146 ] Animal Friends and Helpers 



DOGS IN THE HOME 



With more than a hundred breeds to choose from, the 

 wise parent will give careful consideration to the type that is 

 best for his household. In all fairness to yourself, your child, and 

 the pet, you want to select an animal that you can take care of 

 properly without overtaxing your time, purse, or housing accom- 

 modations. 



Training a dog pet can be a fascinating project. There is much 

 in the training of dogs that duplicates the upbringing of a child! 

 Good health is important: A tired, nervous creature will not 

 respond to the best trainer. Patience, consistent rules and actions, 

 determination all these are essential to successful training. Like 

 a child, the dog does his best for someone who understands him 

 and whom he likes. 



The age of a dog is less important than we are led to believe 

 by the saying, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks." Nine- 

 year-old dogs have been taught tricks and even trained as depend- 

 able hunting companions. It is true, however, that the earlier 

 training is begun, the easier it is likely to be. 



Cats 



Most children love cats, and they recite the nursery rhyme "I 

 love little pussy" with genuine feeling. But as they grow older, 

 they find that their feline companions have many critics and 

 even enemies. Some people feel that cats should be done away 

 with because, given a chance, they kill birds. Others, who doubt- 

 less have in mind abandoned "strays" that try to make a living 

 from garbage cans, claim that cats are dirty animals. Another 

 charge is that cats are incapable of loyalty and affection. 



But cats have their defenders as well many people champion 

 them with fiery zeal. And, as they can prove, cats are devoted to 

 their masters if they are treated kindly. They also render valuable 

 service in preying on the rats and mice that must be kept in 

 check. And cats are wonderfully adaptable; if they have to, they 

 can live by their wits in the manner of jungle beasts, though 

 they can be kept happy and healthy in a city apartment. 



