Posted by admin | Posted in Dog Care Tips | Posted on 11-01-2005
Tags: animals, dog, dog university arlington va, dog university gilbert az, flickr, good dog university, photography, reference, rude dog university, smart dog university
Should you get a dog?
Should I get a dog?
Dogs are one of the most popular pets in the world. They have enjoyed this state for a very long time, probably from the time draws between 10,000 and 15,000 years ago, when cave dwellers of the Stone Age lived and hunted with dogs.
If you think you want a dog, who is following a well established tradition.
Why you may want a dog
There are a number of reasons people think you might want a dog as a pet. The most universal is the desire of the company of an animal to be a faithful friend for many years. Others think it would be nice to have a watchdog to guard the house, and some people are interested in participating in dog shows, agility trials or other activities organized.
If you are thinking about having a dog, it is important to determine whether you can take care of it properly. Dogs need several things a parent Company:
Time
Commitment
Attention
For your dog to stay healthy, he will have to be fed properly exercised sufficient, arranged regularly and taken to the veterinarian for regular checkups and vaccinations. If you want your dog is well mannered and a pleasure to be around you need to make sure you are well socialized and trained, which requires spending many hours with him. Dogs also need to adjust schedules so they know when they go to be fed and when they will be released.
If you are a busy person who works long hours and travel a lot, having a dog can not be for you.
Factors to consider before buying a dog
Owning a dog can be one of the most rewarding experiences you can have, but before you even start think about what kind of dog you might want, you have to ask some serious questions about how well your lifestyle to suit any dog.
Many people fall in love with a cute puppy in a pet store and bring home only to face a brutal truth. That cute puppy to be taken out to relieve themselves early in the morning. Every single morning. Even weekend mornings. Even if it is raining or snowing or 100 degrees in the shade. And you'll have to go over once a day, sometimes several times more than once, especially when young.
That's just the beginning. Here are some other things to consider seriously before plunging into dog ownership:
Allergies
A bad allergic reaction to dogs in a family member can result in you having to find a new home for the dog - a sad experience for everyone. Some people are allergic serious and can not even live in a house where he lived a dog. Others are much less disturbing and can make adjustments so that they can live comfortably with a pet. An allergy can be a dog's saliva, hair or dander. Not all dogs cause reaction Allergic same. Some breeds are known to be less allergenic because they shed very little or nothing at all. These include the Chinese crested breed who has no hair, and which can vary in size, like a Basenji Frise, Bichon, and a standard poodle.
What do you want a dog?
"Their main concern to have a pet that will be a good partner? Want an athletic dog that can go with you when you run? Will you take your dog on camping trips and have to be large enough to carry your own food? Do you want a dog that can be a credible watchdog and guardian? Do you want to show the dogs? Want participate in agility, obedience or field trials? You will want to study the different races and then talk to farmers and members of local dog clubs to find out what are the characteristics best suited to your needs.
Can your children adjust?
Children love puppies, but children and puppies need supervision. Kids can play too rough with a puppy, and a young child will not understand that the puppy is tired and needs rest. A puppy is hurt or tired to play is likely to growl and snap, and sometimes bite, for children to be left alone. An older dog can be a serious threat if not used to children. There is a rule that is never broken: Babies and toddlers should never be left unsupervised with a dog, no matter how much you trust the dog.
Can Your Other Pets Adjust?
If you already have pets, will consider how the dog will adjust to them and they him. If you have cats who have never been near a dog, you can have a long adjustment period or the combination may not work at all. The puppies often learn to live with cats if you take care of that initial meeting is not too traumatic. If you are considering an older dog, trying to figure out how he reacted prior to other pets.
How much space you have for a dog?
This is an important consideration. A large and active dog, as a German shepherd or can run and play in a large walled garden. Often, however, the dog does not do much play that are not available to be with him, and he simply laze on the grass like you would if you were inside in his dog bed. Large dogs can be happy even in an apartment if they have a long walk or two a day.
Housing
Unless you live in the country and spend time outdoors with your dog, it will not be happy as strictly outdoor dog. Outside should be to play and exercise. A dog should never be left outdoors in hot weather without water or shade and cold weather without shelter or isolated. If your dog spends much time outside, you will need a fenced in yard or large kennel.
Can you afford a dog?
Your dog should be fed and trained and equipped with toys and candy. You may want to take him to obedience classes. If you are traveling for business or from time to time you travel and you can not take your dog, you have to manage to climb it or hire a dog sitter who will perform it at home.
Veterinary Care
Your dog will need regular veterinary checks, including vaccinations, worming and flea and tick prevention. A medical emergency can cost several hundred dollars. As your dog ages, you may develop chronic illnesses that require regular visits to the vet. Veterinary charges vary from city to city. If have not owned a pet before, you may want to call to see what the rates are in your area.
Grooming
If you do not have time to groom your dog, do not have the facilities to give her a bath comfortably, or requires special preparation, you have to pay for a professional hairdresser. You will also need brushes and combs for maintenance.
Licenses
Dogs are required to be licensed. Fees are set by the county or city and are very variable. To learn about licenses, call your county animal control. Your veterinarian and local animal shelter also know where to go and buy a license.
The exercise and companionship - Do you have time?
Some dogs need only a short walk one or two times a day, while others are designed to run all day. Be honest when you consider the level of regular exercise is comfortable for you. If you has a heavy work schedule, taking the dog for a walk at night can be a burden than a pleasure. An active dog that only gets the actual exercise of the weekend and holidays is likely to be unhappy, not to mention boring and destructive. In addition to exercise, your dog needs time with you. If you have a full work schedule and social life very active, your dog is likely to be lonely, bored and destructive.
The size and energy level of the dog
Before you even think about getting a young dog, with lots of energy, like a golden retriever, one must ask if it is strong enough to control and exercise a dog that will want to run and play and could easily beat him up by accident. Do not buy a puppy that will become a 150-pound athlete if his energy level is more oriented for a walk with a toy poodle.
Is it stable lifestyle?
A common reason that dogs are given up to animal shelters that owner had to move, and new homes do not allow pets. Or the owner is married, and the new spouse does not like dogs. Are they likely to move with often? Is family life stable? Does your job requires you travel frequently or for long periods of time?
Old puppy or dog?
Most people automatically think of the puppies when thinking of purchasing a dog. Although puppies are cute and funny, there are benefits in getting a dog old. It is much easier to housetrain an older dog. The puppies do not physically have the ability to keep your urine for a long period of time and should be taken with frequency. You will not have to wait for an older dog to grow to see what size will be or what kind of temperament will, and if you get your dog an animal shelter or a rescue organization, is likely to be saving his life.
The first steps
If after having read all this, you still want a dog, congratulations! You're probably eager to take the first step, and want to dash to the pet store or breeder or shelter, or rescue organization, but not run to pick up a dog at the moment. It is important that you take the time to read everything you can about the selection, introduction and maintenance of a dog. Browse through other articles on our website. Check the books in the library or visit a bookstore.
Consider what type of dog you want. Do you want a purebred dog or a mixture? Do you want a male or a female? Do you want a puppy or older dog? Talk to other dog owners you know. Where did they get their dogs and what was your experience? Where would you find the perfect choice?
Once you decide have a dog, pick a reason to take him home when you and your family will have time to give full attention, take home the beginning of a long weekend or holiday, when you have more time to be home with him, no doubt will make the transition to their new home easier for him and his new family. Preparing for your arrival. You need to know what to expect and how to care for him when he first comes into your life.
If you have carefully chosen his new canine friend and properly prepared for him, so that your home may be one of the happiest experiences of his life. He will become part of your family and love you without reservation. Return of his love, and he really be your best friend.
About the Author
I am a proud wife, mother of 6 and extreme bulldog finatic! I own Bullie Pups R Us http://www.bulliepupsrus.com/forsale.php. I like to network so people can get to know who I am as a person. http://www.gather.com/my.jsp and http://peopleconnection.aol.com/blogs
I love anything with the outdoors and find nature therapeutic and a miracle! Summer is my favorite time of year! I do not like winter as I find it very restrictive.
SUPER DOG UNIVERSITY CZ
 |
 NEW WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY MOUNTAINEERS PET DOG JERSEY ALL SIZES $19.49 Time Remaining: 2d 18h 27m Buy It Now for only: $19.49 Buy It Now |
 Auburn University Tigers Dog Collar With UA Hang Tag $14.00 Time Remaining: 10h 58m Buy It Now for only: $16.99 Buy It Now | Bid now |
 Boxer Dog Paw State University Athletic Dept Black T Shirt 995 $9.95 Time Remaining: 5d 12h 57m Buy It Now for only: $9.95 Buy It Now |
 Scottish Terrier Dog Paw University White Sweatshirt Sweat Shirt ALL SIZES $19.95 Time Remaining: 23d 20h 1m Buy It Now for only: $19.95 Buy It Now |
 Two Brand New OSU Buckeyes Ohio State University Dog Bandanas For Dog Rescue $2.99 Time Remaining: 19h 17m Buy It Now for only: $5.99 Buy It Now | Bid now |
 Yorkshire Terrier Dog Paw University White Sweatshirt Sweat Shirt ALL SIZES $19.95 Time Remaining: 22d 23h 21m Buy It Now for only: $19.95 Buy It Now |
 NOT IN STORES Licensed Super Soft University of Wisconsin NCAA Dog Plush NWT $9.95 Time Remaining: 29d 23h 44m Buy It Now for only: $9.95 Buy It Now |
 NWT OSU OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DOG cap hat XS X Small $6.99 Time Remaining: 1d |
 Damn Good Dogs The Real Story of Uga the University of Georgias Bulldog $12.00 Time Remaining: 29d 16h 32m Buy It Now for only: $12.00 Buy It Now |
 Girls BIG DOGS Princess University T Shirt $8.80 Time Remaining: 2d 23h 5m Buy It Now for only: $8.80 Buy It Now |
 NWOT Victorias Secret PINK Dog Love University Tank Top Large Pink Pocket $11.99 Time Remaining: 1d 23h 10m |
 Nylon strap tape 3 8 to 1 pet leash harness tie downs $3.49 Time Remaining: 1d 22h 28m Buy It Now for only: $3.49 Buy It Now |
 NEW FLORIDA UNIVERSITY GATORS PET DOG JERSEY ALL SIZES $19.49 Time Remaining: 15h 26m Buy It Now for only: $19.49 Buy It Now |
 Victorias Secret PINK Dog Love University Slipper Moccasin Mukluk Grey White $17.99 Time Remaining: 1d 23h 10m |
 University of Kentucky UK Designer dog collar martingale or leash set xs s m lg $11.95 Time Remaining: 15d 17h 4m Buy It Now for only: $11.95 Buy It Now |
 Pug Dog Close Up Portrait Paw State University White T Shirt 995 $9.95 Time Remaining: 5d 14h 45m Buy It Now for only: $9.95 Buy It Now |
 BOILERMAKERS PURDUE UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL DOG TAG SET NECKLACE KEYCHAIN NCAA 44114 $5.99 Time Remaining: 2d 43m |
 Newfoundland Dog Close Up Portrait Paw State University White T Shirt 995 $9.95 Time Remaining: 28d 14h 45m Buy It Now for only: $9.95 Buy It Now |
 University Missouri Tigers Dog Leash NCAA Licensed $5.99 Time Remaining: 20d 14h 15m Buy It Now for only: $5.99 Buy It Now |
 Victoria Secret PiNK SeXy University of PINK Rainbow Dog Lounge Pants S $7.99 Time Remaining: 2d 11h 32m Buy It Now for only: $15.00 Buy It Now | Bid now |
 James Madison University Duke Dog Flag Regular Size $16.18 Time Remaining: 6d 15h 41m Buy It Now for only: $16.18 Buy It Now |
 IU Indiana University Hoosiers Medium 14 20 Inch Dog Collar $11.00 Time Remaining: 23d 22h 28m Buy It Now for only: $11.00 Buy It Now |
 NEW UF University of Florida Gators Dog Pet FOOTBALL JERSEY XL $9.00 Time Remaining: 2d 15h 42m |
 University of Nebraska Huskers NCAA Fabric Bandana Dog $6.99 Time Remaining: 13d 14h 24m Buy It Now for only: $6.99 Buy It Now |
 NCAA Dog Jersey Small University of Georgia Bulldogs $25.83 Time Remaining: 21d 11h 9m Buy It Now for only: $25.83 Buy It Now |
 Ohio State University Dog Bowl Collegiate Pet Supplies $5.99 Time Remaining: 2d 17h 37m Buy It Now for only: $11.99 Buy It Now | Bid now |
 Welsh Corgi Dog Paw State University Athletic Dept Black T Shirt 995 $9.95 Time Remaining: 20d 13h 48m Buy It Now for only: $9.95 Buy It Now |
 Kansas University JAYHAWKS Dog Leash KU NCAA Licensed $8.99 Time Remaining: 2d 11h 48m Buy It Now for only: $8.99 Buy It Now |
 Handmade Cat Dog Small Animal Fleece Blanket University of Utah Print $3.00 Time Remaining: 2d 18h 13m |
 UNIVERSITY FLORIDA GATORS DOG PET BANDANNA SCARF LARGE 12 $1.50 Time Remaining: 24d 20h 44m Buy It Now for only: $1.50 Buy It Now |
 Beagle Dog Close Up Portrait Paw State University White T Shirt 995 $9.95 Time Remaining: 5d 14h 18m Buy It Now for only: $9.95 Buy It Now |
 university of kentucky officially licensed dog leash $5.99 Time Remaining: 2d 18h 59m |
 Saint St Bernard Dog Paw State University Athletic Dept Black T Shirt 995 $9.95 Time Remaining: 20d 13h 55m Buy It Now for only: $9.95 Buy It Now |
 Shih Tzu Dog Paw State University Athletic Dept Black T Shirt 995 $9.95 Time Remaining: 5d 13h 18m Buy It Now for only: $9.95 Buy It Now |
 OSU Ohio State University Go Bucks Puppy Doggy Pink Bandana Pet Scarves NWT $0.99 Time Remaining: 2d 23h 23m |
 UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS DOG BANDANA SCARF LARGE 14 $1.63 Time Remaining: 2d 22h 29m Buy It Now for only: $1.63 Buy It Now |
 West Highland Terrier Dog Paw State University Athletic Dept Black T Shirt $9.95 Time Remaining: 25d 15h 58m Buy It Now for only: $9.95 Buy It Now |
 VICTORIAS SECRET PINK DOG UNIV PRINT BACKPACK SCARF $4.00 Time Remaining: 3d 46m |
 NEW OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY BUCKEYES PET DOG FOOTBALL JERSEY ALL SIZES $19.75 Time Remaining: 22d 20h 13m Buy It Now for only: $19.75 Buy It Now |
 University of Kansas Jayhawk Designer dog collar martingale or leash set $11.95 Time Remaining: 19d 22h 38m Buy It Now for only: $11.95 Buy It Now |
 1940 SAE Sigma Alpha Epsilon Stanford University De Voties Dog Barks $4.00 Time Remaining: 3d 2h 28m |
 Red Heeler Dog Paw University White Sweatshirt Sweat Shirt ALL SIZES $19.95 Time Remaining: 24d 17h 34m Buy It Now for only: $19.95 Buy It Now |
 Pet Goods University of South Carolina Dog Collar Small 642112 $7.99 Time Remaining: 28d 2h 47m Buy It Now for only: $7.99 Buy It Now |
 WISHBONE GAME UNIVERSITY GAMES 1997 PBS DOG SHOW BASED $11.95 Time Remaining: 3d 23h 4m Buy It Now for only: $14.00 Buy It Now | Bid now |
 IU Indiana University Hoosiers Dog Collar Small 10 14 $11.00 Time Remaining: 22d 17h 53m Buy It Now for only: $11.00 Buy It Now |
 Whippet Dog Paw University White Sweatshirt Sweat Shirt ALL SIZES $19.95 Time Remaining: 24d 17h 43m Buy It Now for only: $19.95 Buy It Now |
 USED ECU EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY PIRATES DOG LEASH AND COLLAR L LARGE $1.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 4d 14m |
 Texas AM University Dog Collar standard or Martingale or leash set $9.95 Time Remaining: 9d 18h 52m Buy It Now for only: $9.95 Buy It Now |
[...] Puppy School [...]