Adopting a Dog

There are so many reasons why you should adopt a dog or puppy in to your life, but in the end, it's ultimately up to you to decide what's going to be right for your household.

Why Should You Adopt a Dog

Before you adopt a dog, you want to make sure that everyone in the house is prepared to take on the responsibility. You also want to make sure that you understand that you really can find a good dog at a shelter. Animals that you find at animal shelters are not all bad dogs; some are left behind when a family moves or when someone just can't take care of them anymore.

There are so many bad stories that you may hear about adopting a pet, but if you know what you're looking for and how to train the dog, you should be fine.

Don't be afraid of talking to the employees and volunteers at the animal shelter, as they can give you more insight to the dog's personality and characteristics.

Save a life and adopt a pet today

Tips for Getting a Puppy

Before bringing home a new puppy, whether you already have a dog or not, you need to consider everything.

Training.

Housebreaking.

Vet Bills.

Feeding.

Exercise.

Etc.

Who will take on these tasks?

You need to make sure that you are prepared to bring home a new puppy, or dog.

Read Owning A Dog: Tips, Tricks, and Help

Remember that training starts as soon as you bring a new puppy home. So make sure that you are prepared in how to properly train a dog.

Reinforcement Training
Clicker Training
Dog Training Tools

Make sure that you are, also, aware of basic obedience commands:
Basic Obedience Training Part 1
Basic Obedience Training Part 2

How to Choose a Dog Breed?

There are so many different dog breeds, how are you supposed to choose what is best for you and your family.

You need to decide what you are looking for:

Grooming and maintence level

Size

Temperament

Trainability

Some dogs require more maintenance than others. For example, the golden retriever will need more grooming concerns than a dalmatian. Due to the longer hair, golden retrievers will need daily brushings, and longer baths, whereas the short coated dalmatian, will require less.



When regards to size, you need to consider whether you want a small, medium, or large breed dog. You may be thinking that a small breed will be best in your home when compared to a larger dog, but most small breed dogs are iffy when it comes to children and families. Most small breed dogs are more hyperactive and nippy, whereas many large breed dogs are more docile and calm. You may think that a cute little chihuahua may work well with your five year old, but in reality, a great dane, is more of a family pet. Both breeds are best kept indoors, so it's really up to you as to the size of the dog.



The temperament of a dog may be the key factor when determining which dog breed is best for you. But, don't believe all that you hear from friends and family about every breed. You may hear that the baby-killer American Pit Bull Terrier would attack and harm your child, but in reality they make the best pets for children, as long as you, the adult, properly trains and socializes the dog when it is a puppy. So, when it comes to temperament, consider all your options; even consider adopting a mix breed from the shelter, as in many cases they will have the best temperament.



Trainability is usually very important to most people when choosing a dog. Is the dog easily trained, or will I have to fight with it? Well, a lot of a dog's trainability starts with its breed. Now, breed does not always a factor, but many breeds are known to be more easily trained than others. The yorkshire terrier, surprisingly is a dog that is very trainable; although, as a terrier, they do get bored quickly with repitition. Other breeds, such as the Giant Schnauzer is receptive towards training, but training MUST be kept up, as the breed is very high strung.

When choosing a dog breed, you must consider all your options. You must even consider whether you can afford a dog, of any breed, at all. You have to pay for dog food and vet care. You may even want to purchase a leash, collar, food/water bowls. And, to spoil the dog, treats, toys, and a bed. So consider your financial options as well.

Before bringing home a dog, you must decide who will be taking care of the dog, as by bringing home that cute puppy, you cannot rely on your five year old to feed and walk it.