Does birth order matter for dogs?

One thing that can always spark a conversation in my family is birth order. Of course, my older brothers always say they are smarter and better at everything because they were born before my sister and me. Thinking about it, I wondered if birth order matters in dogs.

Some studies I looked at aver that the order of birth can dictate some of the qualities and physical attributes a puppy has. In that case the closer to the middle of the litter, the better.

You would think that the biggest pup would be the first born but the size of the pup doesn’t always correlate with the birth order. Many times the largest is born last or the smallest born first.

According to Dr. Margret V. Root Kustritz, vitality in a pup depends on placement in vitro. If a pup has a premier spot in the uterus they thrive. Runts of the litter had the misfortune of having a poor implantation site which means they don’t get the nutrition they need. They are the smallest and struggle for mom’s attention after birth.

The jury is out on an absolute answer but there are some clues concerning observed traits.

The first born tends to be a more focused or a one person type of pet. First-borns are usually the choices of professional dog trainers. Runts, on the other hand, may need more nurturing, but they are fun, frisky pets.

Just like humans a lot depends on how a dog is raised and treated. If you are looking for a life-long friend you have to be one too.

IN NEED OF

Vendors for Bark in the Park on May 18; call 775-423-7500 for details.

Folks who need help affording spaying/neutering for dogs or cats. The SNAPS program details are below.

Walking buddies for our fabulous canine guests. Do you have two legs and a need for exercise? We are looking for folks who would love to walk, lose weight and do a good deed at the same time. Call 775-423-7500 for details.

SHOUT OUT TO

Everyone who sent money for our adorable Cash’s surgery. He is going for surgery at the Davis Veterinary Clinic. A Four Paw salute to you!

Our faithful volunteers, who answer the phones, organize the shelter, and show up for Walmart days. A loud bark to you!

COME SEE US

CAPS will be at Walmart on March 2 with the Kissin’ Booth and a puckered-up pooch. Come by and smooch our pooch. We have hoodies, shirts and hats. Be sure to check out our merchandise after you’ve hugged our pup.

DON’T FORGET

February Pet Holiday: Dog Training Education Month.

SNAPS is a program offered to Churchill County residents through CAPS that provides low-cost spaying/neutering for cats and dogs. To qualify for SNAPS, you need to have one of the following: Medicaid, a child enrolled in NV Check Up Program, food stamps, 2018 tax return stating income is less than $30,000 or Veterans disability card including a photo ID. Also required are a Churchill County ID and a co-pay. For information, call CAPS at 423-7500.

Flower Tree Nursery will again be raffling a tree on March 15, and the winner doesn’t have to be present to win. The raffle tickets are available at Flower Tree, and they are $1 for one ticket and $5 for six tickets.

CONTACT CAPS

CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, NV 89407. CAPS’ phone number is 775-423-7500. CAPS’ email address is caps@cccomm.net. Visit the CAPS website (www.capsnevada.com) and Facebook page (Churchill Animal Protection Society). Be sure to “Like” CAPS on Facebook because we are really likeable.

CAPS is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Kathleen Williams-Miller is a CAPS volunteer. Contact me, jkwmil@outlook.com.