Choosing a dog is a fun adventure. The search for a new familial addition is exciting, but it can also be a little overwhelming. Don't despair; instead, keep in mind the following hints while searching and you'll know what choice is right for you and your lifestyle.
First, it's a little depressing to think about a Great Dane in an apartment your friends have dubbed "the water-closet". Even if you are able to hire a dog walker, it's going to be too cramped for you both. Save yourself and the dog from an uncomfortable situation. If you have the space, then it's not an issue. Compromise, because no matter how cute they are as puppies, they will fill those paws!
Space, exercise and quality time go hand in hand when it comes to caring for your new pet. Little dogs need exercise, however, bigger dogs need just as much or more. For bigger dogs, space is more of an issue than for a small dog. Little dogs have plenty of fuel to burn and can do it all indoors. Bigger dogs, however, cannot get as much exercise indoors. They need enough room to work up to a good run to really work their muscles. Even if you are city bound, be sure your dog is able to get plenty of exercise daily. That means outdoors walking, playing and running.
Think about how much quality time you can dedicate to your dog. Dogs need a lot of personal attention. They are pack animals. If you have another dog at home (and once the new addition is settled in), then leaving them alone together (with toys!) may help comfort both pets when you are gone at work. On the other hand, if the dog is obviously tired (and perhaps there are rambunctious children around), allow the dog to rest in its own personal space.
Another issue that arises is whether you want a dog that doesn't shed a lot. If your dog will live outside on the farm, then shedding may not be a concern. Different types of dogs shed at different times of the year, some all year long.
Next, think about whether you want a male or female dog. This is a matter of personal preference. There are different traits between males and females. Males tend to be bit more rowdy, explorative, protective and stronger. Females are less likely to wander off, are usually smaller and play a little gentler.
Finally, you'll want to decide if you want a pure breed or a mixed dog. A mixed, or crossbreed, will cost you less. It may even be free. The Humane Society is a great place to start. Many people find both young and old dogs that would love to be your or you or your child's loyal life companion.
Pure breeds have their benefits. Mostly, their bloodlines are well documented and you will know a lot about their instincts, temperament and size. It's important to know what you want out of your dog, a hunter, a protector, a worker or a friend. It's crucial to think about all of this if you have children.
Pure breeds may develop more problems than crossbreeds. For example, they may show signs of bad hips, elbows, or sight at an earlier age.
Crossbreeds, however, are more of a surprise. If you know the parents of the mixed pup, you can judge accurately what they will become. A crossbreed is less likely to develop problems often passed down in purer breeds.
All of this is important, but not as important as planning ahead. A little forethought will allow you to properly choose and care for your newfound friend.
For more information and an excellent, free, automated resourced to help you choose a dog, please visit our site here.
About the Author:
Tina Spriggs is an expert dog lover whose lifelong interest in canines provides the motivation for her site. To learn more about dogs or to find gifts and toys for them visit her site at here.
Copyright 2004. All rights reserved.
Wolves are magnificent and majestic creatures that have shared this... Read More
1) Why should I crate train my dog? ... Read More
Dogs are descendent of wolves. To study the psychology of... Read More
Everybody loves a baby animal and Westie puppies are adorable,... Read More
When looking to purchase a purebred dog, you need to... Read More
One of the reasons I strongly encourage horse owners to... Read More
Talk to the animals?Yes.And what's more, they talk to us!If... Read More
Have a dog lover on your gift list? Want to... Read More
So what does it mean to float a horse's teeth?... Read More
Do you want to save money, anxiety for your kitty,... Read More
Selecting a Kitten It is best to choose your... Read More
Nearly every puppy in the world is born with roundworms.... Read More
Dog arthritis is one of the most common diseases that... Read More
You may be hearing more talk these days about "Essential... Read More
Still remember that very moment when you first laid your... Read More
Imagine that you are scolding your cat for scratching at... Read More
It is always sad when a beloved animal family member... Read More
Every year, hundreds of thousands of cats and kittens are... Read More
What happens when we die? In our society, death is... Read More
As many of you know America is serious about our... Read More
Let's face it ? Fido and Fluffy are an important... Read More
Dog crate training is one of the most effective ways... Read More
Did you know that more than one million north americans... Read More
In the purebred West Highland Terrier puppy market, there are... Read More
Just like when you bring home a new baby, you... Read More
tidy up service Arlington Heights ..You love your dog. You would do anything for your... Read More
If you're contemplating the idea of starting a home-based business... Read More
I was talking to a friend of mine today and... Read More
A respiratory tract ailment can be fatal to your parrot... Read More
If you are keen on breeding Goldfish, you should know... Read More
Have you ever thought about what you need to do... Read More
Dogs are believed to be descendants of wild wolves. They... Read More
Problems with Commercial Flea Killers & TraditionalFlea Bite Treatments***Chemicals that... Read More
I was doing some research on dog health when I... Read More
Electric Dog FencesIs an electric dog fence something for you?... Read More
German Shepherds were among the first dogs trained for police... Read More
If the "tweet, tweet" of little beaks is in your... Read More
So you're getting a Rottweiler puppy? Here are some general... Read More
Now that you're dog has shown you so much love... Read More
Puppy TrainingPuppy training can be a trying time. The key... Read More
Bringing a new puppy or dog home is a huge... Read More
The groups of fishes commonly referred to as Cichlids, comprise... Read More
Many parents know that the best way for children to... Read More
This is the story of my dog called Shandy. He... Read More
It is very important to decide whether to keep your... Read More
You may have heard that pets have been scientifically proven... Read More
The numbers will make any pet lover blanch with disgust,... Read More
Our pets give us so much. They entertain us, listen... Read More
A family, including three dogs and a cat live happily... Read More
Ringworm is an annoying, highly contagious fungal disorder that is... Read More
Pet |