How many times have you seen this situation where a child comes through the door with a dog in tow? It looks skinny and skittish and is in need of a good meal and a bath. The child is looking with big eyes imploring, pleading, and desperately wanting a yes.
Well you may look at the animal and feel sympathy with its plight. But before you say yes to your child, consider this. When you take on an animal (of whatever kind) you are taking on a new family member and all the responsibility that go with it. A pet is not another thing in the house. It has a personality, a sense of loyalty to family members (if you treat them right) and has needs just like any person would.
Dog's ancestors were able to take care of themselves in the wild, but modern day dogs have been so domesticated that it is not an option for them in this day and age. Have you ever seen a perfectly healthy stray dog? I think that would be rare unless he wandered into your yard only a few days after being lost.
In this situation your first responsibility is to take care of the dogs immediate needs. You also want to take the dog to the vet to have him checked out. You should then do whatever it takes to find the dogs owners. After all, this is someone's pet and they may be mourning the loss and are desperately looking for it.
Look for posters that have been put up and consider making your own to let people know that a dog has been found. Do everything possible until all efforts have been exhausted.
If the owner has not been found then start looking at your options. If you are entertaining the idea of keeping the dog, then decide who is going to be the main caregiver. Is that you, or the child? If it is the child then realize that the child knows nothing about taking care of a pet. Don't assume that the child will know what to do. Although, one thing you can be sure of in most cases, is that a child will give unconditional love for the dog. As a matter of fact, children won't look at them as pets but as a close personal friend.
If the child is going to take care of the dog then you will have to teach them how to do this.
1) They need food and water daily, obviously. If it is a large dog that eats a lot it can certainly dip into your budget.
2) Dogs need to be exercised daily for good health. A good run in the back yard or a throwing of the Frisbee or stick can be very therapeutic for the dog. Dogs do not respond well if they are not shown affection and are exercised every day.
3) They need regular veterinary shots and flea protection and heartworm medication. Regular baths are a must, and don't forget you need to take care of their teeth. There are simple solutions to that like a tooth biscuit.
4) Dogs will respond to training if you make it a fun and rewarding experience for them. They will look forward to it because it's a game for them. They will follow the rules of your home if you are consistent.
If you are willing to do all this then not only will you enjoy the relationship you build with your dog but you will also earn their loyalty and trust. Don't be surprised just how much of a family member your pet can be. Your child will also learn some important lessons in responsibility for others. It can be a beautiful thing!
All the best!
About the Author
Willie Jones http://www.petshopdepot.com
Willie is a freelance writer and researcher who loves to share her views with others and enjoys other peoples views. After all, is this not how we share and learn from each other? If you would like to send me an email please send it to http://www.petshopdepot.com. I will receive it and answer. http://www.petshopdepot.com
Culver prom limo ..As a pet owner, no doubt you want to give... Read More
If you love dogs and you enjoy making money then... Read More
Just like when you bring home a new baby, you... Read More
Now that my services have expanded into the "matchmaking" business,... Read More
Training Tips for a Happy and Healthy Relationship with Your... Read More
Let's take a look at the different stages, but before... Read More
Continued from part two.Epilepsy/seizure disorderWhen your Boxer is between 2... Read More
There are many of us who consider our pets as... Read More
While dogs tend to get lots of exercise, cats are... Read More
What Is ParvoParvo is a serious viral disease that can... Read More
As we find ourselves in the middle of winter, it's... Read More
Dog food is very important for the health of dogs.... Read More
Five years ago this August a funny little puppy came... Read More
I'd like to talk to you about pet vaccinations. I... Read More
Arthritis refers to inflammation or swelling in a joint. The... Read More
An essential to your dog's health is his/her regular annual... Read More
What should you feed your cat to make sure he... Read More
Studies have shown that regularly petting a dog brings a... Read More
We've recently moved into a new apartment complex that really... Read More
1. Accidents and medical emergencies in the home happen frequently.... Read More
Hopefully no one is pulling the leash. The ideal situation... Read More
German Shepherds were among the first dogs trained for police... Read More
Did you know that your goldfish can live for over... Read More
a) GrowlingIf your rabbit growls or grunts at you, she... Read More
What happens when we die? In our society, death is... Read More
Wood Dale limo ..If you have never seen a Shar Pei before, the... Read More
All dogs bark, it's their way to communicate a message.... Read More
Puppy crate training is one of the most effective ways... Read More
The proper selection of a training collar can have a... Read More
Dog eye problems can occur at any time. You should... Read More
Carl Icahn, the hostile takeover master who was THE original... Read More
Newer doesn't always mean better.Adopting an older dog may be... Read More
Presently, and throughout the 1990s a phenomena swept through the... Read More
If your kids have been begging you to get a... Read More
Cats are known for their curious and adventurous nature. Curiosity... Read More
Even if you have the perfect first aid kit for... Read More
Imagine that you are scolding your cat for scratching at... Read More
What is Canine Distemper?Canine distemper is a highly contagios disease... Read More
Ozzie, my four-month old Rottweiler peered up at me with... Read More
Mention the word "video" and different people would come up... Read More
Dog crate training is one of the most effective ways... Read More
A respiratory tract ailment can be fatal to your parrot... Read More
I would like to write a few words about my... Read More
A dog that is feeling pain can often be highly... Read More
As much as you may love your cute, new puppy,... Read More
Is your cat talking to you?Many cat lovers claim that... Read More
Now that you're dog has shown you so much love... Read More
When looking for the best dog food - consider Life's... Read More
Uh-oh, it's that time again. The dreaded vet visit, and... Read More
As we find ourselves in the middle of winter, it's... Read More
Pet |