| Dogs come in all different sizes, lengths of hair, | | | | than if you live on a large ranch. Some dogs |
| and disposition. These are some of the traits to | | | | require a lot of exercise and are very athletic |
| take into consideration when choosing the best | | | | while other dogs are content with taking a daily |
| dog for you. Also consider why you are getting | | | | walk. |
| the dog: protection, companion or for the children? | | | | Do you want to spend a lot of time at the |
| Settle on a purpose for your dog and this will help | | | | groomers or do you prefer a wash and go type |
| narrow your breed selection. How much time do | | | | of dog. All dogs will need to be washed and |
| you have to devote? Will the dog be easy to | | | | bushed from time to time. Dogs with longer coats |
| train? What type of health care will you need to | | | | will require frequent grooming to feel and look |
| provide? These are all questions and concerns you | | | | their best. Long coat dogs are beautiful, but they |
| will want to address when choosing man's best | | | | will require more grooming than a dog with |
| friend. | | | | medium or a short-length coat. |
| When your new puppy/dog comes home he/she | | | | When it comes to training some breeds of dogs |
| should be at the center of attention. You will have | | | | are better suited for specific types of tasks, |
| to devote enough time and energy to help your | | | | where as some breeds are more stubborn and |
| new puppy/dog adapt to their new home. Be | | | | might have you pulling your hair out. I suggest |
| diligent and attentive to your new companion and | | | | basic obedience training for every dog. |
| you will quickly discover how the time and energy | | | | Sometimes the basic training is all you'll need. |
| you spend today will reward you later with love | | | | However, some dogs need more a well-mannered |
| and devotion from your new pet. | | | | dog makes a rewarding companion. |
| It is important to know what type of disposition | | | | Some breeds of dogs are more prone to certain |
| and role you want your dog to have in your | | | | types of health problems. Like people, dogs will |
| family. There are many different types of dogs | | | | need to have occasional health care. Before you |
| available and each has a certain temperament. | | | | settle on your breed inquire with a veterinarian |
| Each breed of dog was bred with a specific job in | | | | about that breeds specific health needs. Don't be |
| mind and that breeding will influence the dog's | | | | caught off guard by a malady known to plague a |
| behaviors greatly. Study the breeds you are | | | | specific breed. |
| considering and discover the job the breed was | | | | You may want to consider mixed breeds dogs |
| intended to do. This insight will be valuable for you | | | | they can give you the best of several different |
| and clue you in on how the dog will behave | | | | breeds of dogs. For example, if a dog you are |
| around strangers, other dogs, children, kenneling | | | | considering is known to have hip problems you |
| and a vast amount of other circumstances. | | | | could get a mixed breed and bypass the problem |
| While studying up on the breeds learn about the | | | | altogether. I highly recommend your local dog |
| animal's attributes. The size of your dog when full | | | | rescues and shelters; your next best friend may |
| grown is a major consideration. If you live in a | | | | already be waiting for you. |
| small apartment you'll want to have a smaller dog | | | | |