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Don’t Adopt A Dog Without Considering These Points
By Dog Lover | May 10, 2009
Dogs have a universal appeal. No matter your background or age, most everyone likes a good dog. But owning a dog is a big responsibility that must be considered carefully. There are many things to consider and take into account before deciding on whether or not a dog is right for you or what kind of dog is right for you. Adopting a dog is a wonderful way to start the process, but lets discuss some important points to be sure you get off on the right foot.
Dogs will vary in size from a few pounds to over 100. This should be your starting place for searching for the right dog for you. If you have small children in your home you need to consider the size of your dog. A full grown dog that weighs 200 pounds could accidentally knock your child down. Safety is key when it comes to children, thus with a baby in the family you may decide a smaller dog is imperative. If you are looking for a dog that provides protection then a larger dog will certainly be more effective.
To help point you in the right direction a few breeds are explained below:
I can not stress the point enough, owning a dog requires a fair measure of commitment. Like a young son or daughter you can be sure there will be expenses regarding food, medical checkups, and the need for attention that all dogs have. Do you take lots of vacations or 3 day trips. YOu will need to alter your cusomary plans as your new family member will need to come along with you or arrangements will need to be made for thier care while you are out. One thing you can do is get a dog with characteristics that match your lifestyle. If you like to lounge around and stay at home a less hyper pup would probably be to your liking. If you are a ‘clean freak’ then a long hair dog will not be a good choice for you. If you are the outdoors type then a high energy canine will give you hours of companionship out on the trail.
Read up on habits of certain breeds before making a decision – terriers, for example, are notorious for digging. Some varieties are “yippy”. Some breeds are protective, while others are overly friendly. Make sure you can deal with the habits of the dog. Size matters when selecting a dog. Do you have the room for a giant dog, or would you rather have a lap dog? German shepherds, labs, and other dogs require more space. If living in small quarters, a large dog may get underfoot. Small dogs frequently love to jump up on you and cuddle.
For a family needing a small dog a Pug is a great choice. If you want a larger dog that can be taught, the German Shepherd is a good choice. The German Shepherd is one of the most lovable dogs in the world. They are not only great pets, but also guard dogs, rescue dogs, and police dogs. A German Shepherd will reach 95 pounds at the maximum, with 26 inches in height. German Shepherds were first raised as herders, so they do very well protecting younger children and ensuring their safety. They do need intensive training as puppies. You can get some great tips on German Shepherd training at this link. They will learn quickly, which is another reason to provide a firm yet respectful hand during training.
Adopting a dog is a great way to give a animal a second chance at life. Usually people think of adopting only a puppy. After all who would not want a fluffy little ball of cutness and fun? Well, if you have never had a puppy then you might not be familiar with the 2am howling monster that wants to sleep in the same room as you. You may not be acustom to waking up to dog poop all over the floor. Although an early dog training routine will fix these little set backs you can count on them in the beginning. These are things that some may not want to deal with. No problem, just adopt an older dog. Older dogs have a less likely chance at a home because they are often overlooked as potential pets. You will be doing yourself and a needed pup a favor by considering this possiblility. Owning a dog is a rewarding experience and will bring years of joy to a family. Be sure to consider these points and you are on your way to adopting the perfect pup.
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