Doggy Mentor

Posts Tagged ‘owning a dog’

Animal shelters struggle to find homes for the many unwanted dogs and puppies in this country. All too often, people bring a dog home with little idea of the animal’s needs only to abandon the dog when it fails to meet their expectations. When selecting the right dog for you, take into consideration several factors about your lifestyle and about the breed of dog you desire. Think about your own lifestyle. Are you usually an active person, or more of a couch potato? Where do you live – a city apartment or a spacious rural property? Are their young children in your life? Are allergies a constant worry for you? Do you need to set up indoor dog gates throughout your place? Do you find it tough to remember to take care of your own personal needs, let alone a dog’s? If you are active and have access to sufficient outdoor space, a large breed may be the right fit for you. Like spending a lot of time indoors?

Pick a pooch that is happy to camp out on the couch next to you. Some energetic breeds may become destructive when left indoors all day. Make sure you understand whether your schedule will accommodate your dog’s limitations. One of the saddest situations occurs when dog owners relinquish their pet to the pound due to the changing nature of their family. So take care of your dog and surprise him with goodies like a dog Christmas stocking. If your dog will interact with your own children or others frequently, select a breed known for a gentle and patient temperament. If you suspect allergies will be an issue, investigate dog varieties with lesser shedding of hair and dander. Try to spend time around other’s pets before committing to your own as you may be able to determine the intensity of your reaction.

While you may like the distinctive appearance of certain coats, their grooming demands require constant attention. Neglected grooming can create a severely uncomfortable situation for man’s best friend. Be sure to not leave clothing on dogs for hours on end, even if they are wearing holiday dog sweaters, because they are not good for their fur. Save yourself and your dog from future heartbreak by taking the time to better understand the time, energy, and care that a canine pet requires. The right dog will be a joyful addition to your life, and it is not a decision to take lightly.

It doesn’t hurt to have a brief idea of what to expect before taking the big plunge into parenthood and having a child, and I’m not talking about reading a bunch of baby books. That method simply does not provide the hands-on experience that could ease and smooth the responsibilities that come along with being a parent. That’s why the best solution is to go to a shelter or rescue and adopt a dog or puppy!). Having man’s best friend by your side will teach you responsibilities such as feeding, cleaning, playing, grooming (with the right dog grooming shears) and potty training.

Budgets will have to be made to include your pet, and care will need to be sought out and provided for long durations away from home. Those responsibilities come along with having children, and will allow you to see how much having a dog effects finances, and better determine whether you are financially prepared for a child or not. Your dog will depend on you the same way a child would, making you responsible for another’s well-being. They require attention on an on-going basis, just like an infant, and will make lots of noise and messes too. Places in your home might need to be “puppy-proofed”, much like one would “baby-proof” a home. When traveling, a dog car blanket should be used to catch excess dog hair.

Dogs are wonderful and loyal companions to have around, and will bring you plenty of love and joy. That’s why they have been come to be known as man’s best friend, always by your side when you need them, unlike any other pet you could own. On average, dogs typically live between 10-18 years, depending on the breed, are a great addition to any family. Most importantly, they will prepare you for when the time comes around to have little critters of your own. If you plan on owning a dog and having a child/and or children, it would be wise to choose a mellow domestic breed; ideally a smaller dog as well for safety reasons.