The Dangers of Dog Breed Labeling

By Nomi Berger For generations, the pit bull’s affectionate nickname was the “nanny dog.” Today, the pit bull is the dog most likely to be shot by the police. For generations, families wanting a loving, dependable and protective babysitter for their children chose a pit bull. Today, the pit bull is considered by many to be the most dangerous and ferocious of dogs. For

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THE MANY WHYS OF RESCUE

By Nomi Berger Why adopt a rescue pup or dog? Why not buy one from an ad on the Internet or from a pet store? Why not buy one from a breeder? There are many reasons — all of them humane. The growth of the Internet has spurred the growth of ads selling pets. But it also provides anonymity to a more insidious growth:

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WHEN CHOOSING A DOG, CHOOSE WISELY!

By Nomi Berger Truer words were never spoken, because being an informed owner truly means being that dog’s true, best friend. An alarming number of dogs are abandoned, surrendered, and euthanized each year in this country. The reasons are many, but one of the greatest contributing factors is the failure of too many potential owners to educate themselves fully BEFORE acquiring a dog. The

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THE DOWNSIDE OF DECLAWING CATS

By Nomi Berger Like many cat owners, you may be fed up with finding scratch marks on everything from your floors and furniture to your curtains and comforters, cushions and clothes. And skin. But before you consider resolving the problem by choosing declawing as your only solution, be advised that declawing your cat is NOT a matter of solely removing its claws. Nor is

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INTRODUCING YOUR NEW DOG TO YOUR OTHER PETS

By Nomi Berger Imagine handing out treats and name tags at the front door of your home for your new dog and your resident pets. Imagine happy munches and friendly woofs (and/or meows) as they blend and bond instantly and forever. Then blink twice and remember that you are living in the world of reality and not in an ideal parallel universe. But armed

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MAKE MOVING EASIER FOR YOU AND YOUR DOG

By Nomi Berger Dogs, like humans, are creatures of habit. Once comfortable in their surroundings, they are unnerved by change. And trading a familiar home for an unfamiliar one can cause fearfulness and stress. Unless you, the conscientious dog guardian, plan ahead with all the precision of a successful military campaign. Logically, then, moving from one place to another should consist of three stages:

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DOG BITING: FOREWARNED IS FOREARMED

By Nomi Berger Dogs may nip or bite for a variety of reasons. If a dog bites you and the owner took no action to prevent it from happening, you may need to talk to a dog bite lawyer to make a claim and receive compensation. The following are the most common reasons why a dog may bite you: DOMINANCE AGGRESSION When these dogs

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