First, be sure the dog you are getting is the dog you really want. Why that is silly you may say. To be honest, many people get a puppy based on impulse and first impressions. Seeing that little ball of cute fluffiness many people are unable to resist taking it home. But what will it look like when it grows up. How big will it get. What kind of disposition will it have. Many people are clueless about these details as they walk through their front door with the animal. With this in mind 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. How big is your house? Do you have children? Do you have a big yard that you are willing to give over to your dog? A big dog could pose dangers for toddlers. A house without enough room for a dog to expend his energy could be disastrous as energy may be released in more destructive activities like digging and chewing. Are you looking for a guard dog or a lazy, amiable companion? Point number one, be sure to research your options. Know what kind of dog you need or want. Be sure you know the characteristics your dog is likely to have. This will go a long way in matching your personality with that of the dog your cute little puppy will eventually grow up to be.
Are you prepared to commit the next 12-18 years of your life to your dog? Dogs are nothing like owning a fish or even a cat. They are like little children requiring attention, becoming depressed when you are away. They also require regular medical attention for things like flea treatments, immunization for dog disease and occasional accidents or dog sickness. What are you going to do with your dog when you leave for vacations? If you like to leave on trips from time to time, will you bring your pup with you? If not, be prepared to pay for dog sitter services of some kind. High-energy dogs will require walks and outings from time to time.
The habits of different breeds is something you should read up on before making a decision - terriers are notorious for digging for example. Some varieties are "yippy". Some breeds are protective, while others are overly friendly. If you are in an apartment, you may want a lower energy dog that is content to stay inside. There are certain dog breeds that you might find better over others. Before you can adopt a dog you need to understand the differences between the breeds. Although certain traits can be expected with various breeds, you do not and should not be content with habits that are destructive or inappropriate. To make your dog be all it should a responsible owner will institute a training program. Dog training will ultimately lead to a happy calm home and not a stressful nightmare but it requires commitment on the part of the owner. I recommend looking into this dog training information which has been a great help in training my dogs. By knowing the disposition of your potential dog, you will be able to make a good choice that you will never regret.
By researching and considering what kind of dog you need, the 300 different dog breeds will quickly be narrowed down to just a few choices that will be right for you. Although owning a dog is a big responsibility, the sacrifice will be worth the effort. By considering some of the information in this article you will be able to make good decisions up front and be prepared to reap the rewards of owning your own dog. To ensure you get off on the right foot or to improve the disposition of a difficult dog see the resource box below.
The most important thing you can do for your dog is to begin a routine of good training. You don't need to go to an expensive school either. Do it yourself. You will be amazed how easy it is! Just check out these dog training products.
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