After going through all the considerations, soul searching and selection and if you have made up your mind that a dog would be a good extra member of the family, then you have to prepare for its eventual inclusion into the family.
BEFORE YOU BRING THE PUPPY HOME :
Before you bring your new puppy home, you must make sure that the home, and the family, are well prepared. If you have children, now is a good time to make the rules as they tend to get carried away when playing with puppies, which could ruin your training. You will achieve the best results if the children are included in the day to day care of the puppy.
Remember, the puppy is not a toy to be played with, so teach the children how to correctly handle and play with it. Tell them that it is far better for them to sit on the floor and throw a toy or play tug-of-war with it, than to chase it around and pick it up. One hard and fast rule that must never be broken, is that when the puppy is in its bed it must never be disturbed, as puppies need plenty of rest and its bed should be regarded as its sanctuary.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Choosing the Dog
Different dog breeds have certain characteristics for which they were bred. You must consider selecting a dog breed that is best suited to your personality, taste, circumstances, family needs and surroundings. Some of the personal environmental issues and factors to consider are as follows :
Ø How much time can you spend with your dog? Dogs are social creatures and require regular Exercise and Grooming. They will not be receptive to being kept in a kennel all day. Similarly, dogs require grooming and nail clipping, which will incur cost or you will have to learn how to perform this function yourself.
Ø How much area in your residence do you have? A small area does not necessarily mean that a small dog is appropriate. However, many dogs can be adaptable as long as you spend a good deal in meeting their needs. Some dogs will require regular exercise while others will be contented to sit and do nothing while you are away.
Ø Can you afford your dog? Regardless of how inexpensive your prospective dog is, you will have to buy food
, pay the vet, pay for registrations, vaccinations, boarding kennels etc. Some breeds are prone to constant medical problems while others may have high maintenance requirements with grooming and husbandry care. All these costs money and you must have the budget for it.
Ø Are you committed to train your dog? Dog Breed selection cannot be done with a view to limit it’s training. Regardless of the dog breed you get, training
will make your dog much more compatible with you and your environment. The benefits of a trained dog are realized when you can take a dog more places with or without disruption to others
Ø What type of dog do you want? There are many pros and cons associated with both the sex and breed of dog. Male dogs are generally more aggressive, prone to dog fighting, more difficult to control and prone to wandering while female dogs are more submissive, easier to train and better with children but prone to mood swings during heat cycles. The dogs sex may not be important and can come down to plain preference. However, Dog Breed selection should be done in light of the fact that dogs will exhibit the traits they have been breed for. Dogs that are bred for scent, herding or retrieving will exhibit these traits.
Ø Would prefer a pure or cross Dog Breed? The advantage of picking a pure bred dog is that you can predicts it’s adult appearance and behavior. With many cross breeds, it is anybody’s guess. Crossbreeds are just as loveable, usually less expensive to buy and may be less likely to show genetic defects than their pedigreed cousins. So on the issue of cross breed versus pure breed, it comes down to personal choice.
Ø How much time can you spend with your dog? Dogs are social creatures and require regular Exercise and Grooming. They will not be receptive to being kept in a kennel all day. Similarly, dogs require grooming and nail clipping, which will incur cost or you will have to learn how to perform this function yourself.
Ø How much area in your residence do you have? A small area does not necessarily mean that a small dog is appropriate. However, many dogs can be adaptable as long as you spend a good deal in meeting their needs. Some dogs will require regular exercise while others will be contented to sit and do nothing while you are away.
Ø Can you afford your dog? Regardless of how inexpensive your prospective dog is, you will have to buy food
, pay the vet, pay for registrations, vaccinations, boarding kennels etc. Some breeds are prone to constant medical problems while others may have high maintenance requirements with grooming and husbandry care. All these costs money and you must have the budget for it.
Ø Are you committed to train your dog? Dog Breed selection cannot be done with a view to limit it’s training. Regardless of the dog breed you get, training
will make your dog much more compatible with you and your environment. The benefits of a trained dog are realized when you can take a dog more places with or without disruption to others
Ø What type of dog do you want? There are many pros and cons associated with both the sex and breed of dog. Male dogs are generally more aggressive, prone to dog fighting, more difficult to control and prone to wandering while female dogs are more submissive, easier to train and better with children but prone to mood swings during heat cycles. The dogs sex may not be important and can come down to plain preference. However, Dog Breed selection should be done in light of the fact that dogs will exhibit the traits they have been breed for. Dogs that are bred for scent, herding or retrieving will exhibit these traits.
Ø Would prefer a pure or cross Dog Breed? The advantage of picking a pure bred dog is that you can predicts it’s adult appearance and behavior. With many cross breeds, it is anybody’s guess. Crossbreeds are just as loveable, usually less expensive to buy and may be less likely to show genetic defects than their pedigreed cousins. So on the issue of cross breed versus pure breed, it comes down to personal choice.
So there you have it! If you are truly committed to being a dog owner, go ahead and shop your ideal pet dog... Cheers!
Dog Breed – Selecting a Dog Breed to suit you and your family needs
Many of the problems and pitfalls of dog ownership could be avoided by selecting a dog breed that suits the family’s needs. It is not a matter of going to the pet store or pet shop to buy a dog. Most people may even go select a dog breed based on appearance alone.
It has been said that there’s a dog breed for everyone. What really matters in choosing a dog breed is not what’s popular, but for you to examine your own personality and environment and match them with the breed that captures your mind’s eye. Trust your feelings, but spend some time to research the most appropriate dog breed for you.
There are many different types of dogs and differences to consider across each dog breed – there’s age, size, shape, activity level, temperament and breed traits, just to name a few. Being selective about what you really want in a dog is very important in making a good choice.
It has been said that there’s a dog breed for everyone. What really matters in choosing a dog breed is not what’s popular, but for you to examine your own personality and environment and match them with the breed that captures your mind’s eye. Trust your feelings, but spend some time to research the most appropriate dog breed for you.
There are many different types of dogs and differences to consider across each dog breed – there’s age, size, shape, activity level, temperament and breed traits, just to name a few. Being selective about what you really want in a dog is very important in making a good choice.
Man's Best Friend
Hello there dog lovers,
Owning a dog is easy if you know how. This blog aims to provide guidance on how to select a dog breed that suits you and your family, train your dog, groom your dog, take care of your dog’s health, handle dog behavior problems and breed your dog. It also aims to provide a forum for all you dog lovers out there to share ideas and compare notes on your four legged friend.
Imagine coming home from a stressful day at work and being greeted by your four-legged companion tail wagging frantically at your gate. Imagine your stress and tension evaporating away as your dog snuggle up to you.
Wouldn’t it be nice if we can share some pointers on dog ownership?
Owning a dog is easy if you know how. This blog aims to provide guidance on how to select a dog breed that suits you and your family, train your dog, groom your dog, take care of your dog’s health, handle dog behavior problems and breed your dog. It also aims to provide a forum for all you dog lovers out there to share ideas and compare notes on your four legged friend.
Imagine coming home from a stressful day at work and being greeted by your four-legged companion tail wagging frantically at your gate. Imagine your stress and tension evaporating away as your dog snuggle up to you.
Wouldn’t it be nice if we can share some pointers on dog ownership?
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