Tips for Choosing a Dog
- By Michael Russell
You have made the decision to include a dog in your
life. You understand the commitment and are ready to
give the time, money and energy necessary to make it
work for you and your future pet. Since you have
already made this decision, it's time to choose the
type of dog. Do you want your dog to be big or small;
male or female; a puppy or an older dog? These are
just a few factors you should consider. Other factors
include what are your needs in a pet and what kind of
lifestyle do you have. Are you getting a dog for
companionship or for a specific reason? Some acquire
dogs for hunting, for guarding their homes or as a
playmate and teaching responsibility to children. If
you know the specific reason why you want a dog, it
will narrow down the choices of breeds since every
breed of dog has a specific use.
What is the activity level of your family? Are you
always on the go or do you mostly stay home ? You
don't want a dog that is very hyperactive if you
prefer quiet evenings at home. If you are the type
that likes the great outdoors, then a dog that
prefers indoors in the air conditioning or by the
heater probably isn't a good choice. Make sure the
personality of the dog meets the requirements of your
lifestyle.
How much room is available for your future pet? Do
you live in an apartment or a house with a yard? If
you have a good-sized yard then accommodating any
size or breed of dog shouldn't be an issue. However,
if you only have a very small yard or live in an
apartment make sure to consider this when making your
decision. Since a dog that likes to run a lot may not
be happy if there isn't enough space.
Determine how much grooming you are willing to do.
Dogs with long hair need more attention to grooming.
Their hair can get matted when they are outside in
tall grass or weeds. They require frequent trimming
and baths to keep their coats healthy. Daily brushing
is also necessary for a healthy coat. Short hair dogs
are easier to care for. Trimmings are infrequent if
needed at all. Brushing and baths are on an as needed
basis instead of a near-daily requirement. Shedding
occurs for every breed but some types of dogs only
shed a couple times a year where others shed year
round.
Do you want a puppy or an older dog? The disadvantage
to getting a puppy is that it's nearly impossible to
tell what its personality will be like later.
Training includes housebreaking, using a leash,
teaching verbal commands, not biting or chewing on
furniture and more. Puppies take a lot of time to
teach and train during their first year of life.
Being able to teach and train your puppy to your
specifications can be an advantage also if you're
willing to spend the time it takes. Older dogs may or
may not be trained easily depending on whether
they've ever had training before. Some might be
housebroken which is an advantage as is them not
chewing on everything. Also with an older dog, you
will be able to determine its personality and whether
they will be calm or rowdy.
All it takes is a little time and some research to
decide what kind of dog will work for your family.
Hopefully the breed of dog you decide on will bring
many good years of friendship.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Dogs
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
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