Obedience training and interactive dog toys are good ways to give a dog a brain workout, as are dog sports and careers, such as agility and search and rescue. Friendliness toward dogs and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs, even if they’re love-bugs with people; others would rather play than fight; and some will turn tail and run. Dogs who lived with their littermates and mother until at least six to eight weeks of age and who spent lots of time playing with other dogs during puppyhood, are more likely to have good canine social skills.
I, Mitchel Omeara, am a retired American zookeeper and a former director emeritus of the Zoo and Aquarium. I have dedicated my life to the care and well-being of animals. I am 56 years old, and I have worked in zoos for over 35 years. I have been married for 32 years, and I have two children.