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Dogs: The Early Years
Introduction

Choosing a puppy isn’t child’s play, as NATURE illustrates in Dogs: The Early Years.
Puppies of any breed enchant and beguile us. But choosing one as a pet solely on the basis of its visual appeal can lead to a mismatch with unfortunate consequences for both owner and dog. Dogs: The Early Years presents an incisive look at the breeding, behavior, and training of humankind’s best friend, including useful pointers on how to avoid mistakes when selecting a puppy.

To choose a compatible puppy for a relationship that will last the dog’s lifetime, it’s important to understand the history of the breeds the prospective owner is considering. Viewers are shown, for example, that dogs bred for the outdoor work of hunting, tracking, herding, or retrieving are not wise choices for people seeking a quiet companion or a gentle playmate for their children. Besides helping viewers make informed choices about puppies, the program illustrates the importance of proper training — also key to a satisfying relationship.

To order a copy of Dogs: The Early Years, please visit the NATURE Shop.

Online content for Dogs: The Early Years was originally posted September 2004.

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29 responses
Theresa Bradley -- October 27th, 2008 at 1:11 pm

I have a golden retreiver puppy 10 months old (male). I saw a show on your station last night 10/26/08 about golden retreiver rescue and how to take care of them. If you could give me an email address or phone number so I can ask some questions, I am desparate as to what to do with my beautiful puppy who is turning into Cujo! Help.

lauren -- October 28th, 2008 at 5:26 pm

good pic i like it

Jennah -- November 8th, 2008 at 10:16 am

That puppy is sooooooooooooo CUTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!What is his name?
love jennah

Courtney -- November 12th, 2008 at 8:09 pm

That doggie is THE CUTEST DOG I’ve EVER seen!!!!!! What’s his/her name???!!! I had a lab that looked almost EXACTLY like that!!!!! It is SOOOOOOOO adorable!!!!

Rhea -- November 19th, 2008 at 12:14 pm

that dog is soooooooooooooooooooooooo adorable!!!!!!!!! good pic

chontelle smith -- November 19th, 2008 at 5:23 pm

you have a cute dog

kyra -- November 22nd, 2008 at 10:11 am

htat dog is sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo cute. were did you get it?

Hailey -- November 26th, 2008 at 3:07 pm

I love dogs how long have u had it see u later ttyl

andrea -- December 7th, 2008 at 9:04 pm

that dog is so adorable where can i get one just like that

Freya -- December 10th, 2008 at 1:58 pm

Oh my gosh, that puppy is so cute! I have 2 dogs, a labrador cocker spaniel cross and an english springer spaniel called Darcy and Delta.

magdalena -- December 12th, 2008 at 10:13 am

awwwwwwww how sweet!

rebecca -- December 12th, 2008 at 10:15 am

he/she looks like marley lol!!!!!!!!!!!!!

sue -- December 17th, 2008 at 6:18 pm

D0 you know what a akback puppy looks like? full grown?

ashley -- December 24th, 2008 at 8:00 pm

Can i have the dog.

Kay -- December 26th, 2008 at 7:27 pm

Really cute dog he/ she does look like Marley! Really cute and good pic.

Denique -- December 26th, 2008 at 9:27 pm

I have a dog female called Zena She is a Rutwieler 2 years old. She is such a darlihg

RYAN -- December 27th, 2008 at 11:11 pm

i want a dog soooooooooooooo bad

mindi -- December 29th, 2008 at 10:36 am

i am looking for a cockerspanial puppy doesnt have to be purebreed

ana torres -- December 31st, 2008 at 2:55 am

the dog is so cute.i am getting1 just like it soon

faith -- January 14th, 2009 at 10:23 am

that dog looks like a dork

olivia -- February 3rd, 2009 at 9:01 am

i love the dog! it is soooo cute!

Harminder kaur -- February 7th, 2009 at 3:01 pm

I wantimages now.

poop cow -- February 16th, 2009 at 12:24 am

i think that you should be a super model. that would be real real nice.

alyssa -- February 17th, 2009 at 11:50 am

that puppy is cute and thanks for the info!!!!!!

Sandra -- February 25th, 2009 at 5:17 pm

awwwwwwwwww that puppy is soooooooooooooooooooooooooo CUTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

clair smith -- March 27th, 2009 at 10:39 am

how old is the puppy? whats it’s name? he/she is so cute!!

vanessa -- May 10th, 2009 at 2:49 pm

AHHHHHHH thats so cute i luv that pic, and the puppy, wat a good match they look so cutte together well good bye:]!!!!!!!!

Tata -- May 13th, 2009 at 4:38 am

Dogs are adorable! I have 19 at my house!

Quinn C. -- August 30th, 2009 at 10:53 pm

That puppy is adorable!!!!!!!!! My puppy is a saint bernard named Jonah. What`s your dogs name??????????? If our dogs could meet…..I bet they`d be best friends!!!!!!!!!!!

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