photo by Fairplex – Home of the L.A. County Fair, Flickr

Coming home to your happy dog, which never fails to greet you with a wagging tail, palpable happiness, and absolutely no retributions for anything you have done – this is all part of owning a dog. Since time immemorial, dogs are said to be “man’s best friend” thus your pet is going to rely on you to be his best friend as well.

Some canine pets require a lot of time for grooming therefore you should be aware what breed you are considering based on the time and effort you will have to spend on grooming your canine best friend.

Unless you plan to breed your new pet, the shelter is the best place to consider getting a dog.  There are so many available, and they all greet you as their best friend the moment you walk into the kennels.

Consequently if you are ready and willing to part with care, food, and attention, they will pledge their allegiance to you and guard you as though you were the most precious thing on earth, which of course, to the canine mind, you are!

Nutrition

In order for your pet to live long and yes, prosper; you need to purchase dog food that is nutritious. This is not the time to acquire junk food and expect your pet to thrive, just as junk food is not nutritious enough for most humans, neither are the low-priced cans of dog food contain cheap fillers.  Also, just as humans need treats, so dogs need treats as well, but you should be judicious with them.
Training

Dogs need to learn manners, tricks and other ways to bring you pleasure, for bringing you pleasure is essential to their happiness.  A well trained dog is one who relishes pleasing their owner, thus it rests on your shoulders to train the dog yourself, or attend the local dog training sessions so that your dog is not a nuisance but instead the “true friend” that you seek.

Grooming

In order for your dog to be the attentive companion you seek, you must be sure to either groom it or have it groomed.  Depending on the breed you’ve chosen, it will require, to be well brushed so it maintains a pleasant coat.  The longer haired breeds may need to have their coats trimmed at intervals to prevent painful knots from forming. Also, you will need to clean the dog’s ears and brush their teeth. Of course all dogs need an occasional bath, which you will have to provide.

Exercise

Making a commitment to a dog means that you must be ready to walk your pet so that it can relieve itself and get the exercise it needs.  The larger the breed, the more exercise it will require.  Make the walk a fun time for you to bond with each other.

Health Care

Just as you see your own Doctor at specified intervals so will a good veterinarian set up a schedule for your pet.  Yearly shots are necessary but you also need to keep a careful eye on your pet so that you can bring your dog pal to seek help as soon as possible.  Just as a human becomes listless when they are sick, so do our canine friends.  As you become accustomed to your dog’s specific habits, you’ll note a difference in your dog when they are ill.

All in all, you’ll have years of pleasure with your dog if you follow the tips listed above, and most importantly you’ll discover why a dog is known to be “man’s best friend!”

photo by sheriberi1, Flickr

Just as two owners are not the same, so no two canines are the same.  Keeping this in mind will help you tremendously in seeking the “right” breed to suit your temperament, your home and even your local temperature. This article should help you in making notes for the possible “ideal” pet for you.

Lifestyle

What kind of lifestyle do you have? Are you a couch potato, or do you like to camp in the great outdoors? Does a smaller breed, such as a poodle or Chihuahua suit your lifestyle best, or do you dream of owning a Great Dane?  Pet stores are a great way of looking at different breeds, but doing your “homework” prior to falling in love with a squirmy puppy is imperative.

If you are searching for a purebred dog, your best bet is either the Internet or local dog clubs. Speaking with breeders will allow you to lean a tremendous amount about the particular breed, so do be sure and follow up on that as well.

Space

Is your home large and spacious with a few acres of land behind it, or do you live in a small condominium or a city rental apartment?  It stands to reason that the amount of space you can devote to a dog, will also rule what breed you will be happiest with.

Time

How much time will your pet require in order to be healthy and contented?  Obviously many longhaired dogs require a tremendous amount of time for grooming purposes, but any breed needs exercise and walks to relieve itself.

Expenses

Purebreds require an initial cost, but any animal needs to be properly taken care of.  You will encounter vet bills, grooming bills, dental costs, nutrition costs and such. Getting a pet from the local shelter is much cheaper and often they will come pre-neutered and with all their shots.  If not, you will also incur those costs if you accept a pet from either a breeder or someone advertising in the newspaper.

Because Disney made a wonderful movie about Dalmatians does not mean that you should adopt or purchase a Dalmatians no matter how the kids clamor for one.  For instance, Dalmatians require special care and frequently have specific problems with the breed, such as deafness.  Will you be able to deal with a deaf dog?  Will your children

Stress compatibility

It cannot be stressed enough that canine compatibility with yourself, and your family will guarantee that everyone, including that cherished dog, will be suited for each other and will bring long years of happiness.