How Smart Is Your Dog? Now You Can Compare

All that energy people put into posting YouTube videos of their clever — or dumb — dogs can be harnessed for the good of scientific research.  A team at Duke University found that dog owners could competently test their pets at home for studies on canine intelligence.

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"Does this look natural?"

Why is that dog looking at me?

More than one experiment has made some things pretty clear.  Dogs look at humans much more than wolves do.  Wolves tend to put their nose to the Tupperware and keep at it.  This evidence has led to the unsurprising conclusion that dogs are more socially connected to humans and wolves more self-reliant.

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Nonprofit takes pups from death row, trains them as veteran service dogs

EVANS, Georgia (WKRN) –  Dozens of veterans now have service dogs thanks to a Georgia organization. On Saturday, 36 veterans gathered at the Columbia County Library in Evans, GA to see their rescued dogs graduate from different levels of service training.

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Getting a Dog

You've had a life change.  You're being talked into it.  You think you'll look good with that dog.  Or it's just too darn cute.

There are many reasons for getting a dog, but all of them need to come with an understanding that there are positive things about getting a dog, but there's also responsibility.

Pros, cons, ups, downs, chewed-up favorite shoes, poop on the good carpet, and then time for walks, play, going outside ... for some these all mean a dog isn't for them, so before plunging in and spending money for all the shots starting out, consider the following:

• This will be a commitment on your part for years to come.
• It will require time and attention.
• You will have to consider your dog if/when you want to stay overnight else where.
• You will need to utilize close friends or family at some point.
• There will be money needed for shots, checkups, boarding, etc.
• You will be the one in trouble if your dog does something wrong to some one else.
• Per year, the expense of having a dog can go into the $1000s.
• Is your home even appropriate for a dog?
• If you rent, your lease may not allow for a dog.
• If you have children, will they get along?
• Do you spend a lot of time away from home?  Having a dog means being home and less social life.
• Some people are allergic to dogs.
• Be prepared to spend time and money on: training, play-time, the veterinarian and medication and vitamins.

If all of the above is not an issue, then perhaps you are primed and ready for one of the best friends you'll ever have.

McKenzie is definitely my best friend, and I look forward to seeing her each day as I'm driving home, as she is too.

Good luck finding and starting out a wonderful life with your best friend!

Neither snow nor rain nor mud will stop ball time....

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