| Adopting a new canine is the first step toward | | | | health. If he has an existing medical condition, he |
| enjoying a rewarding experience as a dog owner. | | | | may also need medications. Part of being a |
| Your new companion will show a level of love and | | | | responsible owner is making sure an experienced |
| devotion unmatched by any other pet. You'll | | | | veterinarian examines your pooch at least once a |
| arrive home from a long day and look forward to | | | | year - and preferably, twice. He or she can |
| his greeting you by the door. But ownership | | | | identify health issues before they worsen and |
| comes with responsibility. You'll need to provide | | | | become life-threatening. |
| your pooch with food, shelter, and veterinary | | | | Establishing Authority And Setting The Ground |
| care throughout his life. | | | | Rules |
| This article will describe how to be a conscientious | | | | Dogs are pack animals. They are accustomed to |
| owner. First, we'll provide a short list of questions | | | | a defined hierarchy that includes a pack leader. It |
| to consider before you adopt your pooch. We'll | | | | is critical that you establish yourself as the leader |
| then explain why ongoing veterinary care is critical | | | | of your new canine's pack from the moment you |
| to ensuring your canine remains healthy and | | | | introduce him to your home. Moreover, he must |
| happy over the long run. You'll also learn the | | | | quickly understand that he is subordinate to your |
| importance of establishing your authority upfront | | | | family within the pack. |
| so you and your dog enjoy a lasting friendship | | | | Set the ground rules by enrolling him into |
| built on trust and affection. | | | | professional dog training classes. Try to find |
| Questions To Ask Yourself Prior To Adopting A | | | | classes in which the trainer encourages owners to |
| Dog | | | | get involved. This will give your canine an |
| One of the biggest surprises for a lot of owners | | | | opportunity to understand your role as his pack |
| is the cost of ownership. Many people adopt their | | | | leader. It also provides an ideal setting for |
| new pets without considering the annual expenses | | | | socialization training; your pooch will spend time |
| involved with providing basic care. Ask yourself | | | | among other pets and their owners in a friendly, |
| whether you can afford to spend up to $2,500 a | | | | controlled environment. |
| year. If not, adopting a canine may be a less than | | | | Providing A Comfortable Home |
| ideal decision. | | | | Your canine will need a few supplies to feel |
| You should also consider whether your lifestyle | | | | comfortable within your home. You'll need to |
| can accommodate your new companion. Are you | | | | purchase a dog bed, chew toys, and bowls for his |
| required to travel often for your job? Do you | | | | food and water. Consider buying a crate that will |
| prefer to spend most of your time with your | | | | function as his personal refuge to which he can |
| social network (i.e. friends, family, etc.)? Owning a | | | | retreat at his leisure. Also, plan to buy a leash, |
| pooch requires time and commitment. | | | | collar, and grooming supplies. If he suffers from |
| Think about your home. Is it large enough to | | | | joint pain, he may not be able to jump easily. |
| accommodate a dog? If you rent your living | | | | You'll need to buy a ramp he can use to reach |
| space, does your landlord or property manager | | | | high places (e.g. bed, couch, car, etc.). |
| allow pet ownership? Postpone adopting a canine | | | | Being a responsible dog owner requires a level of |
| until you're certain you can provide an appropriate | | | | commitment that many people are unprepared to |
| home for him. | | | | make. But this commitment is vital to your |
| The Importance Of Ongoing Veterinary Care | | | | canine's health and happiness. The expense and |
| Your new canine companion will need periodic | | | | effort, while substantial, sets the stage for a |
| checkups and exams in order to remain in good | | | | friendship that lasts a lifetime. |