How To Choose A Dog - There Is A Lot To Consider, But A Lot Of Help Too

Choosing a dog is a fun adventure. The search for a new familial addition is exciting, but it can also be a little overwhelming. Don't despair; instead, keep in mind the following hints while searching and you'll know what choice is right for you and your lifestyle.

First, it's a little depressing to think about a Great Dane in an apartment your friends have dubbed "the water-closet". Even if you are able to hire a dog walker, it's going to be too cramped for you both. Save yourself and the dog from an uncomfortable situation. If you have the space, then it's not an issue. Compromise, because no matter how cute they are as puppies, they will fill those paws!

Space, exercise and quality time go hand in hand when it comes to caring for your new pet. Little dogs need exercise, however, bigger dogs need just as much or more. For bigger dogs, space is more of an issue than for a small dog. Little dogs have plenty of fuel to burn and can do it all indoors. Bigger dogs, however, cannot get as much exercise indoors. They need enough room to work up to a good run to really work their muscles. Even if you are city bound, be sure your dog is able to get plenty of exercise daily. That means outdoors walking, playing and running.

Think about how much quality time you can dedicate to your dog. Dogs need a lot of personal attention. They are pack animals. If you have another dog at home (and once the new addition is settled in), then leaving them alone together (with toys!) may help comfort both pets when you are gone at work. On the other hand, if the dog is obviously tired (and perhaps there are rambunctious children around), allow the dog to rest in its own personal space.

Another issue that arises is whether you want a dog that doesn't shed a lot. If your dog will live outside on the farm, then shedding may not be a concern. Different types of dogs shed at different times of the year, some all year long.

Next, think about whether you want a male or female dog. This is a matter of personal preference. There are different traits between males and females. Males tend to be bit more rowdy, explorative, protective and stronger. Females are less likely to wander off, are usually smaller and play a little gentler.

Finally, you'll want to decide if you want a pure breed or a mixed dog. A mixed, or crossbreed, will cost you less. It may even be free. The Humane Society is a great place to start. Many people find both young and old dogs that would love to be your or you or your child's loyal life companion.

Pure breeds have their benefits. Mostly, their bloodlines are well documented and you will know a lot about their instincts, temperament and size. It's important to know what you want out of your dog, a hunter, a protector, a worker or a friend. It's crucial to think about all of this if you have children.

Pure breeds may develop more problems than crossbreeds. For example, they may show signs of bad hips, elbows, or sight at an earlier age.

Crossbreeds, however, are more of a surprise. If you know the parents of the mixed pup, you can judge accurately what they will become. A crossbreed is less likely to develop problems often passed down in purer breeds.

All of this is important, but not as important as planning ahead. A little forethought will allow you to properly choose and care for your newfound friend.

For more information and an excellent, free, automated resourced to help you choose a dog, please visit our site here.

Abo ut the Author:
Tina Spriggs is an expert dog lover whose lifelong interest in canines provides the motivation for her site. To learn more about dogs or to find gifts and toys for them visit her site at Dog Gifts and Toys for Dog Lovers.

Copyright 2004. All rights reserved.



The Importance of a Plan When Building a Reptile Cage

Would you put together a model plane without looking at... Read More

Cleft Palate In Dogs

Sometimes puppies are born that can't suckle properly, and it's... Read More

Introducing a New Puppy into a Home with an Existing Pet

It was November and I had spent 3 months searching... Read More

Does Your Dog Have An Irritating Jumping Habit?

Do you have a puppy that jumps on you, company... Read More

Pet Containment: Keep You Pet in the Yard and Out of Places You Dont Want Them to Be

Pet ContainmentIf you just recently became a pet owner or... Read More

Dogs and Old Age, How To Care For Your Aging Canine

Now that you're dog has shown you so much love... Read More

General Information, Caring For & Breeding Silkworms

BackgroundSilkworms are the larva of a moth (Bombyx mori) native... Read More

Preparing For Your New Dog - What You Need to Know Before He Comes Home

Preparing yourself and your household before, during, and after your... Read More

Training Your Dog For A Happy Healthy Life

Adopting a dog is a lot of fun, but it... Read More

Horse Training Secrets For Busy Horse Owners Short On Time

Picture this. You're late for work one day. You look... Read More

Lower Your Veterinarian Costs And Increase the Longevity of Your Pets Lives

What does doing natural preventative care mean? I thought vaccinating,... Read More

You Can Help Reduce the Number of Unwanted Cats - Spaying and Neutering of Cats

Every year, hundreds of thousands of cats and kittens are... Read More

Tips for Overcoming Boredom and Routine Stress

There are many ways in which you can prepare for,... Read More

Leash Training Your Dog-Take The Time To Get It Done and Do It Right

Attempting to train your dog to walk on a leash... Read More

The Cat Learned How to Work the WHAT?

When I carried him home, he was this tiny little... Read More

Healthcare for Your Goldfish

Goldfish HealthcareYou would think that it's unfair that such a... Read More

Probiotics - The Good Bacteria

PROBIOTICS - The Good Bacteria - Does your pet have... Read More

Personal Pet Check-Ups

For all pet owners, regular monitoring and "examinations" of your... Read More

Ten Tips for Cats Who are Forced to Relocate with Their Owners

For realistic tips for humans who are moving with cats,... Read More

How Are You Treating Your Pet?

Can you comprehend a time when dog food, cat food,... Read More

Your Dogs Health; Why Dog Breath is No Laughing Matter

Your dogs health is important to you. You show her... Read More

What are Pug Puppies?

Pug puppies make wonderful pets. Pugs are very affectionate and... Read More

Ensure a Good Relationship Between Your Cat and Your Kids

Many parents know that the best way for children to... Read More

The TOP 7 Mistakes Horse Owners Make

Mistake #7 ? Assuming You Can Get On Any Horse... Read More

How to Maintain Your Love Affair ... With Your Dog Part Two - Assemble a Great Team

In part one we talked about forming good behavior traits... Read More

If you'd like to keep up-to-date,
please complete the form below and we'll put you on the mailing list
to receive our twice-yearly newsletter for supporters

* Your email address:
* choes your language:
 

العاب منتديات هيدى الزاوية الحمراء

Pharaohs products    egypt products    Egypt shopping   Shopping in Egypt   sho  Egypt Bazaar Pharaohs Shoping Center   Egypt  Pharaohs