DOG OWNERSHIP

1. At the beginning of the twentieth century, pit bulls were among the most popular family dogs, even given the moniker nanny dogs. In the 1980s, they became the dog of choice for drug dealers, dogfighters, and gangs, living in deplorable conditions and becoming aggressive as a result of their circumstances. Much of their …

Patti Moran chided us in a recent letter about something we printed in the November issue on finding a pet sitter when youre going to be away from home:

I was very pleased to see the article exploring pet-care options for traveling pet owners….However, I was very concerned - and quite surprised - that a publication like yours did not encourage pet owners to seek professional pet-care options or…

No small number of manufacturers of pet carriers and crates claim their products have been tested for crashes and therefore offer protection for your dog in the event of a collision, but how safe are these items, really? Not very, according to results of the 2015 Crate and Carrier Crashworthiness Studies, which were the combined work of the Center for Pet Safety, a non-profit research and consumer advocacy organization, and Subaru of America, Inc.

While many crate and carrier manufacturers claim their products are crash-tested and safe for use in a vehicle, there are currently no test protocols or performance standards in the U.S. to substantiate these claims, says a joint press release from the two …

Have you ever had that tug on your heart and conscience when you spot a dog running around a parking lot, through a busy intersection, or alongside a strip mall with that recognizably hopeful yet lost expression? How often have you wondered what would happen if you decided to do something to help but didnt for fear it would backfire, with the dog getting skittish and running into oncoming traffic or down yet another block, lost further still? Even if you did manage to get hold of the dog, what then?

You dont have to wonder anymore. Knowing what to do can lead to positive results. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, of the half …

Dog likes a certain type
Q I really enjoyed your article in the September issue entitled My Dog Hates Other Dogs. That describes Milo. I adopted him three years ago when his owner surrendered him. He lived with four other dogs and a parrot and had to be given up because he had become aggressive toward the bird. He is also reactive when he sees other dogs, and I have to work to keep a good distance.…