| For some getting a dog is the norm. They've | | | | where things aren't going so well.Male and |
| had dogs before, they know what's involved, | | | | female dogs are different and behave |
| they know what to look for. But what if | | | | differently and you need to think about |
| you've never owned a dog before!This article | | | | this.Male dogs always need to know who's |
| doesn't attempt to cover everything that you | | | | boss. They have a natural desire to be pack |
| need to consider before committing to your | | | | leader so they have to know that at all times |
| first dog but gives you insight in to key | | | | YOU and every other member of the family have |
| areas.Dogs make fantastic pets but it is not | | | | a higher status than the in the pack and |
| uncommon for people to find things don't work | | | | there is no point in them challenging for |
| out the way they expected. Sometimes people | | | | leadership. This isn't achieved by being |
| find they can't provide the level of | | | | cruel nor is it achieved by pandering to your |
| commitment required, they may find the dog | | | | dogs every desire. It's achieved by being |
| has serious health issues, they may not be | | | | kind but firm and consistent. For example if |
| able to control it.The first thing to ask | | | | you tell your dog to sit and it doesn't then |
| yourself is 'why do you want a dog'? Is it | | | | you enforce it don't let it pass. Another |
| because the kids have been pressurising you | | | | thing to be aware of with male dogs is they |
| or because everyone else you know has one. Be | | | | can be prone to wandering/running off |
| honest with yourself - if your going to get a | | | | particularly if they pick up an interesting |
| dog YOU have to want it and be prepared to | | | | scent.Female dogs on the other hand tend to |
| take full responsibility for it. I have had | | | | be more placid and easier to manage. They |
| dogs and when our last one was put down I | | | | will however need to be trained and treated |
| decided to have a break. The kids kept going | | | | consistently just like their male |
| on about how much they wanted another dog and | | | | counterpart. One thing to keep in mind if you |
| how they would help walk it, feed it, groom | | | | are a keen gardener with nice lawns - urine |
| it etc. Eventually I decided it was time to | | | | from females dogs will turn your lawn in to a |
| get another dog but it wasn't because of the | | | | green & yellow patch work quilt!Dogs need |
| kids it was what I wanted and guess what - | | | | company and stimulation. They love to play |
| the kids only walk it under threat of pocket | | | | games, they like and need to get out for |
| money being stopped and as for feeding and | | | | exercise and you need to spend quality time |
| grooming it well let's just say the agro | | | | with them. If you are going to be out all day |
| involved in getting them to do it is not | | | | at work with no one at home or if you're not |
| worth the trip!So you're getting a dog | | | | prepared to go out to walk them when it's |
| because it's what YOU want now's the time to | | | | cold and wet then don't get a dog get a |
| be realistic about what's involved.If you're | | | | goldfish.Finally you need to consider vets |
| going for a puppy then your getting the best | | | | bill. Having a dog like any pet carries a |
| of the whole 'having a dog experience' but | | | | price if you want it to remain healthy and |
| you're also taking on the biggest challenge. | | | | have a long happy life. You will need to take |
| If you want your puppy to mature in to a well | | | | your dog for regular vaccinations and routine |
| adjusted, manageable, well trained dog you | | | | checks. You might also find you have to take |
| need to put work in to achieve it and be | | | | for unplanned visits due to illness or |
| prepared for the occasional hiccup such as a | | | | injury. Pet insurance is available these days |
| shoe being chewed, socks going missing and | | | | and it's well worth considering.Ok hopefully |
| the inevitable mess! on the floor. If you | | | | this short article has given you some food |
| have kids you'll remember how they could | | | | for thought. I love dogs and would recommend |
| cause havoc at times while they were growing | | | | them to anyone for the pleasure and other |
| up well a puppy can be like having a whole | | | | benefits they bring but you need to go in to |
| gang of kids descend!Get yourself a good dog | | | | it with your eyes open.If you are interested |
| training guide or even better see if there is | | | | in finding out more about dogs then check out |
| a local group that you can join. Training | | | | where I'm currently in the process of adding |
| groups can be great as you can share | | | | a section on pets which will include some |
| experiences on what's working and get help | | | | free ebook downloads. |