About Dogs
as Pets
Centuries after taking them as our pets, dogs are still man's best friend. While other animals, including cats, reptiles, birds and fish, have also entered the pet arena, it seems that nothing can replace the dog on the totem pole of pets. Dogs possess many characteristics that humans look for in a great companion, but not every dog is the same, and not every human will appreciate all of the characteristics and personality traits that come with each dog breed--or even each dog, for that matter. Therefore, it's important to research not only what it's like to own a dog as a pet, but what it may be like to own the type of dog breed you're looking for.
Different Dog Breeds
The age and breed of a dog greatly affects the way it will interact with a household. Some dogs, such as terriers, tend to chew and bark a lot. Others, such as bulldogs, can be quite stubborn and difficult to train. Others still, like golden retrievers and Labradors, can become destructive when left alone or ignored for long periods of time. Individuals thinking about adding a dog to their family should consider, among other things, the dog's size, energy level, breed and age.
Necessary Supplies
There are a few essential items that every dog needs: a bed that is large enough for it to maneuver around in comfortably, food and water dishes, food and water, a leash for walking and toys for playing. Of course, there are a multitude of other supplies that a dog owner may also want to purchase, including dog shampoo, sweaters, nail clippers, blankets, chew toys and more. Individuals should discuss their pet's specific needs with a breeder or veterinarian to determine what their dog will require.
Health Needs
Having a dog as a pet can be costly, especially when it comes to fulfilling that dog's health needs. Every dog must obtain what the American Veterinary Medical Association calls core canine vaccinations. These include vaccinations for canine distemper, Hepatitis CAV-1 and CAV-2, rabies and parvovirus. They also need regular vaccines and checkups, and may require treatment for allergies, illnesses and injuries. Spaying and neutering are also recommended.
Training
Every dog requires some level of training. This makes feeding, sleeping, playing and walking arrangements much easier and calmer for both the dog and owner. Pet owners must also set boundaries for their dogs, including where the dog is allowed to roam, what furniture it can be on, what foods (if any) it can eat from the table, when it can come inside, where it can eat, where it can go to the bathroom and what it can chew on. Some dogs require very little training aside from memorizing a series of simple commands from their owners, while others may need the help of a professional dog trainer to get their behavior in line. As a general rule, dogs that are given boundaries, rules and consequences for misbehavior early on tend to have fewer behavioral problems as adults. The American Kennel Club notes that puppies can begin receiving basic training as soon as they've settled into their new homes.
Where to Find Your Dog
There are a few common avenues to explore when it comes to finding a pet dog. Animal shelters offer a diverse range of dogs when it comes to age, temperament, breed and even health. The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) has a database of 3,000 shelters across the country that individuals can contact if they're interested in rescuing a dog. Those looking for purebreds can utilize the American Kennel Club, which has a database for individuals looking to purchase an AKC-registered dog. The classifieds section of most major newspapers also contains ads for puppies and dogs. Before purchasing a dog from an individual breeder or seller, however, you should inspect the individual's home, dog quarters, and the dog or the mother of the dog (if you're purchasing an unborn puppy) you wish to buy. You should also obtain a list of referrals from the seller to ensure that past patrons were satisfied with the seller and the dog. If possible, you should also ask the seller to allow you to have the dog or puppy inspected by a veterinarian of your choice to ensure that the health data the seller provided is accurate. Every seller should also provide the proper immunization documents for the dog or, if the dog hasn't been immunized, the seller should notify the buyer of this upfront.
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