Dogs are wonderful creatures. They love to give you affection, crave your attention, and make the best pets. Dogs, unlike cats, do require a bit more time from their owners. They have to be walked, exercised, and fed each day. There are certain dog breeds that you might find better over others. Before you can adopt a dog you need to understand the differences between the breeds.
Dogs will vary in size from a few pounds to over 100. This should be your starting place for searching for the right dog for you. If you have small children in your home you need to consider the size of your dog. A full grown dog that weighs 200 pounds could accidentally knock your child down. Safety is key when it comes to children, thus with a baby in the family you may decide a smaller dog is imperative. If you are looking for a dog that provides protection then a larger dog will certainly be more effective.
Below are a few more points that may help with an adoption decision:
I can not stress the point enough, owning a dog requires a fair measure of commitment. Like a young son or daughter you can be sure there will be expenses regarding food, medical checkups, and the need for attention that all dogs have. Do you take lots of vacations or 3 day trips. You will need to alter your customary plans as your new family member will need to come along with you or arrangements will need to be made for their care while you are out. One thing you can do is get a dog with characteristics that match your lifestyle. If you like to lounge around and stay at home a less hyper pup would probably be to your liking. If you are a ‘clean freak’ then a long hair dog will not be a good choice for you. If you are the outdoors type then a high energy canine will give you hours of companionship out on the trail.
New dog owners often do not research the characteristics of the dog they might be interested in. It can be a big shock to learn that your breed has traits that are in serious conflict with your expectations. Case in point, do you want a digger? If you have lots of plants and garden areas, probably not. A Terrier would not be a good choice in this case as they often have the need to dig! Remember, a responsible owner will start training their dog right away to help temper these undesirable traits. This requires discipline and will take time to accomplish. As a dog owner you need to keep up the program for the sake of your dog. Doing so will create a happy calm home and not regretful feelings. As a trainer I recommend looking at these dog training products as they have helped me with my dogs. Another thought to consider is size. Do you want an overly friendly dog or one that will scare the pants off of anyone walking in your directions. But don’t make the BIG mistake of getting a dog thats too BIG if you are in a small apartment with no yard. Some dogs need room to run and expend their energy. It is not fair to you or your dog to be put in such a situation.
Do you have children? Is the breed known for biting? Certain breeds are much more prone to snap at little fingers, while larger dogs can knock toddlers over. This is why it’s important to find the right breed that will fit in your puzzle perfectly. One of the most loveable dogs is the German Shepherd. Besides being guard dogs, rescue dogs, and police dogs, they are just plain great pets. A well known trait of the Shepherd is their ability to be trained to a high level. Get some great information on [how to train a German Shepherd here.] Getting your dog from a reputable breeder will help assure that you avoid health problems that may be prevalent in a particular breed. Use the AKC or other breeders’ association to find a good match for a breeder for your puppy.
You don’t have to go the puppy route. You can also rescue an older dog. Many pure-breed dogs and mixes are available through shelters. Research to find a rescue group near you; many of these can give you a history of the dog and an idea of temperament (and potential issues if they exist). Taking your time and to find the right pet will give you and your family unending joy and kisses from your furry friend. Nothing beats hearing those footsteps running to greet you at the door and the happy tail wagging when mom or dad gets home. In addition to all the good times, be prepared to spend a few sleepless nights caring for your new family member. Just like a child when Dog disease affects your pet it will required time, money and a little TLC on your part.
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