Friday, May 21, 2004

Having a dog is just like another kid in the family

Having a dog is just like another kid in the family

Bringing a puppy home is almost like adopting a kid. It requires the same kind of commitment .You just can’t give a pup away if you suddenly decide he is too much for you. Or if your lifestyle has changed and he doesn’t fit into your new pace of life, you can’t just give him away. It will be too traumatic for him.

No puppy is perfect; they will all spill ink on your carpet and chew on your favorite shoes if left unattended. It is your responsibility to watch the puppy and to properly train him or her. No dog is dumb; it’s just that they have inexperienced pet owners that fail their puppy by not properly training them. The puppy should not be penalized for your lacking skills.

If you are not an experienced pet owner, you should take your puppy to classes so your puppy can learn what is needed, and you can learn how to teach. Puppies cannot be taught everything in one day. Training is a constant process, and it is your responsibility..

Puppies need a lot of attention and must be constantly supervised. A puppy or a dog is a responsibility. 365 days a year. A dog is a long-term commitment (10 to 15 years on the average). A puppy should be a permanent integral part of your family. A puppy is not a toy; it is a living, breathing being. It is not something to be put in the back garden to be played with only when you feel like it.
Dog Training Secrets Revealed - Training Your Dog the Quick And Easy Way!

Is this dog breed the right one for you?

Is this breed for you?

Another factor to consider in choosing a dog is breed. Dog breeds are well defined and easily recognized, and indeed many people associate a working dog with a smart Golden Retriever or German Shepherd.
Have you had experience with that particular breed? Have you done any research to find out what the characteristics of that breed are? Sometimes, just looking at a dog or even being around them for a very short time can be deceiving.

Some can look like they have a sweet nature; also you need time to figure out whether they are active and energetic. Such dogs may not be the right ones for your kids. Do some checking before you decide which one you will get. Some ways to do this could be to talk to a vet, or talk to the staff at your local Humane Society. They have a great deal of experience with most breeds of dogs. You might try your local library for books on specific breeds of dogs.

If you have friends who own or have owned a certain breed, ask them what they have observed about that breed. All breeds of dogs have exceptions to the rules, but there are certain characteristics that are generally consistent with each breed. This would be especially helpful if you are planning on getting a puppy. That little puppy won’t always be that size, and will have a grown-up disposition someday.

Mixed-breed dogs can be every bit as loyal, loving, and playful as purebreds, with one distinct advantage over them: they tend to live longer, healthier lives. Many breeds have been so closely bred to produce champion bloodlines that certain health and temperament problems are becoming more and more common.

For example, the incidence of hip dysplasia in Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds is above 75%! Health problems associated with genetic inbreeding are practically unheard of in mixed breed dogs. Generally, by choosing a mixed breed, you will avoid most hereditary health problems and gain a hardy, robust companion.

Dog Training Secrets Revealed - Training Your Dog the Quick And Easy Way!

Do you have the time for a cute thing? (Puppy Training)

Do you have the time for a cute thing?

So far, we’ve talked about dogs as companions and how you can fit them into your life. But long before that stage, you have a bigger task. Looking after your puppy. Believe us, that is no easy task. Puppies are undeniably adorable and appealing, but they need lots of exercise, training, and supervision. They demand attention all the time. Depending on your work schedule and the ages of your children, do you really have time to handle a boisterous pup?

Many dogs given up to animal shelters are less than a year old, brought in by people who underestimated the job and the time required to help him grow up properly. Many people mistakenly assume they can mold a puppy to be exactly what they're looking for in a dog.

Pups are born with innate traits, which manifest themselves as the dog grows up. If you start with a slightly older dog, you will have some idea in advance of your dog's personality and preferences. If your main concern is to have a family dog that will be safe with your children, for example, you can search for a dog whose personality already shows those traits. Most animal shelters and rescue groups evaluate their dogs for key temperament issues and can readily assist you in finding a dog that will suit your lifestyle.

Dog Training Secrets Revealed - Training Your Dog the Quick And Easy Way!

Find a Good Veterinarian

Find a good vet

When you are conducting research on the breed of dog you want, it is wise to ask a veterinarian about any problems that particular breed may carry. Some dogs may have problems in their joints or have a tendency to have eye problems. It is always good to be prepared. Talk to your veterinarian about hereditary problems or tendencies towards certain conditions in your favorite breeds.

Breeders, especially backyard breeder and pet shops highlight the good points of any particular breed. They will not want to bring up the problems; high occurrence of epilepsy in Belgium Tuvereens, deafness in Dalmatians, skin allergies in West Highland White Terriers, hip dysplasia in almost all the large breeds, progressive retinal atrophy in poodles, the high numbers of Boxers who develop cancer or the collie eye anomalies in Collies. Many small breeds such as Yorkies, Dachshunds, Schnauzers, Poodles and such will require regular dental hygiene as well as actual dental scaling and polishing by a veterinarian. The dental procedures for cleaning the teeth can run between $100 to $150 dollars.

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