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Pet Lifestyle is your pet guide and information dot com.
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Choosing a Pet Dog
Basic care for dogs
Shopping Around
Mixed Breeds
Dog-Proofing_Your_Home
Big Commitment
First Days
Shopping Around - If
you have your eye on a specific breed of dog, and you've done
the proper research to ensure that you can handle all its
behavioral and physical tendencies including shedding and
exercise needs your best bet would be to visit a breeder.
Some people feel that dog breeders are a big part of the pet
overpopulation problem, in that a breeder's overstock just
ends up in shelters or pet stores. However, reputable breeders
are very concerned with the welfare of their litters. They
will try to find good homes for the puppies, and sometimes
even raise unsold dogs themselves.
Caring breeders usually require that buyers sign an official
contract. It helps to educate the new owner as to the puppy's
needs, and it typically includes clauses that forbid further
dog breeding without the breeder's permission; forbid the
puppy's sale, abandonment or transfer of ownership; ensure
the puppy's spaying or neutering; and offer a return or refund
if the pup either develops a hereditary illness or disease
within the first year, of if the new owner can no longer care
for him. The American Kennel Club, your veterinarian or your
local animal shelter can provide a list of reputable breeders.
You should expect an inspection yourself. Remember that upstanding
breeders will have a discerning eye as well — the pups are
more than products and profits to them — so be prepared to
answer some questions about yourself and your intended commitment
to your new family member. Breeders should be able to supply
you with a good deal of information regarding the proper care
and upbringing of your puppy.
Any reputable breeder will have official, documented proof
of the puppies' immunization and pedigree records. Ask to
see them. You'll also get a copy to bring home with the pup.
Take the immunization record to your veterinarian so she can
start a medical file right away.
Mixed Breeds - "If you
can't decide between a shepherd, a setter, or a poodle, get
them all … Adopt a mutt."
The world's most popular breed of dog is no breed at all.
Mixed breeds, random breeds, mongrels, mutts or curs — call
them what you will, they make up the majority of the worldwide
dog population. Rare is the country where dogs of mixed and
usually unknown heritage do not outnumber their blue-blood,
purebred relations. In true mixed breeds, the dog's ancestry
is next to impossible to predict, although many people can't
help but try to guess. That's part of the fun.
Because they're all related, all of the 400 or so breeds
are capable of interbreeding. The millions of mixed-breed
dogs around the world are a testament to that. Unfortunately,
these are the dogs you're likely to find at the local shelter
or dog pound, often the result of accidental breeding between
two unsterilized dogs.
Often used interchangeably, the terms "mixed breed" and "crossbreed"
have slightly different meanings. Unlike mixes, crossbreeds
have clear roots — often evident by looking back just one
generation. Sometimes produced randomly, but most often planned
by breeders, crossbreeds result from the mating or crossing
of two dogs with a different but identifiable lineage. Two
purebred dogs are sometimes deliberately crossed in hopes
of creating a new breed such as the cockapoo, which is one
part cocker spaniel, one part poodle. But despite what those
who breed and sell crossbreeds might try to tell you, these
are not, nor will they likely ever be, recognized as purebred
dogs.
Dog-Proofing Your
Home - The kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and even family
room hold a world of mystery and temptation for any dog there's
always something to do. But while gnawing on the sofa cushions
is a relatively harmless canine pursuit despite the sure scolding
from his human companions chewing on or otherwise investigating
other household objects may prove to be deadly.
Plants - It's not easy being green. Plants may be
a tempting, tasty treat for dogs, but chewed vegetation is
the bane of any proud gardener's existence. Worse, many indoor
and outdoor plants are toxic to dogs. Either make sure that
your houseplants are not harmful, or keep them high up, out
of reach. Garden plants to avoid include potatoes and spring
bulbs; among the indoor hazards are ivy and azaleas.
Fencing - A fence around your yard not only keeps
passersby safe, it also protects your furry friends from harm.
The gate should be sturdy, high enough to keep jumping dogs
in, low enough to the ground to keep small or digging dogs
secure, and should have a lock. You may want to try one of
the newer electronic "invisible fences" — sensors are buried
at the borders of the lawn, and a special battery-powered
collar around your dog's neck emits a slight shock when he
approaches the pre-determined boundary. It's relatively painless,
and your dog quickly learns when he's gone too far.
Big Commitment - Are
You Ready? What are you doing for the next 10 or 15 years?
This may seem like a silly question, but it's the first thing
you should ask yourself when you're considering bringing a
puppy home.
Are you prepared? If you're not sure that you have enough
free time to dedicate to a dog including two walks a day,
playtime and cleanups you might consider caring for a vacationing
friend's pet. Or try fostering a dog from your local humane
society for a week or two to get a better feel for what dog
ownership will entail.
Still not sure? Maybe you need to mull it over more. Remember,
it's easier to wait until your life can naturally accommodate
a canine housemate than it is to try to make radical readjustments
after adopting a dog.
First Days - Before you head
out to pick up your new four-footed family member, you need
to prepare.
- Buy a flat collar and leash, and make sure you have those
with you when you go to get the dog. A puppy's neck will
grow and grow fast so be prepared to replace the collar
a few times. Fit the collar so that there is just enough
room for one or two fingers to slip between the collar and
neck.Flat collars may be nylon, leather or some other sturdy
material, but don't purchase a very thin one. It may dig
into the dog's neck when you tug on the leash. Choke collars
may be used for training, but don't use a choke as your
dog's permanent collar. The movable end ring can get caught
on anything, tightening the collar around the dog's neck
as he struggles against it. Or the chain itself can get
caught on the dog's lower jaw — an uncomfortable and frightening
experience for your pooch.
- Get proper identification tags, and make sure they indicate
your name, address and phone number. Later, you'll need
license tags from the city if required as well as veterinary
tags indicating that your dog has been properly vaccinated.
- Food and water dishes (plastic or metal) should be deep
enough to hold adequate nourishment, but not so deep that
your dog's ears droop into the bowl.
No matter where you get your dog or puppy, ask about his
diet and continue feeding the same thing for a little while.
After your dog has settled in a bit, your vet may recommend
gradually switching to a different food.
BACK TO TOP
Find your dog needs here at Pet Lifestyle.
Dog
Care Basics Guide This includes - Feeding & Nutrition,
Pregnancy, Grooming, Aging Dogs, Common Health Problems, Emergency
Care.
Dog
Choosing Basics This includes - Shopping Around, Mixed
Breeds, Dog-Proofed House, Big Commitment, First Days.
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