The domestic dog, aka Canis lupus familiaris, originated in the domestication of the gray wolf (Canis lupus). The domestication process continues even today, if we consider the fact that the cross-breeding of dogs in order to create “designer dogs” still goes on.

There are several theories explaining how the domestication process actually took place. Thus, according to certain studies, wolf puppies that are taken at a very early age away from their parents to be raised and tamed by humans, are easily trained and socialized. There is at least one such study. Nonetheless, some other researchers state that in the case of wolf pups that are 21 years old, it’s very hard to achieve any socialization or taming, and these attempts are rarely successful.

Many scientists consider that orphaned wolf cubs were adopted by humans, who took care of them together with their human babies, and thus appeared a new type of wolf-like domesticated animals which, in time, will turn into dogs. According to Dr. Raymond Coppinger of Hampshire College (Massachusetts), those types of wolves that were more interactive towards humans passed these traits to their following generation, and thus creating a kind of wolf that could be more easily domesticated by humans.

Coppinger speaks of a special behavior trait that was essential for the wolf’s transformation into dog, and this trait was called “flight distance”. It referred to the distance kept by an animal towards a human before running away from what they perceived as danger. In this respect, animals that live at a shorter distance from humans are likely to linger and feed even when these humans are present. Dr. Coppinger says that his argument is that tame or domesticated means being able to eat even in the presence of otherwise perceived as threatening humans. This is precisely what wild wolves cannot do. The side effects of domesticity-purposed selection were the selection of related physical features that were actually genetically caused, plus behavior such as barking.
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So you’ve decided you want to get a dog. Maybe you saw the cutest puppies in the window of your local pet store just today, or maybe you have been thinking about it for some time. Either way, adding a dog to your family should be something that is carefully considered. If you impulsively take home that cute little puppy without doing a little research, you may find yourself regretting your decision later. There are many things to think about when you’re picking out your new furry friend. Not all dogs are created equal, and what works for one person may not work for another.

Puppy or Adult Dog

While those puppies in your local pet store might be irresistibly cute, taking a puppy home is entirely different than taking home a dog who is a little older. Everyone has heard stories of new dogs chewing up a favorite pair of shoes or relieving itself on an expensive couch. Puppies are much more likely to do these things than older dogs. Of course, it’s never a guarantee that an older dog won’t do those things, but it’s much less likely. Any dog, especially one who is left alone all day or doesn’t get an appropriate amount of exercise, can start chewing at any time. However, puppies are often not house-trained, which requires much more work than a dog that is already trained. New puppies also have much more energy than a dog that is even just one year old. They require lots of attention and care. This might sound as if I’m trying to persuade you that getting a puppy is a terrible idea, but I assure you that is not the case. Raising a puppy can be incredibly rewarding, but the top reason you will find puppies in animal shelters is because new owners are unprepared and have to give them away.

Shelter, Breeder, or Pet Store

Shelters have a bad reputation for having only dogs that are old, mean tempered, or bad. This is because animal shelters will take any dog that is brought to them for whatever reason, and why would someone give up a dog that is a great companion? The truth is that shelters have all kinds of dogs. If someone’s dog has an unexpected litter of puppies, they could give them to a shelter. If someone lost their home in this bad economy or became too old to care for their dog, the shelter would gladly find those dogs a new home, too. Dogs that are found as strays are sometimes runaways that are totally house-trained and really sweet pets. Don’t discount a shelter just because you want a specific type of dog. Shelters are getting new dogs in all the time from all sorts of places. Read the rest of this entry »

When you have a child in the house, it’s always great to have a dog! There are many breeds of best dogs for children, which adapt very well around little kids and also grow to care about them. Having dogs when you have toddlers in the house, gives your kids safety as well as a real toy to play with! Dogs care and love kids just like their own and are much more affectionate towards them, than their owners. The whole point of having a family dog, is to give the family a sense of security and in turn give the dog a loving home. Find out which are the best house dogs for children, mentioned in the following paragraphs just for you.

Best Dogs for Children and Families

There are a few characteristics which these types of dogs should have to be around children. Having a dog when you have toddlers around is a fun thing, but you also have to take care of them in many ways. You have to make sure, the dog breeds are not violent, aggressive or rough around the children, as that can be harmful. It is also better to ensure about the dog’s shedding habits around the kitchen and the kids, since, kids need very hygienic conditions in the earlier days. Given below are a few names of the top 10 best dogs for children, so find out which one’s your choice!

Golden and Labrador Retriever: Labrador Retrievers are very attractive and look very smart. They are usually great with kids and have a pleasant personality around families. An ideal family dog!

Bichon Frise: These little dogs could be mistook for cotton balls, as they are tiny and soft. Bichon Frises love to play and are very active around babies.

Poodles: Everyone thinks a poodle is a show dog, and needs to be taken care of. Well, you do need to groom them, but they are extremely smart with a great temperament. They love kids and take care of them when around.
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