This is absolutely the most important page in the whole web site.

Ten Commandments of Dog Ownership for the Longest and Most Successful Life.

If I was going to pass on ANY wisdom to my kids and grandkids about dogs and cats THIS IS IT.
  1. Thou Shalt keep thy dog LEAN and arthritis-free.
  2. Thou Shalt give thy dog LOTS of 'scrapey' dental exercise.
  3. Thou Shalt Keep Your Dog on Heartworm Prevention Because it is ALSO a Gut-Worm Prevention.
  4. Thou Shalt NOT Give People Food, But Instead: Fresh Vegetables.
  5. Thou Shalt Brush Your Dog's Fur at Least Weekly, and Keep Their Skin Clean at All Times.
  6. Thou Shalt Adopt or Buy ONLY the Puppies That Run To You, Not the Scared Ones That Cringe From You*.
  7. Thou Shalt Command Thy Dog's Respect By Using the Magic-Word "NO" a LOT During Puppyhood.
  8. If Thou Seekest a Prophet / Trainer, Use One That Still Believes That Humans are Alpha to Dogs.
  9. Exercise caution when using a Franchise / Corporate veterinary practice. Commissions and "Corporate Policy" drive the Veterinary decisions there.
  10. Thou Shalt Only Pursue Diagnosis and Treatment of CURABLE Cancers.

*Do NOT buy or adopt a "Black & Tan, German, Attack or Vigilance Breed" to try and convert it into a trusted Family Pet, and definitely avoid the 100+ lb. "Look-At-My-Dog-Giant-Breeds" unless you are an attention-seeking type of person and then you truly can't help it.