Easy Things To Have On Hand Before Your New Puppy Comes To Your House

By Kristine Butler

It is always exciting to acquire a new puppy but you will want to be prepared to coach your puppy and teach him to be a respected part of your family unit. Before you bring your new puppy home there are a few things that you will need to consider. It is easier to have the things that you will need on hand rather than to try to get them later.

When you visit the pet store you will see that there is an profusion of things that you can buy for your new puppy. Some of these things are good to have and others are not really essential at all.

The most essential thing that you need to have is a crate. All of your training will go better if you use a crate. Also dogs like to have their own space that is cozy and cozy for them. Make sure that you get the suitable size, not too big and not too little. You may want two if you take your dog in the auto very often.

A collar and a leash are also critical. Get one everyday collar that fits well and save any special training collars for later. One six-foot, perhaps retractable leash that is snug for your hand is also required.

Try to find out what your puppy is used to eating and get enough of that for a couple of weeks. All dietary changes should be made gradually. Get a food and water dish also. Stainless steel is customarily the best.

For training purposes, you will need some type of aversive, or something that you can use do dissuade naughty behavior. An aversive is something that your dog does not like and will work to steer clear of but something that will not hurt him. A clicker that makes a noise or a squirt bottle will act as an aversive. You will also need some soft treats that you can use as a reward in training.

Young puppies need to chew until they get a tad bigger so you will want to have some chew toys on hand. Start out with just a few until you know what your puppy likes. Same with other toys do not load up on toys until you know your puppy's character.

It will be easier to take care of your new puppy if you are ready with a few of the things that you will need. Gather up these things first before you bring you new puppy home. - 32404

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Obedience Training For Your New Puppy Is A Piece Of Cake

By Marta Mclaughlin

How crucial is a dog's own disposition and personality when it comes to dog training? Well, dogs are like people in that they may react differently to different training techniques based upon their dispositions. Also, some dogs will be more challenging and some dogs will be easy going and that is just their own disposition. But there are a few basic dog-training concepts that will stay the same regardless of the dog or the training method.

The first thing to be aware of when training a dog is timing. No matter how much we attribute human characteristics to our dogs, they are not human. They do not comprehend when we tell them something after it's over. You must correct or reinforce behavior immediately. If your dog pooped on the floor an hour ago, it is too late for him to understand any correction now. He's forgotten all about that and he won't get why you are yelling at him now.

You have be consistent when you are training a dog. Dogs do not understand the concept of "sometimes". If you do not want your dog to jump on you when you are wearing your nice business suit then you must never let him jump on you when you are wearing your jeans. If you do not want your dog to chew on your beautiful new and expensive pumps you cannot allow him to chew on your old ratty tennis shoe. With a dog you must be consistent with everything, every time.

Be sure that you offer both praise and correction. Most dogs will learn much quicker and easier when they receive praise so make sure that you let him know when he does something right. Correction is also required so balance the two.

It is very important to be firm with your dog. When you issue a command, you must be decisive. You must be decisive and he must obey. Make him follow through with a command even if you must show him. Again dogs don't comprehend the idea of "sometimes". When you speak, he must obey.

Your training will be more successful if you make it fun. Add in some games and some playing while your dog is learning. It will be good for both of you.

Make certain that your dog clearly knows what is expected of him. If he knows what you want he will be more likely to comply. Break up your training into smaller increments if you must but it is crucial that he understands what it is you expect. Be fair and reasonable with him.

As the dogs owner, you have the responsibility of making sure your dog is well trained and well behaved. Take into consideration his own temperament and work with him as required. - 32404

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Pick A Pedigree Puppy For Your Family Unit

By Noel Smith

Deciding to bring a puppy into your family is a commitment that should not be taken lightly. Most dog breeds live between 10 to 15 years. Your puppy will be with you for a lengthy time to come and getting a puppy is not a choice that should be taken lightly.

Locating a reputable and well-respected dog breeder should be one of the initial steps to take when you decide to get a new pet. The top breeders are committed to their breeds and they do everything they can to shun health and behavior tribulations. A good breeder will never deliberately sell you a unhealthy dog.

Since your puppy will grow up you should spend time with some adult dogs from the preferred breed before even looking at the puppies. Talk to breeders, other owners and local dog obedience trainers to get more information.

The people who work at your area pet store or veterinarian's office usually can give you a lot of indispensable information about the breed you are considering. It is nice to know about likely health issues before you see the adorable puppies.

Go to your community pet store or call your veterinarian and find out their opinions of the breed and if they are familiar with any constant wellbeing troubles that show up in that breed. If there are any concerns that you should be aware of it is nice to know before you visit the breeder and see the cute puppies.

Many of the pedigree breeds have a inclination towards inborn wellbeing tribulations such as cleft palate, hip dysplasia, heart problems or blood disorders.

If you want some really valuable and fair-minded information talk with one or more dog obedience instructors. They usually have a wealth of great information that they can give you on the various breeds and what to look for when choosing a puppy.

For numerous years to come your new puppy will with a bit of luck be a much-loved member of your family. You need to amass some sound information and use that to choose your puppy and not just the "puppy love" that we all are inclined to feel around charming little puppies. Every puppy will grow out of that really cute condition and the adult dog is the one who will be your pet for years to come. - 32404

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The American Kennel Club And A Number Of Established Dog Breeds

By Mark Gilliam

The American Kennel Club has long been the nations backer for dogs and the citizens who love them. The AKC registers dogs and can grant a certified printed or electronic certificate that will exhibit the lineage of a dog and all of the significant information regarding the ancestors in a dog's family tree.

There are over 160 breeds of acknowledged purebred dogs that the AKC recognizes. There are the popular breeds that are known to practically all like the Labrador Retriever or the Cocker Spaniel and there are some very little known breeds that are much more infrequent like the Borzoi or the Petit Basset Griffon Venden.

Every one of the known breeds is part of a larger category or group, which signifies the primary breeding purpose of the dog and recognizes their marked distinctiveness. Some dogs were bred for herding or hunting while a few were just bred for pets.

The breeds in the sporting group include pointers, retrievers, setters and spaniels. These breeds necessitate regular and stimulating exercise. They are good at hunting and other field activities and they have many natural instincts for water and woods.

Hounds were bred for hunting in the past. They tend to have great staying power and an acute sense of smell to pursue their quarry. This group would include Beagles, Basset Hounds and Bloodhounds.

Dogs from the working group include Siberian huskies and Great Danes. These dogs were characteristically bred to work at pulling sleds or performing water rescues. Terriers are another group and they are normally feisty and spunky in behavior. They were originally bred to hunt and kill vermin.

The toy group was mostly bred as a pet and as true to their title they tend to be diminutive but energetic. There are small dogs in every group however, so all little dogs are not categorized into the toy group. Some of the toy breeds include the spunky Chihuahua and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The next group is the non-sporting group and it includes such breeds as the Chow-chow and Dalmatian. The Poodle is also part of the non-sporting group.

The Herding group is the most recent classification at the AKC. These breeds were in earlier times part of the working group and they are working dogs. These dogs were bred to herd other animals like sheep and cows. Some examples of Herding dogs are the Shetland sheepdog and the Corgi. Each of the groups have their own special character and you just need to look for the qualities that you want to have in your new pet. - 32404

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Elemental Training Instructions For Dogs

By Graig Delacruz

Dogs have long been well-known as man's best friend. They do make excellent companions and wonderful family pets. But to be a good doggy citizen and a noble family pet they need to be well trained.

You will need to start training your puppy for obedience as soon as he arrives home. After about a year you can anticipate that your puppy will be effectively "fully trained" but you will still need to work with him throughout his life in order to keep his skills sharp. Well-trained dogs are a delight to own and most people take pleasure in being around a well-mannered dog.

The number one directive of dog training is that you must be the "alpha dog". Some people may not like that phrase but the fact is that dogs are pack animals and they expect to have a leader. You must be the leader and all of the human being members of your family unit must outrank your dog in the pack order. Dogs will do everything for the leader of the pack so that must be you.

Your dog must never be permitted to show domination. He needs to wait to eat until after you have finished eating. This is a understated but very crucial thing when it comes to establishing domination. He must never be allowed to jump on you or other people either.

Do not ever permit your puppy to do things that you will not permit him to do as an mature dog. This includes jumping and nipping at you. One of the most critical things in training a dog is constancy. A dog cannot analyze like a human and he will not appreciate that it is all right to jump on you in your play clothes but not in your business suit. He also won't comprehend why he could do something as a puppy but he can't go on to do it as an adult dog. Be consistent.

If you get a crate all of your instruction will be easier. Dogs essentially feel safe and secure in a secure and warm place that they feel is their own. Your puppy may moan when he goes into the crate at the beginning but you need to just leave him there. He will adjust and he will actually grow to like it very soon. A crate will make housetraining and obedience training easier.

Your dog's safety is dependent upon him being able to take in and comply with the commands of "sit" and "stay". There will be times that you will need to be in charge of your dog in order to avoid the problems of running off or jumping on the people that visit your home.

Training your dog to walk on a leash and to heel is also an essential lesson. And after the fundamentals you will probably want to teach your dog some fun things like fetching. A well-trained dog makes the best pet so do not slack on your duties as a responsible pet-owner. - 32404

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An Owner's Duty For Having A Compliant Dog

By Theresa Q Watson

There actually is no justification for a badly behaved dog. Most dogs are somewhat simple to train when you make a commitment to it. A dog's conduct is the liability of the owner.

The very most critical thing that you must do as a dog owner is to verify the pecking order. As the owner you must be the leader. Dogs are biologically pack animals and they act in response to pecking order. Every human member of the family must rank over the dog in the pack order. When a human family member speaks the dog needs to do as he is told.

Dogs are unlike humans. They cannot deduce. You are not being callous to your dog when you are firm that he obeys you. You have to be the leader and he will adore you more for it.

In order for your dog to be secure and your family to be contented, you ought to be able to discipline your dog. When you say, "stop" he needs to stop. When you say, "Sit", he needs to sit. In brief, when you are the leader of the pack, he needs to respond to you and when you verify yourself as the leader he will always react to you.

There are a few guidelines that are imperative to think about when training your dog. First off, dogs act in response to helpful reinforcement. You can always get better consequences with approval and treats than you can with unhelpful reinforcement, such as anger and yelling.

The best outcomes come about when you pay no heed to the negative conduct and reward the preferred manners. Giving notice to your dog for negative behavior can create anxiety in your dog rather than conformity and observance. Remember that dogs cannot infer like a human being and they just do not appreciate why you are irritated and it just creates anxiety.

You must also support sought activities right away, or else your dog will not link the desired manners with the reward. Your dog only lives in the present moment so if it doesn't occur at once, he won't get it. You can reward your dog with treats, praise, toys, playtime or even just a pat on the head. A dog will act in response to constructive reinforcement, apart from of the form it takes.

After your dog understands what you are wanting and he is dependably doing what you ask, then you need to only reward him occasionally. Irregular reinforcement is actually more helpful for cementing in the manners than giving him a reward every time.

Your dog can become well trained relatively immediately if you are steady in your training efforts. Just make sure that you are the leader of the pack and that you follow through with all of your efforts. - 32404

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Purebred Dogs, Mixed Breed Dogs And Hybrid Dogs

By Joan K Cooper

People have long had a love affair with mixed breed dogs or "mutts". These dogs tend to differ quite a lot in size, looks and character, even when they come from the same family. Mutts ordinarily have very superior healthiness and they make great pets.

A mutt has an mysterious heritage. The parents are not usually purebreds and the family is basically unknown. There are no records of their genetic line and their heritage is uncertain.

A purebred on the other hand is a dog that has two parents that are mutually of the same breed. A lot of times there are long records of the genetics of these dogs and breeders are very conscientious in their breeding techniques to make sure that they turn out the strongest genetic tendencies.

You may prefer a purebred for a pet or you may prefer a mutt. A mutt will usually have durable health and they do make wonderful pets but a purebred has individual individuality that are bred in. There also is another choice that you may consider and that is the hybrid dog or the "designer dog".

A hybrid or designer dog is a dog that has two purebred parents from two separate breeds. They are different from a mutt in that their family tree is established. The parents of the dog have a dissimilar genetic line that can be confirmed.

These days' hybrid dogs are becoming quite popular. They can be found in dog shows, pet stores and even the movies. The hybrids usually have the best individuality of each breed and they blend the best attributes from both breeds.

The hybrid dogs are usually called really funny names that are a mix of both breed names such as a puggle, a combination of a pug and beagle, a poogle for a poodle and pug, cockapoo for a cocker poodle mix, a goldendoodle which is a poodle and golden retriever blend and of course many others as the catalog of combinations goes on and on.

Hybrids are wonderful pets and if you are having a difficult time deciding on a breed a hybrid can get you the best of two breeds. They usually have impressive health and they are bright and fun dogs to own. - 32404

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Leash Training For Your Puppy Is A Piece Of Cake

By Glenn P Cruz

One of the great joys of owning a dog is being able to go for a walk. A dog that is well leash trained makes a walk relaxing and enjoyable but if your dog is not leash trained that same walk becomes an exercise in annoyance and it can even be dangerous.

Puppies need to start training for the leash when they are very young. If you start when they are young they will learn it fast and it will be much easier. To begin training your puppy, make sure you begin by getting him used to the collar. He will hate it at first and he might whine and complain but make sure that you make him wear it until he gets used to it. The only time you really should take it off is when you crate him so there will not be any mishaps.

Soon your puppy will be used to the collar and it will be time to do the same thing with the leash. Attach the leash and let him get used to it by dragging it around. Be sure that someone is supervising him though as he could cause some chaos if he gets tangled up. Soon you can pick up the leash and start walking around the house. It is easier to start where he is comfortable so even though it seems strange to walk your puppy in the house it is still the best place to start.

When he is comfortable in the house, you can take him out to the yard. Again you are staying where he is comfortable. As you are walking make sure that you boost the behaviors you want and dissuade the behaviors you do not want.

If you puppy is pulling at the leash, just stop walking. Stand still. He may still pull for a bit but if you stop every time he pulls he will soon learn not to do that. Make sure that you are talking to him and issuing him commands, this is a great time for communication.

Another technique you can use when he starts to pull is to quickly turn around and walk the other way. He will learn that he should pay attention. If he starts pulling again repeat either of these behaviors and soon he will learn that pulling is not admissible.

Occasionally a puppy will just stop walking himself. If your puppy stops and will not come, you can encourage him with a treat. Put the treat at your feet and make him come to it. Don't call him to it. Soon he will learn that he should not stop when you are taking a walk.

It doesn't take very long to properly leash train a puppy and it is really nice when they walk obediently beside you with a slack leash. This is the behavior you want to reinforce so make sure that he gets plenty of praise and attention when he starts doing this well. Stop all bad behavior early on and you will soon be enjoying walks with your dog for a long time to come. - 32404

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Learn Tips For Socializing Your Dog

By Nancy Thomas

Getting a new puppy or even a new older dog is always a wonderful event for a family. During those first days the new member of your family is adjusting and getting used to everyone and all of the novel things. It is at this time that you need to make sure that you are doing everything you can to correctly socialize your new family member. Your new pet will stumble upon many diverse situations in life and it is better for everyone if he learns how to deal with and respond in a healthy and satisfactory manner.

New puppies can start off getting socialized as early as 2 to 3 weeks after birth. Most adopted puppies join their new family at about 7 to 8 weeks of age. The socialization of a puppy should start off as near the beginning as possible. However puppies tend to be more scared and tentative until the time that they are 14 weeks old so during the first days make sure that you are moderate with them.

While we all know that it is critical to socialize a puppy, the fact is that socialization is a skill that should be trained throughout a dog's life. Changes in circumstances and situations can affect a dog and a up to that time welcoming and sociable dog can change into a anxious and intimidating dog under different circumstances. That is why it is imperative to constantly socialize your dog and permit him to experience numerous situations, people and other animals.

Take your dog to parks where there are other animals and let them get familiar. Make sure that your dog has had his shots previously but make sure he has some time with other people and other animals.

People who turn up to your residence regularly should all be well-known to your dog. That would include the mailperson. Familiarize them and let your dog get familiar. If it is achievable make sure that you take your dog around many different people, as it will increase his social skills immensely.

Dogs lived in the wild in packs and they will logically recreate a pack hierarchy in a new situation. It is important that every person in the family is seen as a leading pack member. When any human speaks the dog should listen and obey. The dog is the follower and the owner is the alpha dog or the leader.

Socialization should not end after puppyhood. Your dog needs to always meet new people, new dogs and other animals. If he does not he is more likely to develop hard-to-resolve troubles like biting and fighting.

Your dog training will be more successful and you and other people will get pleasure from your pet more if he is properly socialized and well-behaved in the majority of situations. - 32404

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Discover The Reasons Why A Dog Could Be Aggressive

By Hester Downs

You understand aggressive dogs can be very scary. They can frighten small children and adults too. There are some breeds that are more likely to be aggressive but even so there is usually an underlying cause for aggression in dogs and finding out why your dog is aggressive can help you in your training efforts. A dog that is calm in most situations will be an easier dog to have.

Sometimes aggressive behavior is because your dog wants to establish dominance. Dogs are pack animals and there is always a hierarchy to the pack. The alpha dog is the leader and the other dogs follow suit. Proper training will establish you as the alpha dog or the leader. Do not allow your dog to think of himself as the alpha dog or you will continuouslyencounter difficulties. Even so your dog may still want to establish his dominance over other dogs or animals and this may be the cause of his dominance aggression.

Another common type of aggression in dogs is territorial aggression. Your dog will fiercely protect everything that he considers to be "his" including yourself, your home and your family. While this can be a good thing if you are threatened at some point, it can cause many problems in regular circumstances. It is seldom that a family is truly threatened and if your dog's territorial aggression is out of control it can cause problems with visitors and neighbors. Excessive territorial aggression is inappropriate behavior.

Fear can cause a dog to lash out aggressively. Something happens that frightens him and he does the only thing he knows how to do which is to start growling, pull his ears back, tuck his tail between his legs and act fierce. This is just a protective mechanism that is often misunderstood as being direct aggression but the truth is that something instigated the fear, which in turn started the aggressive behavior.

Aggressive behavior can sometimes occur for no obvious reason. However this aggression is usually misdirected. Something happens that triggers anxiety within the dog but he is unable to react to the actual stimuli so he takes it out on something else. This may be a reason for some unexplained dog fights between 2 or more animals. The dog is just not able to act on the real issue.

There can also be medical or biological issues for aggression. A mother dog will often express aggression when she is protecting her litter of puppies. This type of aggression is understandable however sometimes a medical issue could be causing excessive aggression so it is always smart to have your vet give your dog a thorough examination.

Getting your female dog spayed and your male dog neutered can slow down aggressive reactions. This can also contribute greatly to the good health of your dog. If you are not in the profession of breeding dogs it is just the responsible thing to do and it will make your aggression training easier.

Your training exercises to curb aggression will be more efficient if you take into consideration the causes why your dog is being aggressive. Understanding the reasons for your dog's aggressive tendencies can help you to tailor your training efforts to his needs. - 32404

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Reasons For Aggression In Dogs

By Mario P Shaw

Aggressive dogs can be quite frightening. They can frighten small children and adults alike. There are some breeds that are more likely to be aggressive but even so there is usually an underlying cause for aggression in dogs and finding out why your dog is aggressive can assist you in your training efforts. A dog that is calm in most circumstances is an easier dog to have.

Sometimes excessive aggression is because your dog wants to establish dominance. Dogs are pack animals and there is always a hierarchy to the pack. The alpha dog is the leader and the other dogs follow suit. Proper training will establish you as the alpha dog or the leader. Never allow your dog to think of himself as the alpha dog or you will constantlyencounter difficulties. Even so your dog may still want to establish his dominance over other dogs or animals and this may be the cause of his dominance aggression.

Another common form of aggression in dogs is territorial aggression. Your dog will fiercely protect everything that he considers to be "his" including yourself, your home and your family. While this can be a good thing if you are threatened at some point, it can cause many problems in ordinary circumstances. It is seldom that a family is truly threatened and if your dog's territorial aggression is crazy it can cause problems with visitors and neighbors. Excessive territorial aggression is inappropriate behavior.

Fear can cause a dog to lash out aggressively. Something happens that frightens him and he does the only thing he knows how to do which is to begin growling, pull his ears back, tuck his tail between his legs and act mean. This is just a protective mechanism that is often misunderstood as being direct aggression but the truth is that something triggered the fear, which in turn started the aggressive behavior.

Aggressive behavior can sometimes happen for no apparent reason. However this aggression is usually misdirected. Something happens that triggers anxiety within the dog but he is not able to react to the actual stimuli so he takes it out on something else. This may be a reason for some inexplicable dog fights between 2 or more animals. The dog is just not able to act on the real cause.

There can also be medical or biological issues for aggression. A mother dog will often express aggression when she is nursing her litter of puppies. This type of aggression is understandable however sometimes a medical issue could be causing excessive aggression so it is always wise to have your vet give your dog a thorough examination.

Spaying your female dog and neutering your male dog will usually help alleviate excessive aggression. Your training efforts will also be easier and more effective. If you are not planning to breeding dogs, spaying and neutering is the responsible thing to do.

If you consider the reasons why your dog may be acting aggressively you can tailor your training efforts and curb the aggression. You can work with your dog's own specific needs and be more successful. - 32404

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Keep Your Dog From Barking Excessively

By Kevin Lee

Dogs bark for quite a few reasons. Chiefly, barking is meant for communication purposes. Some breeds are more well known for excessive barking but every dog will bark at times. There are situations when you want your dog to bark for communication purposes with you but everyone gets frustrated with a dog that barks excessively.

There are generally a couple of reasons why a dog will bark excessively. One of the main reasons why a dog barks is because of boredom. Dogs are pack animals, they enjoy daily exercise, interaction with others and social stimulation. If they are spending most of their time being cooped up in the house or even outdoors in the same yard everyday they may need more fun. Try taking your dog for more walks around the block or do some structured playtime every day. This may help to keep your dog from excessive barking if he barks out of boredom.

Being overly nervous or scared can also prompt a dog to start barking excessively. Appropriately socialized dogs tend to be calmer and more relaxed around various people and in various situations but a dog that is not used to new things can start barking out of anxiety. Start socializing your dog by taking him to new and different places and into different situations. Give him praise and rewards when he is quiet and well behaved and soon he will will be less nervous as he will associate the pleasant treat with the situation rather than nervousness.

Dogs will bark when they are wanting something from you. However, while you need your dog to communicate with you, you also do not want this type of barking to become a bad habit. If you always respond to his barking he will always continue to bark. Try to get him to communicate with you in other ways by praising him and rewarding him for other behaviors. Otherwise you will just train him to bark.

Separation anxiety can cause a dog to start barking excessively. This is a problem for you as it is disturbing to neighbors and others and you are not even there. Try to get your dog over separation anxiety early on in his training when he is just a puppy. You can use a crate whenever you leave and he will learn to be happy in his own space. Never make a big deal out of leaving your dog home alone but just slip out quietly. He will be more likely to behave until you get back if he doesn't realize that you are gone.

Dogs bark to protect you and there are circumstances when we all would appreciate that. However, every single day when the mailman or mail person! delivers the mail is not one of those times! This is atime when socialization and training can really pay dividends. Take your dog to meet the mailman, let them become acquainted and hopefully your dog will stop barking at him everyday. Another way to get him to stop barking at inappropriate times is to distract him with a game or a treat. But when your dog barks to protect you remember that there may come a time when you will appreciate that so limit your training to people you know.

You can teach your dog not to bark excessively. A dog trainer can offer you some techniques but usually more socialization and more playtimes do wonders to curb excessive barking. Your dog is barking for a reason though, so it is smart to find out the reason why and adjust your training to that.

If your dog only barks for proper communication you and others like you will enjoy your dog more. Start training your dog not to bark excessively while he is just a puppy and by the time he is grown up you will know that if he is barking it is for a good reason. - 32404

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