18 Things to Consider Before Selecting Your New Dog

Author: Lamar Dean

Before purchasing a dog for a pet you must make a sincere, thoughtful commitment. Try to match your desires to the needs of the dog.

Before you start your search for a new dog there are the following 18 things to consider.

1. Obligation and Dedication:

Owning a dog requires a long-term commitment. Adopting a dog on impulse often ends in disaster. Dogs don't make very good birthday or Christmas presents. The decision to acquire a dog should be discussed with all family members.

2. Time:

Do you have the time to spend with a pet? Unfortunately, this is not thought out and frequently overlooked, especially when there are young children in the family. Puppies and dogs need adult supervision and a five or six year old child is too young to responsibly care for them. Do you have time to train a dog? Taking time to train your dog is an obligation that must fit into your daily schedule. If you can't spare the time in training, playing, and exercising a dog maybe, you should re-consider acquiring a dog.

3. Facilities:

Do you have a large enough space for a dog? An outdoor dog needs at least a fenced in yard and a warm, dry doghouse. Do you have the space needed for keeping a dog inside?

4. Cost:

Can you financially bear the cost of a dog? Not only the cost of purchasing a dog should be considered but the cost of routine health care, veterinary fees for annual vaccinations, food, dishes, leashes, collars, beds, toys, etc.

5. Patience:

Owning a dog is a labor of love, but it takes ample patience and persistence in raising one. Having a hot, quick temper that flares up repeatedly isn't compatible with owning a dog.

6. Training:

You must give your dog at least some basic training (either by you or a professional trainer) on behavior and manner or he will be a liability rather than an asset. House-breaking, collar and leash control, obedience is necessary training. Without proper training your dog will be a nuisance and an embarrassment to you.

7. Puppy or Adult Dog?

Depending on your financial situation, the age of children in the home, and the amount of time you can dedicate to training a dog.

Adult: Adult dogs have reached their full size, coloration, and coat so usually what you see is what you get. Their personalities are already established, however many of their learned behavioral manners can be changed. Adjusting to a new family and environment can be traumatic to older dogs.

6 things to consider when acquiring and adult dog.

I: Adult dogs most likely have had their vaccination shots, although they may need boosters.

II: Spaying or neutering probably has been done, which will cut down on your expenses.

III: With an outdoor dog thats fully grown, you have a good idea what type of fencing and the size of the doghouse you will need.

IV: Inside adult dogs are likely to be housebroken with adequate manners.

V: Eating habits are usually already established in adult dogs, but you may have to change them to suit your lifestyle.

VI: Usually adult dogs are accustomed to collars and leashes, and may have had some obedience training. A grown dog with bad habits will take patience and a great deal of time and effort changing their conduct.

4 things to consider when acquiring a puppy.

I: A puppy in a household with children should be carefully monitored when together. Petting and wrestling with a puppy is great fun for children but puppies are fragile and their bones break easily so make sure children understand this when playing with them.

II: Housebreaking a puppy takes time and is particularly tedious and aggravating for the uninitiated. Days or sometimes weeks will be spent on cleaning up after a puppy before it is housebroken.

III: Puppies are vulnerable to diseases not usually associated with adult dogs. They must be checked regularly and will need vaccinations and booster shots.

IV: Spaying or neutering represent additional expenses of puppy ownership.

8. Male or Female?

The cost of raising a male or a female dog adds up to about the same, although spaying a female might be somewhat higher than the cost of neutering a male. One person may favor the temperament of females, while another person prefers masculine characteristics. Bringing a new male dog into a household that already has a male dog may present an aggression problem, unless they are raised together from puppy hood or are neutered; however, neutering won't necessarily stop male aggression. Females tend to be more gentle than males.

There are various reasons for wanting to share your life with a dog; yet, wanting a dog to love is a small part of owning a dog. You will want your dog to be happy in your home.

About the Author:

Lamar Deane offers free tips and information on Which Dog Breed Fits Your Lifestyle And Personality

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - 18 Things to Consider Before Selecting Your New Dog

A New Dog In The House? Take The Time To Train It

Author: Ruth Bird

There is a lot of literature and resources widely available in this area that give plenty of theoretical advice but it can be easier to learn through observation and practice. A professional trainer who runs obedience and training classes for dogs recognizes the various subtleties that cannot be taught by a book and passes this information on to those who attend their class in the hope of fully training their dog. Experienced instructors will advise their students on where they are going wrong and how to adequately respond to various behaviors. These classes are easier if the dogs are puppies but even older dog,s bad behavior can be conformed with some patience and a bit of effort. An instructor will guide the new dog owners with the timings of their rewards and how to effectively communicate with the dog as well as how facial expressions and body gestures can affect the process.

The first things that are often taught are basic obedience lessons; they should concentrate on encouraging the dog to obey its owner's commands instantaneously. Topics can include house training, socialization, correct behavior on walks and respect of property such as furniture. These experiences are applied in real life circumstances and the dog owners are encouraged to repeat the lessons that they have learned in class as dogs often perform in a classroom atmosphere but change dramatically in public. The skills can only be mastered if practice is continually available and eventually the dog will become perfectly obedient to its owner's instructions.

Concentrating on using obedience classes to train a dog may seem like a lot of time and effort has been consumed but in the long run it saves time and effort as an obedient, well trained dog is much easier to handle and live with. Walks become simple experiences and do not involve the dog straining at the leash or the owner becoming frustrated. The dog will have learned to respect the property of the household and knows its place in the family. They will not willfully disobey their owner and can behave acceptably in front of new company.

Some dogs can be trained further according to their temperament. They may be suitable as a working dog, rescue dog or even a therapy dog and this requires additional training although basic obedience training is at the core of this process. Whether a dog is simply kept as a pet or has some other valuable use, the importance of good training is paramount. Only a reliable dog can be depended upon in certain situations and a well trained dog is one that can be trusted with strangers, children, other animals and property. Some breeds of dog are thought to be quick learners but any dog can be trained. Although it is not just the dog that is being trained in an obedience class; both the dog and its owner are learning as a team to work together.

About the Author:

Ruth is a wife, a stepmom, a dog owner and a business woman. She has been married to her husband Chris for almost 30 years. Her passions are health for people and pets.Pet Blog. And My About Me Page

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - A New Dog In The House? Take The Time To Train It

Getting a New Dog? How to Choose One

Author: Donnis Barron

Choosing a new dog might seem to be a very simple and one way task, but there are indeed a lot a factors to consider. And when one embarks on it, it could be quite confusing and exhausting. With proper information at hand, choosing a dog can be a lot of fun. The main point to consider is finding the kind of dog that would fit and complement you, the owner.

Among the things that will have to be considered and discussed before getting a new dog are: 1. Who will have the primary responsibility of caring for and training the dog?2. The expenses to be incurred for food, dog care, and the rest of the dog's needs like supplies, bed, crate, among otherthings.3. The veterinarian that you will choose for your new dog.

Different breeds of dogs fit different peoples's lifestyle. There are dogs that are suited for the elderly, dogs for people with active lifestyles, and dogs for families with children.

Would you get a puppy or a grown up dog? Taking care of a puppy would require more attention and more trips to the vet, while getting an older dog will mean extra effort in establishing a bond between master and pet.

The breed of the dog is also a very important factor to consider. Temparament, activities, and other needs of a dog are sometimes influenced by its breed.

If its a pure breed dog that you want, your local kennel club is the best source of information. It should have access to reputable area breeders. A veterinarian can also provide reliable information where to find breeders for your dog of choice.

If its a hunting dog that you want, I would suggest the sporting breeds like the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever. Breeds of these nature are easy to train and are good with children, but they require an active lifestyle.

For experienced owners, recommended dogs are those from the AKC's working group like the Siberian Husky, the Rottweiler, the Akita, the Bullmastiff, and the Giant Schnauzer. Hip dysplasia is common among these breeds, to be sure to get this type of dog from a reputable breeder.

Small dogs are ideal for apartment dwellers and people with older children. Dogs in this group include the Pug, the Shih Tzu, the Pomeranian, and the Maltese. These small dogs still require training and a fair amount of exercise. These small dogs are very popular today.

People who have a farm and work livestock may want to consider dogs from the herding group like the Border Collie, the Australian Shepherd, the German Shepherd, and the Shetland Sheepdog. The Border Collie is a very intelligent dog that requires a lot of exercise, both physical and mental. If you want to spend a lot of active time with a dog, you might choose a dog like this.

Adoption is also a very good option, since there is such a huge dog population. Assistance in this area can be obtained from your local humane society or dog rescue organization.

When choosing a dog, do take your time. It could be a very enlightening and enjoyable adventure. Do some research, or better yet, talk to dog owners, groomers, breeders, and veterinarians. They have first hand information and they can give you sound advice from their experience. This will help ensure that the dog of your choice will fit into your lifestyle and you'll have the chance to enjoy your dog more.

About the Author:

Donnis Barron is the author and webmaster of Dogs and More! and other niche websites. For more information, please visit http://www.wizchamp.com or send email to donnis@wizchamp.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Getting a New Dog? How to Chose One

Buying Supplies For A New Dog

Author: Randy Hemsley

When you bring a new dog into your home, there are certain supplies and accessories you'll need to bring along with it. Especially with the involvement of children, the initial excitement of owning and caring for a dog - puppy or full grown - can blind us to ongoing practical considerations related to its daily needs. Responsible dog care is not inexpensive, and sober judgment should be used not only concerning the initial decision to bring it home, but also for the purchase of items needed for day two and beyond.

Read this article to learn how to be prepared for the newest addition to your family.

Healthy Food and Tasty Treats

Have at least a week's supply of dog food ready. You should always purchase food that's targeted towards your dog's age and any applicable health conditions or breed considerations. For example, active hunting and working dogs require a different diet than sedentary lap dogs or older, less active canines.

Another important consideration is quality. While you may not need to buy the most expensive gourmet food for your dog, you shouldn't be buying the cheapest either. You want to feed your dog a healthy, quality diet.

Collars and Leashes

When buying a collar and leash for your new dog, take its size into consideration. You want something that will be strong enough to hold your dog, but not too heavy or cumbersome. For example, leather collars and leashes can be durable and tough, but may be too much or too heavy for a tiny Chihuahua.

When fitting a collar, you should be able to squeeze two fingers between the collar and your dog's neck. Any tighter and you can cause discomfort to the dog. Any looser and he could escape.

Doggie Toys and Chewy Treats

Just like collars and leashes, it's important to think about size and weight when selecting a dog toy. If the toy is too small for your dog, he could swallow it and choke on it. If the toy is too big, he could strain himself trying to pick it up.

You'll also need durable and long-lasting toys. Of course, bones aren't designed to last a long time, but they may be a better choice if your dog is apt to chew and swallow latex or rubber chew toys.

Dog Training Supplies, Books and Videos

The first place to start when it comes to puppy training is either a good book, instructive video or recommended obedience class. If you opt for a book, try to find one that focuses specifically on your dog's breed or group.

Depending on the training program, you may also be required to purchase whistles, harnesses, a water spray bottle or reward treats for positive reinforcement.

Health and Hygiene Products

Control fleas and ticks either through medication or specially treated collars. You'll also want to purchase specially designed dog toothbrushes and paste as dental problems are one of the primary reasons for veterinary visits.

You certainly don't need to buy everything in the store, but it's important to be well prepared for your newest family member.

About the Author:
For dog necessities info, visit http://www.dog-necessities.com, a popular site with insights on dog care, such as medical supplies, dog training and more.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Buying Supplies For A New Dog

Responsible Dog Ownership - What to Expect When you Get your New Dog or Puppy

Author: Ty Brown

I've had responsibility on the mind lately. I am a frequent visitor to several classified ad sections dealing with dogs and dog services for sale. There is a trend in dog ownership that I see as inexcusable.

As a professional dog trainer I know that dogs are not the easiest animals to own. When talking about ease of ownership there is typically no comparing the work involved with caring for a dog or puppy as there is with taking on a cat, fish, or turtle. As I view these classifieds from time to time I am upset to see such phrases as "Have to get rid of the dog because she sheds so much" or "This dog needs an owner who can give him more attention" or "Needs an owner who can give him a daily walk" or "Needs an owner who can give her training".

The question that should be posed to these owners is, "What were you thinking?" Were you thinking when you got a dog that it would be simple? Weren't you realizing that a dog is going to shed, is going to bark, is going to need training, is going to need exercise?

This article is for the potential dog owner in hopes that I can help you understand what it is you are getting in to:

1- Dogs shed. They get dirty. They can smell bad. Can you deal with that? They will need baths, and special tools to manage shedding. Dogs need special shampoos.

2- Dogs cost money. Vaccinations are necessary for every single puppy. Worming medication is needed for every puppy. There are also many other medical costs such as blood and stool tests, potential x-rays, and many other costs that arise from normal dog ownership. Keep in mind, I'm talking about healthy animals. If your dog has sicknesses or health defects your tab could easily run into the thousands. You must figure health care costs into your budget before getting any dog.

3- Every single dog requires training. You have to remember that a dog is an animal. Nearly every one of his instincts is contrary to what you want in a dog. Dogs jump, chew, dig, go to the bathroom in the house, etc. It is your responsibility to teach your dog what is acceptable. It will probably be months at a minimum before you can allow your dog freedom in the house while you aren't home. If you want to take your dog to the park off leash it will probably require months of training and hundreds or thousands of dollars in professional trainer costs. If you want the perfect dog it will likely take hours and hours of work over the space of many months, lots of money, and a boat-load of patience.

Dogs aren't accessories to be acquired on a whim and discarded when it isn't convenient. Responsible dog ownership requires real work, real effort, and real money. If you aren't in it for the long haul, don't get the dog in the first place.

Good luck in your quest to owning the right dog.

About the Author:

Ty Brown is a leading dog training authority with numerous radio and television appearances to his credit. Visit www.dogbehavioronline.com to view free articles and for more puppy resources and check out his dog training business.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Responsible Dog Ownership - What to Expect When you Get your New Dog or Puppy

Taking Care of your New Dog

Author: Rosie Reynolds

When people choose to own a dog they are responsible for it. Apart from the moral responsibility, the owner is required to provide:

Adequate food daily.
Free access to clean drinking water at all times.
Shelter from the elements and sufficient exercise.
Control of the dog for it's own safety.
Veterinary care as required.

First and probably most important of all, unless you're planning to breed your dog, you should look into spaying or neutering your pet. Every year, too many unwanted pets and accidental litters have to be put down. As a responsible pet owner, it is your duty to help control this practice on your end. The cost of your pet's spay or neuter surgery is a lot less than the cost of having and caring for a litter.

Did you know that dogs are susceptible to about sixty different types of diseases? Twenty of those diseases are transmittable to humans. To help protect your dog (and yourself) against these diseases, make sure your dog is protected by vaccination.

Feeding your dog a well-balanced diet is certainly necessary to keep him fit and healthy. Make sure it's the same amount of food at the same time(s) each day. Make sure their water bowl is always full with clean fresh water. Other activities such as exercise, grooming, training and regular visits to the veterinarian are just as important.

Exercising with your dog not only strengthens the bond you two share, it also helps control his weight and maintain a healthy heart, lungs and muscles. This can also really benefit you aswell, walking your dog helps to lower the chance of health problems. It also helps to maintain your mental fitness and enables you to keep tension free.

As you exercise with your dog, consider his needs and present physical condition. Leisurely walks may be best for an older dog while a young dog has ample energy for a vigorous exercise program.

A dog is more than just a pet. It is a friend you can always count on when things go wrong and no one seems to care. Having a dog for a pet is not just about feeding it and giving it a good home. It also takes maintenance to keep that dog strong and fit.

Spending time with man's best friend will further deepen the relationship between you. It tells the dog that you love being with it and by either playing or working together; it strengthens the communication, understanding and respect between man and animal. A good relationship is built on love and trust.

About the Author:

Rosie Reynolds provides more information and tips for caring for your dog on her website: http://www.howtocareforyourdog.com/

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Taking Care of your New Dog

Keeping Your Pet Healthy - A New Dog Owner Guide

Author: Bart LeToad

Keeping your pet well groomed is an essential part of being a new pet owner. We have compiled a few tasks that each owner should do on a regular basis. If you make sure these things get done, you will keep your pet happy and healthy.

Trimming your dogs' nails is critical in keeping your pet free from toe infections. You should always keep your pet dogs nails trimmed to the proper length. Taking a daily walk with your pet will help wear down their nails. If trimming their nails doesn't make you queasy, you can pick up a pair of nail clippers at your favorite online pet store and trim them yourself. You want to be sure not to cut them too short as their nails will bleed and cause them discomfort. If you don't feel that you can trim their nails or that your dog might be aggressive when you're trying to trim them, you can take your pet for a minimal charge to your groomer or veterinarian.

Keeping your dogs ears clean is necessary to prevent excessive wax build up and prevent diseases or pests from settling in. Since most dogs' ears lie down and cover the bigger opening they aren't susceptible to most ear problems. However, dos with ears that stand up are especially vulnerable to many dangers. Most online pet stores carry a variety of dog-ear cleaners, which are very simple to use. In most cases, you simply put a small amount of ear cleaner on a cotton ball and swab the outer surface of the inner ear. Regular cleaning of your dogs' ears will reduce the chance of ear infections and help eliminate pests such as ear mites.

If you're not comfortable cleaning your dogs ears, you can always take your pet dog to your groomer or veterinarian and they will clean your ears for you. If you're cleaning your dog's ears and notice that they have long hairs you can remove those gently by using a set of hemostats. In most cases, we believe this to the groomers or veterinarians' job.

Giving your dog a bath is a great way to bond with your pet. You can purchase shampoos and conditioners designed and formulated specifically for your pet. It is not recommended to use flea and tick shampoos unless your pet absolutely needs it to get rid of those nasty pests. One of the most important things you should be aware of when giving your pet a bath is to make sure you thoroughly rinse your pet so that it does not cause any skin problems. Leaving the shampoo on your pet can cause extremely dry skin, which will cause your dog to scratch and ultimately end up in a nasty skin infection. Any dog that has a thick or matted coat should always be brushed out before giving them a bath. This ensures that you can adequately bathe all layers of your dogs fur. Bathing them before you do this will only make the problem worse Towel drying your pet dog is recommended, but you can use specially made doggie hair dryers. Be careful not to bathe your pet too frequently, only once every couple of months unless they are extremely dirty.

Brushing your dog regularly will keep shedding at bay and also help the coat to shine. Regular brushing of your pet stimulates natural oils in the skin and help to keep it healthy in shining. Frequent brushing will also help eliminate problems such as matting and tangles. While brushing you also get hands-on time, which keeps you well informed of your dogs health. This allows you to notice if there's a new growth, cut or bite that you've never noticed before. If you see anything unusual, be sure to inspect it further and take your pet to the vet if necessary.

These simple tasks will keep your pet healthy and free from major medical problems. It is important to be diligent about the things you can control, because there are always circumstances you can't. Take care of your pet and they will reward you for years to come.

About the Author:
New Pet Owners Should Also Read Up On: Invisible Fence Reviews, Dog Training Collar Information & Petsafe Products

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Keeping Your Pet Healthy - A New Dog Owner Guide

Benefits of Dogs

Author: John Williams Dog Training

Dogs are wonderful creatures and are favoured by millions all over the world for their good company, working ability or any number of the other reasons dogs are used for work or companions all around the world on a daily basis.

Discussing the benefits of dogs is a big topic and I’m sure there will be thousands of you wanting to comment on your personal experiences and bring these situations to light for all others to be persuaded to switch to owning a dog and caring for a new canine friend, but as this is not possible I’ll go through some of the more popular reasons for owning a dog and why it makes people happier.

The first is a sense of security, if you live alone or are alone wile other are at work or otherwise engaged then a pet for the feeling of being safe and secure is more then enough to make thousands if not millions of people want a dog.

With security comes a friend, and a constant need for your love and affection. Some people love to play with their dog and like to have them keep them company, humans bond especially well with dogs witch is where the saying ‘mans best friend’ comes from. Without a pet of some kind, life can be quite lonely and dull. Dogs bring a lot of excitement and interests to households, causing a feeling of happiness and comfort.

Dogs are also used on farms and security type jobs, although these dogs often seem vicious and angry in their job, in most cases they are loyal, well trained, obedient dogs coming from friendly protective and affectionate breeds.

These reasons are just a glimpse of what dogs are all about and to really understand the happiness or excitement effects a dog can have on you, you have to own your own canine friend. If you have time to give and are educated about the different commitments dogs need then acquiring a dog will be one of the best things you ever did.

About the Author:

For more information visit this link... Dog Training

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Benefits of Dogs

How To Decide If A Dog Is Right For You

Author: Paul P. Duxbury

Early morning walks, cold noses waking you up. Are you really ready for all that a dog needs? Do you know where you local veterinarian is? What kind of dog do you want? Are you ready to play pick up maid? Do you really like those shoes? How about that new white carpet you just put in? Are you very attached to it staying white? These are all things you must think of when you go to purchase or adopt a new member of your family.

A dog can be a great addition to your family as long as you are all in it together. A dog needs lots of attention and training in order to be a joy instead of a pain. Also think of the type of dog you wish to get. Do you live in an apartment? House? Condo? Do they even allow dogs? If they do then what type of dog do you want? If you live in an apartment I would not suggest getting something like a German shepard or a Newfoundland, both breeds are large and demand more room out of your small space. Think extra warm bed hog!

Does everyone in your home wish to get a dog? Who will be souly responsible for this new pet? I am guessing you since you are the one reading this. If this is the case make sure you are prepared. Giving a pet as a gift whether it is a new puppy, kitten, ferret, or bunny rabbit is never a good idea.

If you are a loving grandparent, aunt, or uncle who wishes to do so make sure you speak to the parents first, as they are most likely to end up taking care of this new addition to their family. Just remember just like children puppies grow up to be adults also. So when you buy your nine year old that new puppy finally, remember that the puppy will grow up with your child and when your child moves away to start their own family you very well may still have a dog living with you.

Dogs should not be left alone for long periods of time during a day. Going to work should be fine as long as you have a crate, but remember your dog had physical needs also. So make sure any extra curricular activities either include your dog or work around your dog. Dog walking and exercising is a serious need that most of us tend to forget about as a dog gets older. Do you have a good place to walk your dog? How about to play Frisbee or tug of war? Your dog like you and your children need exercise.

Can you afford a dog? Veterinarian bills, food, new shoes for you because you bought a puppy who likes to chew? These are all things that you need to take into account. Also do you have the time to spend on a new dog? Personal time with your new dog is always good. Get him used to you and vice versa. So you have decide that YES! You want a dog. This is great news. Did you think to check your local animal shelters? There are a lot of dogs that need to be saved and they usually come already vaccinated and either neutered or spayed.

This is always a bonus because then you do not have to pay for these services. The shelter can also steer you in the right direction, unlike a lot of pet stores, they will help you in choosing a dog best suited for you and your living situation. Maybe you have chosen to have a purebred dog. Make sure you use a reliable breeder and get all the paperwork necessary for showing your new dog at shows. You can always use your purebred dog for breeding also.

Do you choose a male or female dog? If you find your male dog is trying to dominate your household and he is unneutered, take him to your veterinarian and have him neutered. This should stop the aggressive behavior also. If your neighbors or friends have dogs this may help decide a sex for you new pup. Dog arguments have a way of spreading to the owners.

About the Author:

Paul Duxbury writes extensively on Pet Care. You can read more of his articles at Dog Care and Training and Pet Care Centre Download Your Free Dog Training Report

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - How To Decide If A Dog Is Right For You