Research, Research, and Research

If you're looking to get a dog, you're not just making a purchase, you're making an addition to the family. It is helpful to assess your needs and the needs of your family and lifestyle before you take the plunge. Think about whether you want an active, outdoor dog or an indoor companion. Do you have time for grooming or very little at all? Are you an experienced dog owner or do you need a dog that is easily trainable? Also look at your living situation. Do you have room for a dog to roam in the backyard or do you have tight living quarters?

Next, you're ready to start looking at breeds of dogs. Find out what their temperament is and what type of care they need. Talk to breeders and take a look at the dogs that you're interested in. Attending dog shows, obedience trials, and canine competitive sports is one way of doing this.

The Shedding Factor

While some dogs appear to shed more than others, all dogs do shed. What happens is that old hair falls out and new hair grows in. Dogs that have a faster rate of hair replacement and growth tend to shed more.

Environment, heredity, and nutrition all play a factor in how much dogs shed. The amount of time that a dog spends in the sunlight and temperature changes both affect shedding. Dogs who spend a great deal of time outdoors may shed during seasonal changes to prepare for warmer weather. The amount that a dog sheds may change as he becomes older or sick. And a female dog tends to shed more after she has been in heat.

Regular brushing helps keep shedding to a minimum. If your dog is shedding due to stress, see what you can do to make his day-to-day life more relaxed and structured.

If you are looking for a low shed breed, try the Poodle or a dog from the Sight Hound group, such as a Greyhound or Saluki.

Shelter Dogs

A shelter dog can be a great addition for any dog owner or family. The key is to make sure that you've found a dog that is compatible for you. Most shelter dogs are screened for adoptability. Shelters often pay careful attention to the temperament, likes, dislikes, and behavior of their dogs. Dogs from shelters often get proper socialization and basic obedience training. The upside is that you'll be privy to the history of the dog's health and personality. You'll also have a modest adoption fee to pay compared to the cost of purchasing a purebred dog. The added bonus to adopting a shelter dog is that you'll be giving a new life to a dog waiting to give his love and affection to a new owner.

Pick Of The Litter

If you have the opportunity to take your pick from a litter of puppies, take some time to get the best dog for you. If you just want a dog for companion purposes, then your main concerns are that the dog is healthy and that he's got the personality that you're looking for. See how the puppy interacts with his littermates to get an idea of what kind of dog he might be. Spend some one on one time interacting with the dog as well. You can put him on his back to see if he struggles with you or not. If he does, then he's a more dominant dog. A submissive puppy will allow you to place him on his back without a fight. In general, less dominant dogs tend to be more trainable and responsive.

Responsibility And Commitment of Pet Ownership

If you're thinking about adding a canine into your life, consider that it will require quite a bit of your time and commitment. Puppies require a great deal of interaction and time for socialization and training. They need to be fed three times a day until they are about six months of age. Young puppies need frequent potty breaks throughout the day and sometimes in the middle of the night. As your dog grows older, he'll still need a lot of love and attention from you. Most dogs need regular walks and exercise. And many breeds can live up to fifteen years or more.

If you've decided that despite the commitment, you still want a dog, you'll find the rewards of a loving, loyal companion are well worth it.

Dog Ownership for Working Folks

If you work outside the home, it is possible to own a dog, but it does take some proper planning and research. First consider if dog ownership is something that you can commit several years of your life to. Some breeds can easily live to fifteen years of age. Consider that you'll have to be home on most weekends and evenings to give your dog some company. Be prepared to spend some time potty training your puppy. This includes overnight jaunts outside and lunch breaks. If you can't be there, then you'll have find a friend or family member who can assist you or pay someone who can take your dog puppy out.

Still want a dog? Then find a breed that is more suited to a 9 to 5 life. Consider breeds like the French Bulldog or Shih Tzu that have less exercise needs and would be happy spending more time indoors. Then be prepared to spend time training and bonding with your puppy. If your dog isn't happy spending time at home, you can always consider doggy day care during the day or hiring a dog walker to take her out for walks. It's a big commitment, but if you're willing, the relationship and rewards will be well worth the trouble.

Your Dog's Lifespan

Some dogs do live longer than others. Generally, a dog's lifespan can be attributed to his size. Smaller breeds tend to have longer lifespans than larger breeds. A toy breed like a Lhasa apso can live 12 to 14 years while a very large breed like the Irish wolfhound may only live 5 to 10 years. Make sure your dog eats a nutritious, well balanced diet and receives plenty of exercise and affection to live a long and healthy life.

Mixed Breed Dogs

If you've gone through steps to carefully select a dog that's right for you, it can never be a bad idea to get a mixed breed. Mixed breeds can sometimes be free of the health issues that plague their purebred counterparts. If you're getting a mixed breed from a shelter, you have the added advantage that many of these dogs have had basic canine obedience and socialization. Unless you are getting a puppy, you also will be privy to information about the dog's personality and particular likes and dislikes. Your adoption fee will also be much less than the cost of buying a purebred puppy from a breeder. And the best part is that you'll be giving a canine a new home.

To Bark Or Not To Bark

If you are trying to choose a breed of dog with minimal barking, keep in mind that most dogs can and will bark, though some may do so more than others. There are breeds that do not bark much at all or at all. However, keep in mind that a there are other characteristics besides barking to consider. For instance, the Basenji is a breed of dog that does not bark. However, they do make a yodeling and screaming noise that may not be for every dog lover. The Basenji also comes with a high degree of health issues. The Shiba Inu seldom barks, but makes a sound that can be equated with shrieking and is a fiercely independent dog.

The Drool Factor

If you're not partial to a little drool around the house, you can enjoy the company of breeds such as Saint Bernards, Basset Hounds, and Mastiffs. However, if too much salivation is less than appealing to you, you're in luck. Most of the dog breeds are not prone to drooling. Keep in mind, however, that drooling is sometimes caused by health issues such as dental decay, or nervousness. Always research the breed that you are interested in beforehand and ask the breeder about particular characteristics to see if a dog is compatible to your lifestyle.

Pet Shop Dogs

Many pet shops obtain their puppies from puppy mills. Unfortunately, puppy mills breed dogs purely for the sake of profit without regard to the health or socialization of the dog. These dogs often come with health problems and potential behavior issues. If you are looking for a purebred puppy it is always advisable to go to a reputable breeder who has carefully screened the parents for any genetic or health issues before breeding.

Housetraining Your New Dog

The key to housetraining your dog is consistency. With a puppy, be prepared to make outdoor bathroom visits every couple hours for the first couple months. A puppy's baldder is not big enough to sleep through the night without going to the bathroom. It can be very tempting to simply lay down some newspaper so the dog can go inside, but this is bnever a good idea, as it confuses the dog. Accidents should be dealt with immediately, but NEVER use the old newspaper across the nose punishment. A stern 'OUTSIDE' command, followed by a quick trip outside gets the point across with time. A puppy does not yet understand where to go to the bathroom. It is up to you to patiently show the puppy that bathroom breaks happen outside, not on the oriental rug. Housetraining issues in older dogs can usually be traced to mediacal issues, or past trauma. As with puppies, be paitent, and your dog will come around.

Socialization

Dog socialization is more than dropping Fido off at the park for playtime. Socialization is an important part of teaching your puppy or dog how to behave in a variety of situations. Socializing puppies starts at a very young age. Breeders handle young puppies at three weeks of age and then start exposing them to unfamiliar people at four to five weeks of age.

When you decide to take on the responsibility of a dog, socialization becomes your job. Exposing your dog to other canines, people, and situations, is actually part of his training and helps to shape his personality. He'll learn what behavior is appropriate and what isn't and he'll be able to interact comfortably with dogs and people alike.

Chasing Cats

Dogs are instinctually predatory animals and although they are domesticated, they still retain many of the traits of their ancestor, the wolf. In general, a dog will have the tendency to chase anything that moves or runs from him. Cats will often perceive dogs as a predator and bolt. And what else is a dog supposed to do except give chase!

Canine Careers

Dogs were originally bred for a variety of specific tasks ranging from hunting to herding to life as companion animals. Today, dogs can hold a variety of careers. Here's a partial list of some jobs that dogs have:

• Therapy Dogs – These canines help bring cheer to a broad range of people including disadvantaged children, the elderly, and those recovering from psychological trauma.

• Canine Search and Rescue Dogs – These dogs go where disasters strike and help to find and rescue folks who need help.

• Narcotic and Drug Dogs – Canines in narcotic and drug work sniff out illegal substances for law enforcement.

• Canine Actors – They're highly trained entertainment professionals. These dogs appear in films, television shows, commercials, and live performances.

Puppy Mill Dogs

Puppy mills breed large quantities of dogs purely for the sake of profit. These dogs are often not checked for health issues or genetic problems when bred. Unfortunately the mills often keep puppies in cramped caged quarters and do not give them any form of socialization. Puppy mills do not typically have sanitary facilities and are often grounds for the spread of canine diseases. Since many pet stores purchase their dogs from puppy mills it is advisable to obtain your dog from a reputable breeder instead.

What exactly is a Dog

Most folks think they know what a dog is. He's furry, got four legs, and a tail and he's man's best friend, right? But what exactly is a dog?

A dog is a canine mammal, a descendent of wolves from over 15,000 years ago. He has become domesticated through thousands of years of spending time with us two legged folks, humans. The scientific term for canines is Canis lupus familiaris.

Dogs are social animals and respond to a pack hierarchy. In other words, dogs have a leader and a pecking order, with some members being more dominant than others. Dogs are generally considered carnivores or meat eaters, but some circles consider dogs omnivores (an animal that eats meats and vegetables).

Today, dogs carry many roles, including that of companion animals, guide dogs, therapy dogs, hunting dogs, and even as television and film actors.