Choosing the right dog for you

Getting a new dog is one of the greatest joys in the world. Make this great time even better by knowing exactly what kind of dog will complement your family’s lifestyle.

Before you get a dog, you will want to make sure to discuss with your family who will have the primary responsibility of taking care of and training the dog. You will want to find a good veterinarian close by, and you will want to consider the cost of keeping a dog. You will also want to make sure to have supplies such as bowls, a bed, a crate, leash , collar, and toys prior to your new dog coming home.

Also before you get your new dog, you will want to consider different breeds and their compatibility to your lifestyle. Large dogs are generally not for apartment dwellers or the elderly. Small dogs are not for people who want to be active with their dogs. Temperament is another thing to consider. You will also want to decide if you want a puppy or an older dog. Certain breeds have inherent health problems like eye problems or hip dysplasia, so you will want to take all of that into consideration before choosing a breed.

If you decide to get a purebred puppy, there are resources to help you find a reputable breeder. Your local kennel club has access to area breeders that specialize in certain breeds. If you are looking for an older dog, this can also be a good resource as many breeders may have adult dogs available as well. Your veterinarian can be a great resource as well as oftentimes they have assisted area breeders.

If you are planning on hunting with your dog, you may want to consider one of the sporting breeds. The most popular of the sporting group are the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever. Both are relatively easy to train and are good with children. You will want to have a more active lifestyle and ideally a fenced in yard if you are looking for a dog of this nature.

Many people prefer dogs from the AKC’s working group. Breeds that belong to this group include the Rottweiler, the Siberian Husky, the Akita, the Bullmastiff, and the Giant Schnauzer. Generally, these dogs require an experienced owner who can firmly establish leadership. Many of the dogs of the working group have thick undercoats and shed a lot, so you will want to consider if this is something you want to deal with. You also want to make sure you choose a dog in this category from a reputable breeder as hip dysplasia is common in these breeds.

Toy dogs are very popular today as you see many celebrities toting around their adorable little dogs. But don’t let the size fool you. Oftentimes, these cute little dogs have big personalities. 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, but may be a better choice for apartment dwellers and people with older children.

If you have a farm and work livestock, you may want to consider one of the dogs in the herding group. These dogs include 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.

You may be interested in considering a mixed breed dog. These dogs can be wonderful family companions, as much so as purebred dogs.

Due to the large population of dogs, many people are interested in adopting a dog. Talk to your local humane society or breed rescue organization for assistance with adoption.

The most important thing to do when choosing a dog is to take your time and get to know many different breeds of dog. Talk to pet store personnel, groomers, breeders, and your veterinary staff for assistance. Make sure to consider all aspects of dog care and you can ensure a happy time for your new dog and family.

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Choosing Healthy Foods for Your Dog

Today’s pet food market is larger and more diverse than ever before. While this offers a large number of choices in various types of pet food, it also presents a dilemma in choosing the healthiest food for your dog. Are generic or store brands suitable for a dog? What about familiar name brands like Purina and Alpo? Are the pricier brands that advertise specially formulated ingredients (Science Diet, Eukanuba) really living up to their claims and worth the extra money? All of these are valid questions that loving dog owners deserve to have answered.

Dog Food Considerations

There are several factors to consider when choosing the right food for your dog. Different dogs have different nutritional needs at different stages in their lives. Some things to consider when selecting the food you’ll give your dog follow.

The Dog’s Age
Puppies have different nutritional requirements than adult dogs just as human children have different needs than adult people. Senior dogs also have different requirements than younger adult dogs. Make sure that you select a food that is appropriate for your dog’s stage in life.

The Dog’s Health
Does your dog have a specific medical condition? If so, the food you choose may need to be partially dictated by that condition. Diabetic dogs need low-glucose foods and dogs with specific allergies (yes dogs can be allergic to all sorts of things, just like people) may require certain foods as well. Your veterinarian can help you choose foods that are appropriate for a dog with a specific medical condition.

The Dog’s Size or Body Type
Some dogs are overweight. Some dogs are underweight. Some have a natural tendency to get lots of exercise while others tend to prefer to lie around a lot. There are, of course, small, medium, and large dogs as well as the ultra-tiny “toy” dogs. All of these different types of dogs will have different requirements for the type of food they need as well as how much of it.

Your Budget
Dog food can be expensive, there’s no doubt about it. And where dog food is concerned, the rule really is “you get what you pay for.” Low cost generics and store brands will lighten the burden on your wallet, but may not be the healthiest choice for your dog as they are made with cheap ingredients and lots of fillers. You should buy the best dog food you can on your budget to help ensure your dog’s nutrition.