| So you think you want to add a dog to your | | | | |
| family. Before you go out and find a cute | | | | Barking ... This can be a problem, as much |
| little puppy you should do some research. | | | | for neighbors as for the owners. Although |
| | | | dogs can be trained to control the habit some |
| There are many things to consider before | | | | dogs and particulartend to bark more than |
| deciding on a breed or even on whether you | | | | others. |
| should get a puppy or an older dog. Your dog | | | | |
| should match your family and your lifestyle. | | | | Expenses ...This includes a great deal of |
| | | | things, from the cost of the purchase of the |
| That may sound silly at first but let me | | | | dog, vaccinations and |
| explain. You would not want to have a huge | | | | other veterinarian expenses, food and treats, |
| dog living in a small apartment. Neither of | | | | toys,collars, ID tags, licenses (if |
| you would be happy. And you have to keep in | | | | applicable), fencing of the yard (if needed), |
| mind the size that a puppy will be when full | | | | dog door, grooming supplies, dog bed, kennel, |
| grown, believe me, they will get there in no | | | | dog bowls... |
| time at all. | | | | |
| | | | If you want to breed dogs, show dogs, a dog |
| Also consider the fact that puppies require a | | | | that can hunt, or pull a sled, you may need |
| lot of attention, especially during the first | | | | to take more time and care in researching |
| six months. Remember, they are babies. Also | | | | breeders and bloodlines of the dog you |
| keep in mind that smaller breeds will be more | | | | choose, but otherwise you may be just as |
| fragile and may not be well-suited for | | | | happy with a dog from your local shelter. |
| families with small children. However, that | | | | |
| is a judgment call. | | | | I hope this article has given you some things |
| | | | to think about. Dogs make wonderful pets. I |
| Decide if you want an indoor dog or an | | | | cannot remember a time in my life that I did |
| outdoor dog. Some dogs cannot tolerate the | | | | not have a dog. I am sure I will always have |
| extreme temperatures. Some dogs require | | | | dogs, and I have had both large and small |
| daily grooming. | | | | dogs. I happen to prefer indoor dogs but my |
| | | | yard is large enough that I can provide space |
| Other things to consider: | | | | for large dogs. |
| | | | |
| Shedding ... Although most breeds do shed | | | | Carefully choose your dog and you will be |
| there are some that do not. If this is an | | | | blessed with a friend you will enjoy for |
| issue do some | | | | years to come. |
| research before making your choice. | | | | |