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Before actually adding a new puppy to your home you should consider what your expectations of dog ownership are. All dogs require love, food and shelter, but puppies need more commitment from their owners than adult dogs do. Puppies are more time demanding because they are essentially babies. They have to be taught how to behave appropriately and they go through various stages as they grow. Most puppies go through a chewing phase and at some points in growing up they are very energetic.

If there are children in the home even extra supervision will be required. This is to protect both the child and the puppy. Puppies love to play and their little teeth are very sharp. They can also easily scratch little ones with their claws during play.

Similarly, children are drawn to small animals. They are very likely to hold them and carry them around. Many puppies have been squeezed, dropped or stepped on and injured inadvertently by well intentioned children. Obviously you will have to be diligent in watching over the two when they’re together. Most breeders of small or toy breeds do not sale their puppies to homes with young children because of these risks. If you do have a child in your home insure that the puppy you add is one with a gentle disposition and loving personality.

Many people want a dog as a means of security or protection. They are looking for a sort of living alarm system, a dog that will bark when someone approaches the yard or the door. The good news is that almost any dog can fill this need. The fact is that even the bark of a toy poodle is usually effective in turning away an intruder.

Of course some people want to go a step farther with that concept and have a dog that presents the physical appearance of a watch dog. In this case people often choose larger breeds such as Doberman Pinchers or even Boxers. Most dogs are protective of their owners and their territory without having any specialized training. The sheer size and appearance of larger dogs is a deterrent to most would be intruders.
Dogs are naturally pack animals which makes them a social animal. They love their human family and want to be a part of it. Dogs make excellent compani
ons. Dogs should be included as a part of the family whenever possible. They truly need the interaction and love of their family.

Dogs should not spend their time all alone, living in the back yard. This is especially true of puppies. The younger the pup the more supervision and regular training he needs. Socialization is important for all dogs. In fact, it is the secret to a well behaved dog.

Before you add a new puppy to your home it is important to take the time to consider what type of dog will best suit your lifestyle. If you are the type of person that enjoys sports and the outdoors then an energetic dog may be perfect for you. If you spend a lot of time at the computer you may prefer a small lap dog. And if you live in the city you may want to consider a small dog that does not require a deal of space.

Basic Considerations When Choosing A New Puppy courtesy Dog Articles.

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Responsible dog ownership is very important for anyone who plans to own a dog. Most elements of responsible dog ownership are common sense but they always bear repeating.

1. Before you get a dog ask yourself if you have enough time to properly take care of him or her. Do you have the time to housebreak and train a puppy? Can you afford good veterinary care and good dog food? Can you make the commitment necessary to care for a dog? Is everyone in your home able to make the same commitment?

2. When choosing a dog, make sure that you choose the right dog for you. This means considering your lifestyle and circumstances. Do you like grooming? Do you have time to groom? If you don’t, then don’t get a longhaired dog that requires a lot of weekly or even daily grooming. Do you live in a small apartment? Then you shouldn’t get a very active dog that needs lots of room to run. (But remember that size isn’t always an indication of how active a dog is. Some very large dogs are quite happy to sleep all day while some small dogs can be extremely active.) Do you have children? By all means choose a breed that’s known for being great with kids. In other words, think before you get a dog. Don’t choose a dog impulsively.

3. Once you bring your new puppy or dog home be sure to take him or her to the vet for a check-up. This is the most responsible thing you can do for several reasons: a) You need to confirm that the seller has given you a healthy puppy or dog; b) You need to be certain that the dog will not pass on any illness to other pets; c) You should be sure that your new puppy or dog is current on vaccinations for his or her own protection and for yours. Most cities and states require dogs to be vaccinated, at least for rabies. Check with your city or with your vet to find out about the vaccination requirements in your area.

4. Be sure that you provide your dog with fresh water at all times and with healthy dog food. Educate yourself about the ingredients in dog food. Learn what makes a good food and what your dog needs in his diet. Not all dog foods are created equal. Some dogs are full of cheap fillers and other foods are made of expensive organic ingredients. Find out what your dog actually needs so you can make an informed choice about his food.

5. Keep your dog responsibly contained and do not let him wander the neighborhood. Virtually every city and town in North America has leash laws of some kind that require dogs to be kept leashed or on their owner’s property. A good fence or a leash when you are walking your dog will keep your dog from roaming. Dogs that are allowed to roam and wander may become lost or hit by cars. If picked up they can go to animal shelters where they may be put to sleep. Keep your dog safely contained for his own protection.

6. If you do not intend to responsibly breed your dog you should consider having him or her neutered or spayed. Neutering and spaying prevents unwanted pet pregnancies and saves you from having to find homes for unexpected puppies. Responsible breeding is not easy. It entails health testing the parents, researching pedigrees, planning and overseeing matings and researching homes for puppies. Unless you plan to undertake these activities most pets are better off being spayed and neutered unless you have reason to believe that your dog would have a health problem with such surgery.

7. Do the right thing for your dog even when it’s difficult. This means that when your dog has reached the end of his days and there is no more that the vet can do for him, you will have to make the difficult decision to say goodbye. Stay with your dog and comfort him till the end.

Being a responsible pet owner is a big job. It means that you have to think of everything for your dog from the time before you get him until the end of your days together. But, in return, your dog will give you all the love in his heart and soul. It’s a good trade.

What Does It Mean To Be A Responsible Dog Owner courtesy of Dog Articles.

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