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