[Quiz] How to Be Your Dog’s Best Friend: Unlocking the Dog Mind and Building a Strong Bond

Wrong answer!

When you buy a puppy from a pet store, chances are it came from a puppymill, where the parents were bred to death. Such puppies lack proper nutrition and rarely resemble the intended breed in appearance or behavior. No ethical breeder would ever consider selling puppies to a pet shop. Those that breed dogs responsibly don't want to just sell their pups to the highest bidder; they care about their puppies' futures and don't want to leave them vulnerable to abuse.

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The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) certifies that a dog does not suffer from the debilitating disease hip dysplasia. The Canine Eye Research Foundation (CERF) screens for inherited eye conditions. For a happy and healthy pet, both credentials are essential. Health checks are standard practise for any breeder worth their salt.

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Despite the presence of an antidote, the chemical theobromine found in chocolate is very toxic to dogs. Most dangerous is baker's chocolate, and safest is milk chocolate. For example, a small dog can be killed by eating an 8-ounce bar of baker's chocolate. Don't let the kids near the candy.

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Every year in the United States, more than 20 million dogs are killed in shelters and pounds, while an unknown number of dogs are abandoned. Unfortunately, poor behavior is the leading cause of canine euthanasia, despite being highly treatable with proper training.

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Untested canines of unknown pedigree should never be bred in a culture where millions of dogs are slaughtered every year. Every breeding effort must further the welfare of the breed in question.

There is not a single peer-reviewed study that shows that intentionally breeding dogs of different breeds or engaging in other inefficient breeding methods results in healthier offspring. Dogs with recognized ancestry and a proven health history are the best bet.

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Bloat is a serious medical condition. Most dogs will die if left untreated due to stomach twisting. Dogs with broad, deep chests, like Irish Setters and Great Danes, are prone to this condition. Get your dog to the vet ASAP if he exhibits these signs.

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These are all valid arguments. Dogs can't sweat as much as people can, making them more susceptible to heat exhaustion. Every year, a lot of canines suffer and die after being left in hot vehicles. Also, dogs can be the cause of damage or theft to vehicles.

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Most dogs will not self-exercise. They need interaction in order to do so.

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It's estimated that as many as 60% of dogs are overweight. You should be able to readily feel your dog's ribs if you put your hands on his midsection. It's likely that your dog is overweight otherwise.

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Spaying prevents breast and ovarian cancer in female. Male dogs benefit from being neutered because they are less likely to roam, fight, or mark, and they also have a lower risk of developing testicular and prostate cancer.