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How to buy the dog that is right for you
By Jack Prime
Owning a dog or puppy gives
pleasure to millions of people, however the choice of which breed
of dog to purchase deserves more thought that it typically
receives.
Owning a dog or puppy is a big responsibility, yet someone who
has little time to exercise their pet or is away from home for
long periods of time often buys a breed which is very demanding,
leading to a poor relationship between them and their dog.
There are numerous breeds of dog in the world so the choice of
which breed to purchase can be extremely daunting. One of the
best methods of seeing which breeds of dog are available is to
visit a large dog show, where you can see the dogs up close and
ask questions to existing owners.
Find out as much as you can about the breed of dog you are
interested in; Can you afford to feed the dog or puppy? Can you
provide the right type of housing or living environment? Will you
be able to provide the correct level of exercise for the dog and
at the right times?
Remember a puppy may well grow into a much larger dog and
therefore need more food, larger living space and a great deal
more exercise. It is a sad fact but many dogs are abandoned
because they have grown too large for their owners to cope with
their demands.
Think about the practical aspects of owning a particular breed of
dog. If it is a long haired breed then you'll need more time to
groom its coat. If you buy a female dog then they will come into
season twice a year and have to be kept away from male dogs to
avoid mating.
Many people start by buying a puppy but there are lots of adult
dogs available who are looking for a good home and are often well
trained and ready to fit into a loving family or home
environment.
Think about the financial aspect of owning a dog or puppy; Can
you afford veterinary bills and certificates? Will you need
health and insurance cover? Does the dog have specific
nutritional requirements or food costs?
Taking the time to think about these important questions *before*
buying a dog or puppy will make sure you get the animal that is
right for you and more importantly make sure you are right for
your dog or puppy!
For further advice on getting a
dog or puppy, visit Buying
a Dog or Puppy For full details on dog training, care, health
and diet, visit Dog
and Puppy Training, Care, Health and Diet
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