Skip to main content

Are You Ready to Be a Dog Owner?

Some years ago, a friend asked me in his email what breed of dog I want because he intended to send me one. I replied that any breed would do. BIG MISTAKE! Back then, I was only thinking that I love dogs so much that any breed will do fine. I now realize the importance of choosing a dog breed that is most compatible with my personality and lifestyle. So, are you ready to be a dog owner? Here are some things you should consider when choosing a dog:

 

Choosing the Right Dog Breed

Are you a morning a person? A dog's temperament and energy level varies depending on its breed. Some dog breeds are more energetic than others and they require more physical activity. If you're the type of person who jogs daily in the morning, you should definitely get a dog who can run with you.

If you're more of the adventurous type, work dogs who have really high energy would make great buddies.  On the contrary, if you have full time work, choose your dog very carefully. Some dogs get very lonely when left alone. If you can't walk your dog on a daily basis, choose a small breed so that it can at least get a daily dose of exercise while indoors.

Consider Dog Adoption

Where should you get your dog? Don't forget to pay a visit to your nearest rescue center and see what types of dog they have. Adopting a dog from a shelter may take time. It's important to know the dog's history before adopting one. Some of these dogs may have had behavioral issues that needs to be properly addressed. Animal adoption centers do offer basic training for rescued dogs. If you are ready to care for a dog, it would mean a lot for these loyal human friends in shelters to finally find a loving, forever home.

Being a Dog Owner Is A Commitment

Be realistic. Don't get a dog just because you think it's cute to have one around. Seriously consider if you can live up to the commitment. If you really do not have the time and the resources to take care of a dog, you may need to wait until you're ready.

Too many dogs have ended up in the pound or were abandoned because their humans initially thought they were prepared for the responsibilities of having a pet when they're not. Having a dog with a behavioral issue is not a justifiable reason to just get rid of it, especially without making sure that you have done all possible solutions to help your dog.  Giving up a dog is sad but at least see to it that the poor animal will have a good home.

Being a dog owner is a serious responsibility and when problems arise, you must be there for your dog in the same way it will never abandon you.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Till now i've never regretted having Cheddie as a company. Good luck girl. :)

Popular posts from this blog

Miniature Pinscher - the King of Toys!

The Miniature Pinscher is one of the smallest dog breeds. It originated from Germany and is often called the “King of the Toys”. The Min Pin may have been a descendant of the German Pinscher [a medium-sized pinscher breed that is also from Germany], mixed with the Italian Greyhound and the Dachshund. Kennel Clubs recognize Min Pins as “toy dogs”, and because of their boldness, they are called the “King of Toys”. source What Does A Min Pin Look Like? There is a misconception that this little dog is the miniature version of the Doberman Pinscher. Despite their incredible resemblance however, they are two distinct breeds, and Min Pins are definitely not tiny Dobermans. Miniature Pinschers have a sturdy built, a proud stance, and a commanding presence inspite of their size. They can grow anywhere from ten to twelve inches in length.  Some pinschers have cropped ears or a docked tail. They have short, smooth, shiny coats which can either be of a solid black, chocolate, red, ...

Brushing and Combing Tips For Dog Owners

Brushing or combing a dog’s coat is very important for good grooming. Long haired dog breeds need every day brushing while short-haired dogs may require combing at least once or twice a week. Here are tips on how to make grooming a fun and enjoyable time for your dog: Start early. It’s best to train them while they’re young. If you adopted an older dog who wasn’t trained for grooming, it’s never too late to start training. Sit or stand your dog in a comfortable spot. Run your fingers through his fur. Brush his paws or legs first so he can see what’s happening. Praise your dog if he’s behaving well. If not, don’t give up. Introduce the brushing or combing routine every day for just a few minutes. It shouldn’t take long before your dog realizes that grooming is not a bad time after all. Don’t give yourself a hard time. Find a suitable place for your pup or dog to sit or stand on while you brush his/her coat. Make sure that it would be the same spot for grooming even ...

How to Stop Your Dog from Pulling on the Leash

Notice how untrained dogs pull on the leash as their human helplessly tries to make them stop? Dog walking can be a lot of fun, but if your dog isn’t following your lead, it can be very strenuous and frustrating. How do you train a dog to walk properly and follow your lead? Here are the steps: Before putting on the leash, let your dog sit and stay * * . Dogs love to go out for walks and seeing you with that leash in your hand can make him ecstatic. Never put on that leash until he sits and stays. If you do, he’ll get used to jumping around and would never stay still as you put on the leash on his neck. If he continues to jump around, put the leash away and repeat the command “Sit”. Make sure that your dog understands that unless he does as told, he’s not going out for a walk. If he sits and stays, and waits for you to put on the leash, praise him, give him a pat and assure him that he’s done a good job. Walk him to the door. After putting on the leash, your dog may...