Choosing a Dog

That fluffy little thing in the window may be more than you bargained for.

Before you purchase your dog, remember that you are making a commitment that will probably last more than a decade. Make sure you are willing to bear responsibility and take on the cost that having a dog entails. There is not only the initial cost - remember that a dog could live up to 15 years or even longer. That's a long time to be paying for things like:

·    Dog Food
·    The major vet bill just when you don't need it
·    Ongoing preventative medical treatment such as flea prevention, worming, vaccinations
·    Training Classes
·    Toys and playthings
·    Kennelling when you go on holidays

SPACE AND ORDINANCES

Research the different Dog Breeds you are considering. A small dog may fit into an apartment but it may require huge amounts of exercise and grooming. A large dog such as a bulldog, may fit quite comfortably inside that same apartment because they seldom indulge in racing around. Think smell too. A really big dog living in a small home can make your home smell like a vet clinic at the end of a busy, hot day. Dogs need to go outside even on rainy days. A wet dog is a smelly dog.

Be realistic about your plans and be willing to make compromises.

Dog-related laws vary from place to place. Be sure you are familiar with the local ordinances before the purchase. Some authorities will require a registration fee.

 MALE OR FEMALE?

There are generalities about male and female dogs, but individuals do vary. Neutering pretty much levels the playing field when it comes to sex. We all have our preferences. There is no "better" or "worse" between the sexes, but there can be distinct differences in their behavior.

 Female Dogs are:

·    More affectionate and demanding of affection
·    Easier to train - mostly
·    Easier to housetrain


Male Dogs are:
 
·    More likely to be more dog aggressive
·    More destructive
·    More dominating
·    More active


There are no differences between male and female dogs in these aspects:

·    Barking
·    Playfulness
·    Excitability

Neutering almost always eliminates sexual drawbacks without inhibiting the attractions of the sex.

 PUPPY OR ADULT DOG?
 
Puppies are like putty in your hands, ready to be moulded to you and your family's lifestyle. Your dog will have fewer behaviorial problems if you acquire it when it is about 8 weeks old and raise it in its own unique environment. The advantages and disadvantages of getting a puppy, rather than an adult dog, should be weighed carefully before deciding.

Adult dogs are probably already house-trained. Many adult dogs already have an understanding of basic doggy obedience. Costs of purchase, training, and neutering have been met.

Consider Rescue Shelters, there you could find your mate for life and save their life too Think hard about what your family is really expecting from a dog, and make your decision accordingly.

 PUREBRED OR MUTT?

If you are buying your dog from a breeder, look for breeders who are clearly devoted to the breed. Meet the breeder, if they allow their dogs inside their house and their puppies are running around, socializing inside the house - he is a reputable breeder. Responsible, reliable breeders will ask you lots of questions about your suitability as a dog owner. That's a good sign! A good breeder will want their dog to go to a good home not just be interested in selling a dog.

The advantage of a purebred dog is that you are getting and individual bred for a particular size and temperament.  Research the different dog breeds before hand.

 Avoid Pet Shops. It is extremely rare for reliable breeders to sell their dogs through pet shops. Unreliable breeders - the people you do not want to do business with - sell their pups this way. Puppy mills, renowned for mistreating dogs sell their dogs through pet shops.
 
If you are thinking mutt, and thinking puppy, it can be difficult to guess what size they grow to. Puppies can grow to 4 times their mother's size. It can also be difficult to guess what type of personality traits an individual dog has inherited. A possible advantage of the mutt is that they can be hardier and healthier than a pure-bred.

 It is a good idea to adopt a dog from a shelter or a rescue organization. Just make sure you learn as much as possible about the dog before you bring him home. Remember, you may be saving their life.

 Plan, plan and plan. It IS a very big decision but the rewards are worth it.
Always consider the Labrador Retriever, there must be a good reason it’s the most popular dog on the planet.
 

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