dog
Decide on a breed that is suitable for your lifestyle or personality
Getting a pet dog is really a Zen process of self-discovery. You can't know the right dog for you until you know yourself. For example, a jock would prefer an active dog. A lazy slug would prefer a dog that doesn't require much exercise. A touchy-feely person would prefer a friendly dog. A tightly-wound person would probably prefer a dog that doesn't bark or shed too much. Think of picking a pup like choosing a mate; you have to find one that compliments your personality.
Dog Breed
Dog Breed Guidelines
Intelligent dogs
Poodle
German Shepherd
Australian Sheepdog
Belgian Sheepdog
Dogs with little exercise
Dachshund
Brussels Griffon
French Bulldog
Manchester Terrier
toy breeds (such as a Chihuahua or Pekingese)
Good with kids
Pug
English Cocker Spaniel
Beagle
Basset Hound
Brittany Spaniel
Old English Sheepdog
Good city dogs
Pug
Basenji
Boston Terrier
Bulldog
Lhasa Apso
Welsh Corgi
Scottish Terrier
Quiet dogs
Basenji
Borzoi
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Whippet
Friendly dogs
Brittany Spaniel
Bichon Frise
Old English Sheepdog
Bearded Collie
Golden Retriever
Labrador Retriever
There are dozens of breeds and dozens of traits to sort them by. You get the idea.
Again, these guidelines are EXTREMELY rough. Picking a dog based on these lists is like getting a phone number off a bathroom wall. There are no shortcuts. You can try going to a dog show or talking to a vet. In our opinion, though, the absolutely best way to research is to talk to friends who have dogs. Believe us; they'll give you more information than you care to know: Sometimes even more than what we know.
Large or small - active or couch potato - longhaired or short - with the myriad of options out there, how in the world do you pick the right dog?
Will a large dog be best - or a small one? Do you have children? Do you have other pets? Choosing a suitable dog raises so many questions, but choosing the perfect family dog is one of life's big bonuses. Dogs make brilliant companions and wonderful family pets - if you get the maths right! Making the wrong decision results in heartbreak for yourself and your family - and yet another unhappy or abandoned dog.
Choosing a suitable dog for your family is a major decision and there are ALL SORTS of things to consider. Will a dog fit your lifestyle? Will you have the patience to cope with a puppy ? Or would re-homing a mature dog be best for your family? If you do decided to go the puppy route - are you prepared for sleepless nights, puddles in unexpected places and chewed up family heirlooms?
However, with a little bit of help, picking the perfect family dog can be a breeze if you do your research and remember the following basic points -
What TYPE of Dog will suite your lifestyle?
Simply put, the type of dog that will fit your lifestyle largely depends on the type of lifestyle you have.
Are you an active, outdoors type of person? You will probably enjoy a medium to large, active dog which needs regular exercise and can join in all your fun. If, however you lead a more sedate lifestyle, a smaller, calmer dog would be suitable and more appreciative of your calm lifestyle.
Space is also an important consideration. Some large dogs need plenty of space whilst small dogs do quite well in flats and apartments.
What BREED of Dog will suite your lifestyle?
Once you've decided what "type" of dog will best suit you, you can now work out the breeds which fit the bill. Dog breeds differ from each other as much as night does from day - this is why research is an absolute must.
Do take time to check out the breed AND the breeder thoroughly. Your dog's temperament is decided primarily by his breed and breeding and only then by human conditioning and training. However, when he is under pressure or provoked, it is almost always your dog's breed and breeding that will win - do bear this important fact in mind.
Other Factors to Consider
When choosing a suitable dog, don’t forget to take into account the cost of looking after a dog. Consider, for example, a dog's grooming needs - ie: shorthaired or longhaired? If you go for a longer haired breed, you need to factor in the additional cost of time and/or professional grooming.
In addition to the usual expenses such as food, vet bills, annual vaccinations and insurance you also need to consider the care of your pet while you're on holiday . Believe me, this can be expensive! More dogs than you care to imagine end up in a dog shelter or worse still on doggy death row simply because their owners had not considered these cost implications.
Last by not least, what type are you?
Well ...... choosing a suitable dog has a lot to do with your own personality. After all, it's no point picking a dog which is the life and soul of the party if you're the retiring type, is there? Nor is it much fun choosing a dog which matures early and becomes all "dignified" - when what you thrive on is regular rough-and-tumble sessions! Yet another reason to do your research thoroughly.
So, do your research at this stage - there is a lot to be considered when choosing a suitable dog. Read as much as you can - and take your time. You'll soon find a dog which settles into your lifestyle so comfortably, you wont remember a day when he wasn't there - and even if you do, you’ll wonder how in the world you managed without him!
By Marion Herbertson
With years of experience in breeding, training and handling dogs, Marion Herbertson says she is first and foremost a dog lover. For advice with a personal touch, visit http://www.advice-on-pet-care-and-pet-product-supplies-online.com/ , where you will find more of Marion's practical, sometimes humourous articles on pet care.
You want to choose a dog breed that's just right for you and your family. So you check out features, articles, books on various breeds, and what do you find? You'll get precise information on height and width, length of tail, set of ears.
Maybe you'll get a history of the dog breed, notes on ease of whelping, and thickness of coat. You'll learn all about permitted colour combinations, the dog's gait, and maybe - just maybe - a romanticised view of the breed's temperament ... in one line.
But where will you find out what the critter's actually like?
This is where we at Dog-Training-and-Health.com aim to fill a few gaps. We'll provide you with the unvarnished truth, the real nuts and bolts of what your chosen breed is like to live with. No fluff or idealistic twaddle. No preciousness. Just a few words, from the front line - experienced owners and handlers - to tell you the good and the bad about their favourite dog breed.
Real-life comments from real-life owners about what they're really like. Not just breed puff, but warts-and-all stuff.
Now some people will doubtless disagree with what's written, will say "That's not what my dog is like!" These are personal observations about individual dogs, and as individual dogs differ, so will these pieces. If you have something you'd like to add about your favourite dog breed, please let us know, and we'll consider it for inclusion.
The more information people have to help them choose a dog breed the better, and if it prevents some of those "square peg in a round hole" relationships, then that will be good news for both the peg and the hole.
Choosing a suitable Dog? Large or small - active or couch potato - longhaired or short - with the myriad of options out there, how in the world do you pick the right dog?
Will a large dog be best - or a small one? Do you have children? Do you have other pets? Choosing a suitable dog raises so many questions, but choosing the perfect family dog is one of life's big bonuses. Dogs make brilliant companions and wonderful family pets - if you get the math right! Making the wrong decision results in heartbreak for yourself and your family - and yet another unhappy or abandoned dog.
Choosing a suitable dog for your family is a major decision and there are ALL SORTS of things to consider. Will a dog fit your lifestyle? Will you have the patience to cope with a puppy ? Or would re-homing a mature dog be best for your family? If you do decided to go the puppy route - are you prepared for sleepless nights, puddles in the most unexpected places, not forgetting chewed up family heirlooms?
However, with a little bit of help, picking the perfect family dog can be a breeze if you do your research and remember the following basic points -
What TYPE of Dog will suite your lifestyle?
Simply put, the type of dog that will fit your lifestyle largely depends on the type of lifestyle you have.
Are you an active, outdoors type of person? You will probably enjoy a medium to large, active dog which needs regular exercise and can join in all your fun. If, however you lead a more sedate lifestyle, a smaller, calmer dog would be suitable and more appreciative of your calm lifestyle.
Space is also an important consideration. Some large dogs need plenty of space whilst small dogs do quite well in flats and apartments.
What BREED of Dog will suite your lifestyle?
Once you've decided what "type" of dog will best suit you, you can now work out the breeds which fit the bill. Dog breeds differ from each other as much as night does from day - this is why research is an absolute must.
Do take time to check out the breed AND the breeder thoroughly. Your dog's temperament is decided primarily by his breed and breeding and only then by human conditioning and training. However, when he is under pressure or provoked, it is almost always your dog's breed and breeding that will win - do bear this important fact in mind.
Other Factors to Consider
When choosing a suitable dog, don't forget to take into account the cost of looking after a dog. Consider, for example, a dog's grooming needs - ie: shorthaired or longhaired? If you go for a longer haired breed, you need to factor in the additional cost of time and/or professional grooming.
In addition to the usual expenses such as food, vet bills, annual vaccinations and insurance you also need to consider the care of your pet while you're on holiday . Believe me, this can be expensive! More dogs than you care to imagine end up in a dog shelter or worse still on doggie death row simply because their owner had not considered these cost implications.
Last but not least, what type are you?
Well ... choosing a suitable dog largely depends on your own personality. After all, it's no point picking a dog which is the life and soul of the party if you're the retiring type. Nor is it much fun choosing a dog which matures early and becomes all "dignified" - when what you thrive on is regular rough-and-tumble sessions! Yet another reason for you to do your research thoroughly.
So, do your research at this stage - there is a lot to be considered when choosing a suitable dog. Read as much as you can - and take your time. You'll find a dog which settles into your lifestyle so comfortably, you wont remember a day when he wasn't there - and even if you do, you'll wonder how in the world you managed without him!
Starting from Scratch - Is a Dog for YOU?
The average lifespan of a dog is 10 years. This means dog owners need to be prepared to make a long-term commitment.
To be a responsible dog owner, you must first ask yourself whether a dog is suitable for you. Be honest about yourself and the changes you are able to make to look after a dog. The bigger the dog, the greater its demands will be.
A dog is for life!
- Do you have the time for a dog? Dogs require time for socialisation and training.
- If you have children, you will need to spend extra time with the dog and your children to ensure your children understand how to ‘read’ the dog’s behaviour. And remember, young children should never be left unattended with a dog of any age.
- Can you afford a dog? Vets advise that the average cost of owning a dog is about $1500 per year for routine care and feeding, particularly in the first year of life.
- You should also carefully consider the breed, age and sex of the dog most suitable for you.
When choosing, you also need to be aware that some dogs are considered “restricted breed dogs” and subject to special legislation and banned from being imported into Australia.
Restricted breeds include: dogo Argentino (Argentinean fighting dog); fila Brasileiro (Brazilian fighting dog); Japanese tosa; Perro de Presa Canario; American pit bull terrier and pit bull terrier cross breeds; and any dog of a mixed breed that visibly contains any of these breeds.
Choosing the right dog
- Your family and friends may be able to provide you with information to help you select a suitable dog for your lifestyle.
- You can also search on the Internet for information. Some sites, such as the Petcare Information and Advisory Service at www.petnet.com.au have a ‘Selectapet’ function to help you pick an appropriate breed.
- You should try to ensure that you get your dog from someone who will be available to answer any future queries about your new pet.
- You should be aware of the approximate cost involved in keeping a dog.
Choose A Dog That Matches You and Your Family’s Personality
Dogs make wonderful friends and companions. Choosing a particular dog is an important desicion - it's one that will affect your life for years to come.
It is important to choose a dog that matches your personality. Do you (and your family) enjoy the outdoors? Do you like to hike and camp? Or are you more likely to spend time indoors watching TV, reading, working puzzles or playing games? The point here is that some dogs are better suited to the outdoors and others should be kept indoors. Some breeds are content living in an apartment setting while others would be discontent with the limited space for romping. Some breeds need lots of exercise on a daily basis.
Before selecting a dog consider breeds that will match your lifestyle. In general, larger dogs need more space. Some small dogs make ideal lap dogs others are some what hyperactive. What behavior do you want or expect from your dog? Is basic good behavior enough or will you want your dog to be obedience trained? Consider whether you have the patience and the time to train your dog. If you are into certain sports you may want a dog that can participate with you. Will you be able to train him or her yourself?
Do you have Children in your home? Some smaller dogs may be too fragile for the rough treatment that children sometimes give. If you are elderly you may not want an active dog.
Need Help Choosing a Dog?
- 330 Different Dog Breed Profiles
- Find a humane society, animal shelter or SPCA
Adoption is the loving option... consider adoption before buying a dog from a dog breeder or pet store.
Some dogs are more aggressive than others. Do you want a watch dog? Some breeds are known for their friendliness. Does it bother you to have to vacuum on a regular basis? Some dogs shed worse than others. Will you have time to groom your dog on a regular basis? Short haired breeds require less grooming. Does barking annoy you? Some dogs are quiet while others seem to enjoy barking.
After you have taken the time to consider all of these points you should have the information needed to describe your ideal dog. Then all you have to do is read about the various breeds. Look for the ones that match your personality and lifestyle. You can then narrow down your choices until you determine which breed is right for you.
Finally, you will be able to welcome your new family member with open arms because you know this dog will "fit" you, your family, and your lifestyle. Because the dog is compatible in so many ways the adjustment period will be a smooth one for him as well as for you. In a short time it will be hard to imagine life without him. Your new friend will become an important part of the family. Treat him with the love and kindness he deserves and he will enrich your life in countless ways.
15 Reasons To Have a Dog
Here are 15 great reasons why you should have a fabulous furry friend.
- Unconditional love and devotion. This is something we all long for. Who can resist those adoring eyes.
- Save a life. Millions of dogs are euthanized each year simply because they don't have a home.
- Put away the vacuum, all the crumbs and spills will quickly be cleaned up.
- You'll never crawl into a cold bed again.
- If your spouse doesn't like to snuggle, just ask the dog.
- Morning kisses, even before you brush your teeth.
- You will always be greeted like a long lost friend, even if you just went to take the garbage out.
- Dogs don't care if you have 10 or 20 pounds to lose.
- They will encourage you to exercise since they need their daily walk oops w-a-l-k, so you can lose that extra 10 pounds.
- They will keep your feet warm on those chilly nights.
- You'll never have to sleep alone.
- You'll reduce your blood pressure, stress levels and generally have better health.
- Increased sense of security, you'll feel safer with a dog.
- There is nothing like waking up to a slobbery tennis ball in your face.
- Your family will never complain about leftovers again. How can you resist those adoring eyes.
Numerous people worldwide love pets and it comes as no surprise at all that most families have them. Dogs top the list when it comes to being a favorite choice as a family pet. Dogs are the main choice when it comes to the position of family pet because aside from being adorable and lovable, they can make great companions and are definitely loyal. If your family is currently thinking of having your very own pet as well, then it is important for you to consider certain factors to help you in your decision making.
Consider your family...
When the family is considering on adopting a new member to the family, it is important that everybody pitches in on the decision making. Everybody has to think carefully of their lifestyle to find a breed that suits them best.
It is essential as well to consider your children; their age, personality and outlook when it comes to responsibility. It is important to note a dog's reputation with kids. Not all dog breeds are suitable as a family dog, most especially dogs that are just downright aggressive and doesn't have the patience to deal with kids who can be too hyperactive. The lively and energetic personality of a kid may just be too much for a certain breed of dog to handle and so it is important that we think about this matter to avoid instances like a dog biting its master.
Quite often, you have to understand that very young kids may be too hard in handling the pets. You can't expect all kids to possess the qualities of patience and kindness. A solution would be to teach your children the proper handling and treatment of pets especially dogs. Do not tolerate kid's behavior of abuse in handling the family dog.
Aside from this you also have to think that a pet may require some care and attention. They need human contact (being social pets) and require also some exercise. Everybody in the family should schedule or take turns on who should walk the dog.
Dog breeds...
There are several dog breeds that are most suited for a family.
Labradors and Golden Retrievers are strong contenders for the position of family pet because they are playful, lovable, adorable and great with children. They are very devoted to their masters and families can have a good time outdoors playing as they love to jump and run.
Though Irish Setters were originally bred to help people when it comes to hunting, these dogs still make great companions and have a pleasing personality most suited for a family.
Collies grew in popularity as the whole world enjoyed the adventures of Lassie on television. These dogs are very patient and intelligent as well.
Though we perceive boxers to be guard dogs with their growls and barks as they scare strangers away, they are caring, gentle and faithful animals fitting also to be a family pet. But it is ideal to have them as family pets only when your kids are a bit older and bigger.
With the wide variety or breeds to choose from, in no time you will be welcoming a new member of the family which will definitely bring life and brightness to the home.
do you now see why dogs are good companions so if you are looking at buying or evan adopting a dog here are some usefull websites to help you and your dog get on well with each other.
there will be more websites over time.
thanks for visiting!!!!!!!!!
