Why it is so important that you choose the right dog for you, and what happens if you don’t?
The most important thing you can do for all animals is to choose the right pet that works for you and your family. There are thousands of dogs in shelters, and they are there because the wrong people chose the wrong dog. If you can visit a shelter or a rescue, and talk to the people that work there, they can help you decide what’s best for your family. You can also visit your local veterinarian and discuss different breeds, and their needs, to help you decide.
When People Don’t Pick the Right Dog for Them, the Dogs End Up at Shelters
What is the most important thing for you to understand, is most people don’t take the time to think about the kind of dog they want, and when they make a mistake, and bring the wrong dog home, that dog usually ends up back at a pound, a shelter, or a rescue.
Make a List! You and your family should make a list of the things you like and don’t like and take that list with you as you visit shelters, rescues or your veterinarian. Dogs come in all different sizes. Some have long hair, and some have short hair. Some dogs bark a lot, and some dogs rarely bark. Some dogs need a lot of exercise, some dogs need a lot of lap time! Some dogs love to play ball and Frisbee, some dogs love to dig in gardens! Some dogs are famous for jumping fences and running away. Some dogs fight with other dogs, some do not. Some dogs get along with cats, some do not. Take your time and be patient if you’re looking for the perfect dog for you!
Choosing a Mixed Breed If you having a really hard time choosing, maybe you should find a mixed breed. A mixed breed is a dog that is a combination of breeds, for example, a Border Collie mixed with a Labrador Retriever might make a fine pet. Or a Beagle mixed with a Terrier might make a wonderful pet. Mixed breeds are just as loving, intelligent and adorable as pure breed dogs. |
Once you Bring Your New Dogor Puppy Home
The most important thing you can do is immediately start taking your dog to dog training classes.
Many of the dogs that are in shelters, pounds, and rescues are there because they never received good training.
Without training, it will be very hard for you to communicate with your dog, and teach him what he’s allowed to do, and what he’s not allowed to do.
Ask your veterinarian or a dog groomer to recommend a good dog training program that’s close to your home.
Dog or puppy training classes are a great way to have family fun. |
VERY IMPORTANT Dogs Can Bite!
The most important thing that I can share with you about choosing your new dog is that all dogs can bite. Many times dogs will bite kids, because kids can be loud when they are having fun, and kids usually run around. This can really confuse a dog, and sometimes dogs bite. Be sure to ask a lot of questions about your new dog before you bring him home. If you have a baby sister or a baby brother in your home, you really need to be careful.
Don’t Forget that Cute Little Puppies Grow up and Become Dogs Just because you bring home a puppy doesn’t mean that when your puppy grows up and becomes a dog he won’t bite you. That is not true. I brought home a little puppy, and when she grew up, she did try to bite us, and my dogs and that is why I wrote my book, “The Story of Penelope”. If you decide to adopt an older dog that has been living with kids, and has never bitten kids, you may be safer adopting him than buying a new puppy.
Just because a dog breed is famous for biting doesn’t mean they all bite! If you are thinking of adopting a dog from a shelter, pound or rescue, visit the dog several times. If you are interested in the dog, ask a Parent to put a deposit on the dog (money) and fill out the application to adopt him right away. Ask the shelter, pound, or rescue to hold him for you, and ask them if you can visit him a few times before bringing him home with you.
A Dog is for Life, not Just For Birthdays! |
Never Buy a Puppy From a Pet Store or a Pet Shop
All puppies in Pet Stores and Pet Shops are what grownups call, Puppy Mill Dogs. Buying a puppy from a Puppy Mill might mean that you will bring home a very sick dog. Puppy Mill Dogs are just as cute and loveable as any other dogs, but as they get older, most Puppy Mill Dogs develop a lot of medical problems, get sick more often, and don’t live as long. If you want to buy a pure-breed puppy, ask your Parent to access my website to find a reputable breeder. A reputable breeder is someone that has the healthiest puppies and someone who really works very hard at making sure their puppies are the best!
Some Pet Shops and Pet Stores do not sell puppies or kittens. Those stores know how important it is NOT to sell animals from Puppy Mills. Some Pet Shops and Pet Stores allow local Rescues to show their adoptable pets at their stores. This is really a great idea! You can visit a pet store and see all of the dogs and cats that are available for adoption! |
Next, We’re Going to Learn all the Right and Wrong ways to give up your Dog. Many times, families have no choice to find a home for their, especially if they are moving away to a place that won’t allow dogs.This is a very sad time for everyone. It’s not easy to re-home an older dog, so please, start right away if you think you are going to leave your dog behind. Finding a new home could take months.If you love your dog, and I’m sure you do, please review the next page so you can make the right and the best decisions for you dog. |
A Fun Place for Kids, Parents, and Dog Lovers to Learn and Play! |
What’s a Good Dog For Kids? |
