dog faq

Common Questions and Answers about your Dog’s Tongue


Photo by Deborah, Valparaiso

Depending on your point of view, one of the most endearing—or off-putting—features of a dog is his tongue. Everpresent, busy, and often intrusive, a dog’s tongue can also be one of his most defining characteristics. Most of us have either owned or have been acquainted with a dog who insists on greeting us by planting slobbery ‘kisses’ on our hands and faces, or licking us incessantly to get our attention. And while it is commonly accepted wisdom that dog mouths are cleaner than human mouths, does this mean they can lick us with abandon, and without any negative health…

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11 Questions About German Shepherds, Answered


Photo by: Flaurentine, used under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

The German Shepherd Dog (GSD)—or simply ‘Shepherd’—consistently ranks among the top ten most popular breeds in America, second only to the number one Labrador Retriever since 2010. His unfailing loyalty and intelligence earn him this distinction, together with his majestic and imposing canine presence. Like all dogs, he comes with challenges, and as such may not make the best first dog…

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Male vs. Female Dogs: Which Makes a Better Pet?

Brandy’s owner described her as “a sweet girl.”
Photo by Daynna, Stoney Creek

The age-old question of a male versus a female dog defies a definitive answer—maybe because dogs are individuals, just like humans, and can’t be pigeonholed into gender-specific stereotypes. A better question might be, nature or nurture? Dogs are born with widely varying temperaments related to their breeding. But how dogs are socialized and trained throughout their lives—especially as puppies—has a greater impact than gender on their adult behavior.

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Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much?


Photo by Sabine, Marina del Rey

Your dog loves hiking, playing fetch, and sniffing out the newest scents around the neighborhood, but there is one activity he spends more time doing than any other: sleeping. An adult dog sleeps an average of 12 to 14 hours per day.

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