6 MAMMALS 



undone, nothing pleasing a wet dog more than a chance to 

 roll in dirt. Dogs with long or fine hair should be brushed 

 regularly. 



The matter of training is one of the greatest impor- 

 tance, a disobedient dog being second in unpleasantness only 

 to a child who has been similarly neglected. The dog wishes 

 to obey, and to please his master, but it is necessary to 

 impress thoroughly on his mind just what is wanted. There 

 is much difference of temperament among dogs, of course, 

 but most individuals are more easily governed by a sharp 

 word than by a blow. However, sentiment should not be 

 allowed to interfere with discipline, and if the animal seems 

 to require punishment, the corrective tap should not be 

 withheld. Dogs are wonderfully keen in learning the mean- 

 ing of gestures and even phrases, a faculty which adds 

 much to their charm. 



While dogs belong to a carnivorous family, they are 

 now omnivorous in feeding habits. If given plenty of. exer- 

 cise, it is possible for them to keep in excellent condition on 

 meat alone, but it is best to vary the constituents of the 

 diet. This is particularly true of the smaller breeds. The 

 food, then, should contain a certain percentage of meat, 

 preferably cooked. It is important to see that this is free 

 from small pieces or splinters of bone. To this may be 

 added various vegetables, bread, cooked cereals and milk, 

 in fact almost anything edible, provided it is clean and not 

 too greasy. Dog biscuits solve the question to a very 

 satisfactory extent, but the dog should not be compelled 

 to eat them continually, without variation. Large bones 

 should be given frequently, for gnawing keeps the animal 

 out of mischief and provides various physical benefits. 

 Over- feeding is the worst danger to which canine pets are 

 subjected. No more than will keep the animal in good 

 condition should ever be given, and sweets and starchy 



