Jan says: "You can take the dog out of the wolf pack, but you cannot take the wolf out of the dog."  Indeed, all our dogs are descended from wolves (1) - as such they are pack animals and are totally reliant on their natural instincts, within the pack, to live and survive. They need to feel safe and secure within their pack.

We often give our dogs confusing signals as to their role in our ‘pack’ and usually make/let them believe that they are the Pack Leader(s) instead of us. This is where the problems start as dogs are unable to cope with the pressure and stress of looking after a pack in a world (the human world) they just do not understand.

(1) You wish to know more - please read the work published on Molecular Evolution of the Dog Family by Professor Roger K Wayne   http://wooferhouse.net/Links/MolecularEvolutionOfTheDogFamily/MolecularEvolutionOfTheDogFamily.htm

Please follow this link and see for yourselves how puppies are delivered to "pet" shops in Belgium and France from Eastern Europe -. Please DO NOT buy a puppy from these places as by doing so you unwittingly will encourage the trade .http://www.one-voice.fr/fr/article/chiots-marchandises-la-preuve-en-image

Puppy farms are like factory farms where dogs are bred purely for profit.  The dogs are normally bred too often, many are unhealthy, and often live in unbearably poor conditions.  The puppies are generally removed from their mothers far too early and sent by rail or van to ‘dealers’ or pet shops in the big cities to satisfy the public’s demands.  Many are severely traumatised by the transition, and some do not make it alive.  Do not buy a puppy or a dog from these sources, as they will have had the worst possible start in life, and are far more likely to have health and temperament problems.

Many ‘puppy farm’ puppies come with complete pedigrees, however, a pedigree in itself, is not necessarily an indication of quality.... to read more  http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/208

A veterinary website listing alphabetically pretty much every ailment 

http://www.vetinfo.com/dogindex.html

http://www.mvol.co.uk/mvol/elmhousevets/doginfo/

Another veterinary site - giving some good tips regarding care of and dog health 

http://www.mvol.co.uk/mvol/elmhousevets/doginfo/

The link below gives you a comprehensive list of food which can be dangerous for your dog - I suggest you peruse at your leisure

http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/1870

Are you concerned about the dry food your dog is eating? Looking for detailed information about certain food ingredients? Confused about inconsistent information about dogfood from pet food manufacturers? Need help comparing dog food brands and finding a better one?  Then have a look at this informative independent website on dog food - it is US based so will not necessarlly have European products but nevertheless could have the answers you are looking for:

http://www.dogfoodproject.com/index.php?page=betterproducts