| y"> | | | | commit to the care and grooming of your dog? |
| Which dog breed should I pick; and should I be | | | | 8. How much time do you have to exercise and play |
| picking a puppy or choosing a dog? Puppies are so | | | | with your dog? |
| cute and playful and they are so much fun to watch. | | | | 9. Should your dog be allowed on the furniture to |
| But a dog that's already grown can be a great | | | | snuggle up to you? |
| benefit too. You may feel that you are not safe in | | | | 10. How do you want this dog to behave, now and a |
| your neighborhood and having a grown dog to | | | | year from now? (Dog Training) |
| protect you and your children is very comforting. | | | | Once you have these basic questions answered, |
| Point is that choosing a puppy and picking a dog | | | | cross out any dog breed that does not fit, and make |
| breed is the first step in your search. | | | | a list of the dog breeds that do. A visit to the many |
| Imagine that you could have any dog in the world; | | | | information sites, (like my website), will help you find |
| what would you want to bring home? Think of the | | | | the dog breed that you are looking for. Other things |
| thoughtful daughter that bought her lonely mother a | | | | to consider when choosing a puppy or picking a dog, |
| Great Dane because it was such a cute puppy, and | | | | are the costs that are associated with owning a dog, |
| what a great companion it would be for mom. Now, | | | | like food, dog supplies, and vet bills. Usually the larger |
| a year later you see a big dog dragging around a little | | | | the dog the more expensive they will be. Some dogs |
| old lady. The moral to remember; a puppy will not | | | | are more prone to certain types of health issues, like |
| always be a puppy. I know you're thinking that's | | | | hip dysplasia or other ailments and the cost of |
| common sense, but not planning ahead fills animal | | | | medication should be figured in. Research the |
| shelters with unwanted dogs. You must decide which | | | | common medical conditions for the dog breed that |
| dog breeds fit your needs considering the dogs size, | | | | you select. |
| friendliness and exercise requirements. | | | | After picking a dog you should find a good book on |
| So instead of filling you with information about what I | | | | dog training. I have owned dogs all my life and can |
| think is your best choice, I'm going to ask you to | | | | promise you that a trained dog is a more healthy and |
| take this test, and then have everyone else in your | | | | happy animal than an untrained dog, and much more |
| family take it too. Getting your whole family involved | | | | pleasurable to be around. The small costs of buying a |
| with picking a puppy or choosing a dog will prove to | | | | dog training book or program are well worth the |
| be a fun family project that will not only help your | | | | investment. |
| kids with decision making, but will help them become | | | | Potty training your dog will be the first interaction |
| involved with caring for the dog and sharing | | | | you have with your dog, and if you get it right, |
| responsibilities. So print this article and take the test. | | | | training your dog to sit, stay, fetch and heel will go a |
| When you are done compare the answers with your | | | | lot smoother. Many people today live in apartments |
| family and hopefully you will be able to narrow your | | | | with no real access to a yard, so indoor potty |
| search to find the perfect dog breed for you and | | | | training is the only way to go. This is another cost |
| your family. | | | | factor to consider. Indoor potty training will require a |
| | | | doggy potty and doggy potty pellets, and this can be |
| 1. Do you have a small apartment, or a house with a | | | | expensive. Drawbacks are that some dogs like to eat |
| fenced yard? (Small or Large Breed) | | | | the pellets; the pellets can be expensive to always |
| 2. Will your dog have an impact on other pets in the | | | | replenish, they are bulky and have to be stored. |
| house? (Temperament) | | | | Many dogs like to kick their legs after going potty |
| 3. Does anyone in your family have severe allergies? | | | | and this spreads the pellets around which can be a bit |
| (Some dogs cause less allergic reactions) | | | | messy. Lastly, you should watch that the dog doesn't |
| 4. What function will this dog serve as a member of | | | | walk through his droppings and track it through your |
| the family? (Guard dog or companion) | | | | house. |
| 5. Will the dog live inside or outside your home? (Be | | | | All said, choosing a dog is a fun first step; but owning |
| realistic) | | | | a dog is a rich and rewarding experience for children |
| 6. Who will be the primary caretaker of the dog and | | | | and for yourself. There is really nothing like bringing |
| how much time can that person commit to the | | | | home a new best friend that will always have |
| training and care of him? | | | | unconditional love and devotion to you and your |
| 7. How much time will other members of the family | | | | family. |