Getting a New Dog? How to Chose One

Choosing a new dog might seem to be a very simple and one way task, but there are indeed a lot a factors to consider. And when one embarks on it, it could be quite confusing and exhausting. With proper information at hand, choosing a dog can be a lot of fun. The main point to consider is finding the kind of dog that would fit and complement you, the owner.

Among the things that will have to be considered and discussed before getting a new dog are: 1. Who will have the primary responsibility of caring for and training the dog?2. The expenses to be incurred for food, dog care, and the rest of the dog’s needs like supplies, bed, crate, among otherthings.3. The veterinarian that you will choose for your new dog.

Different breeds of dogs fit different peoples’s lifestyle. There are dogs that are suited for the elderly, dogs for people with active lifestyles, and dogs for families with children.

Would you get a puppy or a grown up dog? Taking care of a puppy would require more attention and more trips to the vet, while getting an older dog will mean extra effort in establishing a bond between master and pet.

The breed of the dog is also a very important factor to consider. Temparament, activities, and other needs of a dog are sometimes influenced by its breed.

If its a pure breed dog that you want, your local kennel club is the best source of information. It should have access to reputable area breeders. A veterinarian can also provide reliable information where to find breeders for your dog of choice.

If its a hunting dog that you want, I would suggest the sporting breeds like the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever. Breeds of these nature are easy to train and are good with children, but they require an active lifestyle.

For experienced owners, recommended dogs are those from the AKC’s working group like the Siberian Husky, the Rottweiler, the Akita, the Bullmastiff, and the Giant Schnauzer. Hip dysplasia is common among these breeds, to be sure to get this type of dog from a reputable breeder.

Small dogs are ideal for apartment dwellers and people with older children. Dogs in this group include the Pug, the Shih Tzu, the Pomeranian, and the Maltese. These small dogs still require training and a fair amount of exercise. These small dogs are very popular today.

People who have a farm and work livestock may want to consider dogs from the herding group like the Border Collie, the Australian Shepherd, the German Shepherd, and the Shetland Sheepdog. The Border Collie is a very intelligent dog that requires a lot of exercise, both physical and mental. If you want to spend a lot of active time with a dog, you might choose a dog like this.

Adoption is also a very good option, since there is such a huge dog population. Assistance in this area can be obtained from your local humane society or dog rescue organization.

When choosing a dog, do take your time. It could be a very enlightening and enjoyable adventure. Do some research, or better yet, talk to dog owners, groomers, breeders, and veterinarians. They have first hand information and they can give you sound advice from their experience. This will help ensure that the dog of your choice will fit into your lifestyle and you’ll have the chance to enjoy your dog more.

siberian husky getting along with our cat

siberian husky getting along with our cat

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A Tale of Puppies and Kitties: Getting the Right Pet Sitter

A hard worker like you deserves a break every now and then. I’m not just talking about a weekend at the spa or a night off from work. You deserve to go on a real vacation—take a week off to relax and detoxify your mind and body. Any average Joe or Jane might already be packing upon reading my persuasive words, however if you’re a pet owner, you may respond with a defeated shrug of your shoulders and a sigh thinking “I wish! But I can’t bring my dog along with me without getting stressed out looking after him!” Well then, that dilemma of yours is precisely why I’ve penned this article. I’m here to offer you a solution in the form of Pet Sitting.

If you can’t get a trusted friend or family member to look after your beloved pooch or cat, it’s worth considering professional service. But if you’re like me, your pet is as important to you as a child to his mother. I own a Siberian husky myself and I can’t seem to leave him with just anyone and go on a trip with peace of mind. I simply need to make sure the person who looks after him is capable, loving, and responsible. Calling for a pet sitter may be as simple as looking up a number and calling for one, but also it’s not as simple as that. There are some things to bear in mind when hiring a pet sitter.

Comfort and Ease

Some people will opt to just leave their pets in an animal boarding house (not quite as posh as animal hotels) or kennels. But that kind of set up brings so much stress to the animals themselves and there’s really no guarantee how much care your pet will get. If you call for a pet sitter, they can come to your home and look after your beloved critter in the comfort of your own home. Most animals, especially cats and dogs, work and depend heavily with their sense of smell. Each new place brings a bombardment of new and different smells. They will need time to scour about and get used to the smell of the place. This may sometimes bring stress on them.

Because your pet gets looked after in the environment he’s used to, he can also be fed on the usual time and schedule he’s used to. He also gets the right amount of attention on a daily basis.

With your pet sitter coming to make house calls, you can now enjoy your trip with peace of mind knowing that your pet is not stressed out or being neglected. You also save yourself the trouble of burdening your friends and family with having to look after your pet. Another advantage to having someone come in to look after your pet is that it will make your house look “lived in.” They can pick up your daily paper, water your plants, turn on the lights at night, and make sure the windows and doors are locked when they leave. This can help serve as a deterrent to break-ins and burglary. They can also make sure that your pet stays well-groomed as they have the bathing and grooming necessities within reach in your home.

Make sure that you contact a legitimate pet sitting company with experience and good references.