completely false. Sterilized animals are as happy as unaltered animals—often even happier because they live longer and healthier lives.

      Activity Level

      Dogs vary greatly in terms of their activity levels. For example, Australian Shepherds and Vizslas typically have a lot of energy to burn each day. Active breeds like these cannot get by with mere walks around the block. They must run. If you choose a high-energy breed, you must be willing to put some time and effort into exercising your dog. This doesn’t mean that you have to sign up for the next 5K run in your community—although it might be fun—but you will need to provide your pet with outlets for his energy. A large fenced yard and a ball can help tire out a restless dog without requiring you to match his vigor.

      In most pure breeds, the female (right) is at least slightly, if not noticeably, smaller than the male (left).

      If you are an active outdoor person, a dog with similar abilities and interests will be the best match for you and your lifestyle. Dogs are happiest when they are spending time with their favorite people. Likewise, taking your pet along on outings will make them even more enjoyable for you. Many dogs delight in accompanying their owners on hikes, swims, and even bike rides. On the other hand, if your idea of fun is ordering pizza and streaming movies, a more laid-back dog is your ideal companion.

      Whether you want a small dog or a large one, you should seek the best match for your own activity level. Pugs and Mastiffs, for example, are very different in most ways, but both are known to be low-energy breeds. Don’t mistake a lower activity level for a lack of one, though. All dogs need a certain amount of exercise to stay healthy. For less active breeds, owners can simply meet this need with short daily walks or an invigorating play session in the backyard.

      Size

      Some people are drawn to big breeds while others prefer little dogs. Although size is mostly a matter of personal preference, there are a few factors that make a larger or smaller dog a better choice for certain people. You may like the idea of a Saint Bernard, but you might not relish the cost of feeding one. The amount of food that a larger breed eats is just one of the things that make owning a bigger dog more expensive. Larger pets also need larger bowls, beds, and toys. Even medications can be pricier for bigger animals.

      Larger dogs obviously need more space, but don’t overvalue this consideration. Many people mistakenly think that big dogs and apartment living don’t mix. The truth is that many large breeds can live comfortably in small spaces or without large fenced-in yards, providing they get enough exercise each day.

      Smile! A friendly, even-tempered dog makes a wonderful family companion.

      Necessary space is actually just one of the many misconceptions about big dogs. Some people also stereotype bigger pets

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