Dogs do not sweat to control their body temperature they use their tongues like a radiator by pumping blood into their tongues wetting and breathing over it. They have a coat and a thick layer of oil to prevent temperature changes like a thermos. The layer of oil also protects them from external bacteria etc.
Dogs are carnivores just have a look at the way that their teeth are designed they have no teeth for chewing. Dogs anatomy is built for raw meat and bones.
Do not be fooled about calcium tablets. Breeds such as German Shepherd Dogs must not be rushed into growing. Rushing a GSD with calcium tablets causes the long bones to grow quickly this is a contribution to health problems not a preventive as many believe. To much calcium also causes calcium lumps. A dog on a proper diet does not require calcium tablets. GSD's must b taken of puppy food at the age of 6 months not twelve months. The slower your GSD grows the better.
Many dog diseases do not affect human beings the opposite is also true but this does not mean all illnesses. As an example the provirus does not affect humans but mange can.
Vaccinations can have side affects. There is a great deal of arguments going on, some say that vaccinations must be repeated annually some say that they are only required once in a lifetime, others are against vaccinations stating that the risks of side affects is to high.
Vaccinations on puppy's. When a puppy is born it breast feeds. The puppy has no immune system thus has no protection from the outside word. However when breast feeding the mothers milk has antibodies within the milk that is taken by the puppy. These antibodies circulate in the puppy and work as a temporary immune system. As long as a puppy is being breast fed its immune to everything that its mother is. When the puppy stops breast feeding the antibodies die away with time. This is the most critical age of a puppy and is open to diseases. This is why it is very important not to take a puppy at this stage outside for walks etc. A vaccination given to a puppy when breast feeding will have a vary slim chance of forcing the puppy's immune system to produce antibodies. The reason for this is that circulating antibodies acquired from the mothers milk will fight of the disease. Because after the breast feeding period borrowed mother antibodies do not diminish straight away vaccinations given closer to the end of the period will have less success of producing antibodies then a vaccination given to the puppy months after. This is actually the reason for a second vaccination (booster) a short period after the first. We advice that a puppy takes milk from its mother for as long as possible, nothing can replace mother milk and you will see a big difference to puppy's breast fed for over two months to those that breast fred for a month or less. Once a puppy stops breast feeding we advice that a puppy is kept in a really hygiene area and vaccinated some two weeks after with a booster 15 days later. Only after all vaccinations are completed should a puppy be allowed to go about a normal life.
You should not bath a dog frequently. Shampoo eats away the oil coat on a dog and leaves it unprotected. Shampoo dissolves this oil layer and actually causes a dog to smell. We advice only two shampoo baths per year and any normal wash to be solely with water or top quality spray or talc dry shampoo's. Frequent combing of a dog will help the oil spread over the coat and will help the hairs shine and stay strong.
Dogs get used to all kinds of situations and people fairly quickly. A dog being used to the owner does not necessarily mean that the dog trusts the owner. This is a very different matter. Dogs do not trust easily and it takes a considerable amount of time. A dog that trusts the owner is said to have a bond. Top working dogs are those that have a bond between theme selves and their handlers. Always show your dog love and understanding. Provide your dog a monotone life, always give the same reaction for the same events. Bonds are broken very easily so do not take trust for granted.
Dogs enjoy monotone life's. They like to be trained at the same hours, fed at the same hours etc. everyday. It is also vitally important that a consequence for an action is the same every time. e.g. a dog will get confused and will not trust you if you allow your puppy to bite you today but get cross tomorrow..
Some people believe dogs see in full color others believe that they see black and white or greyscale. The reality is that they are color blind. Dogs do not see that well anyway, they depend on their ears and noses much more.
Too much love does not spoil your dog. The more exaggerated love a dog receives the more loyal and happy the dog will be.