72 Dog Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

To find good research titles for your essay about dogs, you can look through science articles or trending pet blogs on the internet. Alternatively, you can check out this list of creative research topics about dogs compiled by our experts .

🐩 Dog Essays: Things to Consider

🏆 best dog titles for essays, 💡 most interesting dog topics to write about, ❓ questions about dog.

There are many different dog essays you can write, as mankind’s history with its best friends is rich and varied. Many people will name the creatures their favorite animals, citing their endearing and inspiring qualities such as loyalty, obedience, bravery, and others.

Others will discuss dog training and the variety of important roles the animals fulfill in our everyday life, working as shepherds, police members, guides to blind people, and more.

Some people will be more interested in dog breeding and the incredible variety of the animals show, ranging from decorative, small Yorkshire terriers to gigantic yet peaceful Newfoundland dogs. All of these topics are interesting and deserve covering, and you can incorporate all of them a general essay.

Dogs are excellent pet animals, as their popularity, rivaled only by cats, shows. Pack animals by nature, they are open to including members of other species into their groups and get along well with most people and animals.

They are loyal to the pack, and there are examples of dogs adopting orphaned kittens and saving other animals and children from harm.

This loyalty and readiness to face danger makes them favorite animals for many people, and the hundreds of millions of dogs worldwide show that humans appreciate their canine friends.

It also allows them to work many important jobs, guarding objects, saving people, and using their noses to sniff out various trails and substances.

However, dogs are descended from wolves, whose pack nature does not prevent them from attacking those outside the group. Some larger dogs are capable of killing an adult human alone, and most can at least inflict severe harm if they attack a child.

Dogs are trusted and loved because of their excellent trainability. They can be taught to be calm and avoid aggression or only attack once the order is given.

They can also learn a variety of other behaviors and tricks, such as not relieving themselves in the house and executing complex routines. This physical and mental capacity to perform a variety of tasks marks dogs as humanity’s best and most versatile helpers.

The variety of jobs dogs perform has led humans to try to develop distinct dog breeds for each occupation, which led to the emergence of numerous and different varieties of the same animal.

The observation of the evolution of a specific type of dog as time progressed and its purposes changed can be an interesting topic. You can also discuss dog competitions, which try to find the best dog based on various criteria and even have titles for the winners.

Comparisons between different varieties of the animal are also excellent dog argumentative essay topics. Overall, there are many interesting ideas that you can use to write a unique and excellent essay.

Regardless of what you ultimately choose to write about, you should adhere to the central points of essay writing. Make sure to describe sections of your paper with dog essay titles that identify what you will be talking about clearly.

Write an introduction that identifies the topic and provides a clear and concise thesis statement. Finish the paper with a dog essay conclusion that sums up your principal points. It will be easier and more interesting to read while also adhering to literature standards if you do this.

Below, we have provided a collection of great ideas that you can use when writing your essays, research papers, speeches, or dissertations. Take inspiration from our list of dog topics, and don’t forget to check out the samples written by other students!

  • An Adventure with My Pet Pit-Bull Dog “Tiger” One look at Tiger and I knew that we were not going to leave the hapless couple to the mercies of the scary man.
  • Dogs Playing Poker The use of dogs in the painting is humorous in that the writer showed them doing human things and it was used to attract the attention of the viewer to the picture.
  • Debates on Whether Dog is the Best Pet or not The relationships between dogs and man have been improving over the years and this has made dogs to be the most preferable pets in the world. Other pets have limited abilities and can not match […]
  • “Dog’s Life” by Charlie Chaplin Film Analysis In this film, the producer has used the comic effect to elaborate on the message he intends to deliver to the audience. The function of a dog is to serve the master.
  • Animal Cruelty: Inside the Dog Fighting In most cases the owner of the losing dog abandons the injured dog to die slowly from the injuries it obtained during the fight. The injuries inflicted to and obtained by the dogs participating in […]
  • The Benefits of a Protection Dog Regardless of the fact that protection dogs are animals that can hurt people, they are loving and supportive family members that provide their owners with a wide range of benefits.
  • Dog Food: Pedigree Company’s Case The attractiveness of the dog food category is manifested through the intense competitive nature of the various stakeholders. The third and final phase of the segmentation is to label the category of dog food as […]
  • A Dog’s Life by Charles Chaplin The theme of friendship and love that is clear in the relationship between Tramp and Scraps. The main being that Chaplin makes it very comical thus; it is appealing to the audience, and captures the […]
  • The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time Haddon therefore manages to carry the reader into the world of the novel and holds the reader to the end of the novel.
  • Compare and Contrast Your First Dog vs. Your Current Dog Although she was very friendly and even tried to take care of me when I was growing up, my mother was the real owner.
  • Small Dog Boarding Business: Balanced Scorecard Bragonier posits that SWOT analysis is essential in the running of the business because it helps the management to analyze the business at a glance.
  • Moral Dilemma: Barking Dog and Neighborhood Since exuberant barking of Stella in the neighborhood disturbs many people, debarking is the appropriate measure according to the utilitarian perspective.
  • Border Collie Dog Breed Information So long as the movement of the Border Collies and the sheep is calm and steady, they can look for the stock as they graze in the field.
  • Cats vs. Dogs: Are You a Cat or a Dog Person? Cats and dogs are two of the most common types of pets, and preferring one to another can arguably tell many things about a person.
  • Dog Training Techniques Step by Step The first step that will be taken in order to establish the performance of this trick is showing the newspaper to the dog, introducing the desired object and the term “take”.
  • How to Conduct the Dog Training Properly At the same time, it is possible to work with the dog and train it to perform certain actions necessary for the owner. In the process of training, the trainer influences the behavior of the […]
  • The Great Pyrenees Dog Breed as a Pet In the folklore of the French Pyrenees, there is a touching legend about the origin of the breed. The dog will not obey a person of weak character and nervous.
  • Dog Food by Subscription: Service Design Project For the convenience and safety of customers and their dogs, customer support in the form of a call center and online chat is available.
  • “Everyday” in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Haddon The novel presents Christopher who passes through many changes in his life, where he adapts to it and acclimatizes the complications that come with it.
  • What Dog Are You? All of them possess individual traits that have to suit the profile and character of the owner for them to create a harmonious and beneficial union and to feel comfortable together first of all, every […]
  • Why Does Your Dog Pretend to Like You? Children and the older generation can truly cherish and in the case of children can develop as individuals with the help of dogs.
  • Caring for a Dog With Arthritis For Monty, the dog under study, the size, and disposition of the dog, the stage of the disease as also its specific symptoms and behaviour need to be observed and then a suitable choice of […]
  • Dog House: Business Law Today Based on the definition of a shareholder’s derivative suit, it is possible to say that corporations can be expected to benefit from this type of litigation.
  • “Traditional” Practice Exception in Dog Act One of those who wanted the word to remain in the clause was the president of the Beaufort Delta Dog Mushers and also an Inuvik welder.Mr.
  • “How to Draw a Dog” Video Lecture Critique The video begins with an introduction to the character that the artist is going to draw. The artist provides a more detailed description of the process later when he begins to draw dog’s eyebrows and […]
  • “Love That Dog” Verse Novel by Sharon Creech In this part of the play, it is clear that Jack is not ready to hide his feelings and is happy to share them with someone who, in his opinion, can understand him.
  • Small Dog Boarding Business: Strategic Plan Based on the first dimension of the competing values framework, the dog boarding business already has the advantage of a flexible business model, it is possible to adjust the size of the business or eliminate […]
  • Non-Profit Dog Organization’s Mission Statement In terms of the value we are bringing, our team regards abandoned animals who just want to be loved by people, patients with special needs, volunteers working at pet shelters, and the American society in […]
  • Cesar Millan as a Famous Dog Behaviorist Millan earned the nickname “the dog boy” because of his natural ability to interact with dogs. Consequently, the dog behaviorist became a celebrity in different parts of the country.
  • Dog’ Education in “The Culture Clash” by Jean Donaldson The second chapter comes under the title, Hard-Wiring: What the Dog comes with which tackles the characteristic innate behaviors that dogs possess naturally; that is, predation and socialization. This chapter sheds light on the behaviors […]
  • Breed Specific Legislation: Dog Attacks As a result, the individuals that own several canines of the “banned” breeds are to pay a lot of money to keep their dogs.
  • “Marley: A Dog Like No Other” by John Grogan John Grogan’s international bestseller “Marley: A Dog Like No Other” is suited for children of all ages, and it tells the story of a young puppy, Marley, who quickly develops a big personality, boundless energy, […]
  • Implementing Security Policy at Dog Parks To ensure that people take responsibility for their dogs while in the parks, the owners of the parks should ensure that they notify people who bring their dogs to the park of the various dangers […]
  • Operant Conditioning in Dog Training In regards to negative enforcements, the puppy should be fitted with a collar and upon the command “sit”, the collar should be pulled up a bit to force the dog to sit down.
  • First in Show Pet Foods, Inc and Dog Food Market Due to the number of competitors, it is clear that First in Show Pet Food, Inc.understands it has a low market share.
  • Animal Assisted Therapy: Therapy Dogs First, the therapist must set the goals that are allied to the utilization of the therapy dog and this should be done for each client.
  • The Tail Wagging the Dog: Emotions and Their Expression in Animals The fact that the experiment was conducted in real life, with a control group of dogs, a life-size dog model, a simultaneous observation of the dogs’ reaction and the immediate transcription of the results, is […]
  • The Feasibility Analysis for the Ropeless Dog Lead This is because it will have the ability to restrict the distance between the dog and the master control radio. The exploration of different sales models and prices for other devices indicates that the Rope-less […]
  • Classical Conditioning: Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks According to Basford and Stein’s interpretation, classical conditioning is developed in a person or an animal when a neutral stimulus “is paired or occurs contingently with the unconditioned stimulus on a number of occasions”, which […]
  • The Movements and Reactions of Dogs in Crates and Outside Yards This study discusses the types of movements and reactions exhibited by dogs in the two confinement areas, the crate and the outside yard.
  • A Summary of “What The Dog Saw” Gladwell explores the encounters of Cesar Millan, the dog whisperer who non-verbally communicated with the dogs and mastered his expertise to tame the dogs.
  • Evolution of Dogs from the Gray Wolf However, the combined results of vocalisation, morphological behavior and molecular biology of the domesticated dog now show that the wolf is the principle ancestor of the dog.
  • Attacking Dog Breeds: Truth or Exaggeration?
  • Are Bad Dog Laws Unjustified?
  • Are Dog Mouths Cleaner Than Humans?
  • Can Age Affect How Fast a Dog Runs?
  • Can Chew Treats Kill Your Dog?
  • Can You Control Who the Alpha Dog Is When You Own Two Dogs?
  • Does Drug Dog Sniff Outside Home Violate Privacy?
  • Does the Pit Bull Deserve Its Reputation as a Vicious Dog?
  • Does Your Dog Love You and What Does That Mean?
  • Does Your Dog Need a Bed?
  • How Can People Alleviate Dog Cruelty Problems?
  • How Cooking With Dog Is a Culinary Show?
  • How Can Be Inspiring Dog Tales?
  • How Owning and Petting a Dog Can Improve Your Health?
  • How the I-Dog Works: It’s All About Traveling Signals?
  • What Can Andy Griffith Teach You About Dog Training?
  • What Makes the Dog – Human Bond So Powerful?
  • What the Dog Saw and the Rise of the Global Market?
  • What Should You Know About Dog Adoption?
  • When Dog Training Matters?
  • When Drug Dog Sniff the Narcotic Outside Home?
  • At What Age Is Dog Training Most Effective?
  • Why Are People Choosing to Get Involved in Dog Fighting?
  • Why Are Reported Cases of Dog-Fighting Rising in the United States?
  • Why Dog Attacks Occur and Who Are the Main Culprits?
  • Why Does Dog Make Better Pets Than Cats?
  • Why Every Kid Needs a Dog?
  • Why Should People Adopt Rather Than Buy a Dog?
  • Why Could the Dog Have Bitten the Person?
  • Will Dog Survive the Summer Sun?
  • Chicago (A-D)
  • Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2024, February 26). 72 Dog Essay Topic Ideas & Examples. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/dog-essay-examples/

"72 Dog Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." IvyPanda , 26 Feb. 2024, ivypanda.com/essays/topic/dog-essay-examples/.

IvyPanda . (2024) '72 Dog Essay Topic Ideas & Examples'. 26 February.

IvyPanda . 2024. "72 Dog Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." February 26, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/dog-essay-examples/.

1. IvyPanda . "72 Dog Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." February 26, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/dog-essay-examples/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "72 Dog Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." February 26, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/dog-essay-examples/.

  • Animal Testing Topics
  • Cruelty to Animals Titles
  • Humanism Research Ideas
  • Animal Abuse Research Topics
  • Loyalty Essay Ideas
  • Animal Ethics Research Ideas
  • Hunting Questions
  • Animal Rights Research Ideas
  • Inspiration Topics
  • Animal Welfare Ideas
  • Wildlife Ideas
  • Emotional Development Questions
  • Zoo Research Ideas
  • Endangered Species Questions
  • Human Behavior Research Topics

My Speech Class

Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

136 Speech Topics About Animals [Persuasive, Informative]

Photo of author

Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class.

Our list of persuasive and informative topics about animals.

In this article:

Informative

List of speech topics about animals.

speech topics animals

  • The life of deep sea fish.
  • How to train your dog .
  • Why are monkeys so good at climbing trees?
  • The breeding of elephants and hippopotamuses.
  • Do penguins have long legs?
  • Why gods shiver.
  • What alligators eat.
  • How elephants swim.
  • Dangerous exotic pets you should not keep at home.
  • Ancient and Asiatic horse breeds.
  • The different types of whales.
  • How animals survive the extreme cold of Antartica.
  • The difference between dolphins and porpoises.
  • Why all kids should have pets.
  • Why snakes are good pets.
  • Have your pet spayed or neutered.
  • Why you should own a horse.
  • Why should you own a dog?
  • We need to protect dolphins better.
  • Wild animals should stay wild.
  • Why save endangered animals?
  • People should be allowed to own exotic animals like tigers and monkeys.
  • In order to save the orangutans, we should say “no” to palm oil.
  • A vegetarian diet is unhealthy for cats and dogs
  • Should people have pet monkeys?
  • Children should be taught to take care of pets
  • Animal health is useless and expensive
  • Performance animals have a risk of death
  • We should be aware of pros and cons of a pet before adopting it
  • Animal testing – vicious or beneficial
  • Are circus animals respected and appreciated?
  • Venomous and poisonous looking spiders are often harmless.
  • The use of animals in medical research is a necessary evil.
  • Not all species belong in marine aquariums.
  • Sharks don’t attack tourists all the time.
  • Pets deserve a Bill of Rights.
  • Forbid the wearing of fur coats.
  • Purchasing animal tested cosmetics is wrong.
  • Ban animal fight games.
  • Animals do not belong in zoo’s.
  • Animals don’t belong in circuses or folklore events.
  • Animal sports banning campaigns are not effective enough.
  • Cats should get annual vaccinations.
  • A pet is not a child’s birthday present.
  • Effective animal conservation laws and other legal regulations are improving.
  • Food production livestock should be welfare protected till the end.
  • Is rooster fighting fun?
  • Monkeys are more intelligent than other mammals
  • Giving drugs to cows to increase their milk is advantageous – right or wrong?
  • Should dogs be outdoor pets?
  • Is it right or wrong to use pig’s skin for making cosmetics?
  • Should pet birds have a right to fly?
  • Fishes are great for relaxation, everyone should have an aquarium
  • Should animal breeding be banned?
  • Should cats be treated humanely?
  • Painting cattle for a trademark should be banned
  • We should not be kind to snakes
  • Why poisonous insects should be killed
  • Animal extinction caused by humans should be stopped
  • Hybrid animals – natural or not?
  • Reforesting the world is the most effective way to save the animals from becoming extinct
  • Extinction of rhinos for selling their horns is inevitable
  • Should the hunting of wild animals be banned?
  • Trading animals-made products is a good way to earn money – right or wrong?
  • Should the hunting of seals for fur be banned to avoid their extinction?
  • Euthanasia is ethical for animals – right or wrong?
  • Should lonely people have companion animals?
  • Should fish be kept in goldfish bowls without filters or temperature control?
  • Conserving some endangered animals is more important than conserving other animals – right or wrong?
  • We should not be afraid of spiders since most of them are harmless
  • Factory farm treatment of animals is inhumane
  • Chaining or tethering dogs outside is unethical, inhumane, and a form of animal neglect
  • Zoos should be big enough for wild animals
  • Strays should be eliminated to make the environment healthy
  • Should foxes be bred into companion animals?
  • Primates and other sophisticated vertebrates should not be used in laboratory research?
  • Should pets be spayed and neutered to prevent overpopulation?
  • Genetic modification of livestock is unethical and potentially dangerous for humans – right or wrong?
  • Why female lions are more dangerous than male lions?
  • Is animal dissection justified as a learning tool for students?
  • Should we adopt new pets from a shelter instead of buying them from a shop?
  • Should we get our pet microchipped?
  • Should we use animals to test beauty products?
  • Is it right or wrong for circuses to use animals in their shows?
  • Is deforestation leading to loss of diversity in wildlife?
  • Should we make use of reward and appreciation to train our pet?
  • Is “dogs breeding” ethical to create mixed hybrids?
  • Should a dog be euthanized if it bites someone?
  • Poaching affects the economy and should be banned
  • Why you should avoid eating pork?
  • A natural disaster caused dinosaurs to become extinct – right or wrong?
  • Is smog dangerous for animals’ health?
  • Why you should get your pet insurance?
  • Should we be more tolerant of spiders, ants, and flies?
  • Should animal rights be limited – right or wrong?
  • Should we eat healthy snakes?
  • Why is it unethical to keep birds in cages?
  • Should we use animals to make future predictions?
  • Rats and mice affect us badly and should be killed
  • Building bonds between children and pets is important – right or wrong?
  • Why are flies important to the ecosystem?
  • A dog is the best service animal – right or wrong?
  • Why should you own an eagle as pet?
  • People should not be allowed to keep exotic animals like chimpanzees or tigers?
  • Why a wagging tail should not be considered as a sign of happiness in dogs
  • A nose is a dog’s “fingerprint” – right or wrong?
  • Why zoos are important and necessary sources of conservation and research on exotic animals?
  • Dogs are better pets than cats – right or wrong?
  • Should we use animals for entertainment purposes?
  • Why you should stop your kids to ride elephants?
  • Does petting and talking to animals lower stress in people?
  • Why pet’s hair should be brushed each evening?
  • The main cause of animal abuse is irresponsible and uneducated owner – right or wrong?
  • “The Animal Welfare Act of 1966 (AWA)” is outdated and should be revised
  • Why you should own a parrot as a bird pet?
  • Should we build awareness to animal abuse in Puppy Mills?
  • Why hamsters are best pets for kids?
  • Committing an immoral act against animals is justified – right or wrong?
  • Does your pet dog help you make new friends?
  • Why we should know about animals’ thinking and feeling?
  • Should we make use of TISSUE ENGINEERING to get leather and meat without killing animals?
  • Should we revive extinct species by recovering their ancient DNA?
  • Why you should be thankful for your cat, dog, or other pets?
  • Why you should own a cat?
  • Why we should feed wildlife?
  • Is it right or wrong to test antibiotics and cures on animals?
  • Why animals should not be kept in captivity?
  • Why domestic pigeons and doves make great pets?
  • Why you should not own exotic pets?
  • Should there be harsher laws for animal cruelty?
  • Why you should prefer keeping more goldfishes in an aquarium than other fishes?
  • Humans are affecting wildlife – right or wrong?
  • Why polar bears should not be kept in zoos?
  • Why you should prefer goat milk to cow milk?
  • Dogs have better eyesight than human – right or wrong?
  • Why wearing fur or leather is unethical and is a sign of animal neglect?
  • Why you should own a horse for riding?
  • Why busy people should not adopt fishes as pets?
  • Why you should own a raven as a pet?
  • Owning pets reduces your risk of various diseases – right or wrong?
  • We should adopt friendly attitude to train our pet dogs quickly
  • Why you should own pigeons?
  • Should marine mammals be kept in captivity?
  • Animal abuse should be stopped in zoos.

Entertaining Speech Topics [195 Ideas To Keep Audience Engaged]

143 Family Speech Topics [Persuasive, Informative]

15 thoughts on “136 Speech Topics About Animals [Persuasive, Informative]”

history of tomato

Why you should never leave your goldfish alone for more than 1 day.

History of christmas

History and develeopments of book publishments

How to help shelters

Why Canada is the best country in the world (cuz it is)

Canada is not the best in the world ( cause its true )

the history of yarn

I want an speech of animals struggle

pros and cons of organic farming

Cats should have the same laws that dogs have.

Leave a Comment

I accept the Privacy Policy

Reach out to us for sponsorship opportunities

Vivamus integer non suscipit taciti mus etiam at primis tempor sagittis euismod libero facilisi.

© 2024 My Speech Class

  • Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Best Practices

How to Give a Better Speech: Talk to a Dog

Public speaking woof, at american university’s kogod school of business, students can hone their public speaking skills in front of nonjudgmental “audience dogs.”.

Video player loading

By Nicholas Fandos

  • Aug. 5, 2016

The two undergraduates were acing their presentation. Good cadence. Sharp slides. Sunny dispositions. But it was a tough crowd.

As the first slides flashed by, one audience member got up and paced the room. The other, breathing with conspicuous heaviness, rested her head sleepily on the ground. The students inflected their voices and gestured with gusto to regain their attention.

So it goes when your audience is canine — specifically Teddy, a Jack Russell terrier, and Ellie, a Bernese mountain dog. The session was part of a pilot program pairing anxiety-prone business school students at American University with amiable, if unpredictable, dogs.

According to promotional material for the program: “Addressing a friendly and nonjudgmental canine can lower blood pressure, decrease stress and elevate mood — perfect for practicing your speech or team presentation.”

The audience dogs, as they are called, are a pet project of Bonnie Auslander, the director of the Kogod Center for Business Communications, which helps students hone their writing and speaking skills. Given “the whole fever pitch of dogs in therapy” — pettable pooches routinely show up before finals on some campuses — Ms. Auslander decided to use dogs to help students with speech anxiety. The center booked about a dozen sessions last semester and employed six “locally sourced” dogs, recruited for their calm personalities

For now, evidence of the benefits is mostly anecdotal.

“It makes you smile looking out at the dogs,” said Jessica Lewinson, a sophomore who practiced a presentation on corporate responsibility in front of Teddy and Ellie. “It kind of gives you a chance to step back from your presentation, to step out of that track you get stuck in.”

And, she added, a dog is no more distracted than your typical college student. You might even get a lick.

To Alleviate Anxiety, a Virtual Audience

Virtual reality has become a popular experimental treatment for a variety of anxiety disorders, including public speaking. Advocates say it is an efficient and safe form of exposure therapy, and a growing body of research backs them up.

At treatment centers, participants are immersed in a computer-generated 3-D environment, where a therapist guides them through contact with feared stimuli.

Thanks to a free app from VirtualSpeech, students can try this method at home. By plugging a smartphone into Google Cardboard or any VR headset, users will find themselves in a 360-degree virtual presentation room and have the option of uploading their own PowerPoint, which appears on the virtual screen as they address the virtual crowd.

Managing Anxiety and Stress

Stay balanced in the face of stress and anxiety with our collection of tools and advice..

How are you, really? This self-guided check-in will help you take stock of your emotional well-being — and learn how to make changes .

These simple and proven strategies will help you manage stress , support your mental health and find meaning in the new year.

First, bring calm and clarity into your life with these 10 tips . Next, identify what you are dealing with: Is it worry, anxiety or stress ?

Persistent depressive disorder is underdiagnosed, and many who suffer from it have never heard of it. Here is what to know .

If you notice drastic shifts in your mood during certain times of the year, you could have seasonal affective disorder. Here are answers to your top questions about the condition .

How much anxiety is too much? Here is how to establish whether you should see a professional about it .

U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

  • Publications
  • Account settings

Preview improvements coming to the PMC website in October 2024. Learn More or Try it out now .

  • Advanced Search
  • Journal List
  • Animals (Basel)

Logo of animals

Communication in Dogs

Simple summary.

Communication takes place between members of the same species, as well as between heterospecific individuals, such as the long co-habitation process and inter-dependent relationship present in domestic dogs and humans. Dogs engage in visual communication by modifying different parts of their body; in tactile communication; and also in auditory and olfactory communication, with vocalizations and body odours, respectively. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the recent literature about dog communication, describing the different nature of the signals used in conspecific and heterospecific interactions and their communicative meaning. Lateralized dog brain patterns underlying basic neural mechanisms are also discussed, for both conspecific and heterospecific social communication.

Dogs have a vast and flexible repertoire of visual, acoustic, and olfactory signals that allow an expressive and fine tuned conspecific and dog–human communication. Dogs use this behavioural repertoire when communicating with humans, employing the same signals used during conspecific interactions, some of which can acquire and carry a different meaning when directed toward humans. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the latest progress made in the study of dog communication, describing the different nature of the signals used in conspecific (dog–dog) and heterospecific (dog–human) interactions and their communicative meaning. Finally, behavioural asymmetries that reflect lateralized neural patterns involved in both dog–dog and dog–human social communication are discussed.

1. Introduction

Communication occurs between members of the same species, as well as between heterospecific individuals, as occurs between domestic dogs and humans [ 1 ]. Living in close contact with humans for at least 30,000 years [ 2 ], dogs have developed specific skills enabling them to communicate flexibly with humans [ 3 ]. There is now evidence suggesting that the dog–human relationship can be characterized as an “attachment”, which closely resembles the one reported between infants and their primary caregivers [ 4 , 5 ]. Specifically, the co-habitation process and the human–dog attachment caused both in human and in dogs changes in their cross-species communicative abilities, the result of which is to perceive and understand the other species’ signals and correctly respond to them [ 6 ].

Dogs show a flexible behavioural repertoire when communicating with humans, employing the same signals used in intraspecific interactions (dog–dog), some of which can acquire and carry a different meaning when used toward humans (e.g., eye contact, [ 7 ]). They use their whole body to communicate, conveying information intentionally or otherwise [ 8 ]. Not all the signals, in fact, are under voluntary control. When a dog experiences an emotional state, for example anxiety, it releases a specific body odour into the environment [ 8 , 9 ]. Despite being involuntary, this signal is received as a communicative signal by other individual because it informs them about the sender’s inner state and it can produce changes in the receiver’s behaviour [ 8 ].

Dogs are engaged in visual communication by modifying different parts of their body, in tactile communication, and in auditory and olfactory communication, with vocalizations and body odours, respectively. The aim of this review is to provide an overview on the recent literature about dog communication, describing the different nature of the signals used in conspecific and heterospecific interactions and their communicative meaning.

2. Visual Communication

Dogs communicate visually with other individual modifying the position of different parts of their body (see Figure 1 and Figure 2 ). Control by voluntary muscles allows dogs to display a wide range of postures and body part positions that convey different information about the signaler’s inner state and intentions [ 8 ]. However, humans, through artificial selection over many years, have produced changes in dogs’ anatomy and morphology that have reduced the social signaling capacity of several breeds [ 10 ]. For instance, brachycephalic dog lost the flexibility in displaying different facial expressions and dogs with permanently erected ears or with a very short tails lost part of their behavioural repertoire expressed by these anatomical structures [ 10 ]. The long or dense fur of some breeds obscures several visual signals, like piloerection, or even entire parts of dogs’ body (eyes, mouth, or legs) [ 10 , 11 ]. Therefore, visual communication could be extremely challenging for some dogs, both for correctly delivering and for interpreting visual information.

An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is animals-08-00131-g001.jpg

The female is looking at the little red male, asking him to increase the distance. The little red male is approaching in a curving but conflicting way; he has hackles and his face expresses tension. May be he is testing the reaction of the female, asking her to stand up; the female face expresses threat (she probably does not want to interact with him).

An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is animals-08-00131-g002.jpg

The two dogs have a very strong relationship. The Czech wolf needs to be close to his “adoptive mother” while he is looking at something that catches his attention. The female is looking at something else with a body language that gives information; she is much more self-confident.

Broadly speaking, individuals’ proximity and direct interactions are required during visual communication [ 12 ]. In dogs’ encounters with other conspecifics, body size and body posture are the first visual signals perceived, providing the very first information about other individuals’ intentions [ 10 ]. Dogs can communicate confidence, alertness, or threat by increasing their body size, pulling themselves up to their full height, and increasing the tension of the body muscles [ 8 ]. The individual’s body size can be further increased by piloerection of the hackles ( Figure 1 ). The piloerection reflex occurs in several contexts related to the individual’s increase in arousal, indicating, for example, fear or surprise, or to communicate aggression or stress [ 8 ]. It still remains a question to be further investigated whether the location of the raised hackles on the dog’s body could be really informative about dogs’ emotional states.

On the other hand, dogs can reduce sizes perceived by other individuals by lowering their body and their tail and flattening back their ears to avoid conflicts or during stressful interactions [ 8 , 11 ] ( Figure 3 ).

An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is animals-08-00131-g003.jpg

Free-ranging dogs. ( A ) The black male displays courtship behavior. His expression shows a closing distance request. ( A , B ) The female is showing her intention to avoid a conflict, but also her firm intention to enhance distance to protect her puppy.

The tail contributes to help define postural displays and its positions and movements are used to convey different information about the individuals’ emotional state and intentions. The tail is held high to communicate confidence, arousal, or the dog’s willingness to positively approach another individual, for example greeting and playing [ 10 , 11 ], while it is held stiff to express a threat or the individual’s anxiety [ 8 , 10 , 11 ]. On the contrary, a tail held low or tucked between the limbs signals fear, anxiety, or appeasement as it contributes to decreasing the individual’s body size [ 8 , 10 , 11 ]. Dogs wag their tails loosely from side to side to communicate friendliness or their excitability [ 8 ]. Fast movements of the tail, instead, express different inner states according to its position; dogs communicate confidence if they hold their tail high, while a low wagging is generally associated with anxiousness, nervousness, or internal conflict [ 8 , 10 ]. There is now evidence that the direction of tail wagging movements is also directly involved in intraspecific communication. Specifically, when dogs look at stimuli with a positive emotional valence (e.g., their owner), their tail moves more towards the right side; on the other hand, when dogs look at clear negative emotional stimuli (an unfamiliar dog with a clear agonistic behaviour), a higher amplitude of tail wagging to the left appears. Given that the movement of the tail depends on the contralateral side of the brain [ 13 ], left–right directions of tail wagging are consistent with Davidson’s laterality–valence hypothesis about the specialization of the left side of the brain for the control of approaching behavioural responses (right-wag for positive stimulus) and the main role of the right side of the brain for the control of withdrawal responses (left-wag for negative stimulus) [ 14 ]. The decisive aspect for visual intraspecific communication is that dogs seem to be able to detect tail movement asymmetries of other conspecifics, and thus indirectly deduce their emotional state [ 15 ].

In close-range social interactions, dogs can also obtain and deliver information about their inner state through their facial expression, modifying gaze, ears, and mouth position ( Figure 3 and Figure 4 ). Previously, facial expressions were considered involuntary displays of an individual’s emotional state. However, recent research has discovered that dogs produce facial expressions as an active attempt to communicate with others [ 16 ].

An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is animals-08-00131-g004.jpg

In this photo two, relaxed facial expressions are shown. The mouths are not tense, the looks are not direct, and the proximity tells us that the two dogs have a good relationship.

The eye region plays an important informative role in face recognition in dogs. Dogs usually stare at other individuals to threaten them, while they avoid making eye contact to appease and to decrease the tension during an interaction [ 8 , 10 ]. Eye tracking studies demonstrate, indeed, that dogs address their attention principally to the eye region when processing conspecific faces [ 17 , 18 ]. Canine eyes can communicate individuals’ emotional states. Eyes are “soft” in relaxing and non-threatening contexts ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 ), while they are “hard” when partially open and with brow wrinkled, expressing a high level of tension ( Figure 6 ) [ 8 ].

An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is animals-08-00131-g005.jpg

The Czech wolf is positively excited during play; his facial muscles are not in tension and his eyes are “soft”.

An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is animals-08-00131-g006.jpg

In this photo, the tension is very high: the Czech wolf is asking the other dog to back off, showing his desire to communicate; he is threatening the white dog, but his look is not directly at the other dog. The white dog instead is much more direct and intense (picture taken from a video footage).

In agonistic and stressful situations, dogs can open their eyes wide, exposing the whites of the eyes, namely the sclera (“whale eyes”) [ 8 ]. Moreover, dogs can derive information about other individuals’ intentions by evaluating their willingness to make eye contact, especially in agonistic contexts. Coloured markings around the eyes (e.g., small brown spots above the eyebrow ridge of Dobermans and Rottweillers), could favour attention catching toward the eye region in order to facilitate the interpretation of conspecific communicative signals conveyed by different facial expressions [ 8 ]. This hypothesis is supported by the fact that there is now clear scientific evidence that, in dogs, colour information may be predominant with respect to brightness [ 19 , 20 ].

Along with the eyes, ear position represents a relevant signal in individuals’ emotional expression, even though its role in face processing has been rarely investigated. As highlighted above for the tail, it is necessary to consider breed differences in the morphology of the ears and ability to move them when defining the “relaxed” position, and the different changes should be evaluated by examining any ear base modifications [ 11 ]. Generally speaking, dogs can pull their ears back various degrees according to the animals’ arousal state. Ears can vary from simply “back”, to communicate an appeasement intention, to “flattened” or “pressed back”, in frightened individuals ( Figure 3 ) or as an agonistic response ( Figure 6 ). In extremely fearful individuals, ears can be pressed back so far on the head that they completely disappear (“seal ears”) [ 8 ]. On the contrary, ears kept forward are associated with interest, attention, and approach-oriented intentions [ 11 ], while sideward position indicates a conflicting inner state (“airplane ears”) [ 8 ].

Although the mouth region is less investigated compared with the eyes when dogs process conspecific faces, the mouth acquires a particular importance when evaluating whether a facial expression is potentially threatening. Dogs, indeed, look more at the mouth region of pictures portraying threatening and neutral conspecific facial expressions [ 18 ]. In our opinion, the eyes staring at a fixed point that is displayed in the “neutral” expression could be interpreted as “eye stalking” by the receiver, who can focus their attention on the mouth to perceive other information (lip position or a vocalization) to correctly interpret this expression.

Mouth configuration varies according to its position (open or close) and to the labial commissures shape, which conveys important information about the individual’s aggressive intentions and its stress state. The labial commissure of the mouth is drawn forward (“short lips”) in agonistic displays ( Figure 6 ) and the related opening degree of the mouth increases according to threat intensity [ 8 ]. On the contrary, dogs pull back their labial commissure (“long lips”) to communicate stress [ 8 , 11 ], the intensity of which increases if the commissures are drawn more backward and form a “C” shape [ 8 ].

Along with postural and facial displays, dogs can exhibit other behaviours to signal their inner state; for example, they turn their head away from a stimulus when stressed ( Figure 3 B), they lift their forehead paw to indicate uncertainty, or they lick their lips to communicate their appeasement intentions [ 8 , 21 ].

Overall, despite the fact that communication behaviours can be described separately, single behaviours need to be considered and observed in the context of all the other signals displayed at that time, as well as the general body language, in order to interpret correctly the individual’s emotional state.

Dog–human communication has received growing interest over the past twenty years. In particular, several studies investigating dogs’ comprehension of human visual signals revealed that dogs are tuned into human visual communication [ 3 ]. Dogs, indeed, already show a high sensitivity to human-given cues in an early stage of their development [ 22 , 23 , 24 ], following spontaneously human body postures, gaze direction, and pointing to find a target location [ 25 , 26 , 27 ]. They also prefer to rely more on human gestures rather than auditory cues in a two-choice task, in which the information received is contradictory, suggesting that gestures are more salient for them [ 28 ].

Most importantly, recent studies reported that dogs are skilful in interpreting the communicative intent of humans by understanding the ostensive-referential nature of specific signals, such as eye contact or directed-speech [ 29 , 30 , 31 ]. Ostensive cues are a characteristic element of human communicative interactions that express the sender’s intention to initiate a communicative interaction [ 7 ]. Thus, dogs’ ability to recognise human ostensive signals, which is unique in the animal kingdom, suggests a high level of adaptation to the human social environment [ 30 ]. Furthermore, the flexible comprehension of human gestures allows dogs to efficiently discriminate which of the numerous and different human social behaviours displayed in the everyday life are directed to them [ 7 ]. Dogs, indeed, evaluate the same behaviour differently according to the presence of an ostensive cue that precedes or accompanies it, ignoring the unintended movements [ 29 ]. Among human ostensive signals, eye contact represents the most important and efficient one [ 7 , 29 ]. From an early age, dogs show a spontaneous tendency to gaze at human faces and to make eye contact [ 32 ] in a wide range of contexts, for example, in unsolvable tasks or to beg for food from humans [ 33 , 34 ]. Given the specific nature of the contexts in which it is displayed, the human-directed gaze has been interpreted as a “request of help” [ 7 , 33 ]. Thus, dogs use eye contact to communicate with humans differently from conspecific communication, in which it represents a clear threatening signal [ 8 ]. On the contrary, in interspecific communication, and in a friendly context, it facilitates the beginning and the maintenance of human–dog interaction [ 35 ]. Therefore, through the domestication process, dogs have modified the functional meaning of this typical behavioural pattern to adapt it to a cross-species communication, acquiring a human-like communication mode [ 30 ]. Furthermore, human–dog mutual gaze enhances the establishment of an affiliative relationship and a social bond between dogs and humans by the same oxytocin-mediated effect described for mother–infant dyad and for human sexual partners [ 5 , 36 , 37 ].

The informative role of the eyes for human–dog communication is also demonstrated by the greater interest by canids in investigating the eye region compared with the other inner facial features in processing human faces [ 17 ]. Moreover, dogs assess human’s attentional state during communicative interactions by evaluating human gaze direction and adapting their behaviour accordingly [ 38 ]. It has been recently shown that human attention affects dogs’ facial expression production, as dogs increase all facial movements when a human is attending to them. This evidence highlights both dogs’ ability to act differently according to humans’ readiness to interact with them and, more importantly, dogs’ communicative intent in producing facial expressions. In particular, “tongue show” and “inner brow raiser” facial movements are used as flexible signals to catch human attention, because, for example, the “eyebrow raising” triggers human innate tendency to respond to this ostensive signal [ 16 ]. Dogs mainly rely on humans’ availability to make eye contact when they communicate with them, increasing their visual communicative behaviour according to their presence. In particular, eye contact has a crucial role for the dogs’ referential communication with humans [ 38 ]. Dogs, indeed, are able not only to flexibly use human gaze to regulate their behaviour in specific contexts, but also to communicate with humans to direct their attention to a specific object of their interest, by performing the so-called “showing behaviour” [ 33 , 39 ]. It has been recently reported that dogs can use up to 19 different referential gestures during everyday interactions with humans, eliciting humans’ appropriate responses [ 6 ]. They use their body position and sustained gaze as a local enhancement signal [ 40 ] or they alternate their gaze between the target object and humans to indicate to them the object location [ 33 , 41 ]. These signals are displayed to communicate with humans and are modulated both by human availability to communicate with them [ 42 ] and by human responses. Dogs, indeed, produce persistently referential signals until they elicit a satisfactory human response [ 43 ], but they are also able to interrupt them when they are no longer successful [ 44 ].

Recent studies have demonstrated the existence of behavioural synchronization between dogs and humans (see for review [ 45 ]). The canine synchronizes its locomotor behaviour with that of its owner in different contexts, both indoors [ 46 ] and outdoors [ 47 ], and when facing an unfamiliar human. Dogs synchronize their behaviour with the owner’s withdrawal response toward strangers, taking longer time to approach them [ 48 ]. It has also been reported that the behavioural synchronization phenomenon is affected by dogs’ affiliation toward humans; pet dogs show a higher performance in synchronizing their behaviour with their owner’ than shelter dogs with their caregivers. Moreover, behavioural synchronization affects dogs’ social preference toward humans, and in particular, toward individuals synchronizing their locomotor activity with them [ 45 ]. Thus, authors concluded that, as previously described in humans, this phenomenon increases social cohesion and affiliation in dog–human dyads, contributing to emotional contagion [ 49 ].

Despite dogs’ high social competence to communicate and interact with humans and to perceive and correctly respond to their signals, there are some open questions that still need to be addressed.

Although dogs react to the informative nature of human ostensive-referential cues, they may interpret human gestures as an order rather than understanding the human communicative intent to share information [ 3 , 30 ]. This hypothesis is supported by dogs’ higher attitude to follow owners’ signals rather than those from a stranger and to follow human gestures to locate food even if the olfactory information about its position is contradictory [ 1 ]. Furthermore, it has been reported in a recent eye-tracking study that dogs are able to discriminate between social and non-social interactions depicted on a picture, showing a longer gaze toward the individuals in a social context compared with a non-social one [ 50 ].

A further important aspect of dog–human visual communication is the ability to perceive other individuals’ emotions expressed by their faces. There is broad evidence that both dogs and humans are skilled in recognizing the other species’ emotions by looking at their faces [ 51 , 52 ]. Specifically, domestic dogs show a functional understanding of human emotional facial expressions, responding differently according to its valence. They regulate their behaviour toward an unknown or ambiguous object by using human emotional referential expressions, especially when provided by their owner; dogs prefer to approach it or to stay away if the human expresses happiness or fear/disgust, respectively [ 53 , 54 ]. Interestingly, when the informants are inattentive, dogs actively attempt to involve them to obtain information, alternating their gaze between the object and them. Taken together, these findings demonstrate the existence of social referencing in dogs [ 53 ].

Dogs’ perception of human emotions allows them to adjust their behaviour during everyday interactions with humans and to respond appropriately. A recent study reports that dogs display mouth-licking behaviour, which is a stress indicator, more often when presented with negative emotional facial expressions compared with positive ones [ 55 ]. This evidence suggests both that they perceived the negative valence of the human emotion, increasing their level of stress, and that they responded adequately to it, displaying a behaviour used in conspecific communication to “appease” the sender [ 8 ]. Recent scientific literature shows that emotional cues conveyed by human emotional faces are processed in an asymmetrical way by the canine brain. Specifically, using a behavioural method commonly employed to study both visual and auditory lateralization (namely the “head orienting paradigm” [ 56 , 57 ]), it has been shown that dogs are sensitive to human faces expressing Ekman’s six basic emotions (e.g., anger, fear, happiness, sadness, surprise, disgust, and neutral) with a specialization of the right hemisphere for the analysis of human faces expressing “anger”, “fear” and, “happiness” emotions, but an opposite bias (left hemisphere) for human faces expressing “surprise” [ 57 ].

3. Acoustic Communication

Domestic dogs have a broad and sophisticated vocal repertoire [ 58 ]. Although their vocalizations are similar to their closest relative, the wolf, dogs vocalize in a wider variety of social contexts compared with wolves and they retain this characteristic even into adulthood [ 59 ]. Dogs’ vocal behaviour underwent considerable changes during the domestication process, generally considered as a result of dogs’ adaptation to the human social environment [ 60 ]. The effect of living in proximity to humans on animals’ vocal behaviour has been demonstrated, indeed, by a pioneering study showing that, after a 40-year selection, tame red foxes emitted more human-directed vocalizations than their ancestors [ 61 ]. Thus, as described for the foxes, dogs could have acquired a tendency to vocalize more during interactions with humans, which could have been artificially selected, together with other socio-cognitive abilities of understanding human cues. Dogs developed, therefore, novel forms of the pre-existing vocalizations, which acquired different acoustic and functional characteristics, facilitating their communication with humans [ 59 ]. Humans, indeed, are able to derive information from dogs’ vocalisations, not only about the senders’ physical characteristics, rating, for example, growls produced by larger dogs as more aggressive than those of smaller dogs [ 62 ], but also about its emotional state [ 63 , 64 ]. The development of different and numerous vocal signals in dogs could have been modulated, therefore, by their efficacy of conveying specific information to communicate with humans. This hypothesis is further supported by the existence of an individual variability of the acoustic features of barks directed to humans in non-agonistic contexts (during ball play, in requesting situations, or before going for a walk), which can be shaped according to the owner’s response during everyday interactions [ 59 , 65 ].

The specific role of auditory signals in communication with humans is confirmed by the significant decrease of their production in feral and stray dogs [ 59 ], suggesting that dogs’ social contact with humans represents the main regulatory factor of their expression.

Here, we provide an overview of dogs’ most common vocalizations, focusing on their functional–contextual features, both in intraspecific and heterospecific communication.

Among the different vocal signals, the bark is certainly the most typical vocalization of dogs. Contrary to previous beliefs, which claimed that barks are a byproduct of domestication lacking any functional value, recent studies demonstrated the context-related acoustical features of barks [ 60 , 66 , 67 ], suggesting that they are means of communication in dogs.

Barks are short, explosive, and repetitive signals, with a highly variable acoustic structure (dominant frequency range between 160 and 2630 Hz), differing between breeds and even between individuals [ 60 , 66 ]. They are generally used in short-range interactions and in several behavioural contexts, like greeting, warning/alerting, calling for attention, or during play [ 58 ]. Moreover, barking is an allomimetic behaviour, that is, a group activity in which several individuals bark in unison with other conspecifics, mirroring and stimulating each other [ 8 ].

Dog breeds show a different use of barks in their vocal communication. Wolf-related breeds, for example, Shar-pei, Chow-Chow or Basenji, have a very rare propensity to bark, whereas other breeds present a specific type of barking, such as hunting dogs [ 59 ].

Barks carry various information about the signaler’s physical characteristics, familiarity, and inner state [ 62 , 67 , 68 ], allowing dogs to differentiate not only between barks produced by different individuals in the same context [ 68 ], but also between the different contexts in which they are produced [ 67 ]. Recent studies report, indeed, that the barks acoustic features vary predictably according to the context; dogs emit longer and lower frequency barks when a stranger approaches them, while high pitched barks are mainly produced in isolation situations [ 63 , 66 ]. Dogs distinguish between the different acoustic structure of barks and react accordingly to its content and the familiarity of the signaler, staying closer to the gate of their house in response to an unfamiliar dog barking at a stranger and remaining inside the house during the barks of a lonely familiar dog [ 67 ]. These findings demonstrate that barks have a functional role in intra-specific communication.

Recent studies have reported that, similar to barks, growls also convey meaningful information to dogs [ 62 , 64 , 69 ]. These low-frequency broadband vocalizations are mainly produced during agonistic interactions as a warning or threatening signal or during play interactions [ 8 , 58 ]. Canines can assess the body size of another individual by listening to its growl, correctly matching the sound heard with the picture portraying it [ 69 ]. Moreover, they discriminate between growls produced in different contexts, showing more inhibited behaviour to take a bone if a “guarding” growl is played [ 64 ]. It has recently been found that dogs’ growls have a context-dependent acoustics structure; in particular, its temporal features, fundamental frequency, and formant dispersions differ between play and aggressive growls, produced to threaten a stranger or to guard a bone [ 62 , 64 ]. In spite of the specific acoustic characteristics of growls produced during play with humans (short and high-pitched), these vocalizations, in particular, all “play vocalizations”, which also include barks and huffing [ 8 ], are less distinguishable for dogs compared with those recorded in disturbing and isolation situations [ 56 ]. Dogs’ difficulty in clearly perceiving these vocalizations can be due to the lack of other metasignals, for example, visual signals, that provide further contextual information, helping dogs to correctly interpret them [ 8 ]. The context specificity of growls and the different reaction of dogs to the different “context-type” growls demonstrate its important role in communication between dogs.

Dogs’ acoustic communication includes whines, which are indicators of stressful arousal but also greeting and attention-seeking behaviours [ 8 ]; howls, which maintain group cohesion; groans and yelps, signs of acute distress and acute pain, respectively; and grunts, which are considered as pleasure-related signals [ 58 ]. It has recently been found that canines can extract information about the emotional state of other dogs from their vocalizations. In fact, they can correctly identify the emotional valence of conspecific vocalizations, associating playful and aggressive ones with the corresponding emotional faces [ 70 ].

Moreover, conspecific vocalizations in the dog brain, as in other vertebrates, are analysed mainly by the left hemisphere, and its involvement depends on the characteristics of the sound. For example, when dogs were presented with the reversed temporal acoustic features of their calls (e.g., canine vocalizations of play, disturbance, and isolation), a shift from a left-hemisphere bias (normal call versions) to a right-hemisphere bias (play calls) or to no brain asymmetry (disturbance and isolation calls) has been reported. In addition, it is interesting to note that when intraspecific vocalizations elicit intense emotions, a right hemisphere bias appeared, confirming the hypothesis on the role of the right side of the dog brain in the analysis of arousing communicative signals [ 71 ].

Dogs and humans use vocal signals in cross-species communicative interactions that are able to produce changes in other species behaviours [ 72 ].

On one hand, canines understand the meaning of some human words and perceive the emotional content of human vocalizations. They are able to learn up to 200 words’ meaning and they link it with the object they refer to [ 73 ]. Furthermore, dogs use human voice intonation as a social referential cue, extracting information about people’s reaction to novel or ambiguous objects and acting accordingly [ 53 , 54 , 74 ]. Although vocal signals are less significant than visual ones in guiding dogs in ambiguous choice situations [ 43 , 74 ], the tone of human voice seems to be more efficient in communicating the human’s motive [ 75 ]. A recent study shows that dogs regulate their behaviour according to the humans’ intentions expressed by different verbal utterances, following human gestures when they are given with a cooperative intention, but ignoring them if given with a low-pitched/prohibiting voice [ 75 ]. Moreover, canines detect the intention of humans to engage in playing interactions when the human’s postural signals are accompanied by vocalizations, suggesting a specific play-eliciting function of vocalizations in human–dog social interaction [ 76 ].

The ability of the dog to correctly interpret the emotional valence of a sound also extends to human vocalizations. Specifically, using a cross-modal paradigm, it has been demonstrated that dogs can correctly match “happy” or “angry” human faces with a vocalization expressing the same emotional valence [ 70 ]. Furthermore, recent research indicates that human emotional vocalizations are processed in an asymmetrical way by the dog brain, with the prevalent use of the right hemisphere in the analysis of vocalizations with a clear negative emotional valence (i.e., “fear” and “sadness”) and the main use of the left hemisphere in the analysis of positive vocalization (“happiness”) [ 77 ].

On the other hand, dogs use vocalizations to communicate with humans, particularly to solicit their care and to attract their attention when faced with an unsolvable problem [ 10 , 33 ]. They mainly use short-distance calls in interactions with humans, like barks, growls, and whines, compared with long distance calls, which are used instead to communicate with conspecifics [ 60 ]. Despite little information about the intentional control of vocal productions [ 78 ], a growing body of literature demonstrates that dogs’ vocalizations are effective means for interspecific communication, conveying information for humans [ 63 , 79 , 80 ]. Humans are able to assess the signaler’s size by listening to its growls [ 81 ] and, more interestingly, they perceive the emotional content and attribute contexts to different dogs’ vocalizations [ 62 , 63 , 79 , 80 ]. They generally interpret growls from large dogs as being more aggressive than those emitted by smaller dogs [ 82 ], and they correctly attribute emotions to growls according to their social context (play, threatening, or food guarding) [ 80 ].

Humans can also categorize barks according to their emotional content, rating barks directed toward a stranger as more aggressive, barks produced in an isolation situation as more “despaired”, and barks recorded during play interactions as happier [ 63 ]. Moreover, regarding the acoustical structure of barks, humans generally rate low-frequency, low tonality, rapid-pulsating barks as more aggressive, while more tonal, high pitched, and slow-pulsating barks are considered to be happier or more desperate [ 63 ]. Recent findings demonstrate that humans rely on the same acoustical rules to assess the emotional content and the context of dogs’ and conspecific vocalizations, suggesting the existence of a wider common mechanism of animals to express emotions through vocal signals and to apply the same rules to encode other individuals’ inner states by listening to their vocalizations [ 83 ]. Moreover, the humans’ ability to categorize dogs’ vocal signals is independent from previous experience with dogs because the same performance has been found in recognizing dogs vocalizations in adults and five-year-old children, as well as in congenitally blind people [ 63 , 84 , 85 ].

Overall, humans’ ability to categorize dogs’ vocalizations demonstrates that dogs’ vocal signals have a communicative relevance for humans and that they represent effective means for dog–human communication.

4. Olfactory Communication

There are relatively few studies about the role of olfaction in dogs’ communication with both conspecifics and humans. The little research attention to the chemosignals characteristics of conveying senders’ information might be due to the minor role of olfaction in human–human communication (compared with vision and hearing) and to human minor sensibility to odours [ 10 ]. However, dogs’ high olfactory sensitivity (10,000–100,000 times higher than humans’) allows them to access social and contextual information through their sense of smell [ 11 , 12 ]. Body odours contain chemical signals that have specifically evolved to communicate with other individuals ( Figure 7 ) [ 86 ]. Nevertheless, to date, dogs’ perception of the different information conveyed by odours and their role in social interaction are scarcely investigated and future studies are needed to address this issue.

An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is animals-08-00131-g007.jpg

The white female is sniffing urine marking; the black female (with a shaved area on her right side due to an ecographic analysis) uses the urine marking as a resource to make clear a conflict with the white female. ( A ) In the first photo, the black female is asking distance and the eye contact is very clearly showing a threat. ( B ) In the second photo, the white female turns and goes away from the urine marking and the body language of the black female become more possessive; the direction of the head is on the urine marking, the direction of the eyes is on the white female (pictures taken from a video footage).

Broadly speaking, olfactory communication is extremely efficient as odours persist in the environment, allowing animals to acquire information of the signaler without requiring the individuals’ physical proximity and direct interactions [ 12 ]. The olfactory signal release is below the threshold of consciousness [ 87 ] and it can occur without a communicative intent, as described for individual, gender, and emotion-related information [ 9 , 88 ]. Nevertheless, dogs can intentionally deposit their odour in the environment (“mark”) through urines, faeces, and glandular secretions; this behaviour is known as scent marking ( Figure 7 ). Therefore, olfactory communication in dogs takes place via a direct interaction between two individuals through close olfactory inspection, but it also occurs indirectly through scent marking [ 8 ].

Regarding dogs’ perception of conspecific and human odours, they spontaneously recognize individuals by their smell [ 10 ] and they prefer specific parts of human body for olfactory investigation [ 10 , 89 ], suggesting that different body parts produce specific odours that might convey different information.

Dogs discriminate conspecifics on the basis of their odour [ 90 ]. Moreover, they distinguish their own odour from that of others when presented with urine samples [ 90 , 91 ]. In social interactions, dogs engage in olfactory investigation as part of greeting behaviours to collect information about the other individuals [ 8 ]. They show a different interest for specific parts of conspecifics’ body for olfactory exploration, sniffing more intensely the face, the neck, the inguinal, and the perianal areas [ 8 , 10 ]. The odours are produced by different types of glands located in these areas, in particular, those located at the corner of the mouth, in the ear pinnae, the preputial and vaginal glands, and anal sacs. The particular interest shown in sniffing these areas suggests that dogs can obtain different information from the investigated regions, which may produce different odours [ 10 ]. Moreover, dogs collect social information by investigating other individuals’ urine and faeces placed in the environment [ 8 ]. Male and female dogs show a strong interest in unfamiliar urine and they investigate them to perform mate and threat assessment [ 92 ]. Olfactory communication includes scent marking behaviour, consisting of a first phase of investigation of other individuals’ marks followed by the deposit of the individual’s odours close to or on the existing marks [ 8 , 93 ]. Scent marking behaviour includes not only olfactory elements, but also visual and auditory components [ 11 ]. The placement of urine and faeces (the latter role has not been studied in detail) in the environment may be accompanied by ground-scratching behaviour, which adds both visual and auditory signals, produced by the act of scratching, and enrich the chemical signal of the mark with the deposition of interdigital glands secretions and with the dispersion of scats’ olfactory cues [ 8 , 11 ].

Communication via scents plays an important role in dogs’ reproductive behaviour. Bitches signal their reproductive status through urine marks and vaginal secretions [ 94 ], whose odour is extremely attractive for other dogs [ 95 ]. It elicits a specific reaction in male dogs, which deposit their own urine on or near to the females’ one as a signal for courtship [ 94 ].

Dogs can also release their odour in the environment by rolling on the ground, marking with their face and their entire body. Although this behaviour is still included in the canines’ repertoire and it maintains its communicative characteristic, it is no longer relevant for the evolutionary success of this species. Wolves use scent-rolling behaviour to pick up the scent of the pray and to carry it back to the pack, providing information about the health and location of the prey [ 8 ].

Moreover, it has been recently demonstrated that dogs are able to perceive the emotional content of conspecific odours, which induces behavioural and physiological effects in the receiver according to their valence [ 9 , 96 ]. Research specifically showed that during the sniffing of odours collected from perianal, interdigital, and salivary secretions soon after the end of a negative emotional event, in which the dog was left alone in an unfamiliar environment, dogs consistently used their right nostril. Given that the neural olfactory pathways ascend ipsilaterally to the brain, right nostril use reflects a main activation of the right hemisphere. In addition, the sniffing conspecific odours collected during “isolation” and “disturbance” situations causes an increase in heart rate and stress behaviours in dogs. Once again, these findings support the main role of the right side of the dog brain in the analysis of clear arousing signals.

Canines recognize humans by their odour. They are able to discriminate body odour of two identical twins living in the same environment [ 97 ] and to respond spontaneously to metabolic changes of their owner on the base of their scent [ 98 ]. Moreover, they associate the humans’ odour with previous experiences they had with them. They show an increase of their arousal state when presented with the veterinary sweat odour, which is generally associated with stressful experiences [ 95 ]; on the other hand, they associate familiar human odours with positive outcomes [ 99 ]. In a recent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study, it is reported that familiar human odours activate the caudate nucleus, which is associated with positive expectations and reward, including social reward [ 99 ].

Dogs show a preference for investigating specific parts of the human body, and in particular, some specific areas of children’s bodies, namely the face and the upper limbs, suggesting that human odours produced at different anatomical parts could also provide different specific olfactory cues [ 9 ].

It has been recently found that, as for conspecific odours, dogs detect the emotional content of human odours, which induces different changes in their behaviour and in their cardiac activity [ 9 , 96 ]. In particular, an increase in behavioural and cardiac reactivity occurs during the sniffing of human odours collected during fearful situations. It is interesting to note that, contrary to that which has been observed for arousing conspecific odours, during the sniffing of the smell of human fear, bias in the use of the left nostril (i.e., left hemisphere activity) has been observed [ 9 ]. The latter suggest that chemosignals communicate conspecific and heterospecific emotions using different sensory pathways.

Moreover, dogs adjust their social behaviour toward humans according to the valence of the odour perceived, showing more stranger-directed behaviour when presented with the “happiness” odour, and more owner-directed behaviour when presented with the “fear” odour [ 96 ].

These findings demonstrate that chemosignals carry contextual-related information, supporting their specific role in dog–human communication.

5. Tactile Communication

Although rarely studied, tactile communication is an equally important aspect of dog communication. Tactile communication between dogs is used during agonistic interactions to impress an opponent (by an intense physical contact, putting paws over back or body of subordinate, grabbing the muzzle of the subordinate or young individuals and clasping another canids during ritualized aggression) or to maintain social bond ( Figure 8 ) [ 8 , 100 , 101 ]. In particular, social cohesion is maintained by specific activities, such as resting in close contact (see Figure 9 ), placing the head over the shoulders of another dog during greetings or sexual approaches preceding mating, and by social grooming, which generally includes “face washing” (licking the other animal’s face) or “nibble” grooming, using the front teeth and rapid jaw open–close movements [ 8 ].

An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is animals-08-00131-g008.jpg

The Czech wolf is doing a muzzle grab during a bout of play.

An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is animals-08-00131-g009.jpg

These two Rhodesian Ridgebacks usually sleep and rest in very close physical contact with each other. They have a very strong bond; the dog on the left is a daughter of the one on the right.

In a similar way, some human gestures during human–dog physical interaction could result in positive or negative canine emotional states, which drive to corresponding approaching and withdrawal behavioral responses of the dogs, even if they have been initiated with a different motivation [ 102 ]. People, equal if familiar or unfamiliar to a pet, tend to show their affection towards their pets by initiating physical contact. This is due to the fact that the tactile contact during human–dog interactions causes a series of benefits with regard to the physiology, the mental states, and the immune system of humans. For example, in humans, a decrease of both blood pressure and heart rate and an increase of the immune system function have been reported after petting dogs [ 103 , 104 , 105 ]. Otherwise, being petted serves as positive reinforcement for dogs as confirmed by associated heart-rate deceleration [ 106 ]. Nevertheless, physical contact in social interactions has different features in interspecific and intraspecific communication, in terms of both frequency and duration. Dogs rarely use physical contact to communicate with other individuals and tactile interactions (for example, grooming) are generally short lasting. On the contrary, humans tend to initiate and maintain physical contact with dogs with a higher frequency and longer duration, as it is a typical feature of human–human communication. For this reason, some dogs may appear less relaxed during human–dog tactile interaction (see Figure 10 ) tolerating physical contact or displaying a withdrawal behavioral response [ 107 ]. Some dogs tend to show discomfort using ambivalent signals and conflict behaviors during all close physical interactions and this phenomenon also depends on which specific part of their body is touched [ 108 ].

An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is animals-08-00131-g010.jpg

This dog is not relaxed during this tactile interaction. Although the physical contact is “gentle” (on the dog’s side and not on his head), the human is standing on the dog, making him feel uncomfortable.

A significant influence of human-dog familiarity on dogs’ behavioral responses during tactile human-dog interactions has also been found. In particular, the work of Kuhne and colleagues [ 100 ] showed that dogs being petted by a familiar person showed significantly more appeasement gestures (e.g., blinking, looking elsewhere, closing both eyes, averted head, sitting, laying down, etc.), redirected behaviors (e.g., sniffing/licking on the floor, digging, drinking, visual scanning, etc.), and social approach behavior than dogs being petted by an unfamiliar person. Furthermore, significant differences in dogs’ behavioral responses depending on human-dog familiarity could be seen if the dogs were petted on specific parts of their body, supporting other findings that showed that dogs may generally dislike their hind legs, paws, and the top of their head being touched [ 109 ]. Dogs may interpret petting these specific canine body regions as agonistic communicative signals, which could create interferences with a normal and balanced human-dog bond [ 102 ]. Canines seem to better tolerate physical contacts (displaying less conflict and withdrawal behavioral responses) on the sides of their chest and under their chin. However, given that dogs’ reactions to handling depend on different factors (e.g., genetics and early experience, including socialization with humans, as well as physical and mental health, breed, learning and especially the context in which the interaction takes place [ 110 , 111 ]), there is no scientific concluding evidence yet concerning how to safely pet and play with dogs [ 109 ].

6. Conclusions

Dogs have a vast repertoire of visual, tactile, acoustic, and olfactory signals that they use for an expressive and fine-tuned communication with both conspecifics and humans. Nevertheless, the communicative importance of the different body parts in social interactions still remains poorly investigated. Future studies could evaluate dogs’ gaze pattern and olfactory attention toward human and conspecific bodies both in human–dog and conspecific interactions, in order to better identify which body regions are more informative for dogs during communicative interactions.

Author Contributions

The authors contributed equally to this manuscript.

This research received no external funding.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

  • Study Guides
  • Homework Questions

Informative Speech Outline - Copy - Copy

  • Communications

DogCaress

How To Adopt A Dog Informative Speech?

If you’re considering adopting a dog, you probably have a lot of questions. How do you choose the right dog for your family? How do you prepare your home for a new dog? What can you expect during the first few weeks?

In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about adopting a dog. You will learn how to choose the right dog for your family, how to prepare your home for a new dog, and what to expect during the first few weeks.

So, how to adopt a dog informative speech?

There are a number of things to consider before adopting a dog, such as whether or not you have enough space for a pet, whether you have another pet that could potentially get along with a new dog, and if you’re prepared to handle some additional daily responsibilities such as feeding, walking, and exercising the dog.

If you’re ready to take on the challenge of dog ownership, the first step is to visit your local animal shelter or rescue organization to meet some adoptable dogs and see which one would be the best fit for your home and lifestyle. Once you’ve found the perfect pup, the adoption process typically involves filling out some paperwork and paying an adoption fee, which helps to cover the cost of care for the animal while they were in the shelter.

Let’s dig into it and see if we can find a solution.

Step By Step Process On: How To Adopt A Dog Informative Speech?

Here I will explain you step by step process of how to adopt a dog informative speech? let’s see how to adopt a dog informative speech.

The first step is to visit different adoption agencies and rescue homes to see what type of dogs are available for adoption. It’s important to find an agency that is a good fit for you and your family.

The second step is to fill out an application form at the agency. This form will ask for personal information such as your driver’s license number and your contact information.

The third step is to select a furry friend from the agency. This can be done by visiting the agency in person or by looking at websites that list available animals for adoption.

The fourth step is to finalize the adoption by filling out paperwork and paying the required fees. This paperwork will usually be one page front and back.

The fifth and final step is to allow the dog to adjust to its new home. This may take a few days or weeks. It’s important to be patient during this time and to give the dog plenty of love and attention.

If you wanted to watch a youtube video that shows you how to adopt a dog informative speech? I have included a video below:

What Do You Say When You Adopt A Dog?

When adopting a dog, there are a few key questions you should ask in order to set yourself and your new furry friend up for success. First, you’ll want to ask about any behavioral or health issues that the dog may have. If there are any concerns, be sure to explain how you’ll handle them. It’s also important to ask about the dog’s temperament. For example, if the dog has been abused in the past, you’ll want to know what the organization thinks will help the dog feel comfortable and safe in your home. By asking these key questions, you can be sure that you’re prepared to provide a loving, forever home for your new dog.

Besides this, You will want to ask the organization about the animal’s behavioral and health issues, as well as its temperament. It is also important to ask about the animal’s previous abuse, if any, and what the organization thinks will help you and the animal to be successful.

How Do You Convince Someone To Adopt A Dog?

There are many ways to convince someone to adopt a dog, but it ultimately depends on the person you are trying to convince. If you are close to the person and they are open to the idea of owning a dog, then you can simply explain the many benefits of dog ownership and how a dog can enrich their life. However, if the person is not particularly interested in dogs or is hesitant about the commitment, then you may need to be more persuasive.

One way to convince someone to adopt a dog is to talk about all of the health benefits that come with dog ownership. Did you know that owning a dog can decrease your risk of heart disease, lower your blood pressure, and help you to live longer? It’s true! Not to mention, dogs can also help to reduce stress and anxiety levels. If the person you are trying to convince is hesitant about adopting a dog because they think it will be too much work, you can remind them that dogs can actually help to keep you active and improve your overall fitness levels.

Another way to convince someone to adopt a dog is to talk about all of the joy and happiness that a dog can bring into their life. Dogs are known for their unconditional love and loyalty, and they can make wonderful companions. If the person you are trying to convince is lonely or feels like they are missing something in their life, a dog can definitely help to fill that void.

Ultimately, the best way to convince someone to adopt a dog is to simply show them how much love and companionship a dog can provide. If you have a dog of your own, let the person you are trying to convince spend some time with your dog and see the amazing bond that you share. It is hard to resist the charms of a loyal and loving dog, and chances are good that the person you are trying to convince will soon be won over by your furry friend.

Why Is It Important To Adopt A Dog?

When you adopt a dog, you’re not only getting a loyal and loving companion, you’re also helping to save a life. Every year, millions of dogs are put down in shelters across the country simply because there aren’t enough homes for them. Adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue organization is one of the best things you can do to help reduce the number of animals that are euthanized each year.

Not only will you be giving a dog in need a loving home, but you’ll also be freeing up space in the shelter so that another homeless dog can have a chance at finding a forever home. And, of course, there are all the benefits that come with having a dog in your life – from endless cuddles to unconditional love. So what are you waiting for? Go out and adopt a dog today!

Additionally, When you adopt a pet, you save a life. Every year, millions of animals are euthanized because there are not enough homes for them. By adopting a pet, you make room for another animal to be adopted. Adopting a pet is a rewarding experience for both you and the animal.

How Do You Adapt To A Dog?

If you’re thinking about adding a furry friend to your family, you may be wondering how to best go about adapting to a dog. After all, they are very different from us humans! Here are a few tips to help you make the transition:

1. Establish rules and routines from the outset. Dogs thrive on predictability, so it’s important to set some ground rules from the start. This will help them feel secure and settled in their new home.

2. Take the time to get to know your new dog. Spend time playing with them, learning their likes and dislikes, and getting to know their personality.

3. Be patient. Dogs take time to adjust to new environments and may not be immediately comfortable in their new home. Give them time to settle in and get used to their new surroundings.

4. Seek professional help if needed. If you’re struggling to adjust to your new dog, or if they’re having difficulty settling in, seek professional help from a qualified animal behaviorist.

Why Should People Adopt Pets?

There are many benefits to adopting a pet, including improving your mental and physical health, providing companionship and love, and giving you a sense of purpose.

Pets can help to ease anxiety and loneliness, and can provide unconditional love and support. They can also help to boost your mood and self-esteem, and can provide a sense of purpose and routine.

Adopting a pet can also have physical health benefits, such as increasing your levels of exercise, improving your cardiovascular health, and reducing stress levels.

So, if you’re thinking about adopting a pet, there are many good reasons to do so!

What Are The Different Breeds Of Dogs?

There are many different breeds of dogs, each with their own unique set of characteristics. Some popular breeds include the Labrador Retriever, the Golden Retriever, and the German Shepherd.

What Are The Benefits Of Adopting A Pet Essay?

There are many benefits to adopting a pet, including the companionship they provide, the physical and mental health benefits of owning a pet, and the satisfaction of knowing you’ve given an animal in need a loving home.

Pets can provide their owners with companionship, which can help to reduce stress and loneliness. Studies have shown that pet owners have lower blood pressure and longer lifespans than those who don’t own pets. Pets can also help to increase levels of physical activity, as dog owners, for example, are more likely to walk their dog than those who don’t own a pet.

Pets can also provide mental health benefits. Studies have shown that interacting with animals can help to reduce anxiety and depression. Pets can also offer a sense of purpose and routine, which can be helpful for people who are struggling with mental health issues.

Finally, adopting a pet can provide a great sense of satisfaction. Knowing that you’ve given an animal in need a loving home can be a very rewarding experience.

What Are The Steps To Adopting A Rescue Dog?

There are many wonderful dogs in shelters and rescues waiting for their forever homes, but there are also a lot of myths and misconceptions about adopting a rescue dog. Adopting a rescue dog can be a very rewarding experience, but it’s important to do your research and understand what you’re getting into before you adopt.

Here are the basic steps to adopting a rescue dog:

1. Choose the right rescue dog for your family. There are many different rescues and shelters, and each one has a different selection of dogs. Some rescues specialize in certain breeds, while others have a mix of breeds. There are also rescues that only adopt out dogs that have been specifically trained for a certain purpose, such as service dogs or therapy dogs.

2. Fill out an application. Once you’ve found a rescue or shelter you’re interested in, you’ll need to fill out an application. This is to help the rescue or shelter get to know you and your family, and to make sure you’re a good fit for the dog you’re interested in.

3. Meet the dog. Once your application has been approved, you’ll be able to meet the dog you’re interested in adopting. This is a crucial step, as it’s important to make sure the dog is a good fit for your family before you commit to adopting them.

4. Complete the adoption. If everything goes well during the meet-and-greet, you’ll be able to complete the adoption and take your new rescue dog home!

Can Dogs Eat Avocado Research Paper?

The short answer is yes, dogs can eat avocado. However, there are some things to consider before feeding your dog avocado.

The avocado fruit is safe for dogs to eat, but the pit and skin can be dangerous. The pit can cause choking or block the digestive tract, and the skin can be irritating to the stomach. Make sure to remove the pit and skin before giving your dog any avocado.

Only feed your dog a small amount of avocado at first to see how they react. Some dogs may be allergic to avocado, and can experience symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. If your dog has any of these symptoms, stop feeding them avocado and call your vet.

Avocados are a healthy food for dogs, and can provide them with some important nutrients. Avocados are a good source of fiber, which can help with digestion, and healthy fats, which can promote a shiny coat.

So, can dogs eat avocado? Yes, but make sure to remove the pit and skin first, and start with a small amount to see how your dog reacts.

How Much Will It Cost To Adopt A Dog?

The cost of adopting a dog varies depending on a number of factors, including the age, breed, and size of the dog, as well as the adoption fee charged by the rescue organization or shelter. In general, adoption fees range from $50 to $300, with the average fee being around $100.

There are a number of ways to find a dog that is available for adoption, including searching online, visiting a local animal shelter, or contacting a breed rescue organization. Once you have found a dog that you are interested in, the next step is to fill out an adoption application. This application will help the rescue organization or shelter to determine if you are a good match for the dog.

After your application has been approved, you will be able to meet the dog and, if everything goes well, take him or her home. The final step in the adoption process is to sign an adoption contract, which will finalize the adoption and make you the dog’s new legal owner.

How Do I Know If I Can Afford To Adopt A Dog?

Adopting a dog is a big responsibility and a significant financial commitment. The cost of food, toys, vaccinations, and routine vet care can add up quickly. Before you adopt, it’s important to make sure you can afford to provide a comfortable, loving home for your new furry friend.

There are a few things to consider when trying to determine if you can afford to adopt a dog:

1. The cost of food: Dogs need a nutritious diet to stay healthy and happy. Depending on the size and breed of your dog, you can expect to spend anywhere from $30 to $100 per month on food.

2. The cost of vaccinations: Vaccinations are an important part of keeping your dog healthy. They can protect your dog from deadly diseases and help to prevent costly health problems down the road. The cost of vaccinations will vary depending on the type of vaccine and the number of shots your dog needs.

3. The cost of routine vet care: From routine check-ups to unexpected illnesses, vet care is an important part of dog ownership. The cost of vet care will vary depending on the type of care your dog needs, but you can expect to spend at least $100 per year on routine vet care.

4. The cost of toys and supplies: Dogs need toys and supplies to stay entertained and comfortable. The cost of toys and supplies will vary depending on your dog’s needs, but you can expect to spend at least $50 per year on toys and supplies.

5. The cost of training: Dogs need basic obedience training to learn how to behave in their new homes. The cost of training will vary depending on the type of training you choose, but you can expect to spend at least $50 per year on training.

After you’ve considered the costs of dog ownership, you can start to budget for your new furry friend. If you’re not sure you can afford a dog, there are a few things you can do to make dog ownership more affordable:

1. Adopt from a shelter or rescue: Adopting from a shelter or rescue is often cheaper than buying from a breeder.

2. Get a smaller dog: Smaller dogs generally have lower food and vet care costs than larger dogs.

3. Choose a less popular breed: Less popular breeds often have lower adoption fees than more popular breeds.

4. Consider a mixed breed: Mixed breed dogs often have lower food and vet care costs than purebred dogs.

5. Find a pet-friendly apartment: Some apartments offer discounts or waived pet fees for tenants with dogs.

If you’re still not sure if you can afford to adopt a dog, there are a few things you can do to ease the financial burden of dog ownership:

1. Get pet insurance: Pet insurance can help to offset the cost of unexpected vet bills.

2. Apply for a dog adoption subsidy: Some organizations offer financial assistance to help offset the cost of adoption.

3. Ask family and friends for help: Family and friends can often help with the cost of food, toys, and supplies.

4. Fundraise: You can start a fundraiser to help offset the cost of adoption.

Adopting a dog is a big responsibility, but it can be a very rewarding experience. If you’re considering adoption, take the time to research the cost of dog ownership and make sure you can afford to provide a comfortable, loving home for your new furry friend.

What Are The Long-Term Financial Commitments Of Adopting A Dog?

Adopting a dog is a big financial commitment. You will need to factor in the cost of food, toys, vet bills, and more. The good news is that there are ways to save money on these costs. Here are some tips:

1. Choose the right food. There are many types of dog food on the market, and the cost can vary greatly. Do some research to find a food that is nutritious and affordable.

2. Get pet insurance. This can help you save money on vet bills in the long run.

3. Shop around for toys. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on toys for your dog. There are many affordable options available.

4. Compare vet prices. Not all vets charge the same prices for services. Shop around to find a vet that is affordable and offers quality care.

5. Spay or neuter your dog. This can help to reduce the cost of vet bills down the road.

Adopting a dog is a big financial commitment, but there are ways to save money. By being mindful of your choices, you can find ways to keep the cost down.

What Are The Emotional Commitments Of Adopting A Dog?

There are a number of emotional commitments that come along with adopting a dog. First and foremost, you must be prepared to love and care for your new furry friend unconditionally. This means being patient when they have accidents in the house, taking them on regular walks and providing them with a comfortable place to sleep.

You must also be prepared to deal with the occasional bout of separation anxiety, as your dog will likely become very attached to you and may not enjoy being left alone. This can be overcome with patience and training, but it is something you should be aware of before adopting a dog.

Finally, you must be prepared to commit to your new dog for the long haul. Dogs typically have a lifespan of 10-12 years, so you must be prepared to care for them for the entirety of their lives. This includes regular vet check-ups, annual vaccinations and routine grooming.

If you are ready to make the emotional commitment to adopting a dog, then you are sure to have a furry friend for life.

Adopting a dog is a big decision, but it’s also a rewarding one. If you’re thinking about adopting a dog, here are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider what size of dog is right for you and your home. Smaller dogs may be easier to care for, but larger dogs can be just as loving. Second, think about what age of dog you’re looking for. Puppies require more time and patience, but older dogs can be just as rewarding. Third, consider what breed of dog is right for you. Some breeds require more exercise than others, so be sure to do your research. Finally, visit your local animal shelter or rescue organization to meet some adoptable dogs and see if there is a match. Adopting a dog is a big decision, but it’s also a rewarding one. So, if you’re ready to add a furry friend to your family, consider adopting a dog today.

How To Adopt A Dog Article?

Adopting a dog can be a wonderful experience. It can also be a lot of work. There are some things you should consider before you adopt a dog, such as whether or not you have the time and space for a pet, whether you have another pet that could potentially get along with a new dog, and if you’re prepared to handle some additional daily responsibilities such as feeding, walking, and exercising your new dog.

If you think you’re ready to add a furry friend to your family, the next step is to find the right dog for you. There are a number of ways to do this, including visiting your local animal shelter or rescue organization, searching online for adoptable dogs in your area, or working with a professional dog breeder.

Once you’ve found a dog you’re interested in adopting, the next step is to meet with the dog and see if the two of you are a good fit. This is an important step, as it’s important to make sure that you and your new dog are compatible before making a lifelong commitment.

If everything goes well and you decide to adopt the dog, the next step is to fill out the adoption paperwork and pay the adoption fee. This fee helps to cover the cost of the dog’s care while they were in the shelter or rescue, and it also helps to support the organization so they can continue to rescue and care for more dogs in need.

After the adoption is finalized, it’s time to bring your new dog home and start your life together! Be prepared for some adjustment period as your new dog gets used to their new home, family, and routine. With a little patience and care, you’ll soon have a loyal, loving furry friend for life.

What Is The Best Way To Give An Animal Rescue Speech?

There are a few things to keep in mind when giving an animal rescue speech. First, it’s important to be passionate about the subject. This will make your speech more convincing and engaging. Second, be sure to have a clear message. What do you want your audience to take away from your speech? Finally, be sure to practice your speech beforehand. This will help you to delivery it with confidence.

Should I Adopt A Dog?

There are many things to consider before adopting a dog – from whether you have the time to commit to regular walks and exercise, to whether your lifestyle and home are suited to a four-legged friend.

If you’re thinking of adopting a dog, here are a few things to bear in mind:

1. Do your research

Before you adopt a dog, it’s important to do your research and choose a breed that will fit in with your lifestyle. Think about whether you have enough time to walk a dog every day, whether you have a garden for them to play in and whether you’re prepared to deal with some mess and extra laundry.

2. Consider your budget

Adopting a dog is not a cheap undertaking. From food and toys to vets bills and insurance, you’ll need to factor in the cost of owning a dog before you take the plunge.

3. Be prepared for the commitment

A dog is a lifetime commitment, so you need to be sure you’re ready for the responsibility. Dogs need regular exercise, plenty of love and attention, and a safe place to call home.

4. Find a reputable rescue or breeder

When you’ve decided you’re ready to adopt a dog, it’s important to find a reputable rescue or breeder. This will help to ensure that your new furry friend is healthy and has been well cared for.

5. Be prepared to train your dog

All dogs need some basic training, whether it’s learning to sit, stay or not to pull on the leash. Be prepared to put in some time and effort to train your new dog, and you’ll be rewarded with a well-behaved pooch who is a joy to be around.

Is It Better To Adopt Or Buy A Dog From A Breeder?

There are pros and cons to both adopting and buying from a breeder, and ultimately, the best option depends on the individual dog and what’s best for their needs. Adopting from a shelter or rescue organization is often cheaper and provides a dog in need with a loving home. Buying from a breeder allows you to choose specific characteristics you want in a dog, but can be more expensive.

When considering whether to adopt or buy a dog, there are a few things to keep in mind, such as your budget, the energy level of the dog, and whether you want a specific breed. Adopting a dog from a shelter is often cheaper than buying from a breeder, and you’ll be providing a home for a dog in need. However, shelters sometimes have a limited selection of breeds, so if you have your heart set on a specific type of dog, you may need to buy from a breeder.

If you’re active and looking for a dog who can keep up with you, adopting from a shelter is a great option. Many of the dogs at shelters are mixed breeds, which tend to have higher energy levels than purebreds. However, purebreds from breeders can also be high energy, so it’s important to meet the dog before you make a decision.

When adopting or buying a dog, be sure to do your research to find a reputable source. Adoptable dogs can be found through shelters, rescue organizations, and breed-specific rescues. Buying from a responsible breeder is the best way to find a purebred dog, but there are also many reputable breeders who sell mixed-breed dogs. Regardless of where you get your dog, be sure to ask about their health history, temperament, and energy level to ensure you’re choosing the right dog for your lifestyle.

Related Post:

  • How to anchor a dog kennel to concrete?
  • How to anchor dog kennel to ground?
  • How to apply advecta 3 for small dogs?
  • How to attach a dog tag to collar?
  • How to be a big brother dog?

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Essay on My Pet Dog for Students and Children

my pet slime book 1 Book

500+ Words Essay on My Pet Dog

Pets are a great blessing in anyone’s life. They are the only ones who love us unconditionally. Pets always offer us everything they have without asking for anything in return. The main aim of any pet’s life is to make their owner happy. Nowadays, even the term ‘owner’ is changing. People prefer their pets as kids and to themselves as parents. This is how the relationship between pets is evolving. People treat them no less than humans. For instance, they celebrate their birthdays; get those matching outfits and more.

In my opinion, I feel the pets rightly deserve it. The most common pet you can find at anyone’s place is dogs. A man’s best friend and the most faithful animal, a dog. I also have a pet dog that I love to bits. We got him when he was a little baby and have watched him grow into a beautiful dog. All my family members love him with all their heart. We love his silly antics and cannot imagine our lives without him. We named him Sasha.

Sasha – My Pet Dog

My father adopted Sasha when he was a little baby. His friend had given birth to puppies and they decided to put the puppies up for adoption. We convinced our father to get one for us. Considering they knew our family well, they immediately agreed. Little did we know that our lives would change forever after his entrance.

Essay on My Pet Dog

Sasha came in like a blessing for our family. He belongs to the breed of Labrador. Sasha was black in colour, pure coal black. He came in as a puppy with his cute little paws and eyes. We couldn’t stop gushing over this beauty. My siblings used to fight with each other as to who will get the maximum time to play with Sasha.

Read 500 Words Essay on Dog here

As and when Sasha grew up, he learned various tricks. We trained him to follow our instructions and he even learned a few tricks. We loved showing him off to our colony friends and relatives. I always took Sasha out with me as he loved taking a walk on the road.

Furthermore, my siblings and I took on the responsibility of keeping Sasha clean. Every week, we took turns to bathe him and brush him nicely. I remember I even got a bow for him from my pocket money. Sasha loved it and wagged his tail in excitement. Sasha has been with us through thick and thin and we will forever be indebted to him for his loyalty.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

A Changed Life

Before having a pet dog, we didn’t know what all we would experience. After Sasha came into our lives, he changed it forever. Sasha changed the meaning of loyalty for us. We learned how this faithful animal always worked for our happiness and safety.

Certainly, Sasha made us better human beings. We are now more compassionate towards animals. There was one instance where the stray dogs were going to harm a kitten, and to our surprise, Sasha saved that little kitten and got her home.

In other words, we have learned a lot of things from Sasha. He protected us when we slept at night. He tried to cheer us up whenever anyone of us was sad. Sasha’s obedience inspired me a lot to be kind to my parents. Therefore, all the credit for changing our lives goes to Sasha.

Q.1 What are some common pet animals?

A.1 Some of the most common pet animals are dogs, cats, parrots, hamsters, rabbits, turtles and more.

Q.2 Why should one own a pet dog?

A.2 We can learn a great deal from our pet dogs. They teach us loyalty, compassion, courage, and obedience.

Customize your course in 30 seconds

Which class are you in.

tutor

  • Travelling Essay
  • Picnic Essay
  • Our Country Essay
  • My Parents Essay
  • Essay on Favourite Personality
  • Essay on Memorable Day of My Life
  • Essay on Knowledge is Power
  • Essay on Gurpurab
  • Essay on My Favourite Season
  • Essay on Types of Sports

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Download the App

Google Play

How to Adopt a Dog Informative Speech?

Author Adele Gillet

Posted Aug 12, 2022

Dog looking out over mountains

Adopting a dog can be a rewarding experience. The steps involved in adopting a dog are:

How do you go about finding a reputable breeder or rescue organization?

How do you know if a particular dog is a good fit for your family and lifestyle, how do you prepare your home for a new dog.

1. Choose the right dog for you and your family. Consider factors such as activity level, energy, size, and age.

2. Research different breeds to find the right fit.

3. Find a reputable breeder or rescue organization.

4. Get the dog vaccinated and spayed or neutered.

5. Train your dog and provide plenty of exercise.

6. Give your dog plenty of love and attention.

When done right, adopting a dog can be an immensely enriching experience for both the dog and the family. It is important to do your research and make sure you are ready for the responsibility before taking the plunge. With proper preparation, an adopted dog can be a lifelong source of joy.

There are many ways to find a reputable breeder or rescue organization . Perhaps the best way is to ask your veterinarian for a recommendation. Other ways include contacting a local animal shelter or rescue organization, or searching the Intern et for reputable breeders or rescue organ izations.

When searching for a reputable breeder or rescue organization , it is important to do your research. This means that you should not only research the organization or breeder that you are interested in, but also take the time to read reviews and talk to others who have used their services.

There are a few things that you should look for when researching a breeder or rescue organization. First, you want to make sure that the organization or breeder is licensed and insured. This will protect you in the event that something goes wrong. Second, you want to make sure that the breeder or rescue organization has a good reputation . This can be determined by reading reviews or talking to others who have used their services. Finally, you want to make sure that the breeder or rescue organization is able to provide you with the type of pet that you are looking for.

Once you hav e found a few reputable breeders or rescu e organizations, you can then contact them to find out more about their services. This is a good time to ask any questions that you may have about the organization or breeder. You may also want to schedule a visit to the facility to meet the staff and see the pets that they have available.

Choosing a breeder or rescue organization is an important decision . You want to make sure that you take the time to do your research and choose a reputable organization or breeder. This will help to ensure that you are getting the pet that you want and that you are not putting yourself or your family at risk.

Dogs are one of the most popular pets in the world, and for good reason. They make loyal, loving, and fun companions. But before you bring a dog into your home, it’s important to make sure that he or she is a good fit for your family and lifestyle. Here are a few things to consider:

Do you have enough time for a dog? Dogs need plenty of exercise, so if you live an active lifestyle, a high-energy breed may be a good fit. If you’re more of a homebody, a low-energy breed may be better suited for you.

Do you have a backyard? If not, do you mind walking your dog several times a day? Some breeds need more exercise than others, so this is an important factor to consider.

Do you have any other pets? If you have another dog, it’s important to make sure that they are compatible. Same goes for cats – some dogs get along great with them, while others do not.

Do you have small children? If so, you’ll want to choose a dog that is good with kids. Some breeds are better with kids than others, so this is something to take into consideration.

What size of dog do you want? This is important to think about because some breeds require more space than others. For example, large breeds need plenty of room to run, while smaller breeds are content with just a few laps around the block.

What coat type do you prefer? Some dogs have long, thick coats that require a lot of grooming, while others have short, easy-to-care-for coats. This is purely a matter of preference, but it’s something to think about.

These are just a few things to consider when choosing a dog. Of course, the most important thing is to choose a breed that you love. Ultimately, the best dog for your family is the one that you connect with and who fits well into your lifestyle.

If you're thinking about adding a furry friend to your family, there are a few things you'll need to do to prepare your home first. Here's what you should do to get your home ready for a new dog:

1. Puppy-proof your home. Just like with a new baby, you'll need to make some changes to your home to keep your new puppy safe and healthy. Puppy-proofing is all about ensuring that your home doesn't have any hazards that could hurt or even kill your new pet. To start, go through your home and look for any small openings that a tiny puppy could squeeze through and get stuck. Puppy-proofing also means keeping things like cleaning products, medicines, and other chemicals out of reach, as well as making sure any small objects are put away so they can't be swallowed.

2. Create a special space for your puppy. Just like humans, puppies need their own space where they can feel safe and comfortable. You can create a puppy space in any room of your home, but many people choose to use a spare bedroom, bathroom, or laundry room. This space should be just for your puppy and should include their bed, food and water bowls, toys, and anything else they might need.

3. Get the supplies you need. Before your new puppy comes home, you'll need to make sure you have all the supplies you need to care for them. This includes food, bowls, a leash and collar, a crate or dog bed, toys, and anything else you think they might need. You might also want to get some dog shampoo and wipes, as well as a nail clipper and brush, to help with grooming.

4. Choose the right food. Just like people, puppies need the right nutrition to grow and be healthy. When you're choosing food for your new puppy, be sure to ask your veterinarian for recommendations. You'll also need to get puppy formula if you're bringing home a very young puppy who is still nursing.

5. Start training early. Training is an important part of being a responsible dog owner, and it's something you should start working on as soon as your puppy comes home. Start with basic commands like sit, stay, come, and down, and be sure to praise your puppy and give them treats when they do well. Training will help your puppy learn how to behave and will make them more enjoyable to

What are some things to consider when choosing a dog breed?

There are many factors to consider when choosing a dog breed, such as: -Size - Activity level - Sociability - Temperament - Shedding - Coat care - Health - Life expectancy

Size is an important consideration when choosing a dog breed, as some breeds can reach over 100 pounds while others stay under 10 pounds. It's important to find a size that will fit comfortably in your home and lifestyle.

Activity level is another key factor to consider, as some dogs need several hours of exercise per day while others are content with a few short walks. Think about your own activity level and whether you'll be able to keep up with a high-energy breed.

Sociability is another important consideration, as some dog breeds are more social than others. If you live in close proximity to your neighbors, you'll want to make sure you choose a breed that doesn't bark excessively or dig holes in your yard.

Temperament is also an important factor, as some dog breeds are more prone to aggression than others. You'll want to choose a breed that is compatible with your personality and lifestyle.

Shedding is another thing to consider, as some dog breeds shed more than others. If you're not willing to vacuum daily, you'll want to choose a breed with low shedding.

Coat care is another consideration, as some dog breeds require daily brushing while others only need occasional grooming. Think about how much time you're willing to spend on coat care and choose a breed accordingly.

Health is also an important factor to consider, as some dog breeds are prone to certain health conditions. You'll want to choose a breed that is known for being healthy and has a lifespan that is compatible with your own.

Finally, life expectancy is an important consideration, as some dog breeds live longer than others. If you're looking for a lifelong companion, you'll want to choose a breed with a long lifespan.

How do you socialize and train a new puppy?

As the proud owner of a new puppy, you probably can't wait to start socializing and training your new furry friend. The good news is, there are a ton of different ways to socialize and train your pup!

One of the most important things you can do for your puppy is to start socializing them early on. This means exposing them to as many different people, environments, and situations as possible. This will help your puppy grow up to be a well-rounded dog who isn't afraid of new things.

One great way to socialize your puppy is to take them to a puppy class. These classes are designed for puppies of all ages and can help your pup learn how to interact with other dogs and people. If you can't make it to a puppy class, there are plenty of other ways to socialize your puppy.

You can take them for walks in different neighborhoods, to the park, or even to pet-friendly stores. Inviting friends and family over to meet your puppy is also a great way to socialize them. Just make sure everyone knows how to interact with puppies so that your pup has a positive experience.

In addition to socializing your puppy, you'll also need to start working on their obedience training . This is important so that your puppy knows how to behave around people and other dogs.

There are a number of different training methods you can use, but rewards-based training is often the most effective. This involves offering your puppy a treat or praise whenever they do something you ask of them.

Start with simple commands like sit, stay, come, and down. As your puppy masters these commands, you can move on to more advanced ones. Training sessions should be short, sweet, and fun for both you and your pup.

Remember, socializing and training your puppy takes time and patience. But if you stick with it, you'll end up with a well-adjusted dog who is a joy to be around.

What are some common health problems in different dog breeds?

There are a wide variety of health problems that can affect different dog breeds. Some of the most common include hereditary conditions, hip and elbow dysplasia, von Willebrand disease, chronic ear infections, and eye problems.

Hereditary conditions are those that are passed down from the parents to the offspring. Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common hereditary conditions in dogs. Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip joint does not fit properly, causing pain and lameness. Elbow dysplasia is a condition where the elbow joint does not fit properly , also causing pain and lameness. Von Willebrand disease is a blood disorder that prevents the blood from clotting properly. Chronic ear infections are another common health problem in dogs, especially those with long, floppy ears. Eye problems, such as cataracts and glaucoma, are also relatively common in dogs.

There are many other health problems that can affect different dog breeds, but these are some of the most common. It is important to remember that not all dogs of a particular breed will necessarily suffer from these health problems , but it is important to be aware of them if you are considering owning a dog.

How do you care for a senior dog?

As our dogs age, their needs change. They may require more frequent trips to the vet, different types of food, supplements, and care. Here are a few ways to make sure your senior dog stays happy and healthy.

1. Feed them a high quality diet. Just like people, as dogs age their metabolism slows down and they need fewer calories. But, they still need high quality protein and fat to maintain their muscle mass and energy levels . So, switch to a senior formula dog food or consult with your vet about the best diet for your dog.

2. Keep up with their dental health. Just like people, dogs can get periodontal disease as they age. So, it's important to brush their teeth regularly and take them to the vet for professional cleanings.

3. Keep them active. Exercise is important for all dogs, but it's especially important for seniors. It helps them stay strong, improve their mobility, and maintain their mental sharpness. So, take them on walks, runs, or to the dog park to play.

4. Play their favorite games. As dogs age, they may not be able to play all the games they used to. But, that doesn't mean they don't still enjoy playing. So, find games that your senior dog can still enjoy, like fetch or tug-of-war.

5. Keep them social. Just like people, dogs need social interaction to stay happy and healthy. So, take them to doggy daycare, on play dates with other dogs, or to obedience class.

6. Pay attention to their mental health. As dogs age, they may experience changes in their mental health, just like people. So, if you notice your senior dog is acting differently, make sure to take them to the vet to rule out any medical causes. If there are no medical causes, you may want to consult with a veterinary behaviorist to help your dog adjust to their changing needs.

7. Make sure they get enough sleep. As dogs age, they may need more sleep than they did when they were young. So, make sure they have a comfortable place to sleep and that they aren't being disturbed by loud noises or bright lights.

8. Give them plenty of love and attention. Just like people, dogs need love and attention to stay happy and healthy. So, make sure to give your senior dog plenty of cudd

How do you deal with problem behaviors in dogs?

There are a number of different ways to deal with problem behaviors in dogs. The most important thing is to remain calm and consistent in your approach.

One way to deal with problem behaviors is to ignore them. This can be effective for minor issues like barking or chewing. If the dog is seeking attention, ignoring the behavior will often cause it to stop.

Another way to deal with problem behaviors is to redirect them. For example, if your dog is barking, you can ask him to sit or lie down. This will help to redirect his energy and focus on something else.

Yet another way to deal with problem behaviors is to use positive reinforcement. This means rewarding your dog for good behavior, rather than punishing him for bad behavior. For example, if your dog is sitting quietly, you can give him a treat. This will help to reinforce the desired behavior.

Finally, it is important to be consistent in your approach. This means using the same method to deal with the behavior each time it occurs. If you are consistent, your dog will eventually learn what is expected of him.

What should you do if you're considering giving up your dog?

If you're feeling like you may need to give up your dog, it's important to consider all of your options before making a final decision. While giving up your dog may seem like the simplest solution to your current situation , it's important to remember that a dog is a lifetime commitment and should not be taken lightly. There are a number of other options to consider before giving up your dog, and making the decision to give them up should be a last resort.

If you're struggling to care for your dog due to financial reasons , there are a number of options to consider before giving them up. There are a number of organizations that can provide financial assistance for pet owners in need, and there are also programs that can help with the cost of dog food and other necessary supplies. There are also a number of ways to cut down on the cost of dog care, such as finding cheaper sources of dog food or dog-sitting Exchange programs.

If you're struggling to care for your dog due to lack of time, there are a number of options to consider before giving them up. One option is to find a dog-sitter or dog-walking service in your area that can help you out with the care of your dog when you're not able to. Another option is to find a friend or family member who is willing to help care for your dog when you're not able to. If you're still struggling to find the time to care for your dog, you may need to consider finding a new home for them where they will be able to get the care and attention they need.

If you're struggling to care for your dog due to your own personal health issues, there are a number of options to consider before giving them up. One option is to find a friend or family member who is willing to help care for your dog while you're dealing with your health issues. Another option is to find a dog-sitter or dog-walking service that can help you out with the care of your dog while you're dealing with your health issues. If you're still struggling to find the time to care for your dog, you may need to consider finding a new home for them where they will be able to get the care and attention they need.

If you're struggling to care for your dog due to behavioral issues , there are a number of options to consider before giving them up. One option is to find a trainer or behaviorist who

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you know if a breeder is reputable.

When looking for a reputable breeder, it is important to do your own sleuthing. Pay attention to the location of the breeder, theircue and competition records, whether they are members of professional organizations like the American Kennel Club (AKC), and how frequently they update their website or social media presence. Plus, always ask to see the parents of any puppies you are considering buying.

Why choose a reputable dog breeder?

There are many reasons to choose a reputable dog breeder. One of the most important is that they will have been tested and approved by the AKC. This means that their dogs are of top quality and have had all of their health and temperament tests done. They will also be committed to raising their puppies well, providing them with plenty of positive socialization and exercise.

How do I find out if a cat breeder is registered?

Most cat associations list breeders on their website.

What should I expect when buying a puppy from a breeder?

When you buy a puppy from a breeder, you should expect to receive – Vaccination, microchip and worming paperwork (your vet will need to know what vaccines pup has had and their worming schedule) Information on what food your puppy has been weaned onto – you want to stick with the same diet initially while your puppy settles in.

How do you know if a dog breeder is good?

A good dog breeder will be knowledgeable about their breed and will be able to answer questions about the breed's health, temperament, and history. They should also be passionate about their breed, which will show in their interactions with you and the dogs they are breeding. If a breeder is unsure of something or can't answer your question, it may be a sign that they aren't very knowledgeable about the breed or don't care about them.

Featured Images: pexels.com

Adele Gillet

Adele Gillet

Writer at Nahf

Adele Gillet is an avid writer who has always had a passion for storytelling. She loves to write about her experiences and share them with others, whether it's through her blog, social media platforms or books. Adele is also a keen traveler and enjoys exploring new places, meeting new people and trying new foods.

Free stock photo of adoption, animal, dog

What to Do My Dog Killed My Other Dog? - Nahf

Dogs in Colorful Harnesses Posing for Photo in Snow

Why Do Dogs Lay down When They See Another Dog?

Free stock photo of adoption, animal, dog

How to Stop Dog from Biting Other Dogs' Necks?

Topics For Seminar

200 Informative and Persuasive Speech Topics About Animals

200 Informative and Persuasive Speech Topics About Animals For Students

Informative Speech and Essay Topics

  • Anatomy of the animal cell from a biological point of view, using diagrams.
  • Ancient and Asiatic horse breeds.
  • Animals that can make great pets
  • Australia has a unique fauna, different from the rest of the world. Highlight the reason and some unusual animals.
  • Can an animal and a person develop a bond as strong as interpersonal relationships can do?
  • Can Penguins live in the North Pole?
  • Can Polar Bear live in the South Pole?
  • Dangerous exotic pets you should not keep at home.
  • Differences between the cat family and the dog family
  • Different classification of birds as swimming, flying and running birds with examples.
  • Different types of mammals that are available on the planet.
  • Discuss mitosis from the point of view of an animal cell
  • Discuss why Africa is considered the cradle of mankind
  • Do penguins have long legs?
  • Dog training. What is the most intelligent thing a dog can be taught to do?
  • Domestication of wild animals and keep them as pets.
  • Effects of plastic on marine life.
  • Elephant & evolution. If the brain of the elephant is so large, why isn’t it the most intelligent creature in the world?
  • Endangered species. What animals will become history in the next 5 years?
  • Explain some weirdest animals in the world
  • Explain why cats and dogs barely ever get to see eye to eye when left together in the same room
  • General information on the way in which ants live
  • How animals survive the extreme cold of Antarctica.
  • How elephants swim.
  • How global warming has affected particular animals, citing examples of species that are almost on the verge of extinction.
  • How human activity changes the way life exists in oceans and rivers.
  • How modern zoos keep animals happy, well-developed and psychologically healthy?
  • How poaching affects the biodiversity and economy of a nation.
  • How to keep a rabbit as a pet
  • How to keep a snake as a pet
  • How to take care of hermit crabs
  • How to tell a difference between venomous and non-venomous snake
  • How to train your dog.
  • Is it true that penguins feature long legs?
  • IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Explain categories, current status
  • Ivory trade. Is it a luxurious industry or the representation of the cruelty of the animal-exploiting business?
  • Mass extinction: Dinosaurs, plant kingdom, and related theories.
  • Migratory birds and their behavior.
  • Natural Park conservation. Explain the role of scientists, government and public?
  • Ornithologist: as an interesting career
  • Raising exotic pets at home.
  • Smart Animals: Several members of the animal kingdom have impressed cognitive chops and cerebral skills. Explain some of them
  • Tardigrade, the strongest living creature. They can even survive exposure to outer space.
  • The animal species which got extinct in the last decade.
  • The better ways in which a dog can be trained
  • The breeding of elephants and hippopotamuses.
  • The cat family members from largest to smallest. You can also explain the cross-breeding like Liger (Lion+Tiger)
  • The difference between cold-blooded animals and warm-blooded animals
  • The difference between dolphins and porpoises.
  • The difference in appearance between desert animals and animals in the tropical areas, using the same animal class as inference.
  • The different types of whales.
  • The distinct exotic species of cats
  • The distinct species of tropical aquatic animals
  • The evolutionary chain, up to homo-sapiens
  • The functions exerted by cats in the course of time
  • The importance of feathers/fur to animals
  • The life cycle of a butterfly
  • The life cycle of chicken from the moment the egg is laid to the moment the egg hatches.
  • The life of deep-sea fish.
  • The way in which oceanic animals lead their lives
  • There are different biomes on earth where animals reside. Discuss the difference between chaparral and coniferous animal territories.
  • What animals are the most expensive to keep and home
  • What do the American alligators eat?
  • What to do if you want to adopt a dog
  • Why are monkeys so good at climbing trees?
  • Why Dolphins Are the Most Intelligent Ocean Creature
  • Why it is necessary for the zoo caregivers for animals to be well trained and professional in their approach?
  • Why pets have a closer connection to human?
  • Why tigers and raccoons have not replaced cats and dogs?
  • Wolf Ecology and Behavior. Their social structure
  • Why Do Zebras Have Stripes?

Persuasive Speech and Essay Topics About Animals For Students

  • A dog is the best service animal – right or wrong?
  • A natural disaster caused dinosaurs to become extinct – right or wrong?
  • A nose is a dog’s “fingerprint” – right or wrong?
  • A pet is not a child’s birthday present.
  • A vegetarian diet is unhealthy for cats and dogs
  • Animal abuse should be stopped in zoos
  • Animal extinction caused by humans should be stopped
  • Animal health is useless and expensive
  • Animal sports banning campaigns are not effective enough.
  • Animal testing – vicious or beneficial
  • Animal testing is justifiable in some cases (e.g., medical), but not in others (e.g., cosmetics)
  • Animals do not belong in zoos.
  • Animals don’t belong in circuses or folklore events.
  • Are circus animals respected and appreciated?
  • Ban animal fight games.
  • Building bonds between children and pets are important – right or wrong?
  • Cats should get annual vaccinations.
  • Chaining or tethering dogs outside are unethical, inhumane, and a form of animal neglect
  • Children should be taught to take care of pets
  • Committing an immoral act against animals is justified – right or wrong?
  • Companion animals can help people who are lonely
  • Conserving some endangered animals is more important than conserving other animals – right or wrong?
  • Conserving some endangered animals is more important than conserving others, due to their respective ecological roles
  • Does petting and talking to animals lower stress in people?
  • Does your pet dog help you make new friends?
  • Dogs are better pets than cats – right or wrong?
  • Dogs have better eyesight than human – right or wrong?
  • Effective animal conservation laws and other legal regulations are improving.
  • Euthanasia is ethical for animals – right or wrong?
  • Euthanizing stray animals is a humane solution
  • Euthanizing stray animals is unethical
  • Extinction of rhinos for selling their horns is inevitable
  • Factory farm conditions are conducive to the spread of avian influenza among chickens and other domestic fowl
  • Factory farm treatment of animals is inhumane
  • Fish should not be kept in goldfish bowls without filters or temperature control
  • Fishes are great for relaxation, everyone should have an aquarium
  • Food production livestock should be welfare protected until the end.
  • Forbid the wearing of fur coats.
  • Foxes should be bred into companion animals
  • Foxes should not be bred into companion animals
  • Genetic modification of livestock is unethical and potentially dangerous for humans – right or wrong?
  • Giving drugs to cows to increase their milk is advantageous – right or wrong?
  • Has your pet spayed or neutered?
  • Humans are affecting wildlife – right or wrong?
  • Hunting for sport is a normal, acceptable pass time
  • Hunting for sport is unethical and inhumane
  • Hybrid animals – natural or not?
  • In order to save the orangutans, we should say “no” to palm oil.
  • Is “dogs breeding” ethical to create mixed hybrids?
  • Is animal dissection justified as a learning tool for students?
  • Is deforestation leading to loss of diversity in wildlife?
  • Is it right or wrong for circuses to use animals in their shows?
  • Is it right or wrong to test antibiotics and cures on animals?
  • Is it right or wrong to use pig’s skin for making cosmetics?
  • Is rooster fighting fun?
  • Is smog dangerous for animals’ health?
  • It is necessary and acceptable to use higher animals, such as monkeys and chimpanzees, in laboratory research
  • It’s irrational to be afraid of spiders since most of them are harmless
  • Keeping animals in zoos is inhumane
  • Keeping wild-caught exotic pets is inhumane
  • Medical animal testing is ethically wrong
  • Medical animal testing is justifiable
  • Monkeys are more intelligent than other mammals
  • Not all species belong in marine aquariums.
  • Owning pets reduces your risk of various diseases – right or wrong?
  • Painting cattle for a trademark should be banned
  • People should be allowed to own exotic animals like tigers and monkeys.
  • People should not be allowed to keep exotic animals like chimpanzees or tigers?
  • Performance animals have a risk of death
  • Pets deserve a Bill of Rights.
  • Pets should be spayed and neutered to prevent overpopulation
  • Poaching affects the economy and should be banned
  • Primates and other sophisticated vertebrates should not be used in laboratory research?
  • Primates and other sophisticated vertebrates should not be used in laboratory research
  • Protecting endangered animal species is important
  • Protecting the Giant Panda is ecologically important
  • Purchasing animal-tested cosmetics is wrong.
  • Rats and mice affect us badly and should be killed
  • Reforesting the world is the most effective way to save the animals from becoming extinct
  • Sharks don’t attack tourists all the time.
  • Should a dog be euthanized if it bites someone?
  • Should animal breeding be banned?
  • Should animal rights be limited – right or wrong?
  • Should cats be treated humanely?
  • Should dogs be outdoor pets?
  • Should fish be kept in goldfish bowls without filters or temperature control?
  • Should lonely people have companion animals?
  • Should marine mammals be kept in captivity?
  • Should people have pet monkeys?
  • Should pet birds have a right to fly?
  • Should pets be spayed and neutered to prevent overpopulation?
  • Should the hunting of seals for fur be banned to avoid their extinction?
  • Should the hunting of wild animals be banned?
  • Should there be harsher laws for animal cruelty?
  • Should we adopt new pets from a shelter instead of buying them from a shop?
  • Should we be more tolerant of spiders, ants, and flies?
  • Should we build awareness of animal abuse in Puppy Mills?
  • Should we eat healthy snakes?
  • Should we get our pet microchipped?
  • Should we make use of reward and appreciation to train our pet?
  • Should we make use of TISSUE ENGINEERING to get leather and meat without killing animals?
  • Should we revive extinct species by recovering their ancient DNA?
  • Should we use animals for entertainment purposes?
  • Should we use animals to make future predictions?
  • Should we use animals to test beauty products?
  • Strays should be eliminated to make the environment healthy
  • The Animal Welfare Act of 1966 (AWA) is outdated and should be revised
  • The main cause of animal abuse is the irresponsible and uneducated owner – right or wrong?
  • The use of animals in medical research is a necessary evil.
  • Trading animals-made products is a good way to earn money – right or wrong?
  • Venomous and poisonous-looking spiders are often harmless.
  • We need to protect dolphins better.
  • We should adopt a friendly attitude to train our pet dogs quickly
  • We should be aware of the pros and cons of a pet before adopting it
  • We should not be afraid of spiders since most of them are harmless
  • We should not be kind to snakes
  • Why a wagging tail should not be considered as a sign of happiness in dogs
  • Why all kids should have pets.
  • Why animals should not be kept in captivity?
  • Why are flies important to the ecosystem?
  • Why busy people should not adopt fishes as pets?
  • Why domestic pigeons and doves make great pets?
  • Why female lions are more dangerous than male lions?
  • Why hamsters are the best pets for kids?
  • Why is it unethical to keep birds in cages?
  • Why pet’s hair should be brushed each evening?
  • Why poisonous insects should be killed
  • Why polar bears should not be kept in zoos?
  • Why save endangered animals?
  • Why should you own a dog?
  • Why should you own an eagle as a pet?
  • Why snakes are good pets.
  • Why we should feed wildlife?
  • Why we should know about animals’ thinking and feeling?
  • Why wearing fur or leather is unethical and is a sign of animal neglect?
  • Why you should avoid eating pork?
  • Why you should be thankful for your cat, dog, or other pets?
  • Why you should get your pet insurance?
  • Why you should not own exotic pets?
  • Why you should own a cat?
  • Why you should own a horse for riding?
  • Why you should own a horse.
  • Why you should own a parrot as a bird pet?
  • Why you should own a raven as a pet?
  • Why you should own pigeons?
  • Why you should prefer goat milk to cow milk?
  • Why you should prefer keeping more goldfishes in an aquarium than other fishes?
  • Why you should stop your kids to ride elephants?
  • Why zoos are important and necessary sources of conservation and research on exotic animals?
  • Wild animals should stay wild.
  • Zoos are good for animals
  • Zoos should be big enough for wild animals
  • Like on Facebook
  • Follow on Twitter
  • Follow on Slideshare
  • Follow on Pinterest
  • Subscribe on Youtube

Trending Seminar Topics

  • 100+ Seminar Topics for Youth, Teenagers, College Students Young people are on a never-ending quest for transcendence, which drives them to want to improve the environment, countries, communities,...
  • 30+ Technical Seminar Topics for Presentation: Latest Tech Trends Technology is rapidly evolving today, allowing for faster change and progress and accelerating the rate of change. However, it is not just t...
  • 100 PowerPoint Presentation Topics in Hindi (Download PPT) विद्यार्थियों के लिए प्रेजेंटेशन का महत्व प्रेजेंटेशन (presentation) देना शैक्षणिक पाठ्यक्रम का एक महत्वपूर्ण व्यावहारिक पाठ्यक्रम है, ...
  • 100+ Interesting Biology Presentation Topics with PPT Biology Topics for Presentation & Research Biology is a topic that every school student studies and university student who does major in...
  • 100 Interesting Fun Topics for Presentations Fun Topics for Presentations We have prepared for you a fantastic collection of fun topics for presentation with relevant links to the artic...

Recent Seminar Topics

Seminar topics.

  • 💻 Seminar Topics for CSE Computer Science Engineering
  • ⚙️ Seminar Topics for Mechanical Engineering ME
  • 📡 Seminar Topics for ECE Electronics and Communication
  • ⚡️ Seminar Topics for Electrical Engineering EEE
  • 👷🏻 Seminar Topics for Civil Engineering
  • 🏭 Seminar Topics for Production Engineering
  • 💡 Physics Seminar Topics
  • 🌎 Seminar Topics for Environment
  • ⚗️ Chemistry Seminar Topics
  • 📈 Business Seminar Topics
  • 👦🏻 Seminar Topics for Youth

Investigatory Projects Topics

  • 👨🏻‍🔬 Chemistry Investigatory Projects Topics
  • 📧 Contact Us For Seminar Topics
  • 👉🏼Follow us in Slideshare

Presentation Topics

  • 🌍 Environment Related Presentation Topics
  • ⚗️ Inorganic Chemistry Presentation Topics
  • 👨🏻‍🎓 General Presentation Topics
  • 🦚 Hindi Presentation Topics
  • 🪐 Physics Presentation Topics
  • 🧪 Chemistry: Interesting Presentation Topics
  • 🌿 Biology Presentation Topics
  • 🧬 Organic Chemistry Presentation Topics

Speech Topics and Ideas

  • 🦁 Informative and Persuasive Speech Topics on Animals
  • 🚗 Informative and Persuasive Speech Topics on Automotives
  • 💡 Ideas to Choose Right Informative Speech
  • 👩🏻‍🎓 Informative Speech Topics For College Students
  • 🔬 Informative Speech Topics on Science and Technology

IMAGES

  1. CTaylor Speech Outline

    informative speech on dogs

  2. 📗 Informative Speech on Service Dogs

    informative speech on dogs

  3. Dog Essay

    informative speech on dogs

  4. SPEECH ON MY PET DOG/VERY SIMPLE FOR KIDS/EASY TO LEARN/FOR ASSEMBLY

    informative speech on dogs

  5. Informative speech- Why dogs are beneficial to your life

    informative speech on dogs

  6. Paragraph on Dog 100, 150, 200, 250 to 300 Words for Kids, Students

    informative speech on dogs

VIDEO

  1. The secret lives of dogs #shorts #tedx

  2. Informative Speech- What to consider before adopting a dog

  3. Impromptu Speech: Dogs

  4. Informative Speech COM 181; How Dogs Effect Humans

  5. Cats and domestication

  6. My Informative Speech of Dogs with Heath benefits

COMMENTS

  1. How dogs contribute to your health and happiness

    Dogs are often used as therapy animals because they have a calming effect on people. It is really difficult not to cheer up, even after a hard day's work, when you are greeted with — often ...

  2. Dog Informative Speech

    Dog Informative Speech. Decent Essays. 442 Words. 2 Pages. Open Document. Specific Purpose: To inform about the basic body signals that dogs use to communicate. Central Idea: Recognizing what people often miss or misread the body signals that dogs give to communicate with humans and other dogs, which often lead to unwanted situations and injury.

  3. 72 Dog Topic Ideas to Write about & Essay Samples

    Make sure to describe sections of your paper with dog essay titles that identify what you will be talking about clearly. Write an introduction that identifies the topic and provides a clear and concise thesis statement. Finish the paper with a dog essay conclusion that sums up your principal points.

  4. 136 Speech Topics About Animals [Persuasive, Informative]

    The use of animals in medical research is a necessary evil. Not all species belong in marine aquariums. Sharks don't attack tourists all the time. Pets deserve a Bill of Rights. Forbid the wearing of fur coats. Purchasing animal tested cosmetics is wrong. Ban animal fight games. Animals do not belong in zoo's.

  5. Com presentation 2

    This is an informative speech outline for com 101. It is on the benefits of owning a pet. topic: benefits of owning pet general purpose: to inform specific ... safety, and friendship. Like the old quote goes, "A dog is a man's best friend." Download. AI Quiz. AI Quiz. Download. AI Quiz. AI Quiz. 31 5. Was this document helpful? 31 5. Save ...

  6. Speech: "Our Best Friends"

    An informative presentation about dogs. I chose this topic because it was an extremely easy subject to talk about that I wanted to elaborate on. Enjoy!

  7. How to Give a Better Speech: Talk to a Dog

    Given "the whole fever pitch of dogs in therapy" — pettable pooches routinely show up before finals on some campuses — Ms. Auslander decided to use dogs to help students with speech anxiety.

  8. Communication in Dogs

    2. Visual Communication. Dogs communicate visually with other individual modifying the position of different parts of their body (see Figure 1 and Figure 2).Control by voluntary muscles allows dogs to display a wide range of postures and body part positions that convey different information about the signaler's inner state and intentions [].However, humans, through artificial selection over ...

  9. Informative Outline

    Informative Speech Outline: Working Dogs University of Oklahoma. Attention Getter Attention Getter: (Visual Aid: grandpa and gracie) When I was little my grandpa, who is a diabetic, went into shock because his blood sugar was too low. My grandparents dog, Gracie, knew that something wasn't right and woke my Grandma up by barking. ...

  10. Informative Speech on Dogs by Natalie

    Informative Speech All About Dogs By Natalie Daniels Human Bonds to Dogs Human Bonds to Dogs American Association in Science Eye Gazing Humans to infants vs. Humans to dogs Oxytocin Eye Gazing Breeds of Dogs 339 Breeds American Kennel Club Small, Family, Hypoallergenic, & Smart

  11. Informative Speech Outline

    Informative Speech Outline Replace everything in RED with your speech information Topic: Dog breeds Opener: (You can pick one of the two openers listed below or make your own) 1. Ask your audience if they know, or can guess, your topic. Who in my audience really knows about their favorite dog breeds 2. State your topic. I am here to discuss 3 different types of dog breeds.

  12. Informative Speech: A Dog's Effect on Humans

    Service dogs assist people with a disability. 2. Dogs are trained to act as therapists. 3. Dogs can motivate special needs patients. Conclusion-As you can see, dogs affect humans in several diverse situations. Dogs can influence a person's state of health by their playful and loyal mannerisms. The feeling of a dog's

  13. How To Adopt A Dog Informative Speech?

    The first step is to visit different adoption agencies and rescue homes to see what type of dogs are available for adoption. It's important to find an agency that is a good fit for you and your family. Step-02: The second step is to fill out an application form at the agency.

  14. Adopting a dog informative speech

    This is an informative speech about the dog adoption process.

  15. Essay on My Pet Dog for Students and Children

    500+ Words Essay on My Pet Dog. Pets are a great blessing in anyone's life. They are the only ones who love us unconditionally. Pets always offer us everything they have without asking for anything in return. The main aim of any pet's life is to make their owner happy. Nowadays, even the term 'owner' is changing.

  16. How to Teach Your Dog to "Talk" Using Buttons

    Using buttons for communication, you want your dog to mirror you, by watching you push the button before doing a specific activity they will over time learn to push the button themselves to cue to ...

  17. How to Adopt a Dog Informative Speech?

    3. Find a reputable breeder or rescue organization. 4. Get the dog vaccinated and spayed or neutered. 5. Train your dog and provide plenty of exercise. 6. Give your dog plenty of love and attention. When done right, adopting a dog can be an immensely enriching experience for both the dog and the family.

  18. Informative Speech

    Informative speech on dog training using non-verbal communication and positive reinforcement training. DSU SPCM-101-D32.

  19. Dog Informative Speech

    Dog Informative Speech. PURPOSE: To inform you about my three favorite breeds of dogs. THESIS: Any dog can make a great pet but my favorites are chihuahuas, boston terriers and boxers. I. Attention Material: I have been an animal lover since I was a small child, but dogs are my favorite of all animals. II.

  20. Informative Speech: How To Adopt A Dog From Animal Shelter

    As soon as you walk in they are going to see what kind of person you are 1. Rescue groups you will have application, rehoming fee, sign a waver 2. Private shelters your going to have the same thing B. Foster home your going to have permission from the vet or animal shelter the pet came from 1. The different types of places will have different.

  21. 200 Informative and Persuasive Speech Topics About Animals

    The functions exerted by cats in the course of time. The importance of feathers/fur to animals. The life cycle of a butterfly. The life cycle of chicken from the moment the egg is laid to the moment the egg hatches. The life of deep-sea fish. The way in which oceanic animals lead their lives.

  22. COMM265 Informative Speech

    Guide Dog school in the country and is dedicated to providing high quality . student training services and extensive follow-up support for graduates." ... Informative speech outline. Principles Of Human Communication 100% (2) 2. COMM265 Interpersonal Communication. Principles Of Human Communication 100% (1) 4.

  23. Informative Speech On Pitbulls

    Make a claim 4: Pit bulls are one of the healthiest breeds of dogs that there is. Evidence 4a: Pit bulls do not require much grooming as they have short hair. Evidence 4b: Pit bulls do not tend to lean towards genetic disorders. Evidence 4c: Canines only weigh 50-60 pounds when they are fully grown.