| Over the centuries the dog has become | | | | responsibility and one of the most important |
| ‘Man's best friend' and an increasing number | | | | decisions that any owner will have to make. A |
| of people own dogs for companionship. Most of | | | | dog is for life and he will become your responsibly |
| today's breeds evolved as working dogs with | | | | for a least the next ten years and therefore your |
| specific functions from their common ancestor - | | | | should not rush into getting one without |
| the wolf. | | | | considering how he will fit into your lifestyle and |
| Living in a human-canine pack can be a rewarding | | | | what you can give him in return. Owning a dog is |
| experience for both the owner and the dog. You | | | | extremely rewarding but your four legged friend |
| will need to look after your dog and provide for | | | | will need regular exercise and well as feeding, |
| both his mental and physical welfare as well as | | | | grooming and companionship, and you must be |
| developing an understanding of his behaviour and | | | | prepared to set aside some time every day to |
| body language if you are to become a responsible | | | | care for him and play with him. |
| owner. Your dog must learn to adapt to family life | | | | It is not only a privilege and a pleasure to own a |
| if he is to grow into a well-behaved member of | | | | dog but also a responsibility which you should take |
| your'pack'. | | | | very seriously a dog is for life and he will become |
| Dogs are truly amazing and adaptable animals. As | | | | your trusted companion and confidant. Like in any |
| well as being our loyal companions, they are | | | | relationship, you both need to work at building a |
| valued co-workers - flushing out game birds, | | | | successful partnership. You will need him to |
| guarding our homes and livestock, sniffing out | | | | become your loyal friend to understand your dog |
| contraband drugs and explosives or even | | | | better, to care for him in a responsible way and |
| delectable truffles, rescuing people on mountains | | | | to enjoy owning a well behaved friend. |
| and in earthquakes, or simply visiting the sick and | | | | The time and effort you will spend with your dog |
| elderly in hospitals to lower blood pressure and | | | | will definitely be worth it. There are not many |
| speed up their recovery. | | | | home pets that will reward with the loyalty, fun |
| Buying a dog - or a puppy - is a huge | | | | and pleasure that a puppy or a dog can offer. |