Things to Consider When Getting a Dog
So you are thinking about getting a dog and adding a new member to your family? When considering bringing a dog into your life, there are some things you need to determine before you even go to your local shelter, pound or talk to a breeder.
There are pros and cons to adopting a mutt as opposed to buying a purebred dog.
Two things you need to consider when getting a dog are the temperament and size of the dog.
Are you going to be the sole owner, or are there other people who live with you? Are there going to be children interacting with the dog on a regular basis? Do you live in an apartment, or a small house with no or little yard? Get some books from the library.
You can get a multitude of books about every breed under the sun.
Watch dog shows as they are a font of information about different breeds.
When you are out walking and see someone walking their dog, ask them about the breed and if they have had any problems with that breed.
We all know that there are thousands of dogs in neighborhood shelters waiting to be adopted.
Before you bring Scruffy home, find out as much you can about the dog's history and breed mix.
It is admirable to adopt an abused dog, but that may not be the best way for you to go if you have young children or other animals in your home.
Getting a purebred dog, you know not only the size that the dog will mature to be, but also have a very good idea of the temperament you will be dealing with.
If you do decide to go with a purebred dog, talk to local breeders.
Dog breeders love to talk about their job and will gladly share their insights.
Some breeders will actually put you through the ropes to decide if you will be the best owner of one of their puppies.
This is because many people fall in love with a specific breed, only to adopt one and find out that Fido doesn't match their lifestyle.
You also need to take into account training your dog.
And you need to do this BEFORE you get a dog.
Talk to your local vet and see if they offer training classes for puppies and even older dogs.
Get a book, or two from the library that deals with training methods.
Some breeds are harder to train than others, so keep that in mind.
Before you bring your dog home, make sure you have all the things you are going to need.
Most training books advocate using a crate to house break your puppy, so get one ahead of time so you can start training on the first day.
Dogs actually like their crates as they view them as their den and it is a place where they feel safe.
And of course you'll need water and food bowls, plus some puppy food.
Make sure you have appropriate chew toys so that you can train your puppy to chew on them and not your $100 shoes.
Getting a dog, and bringing a into your home is a lot like bring home a baby; you have to prepare ahead of time for the big event.
But by doing some homework and getting the necessary equipment, you and your dog will have years of enjoyment and companionship.
There are pros and cons to adopting a mutt as opposed to buying a purebred dog.
Two things you need to consider when getting a dog are the temperament and size of the dog.
Are you going to be the sole owner, or are there other people who live with you? Are there going to be children interacting with the dog on a regular basis? Do you live in an apartment, or a small house with no or little yard? Get some books from the library.
You can get a multitude of books about every breed under the sun.
Watch dog shows as they are a font of information about different breeds.
When you are out walking and see someone walking their dog, ask them about the breed and if they have had any problems with that breed.
We all know that there are thousands of dogs in neighborhood shelters waiting to be adopted.
Before you bring Scruffy home, find out as much you can about the dog's history and breed mix.
It is admirable to adopt an abused dog, but that may not be the best way for you to go if you have young children or other animals in your home.
Getting a purebred dog, you know not only the size that the dog will mature to be, but also have a very good idea of the temperament you will be dealing with.
If you do decide to go with a purebred dog, talk to local breeders.
Dog breeders love to talk about their job and will gladly share their insights.
Some breeders will actually put you through the ropes to decide if you will be the best owner of one of their puppies.
This is because many people fall in love with a specific breed, only to adopt one and find out that Fido doesn't match their lifestyle.
You also need to take into account training your dog.
And you need to do this BEFORE you get a dog.
Talk to your local vet and see if they offer training classes for puppies and even older dogs.
Get a book, or two from the library that deals with training methods.
Some breeds are harder to train than others, so keep that in mind.
Before you bring your dog home, make sure you have all the things you are going to need.
Most training books advocate using a crate to house break your puppy, so get one ahead of time so you can start training on the first day.
Dogs actually like their crates as they view them as their den and it is a place where they feel safe.
And of course you'll need water and food bowls, plus some puppy food.
Make sure you have appropriate chew toys so that you can train your puppy to chew on them and not your $100 shoes.
Getting a dog, and bringing a into your home is a lot like bring home a baby; you have to prepare ahead of time for the big event.
But by doing some homework and getting the necessary equipment, you and your dog will have years of enjoyment and companionship.
Source...