#1 Breeder. you can find breeders by looking in the classified adds found on this web-site or your local news paper(the prices are usually pretty steep, ranging from $100 to $3,000, depending on the breed and the quality of the puppies).Alternatively you may contact the American kennel Club, and others that you can find in the adds below, The breeder reference person will put you in touch with reputable breeders in your area.Breeders are a good route because you'll have someone who knows all about your breed of dog, so if you have en questions, you'll have a friend to ask. Also, Breeders Generally take very good care of there dogs. The drawback about using a breeder is the price-you can get a puppy for free at the shelter. but if your looking for a pretty puppy that you might eventually take to dog shows, using a breeder is the way to go.
2. Shelter. Also known as "the pound," shelters are connected with purebred rescue programs, giving you that purebred chic look combined with the satisfaction of rescuing a homeless dog. The benefit of a shelter is that 1) it's free (or really really cheap), and 2) you're saving a dog's life. The main drawback is that the dog could have some kind of personality or Health Problems (based on how it was treated before you got to the pound).
3. Pet stores. Here's a way NOT to get a dog. When you see those little puppies in mall pet stores, our advice is: run away. Many pet stores sell dogs from puppy mills. If you thought that the plight of veal calves was bad . . . well, you're right, it is. But puppy mills are right there with it when it comes to Wholesale animal cruelty. They basically churn out puppies for pet stores, kill the ones that don't look like they'd sell well, and keep the live ones in awful living conditions.
4.Personal Sellers (or) Breeders in your town,you can see the puppy before bying it from them. if you found a breeder selling puppies around your area, the first thing you would want to do is, make shure the puppy is in Very Good Health, and recieved proper vaccines and all shots that puppies need for starting to live Healthy. If the Puppy owner didn't give the puppy shots, then you will have to find a good vet for your pet that will by the age of the puppy, tell you the shots he/she needs and at what periods of times
#1. Ah, the humble dog. Furry bearer of unconditional love, affection, companionship - and a rocket-powered babe magnet to boot. You can almost see your new dog right now . . . running in the sun, chasing Frisbees, doing adorable tricks, puking on the rug at 3 a.m., chewing up your entire porno collection, shedding on everything in sight . . . Still want a dog? Then step right up, you've come to the right place
#2
DECIDE WHAT BREED BEST FITS YOUR PERSONALITY
Here are some very general guidelines. Of course, we won't list every dog breed on the planet, but they'll get you thinking in the right direction:
Intelligent dogs
Again, these guidelines are EXTREMELY rough. Picking a dog based on these lists is like getting a phone number off a bathroom wall. There are no shortcuts. A good place to start your research is by checking out the ads that are displayed on the right of this page, they have the Complete list of breeds. Then try going to a dog show or talking to a vet. In our opinion, though, the absolutely best way to research is to talk to friends who have dogs. Believe us, they'll give you more information than you care to know.
In case you didn't realize it, all of the breeds we listed above are purebreds. This means that they are the product of parents of the same breed. To get a true purebred worthy of being in a dog show, you often have to pay thousands of dollars. Most people get mixes of some sort (the "cockapoo," a combo of a cocker spaniel and a poodle, is quite popular), because rumor has it that purebred dogs can have personality problems because the gene pool is so small (think of people who marry their cousins). As a result, many people choose to go with a mutt, a mish-mash of different breeds. Mutts can combine the best of two or more breeds in a one-of-a-kind dog. Having a mutt is like the canine equivalent of owning an original work of art. Benji was a mutt. And who doesn't like Benji?
Is this all sounding like too much work? Then go back again and reread step 1, because the work is just beginning. A dog is a living thing, but millions of dogs die every year because their masters didn't realize how much work caring for a dog really is. We're not trying to bum you out, but this is nothing compared to how bummed you'll be if you become one of those failed former dog owners.
#3
#4
The actual dog isn't expensive (you can get one for free at your local animal shelter). Rather, most of the expense will be buying dog food. Ask your vet to recommend a brand.
Vet? What vet? The vet that you're going to take your dog to as soon as you get home from the shelter or breeder, Sherlock. Proper veterinary care is non-negotiable. Things like check-ups, shots, neutering or spaying, flea and tick control, and dental care will keep your dog in good running condition and win you a place in Good Dog Owner Heaven. Once a year is all it takes, assuming your pup isn't playing in the street or smoking a pack a day. But it's still an expense, and you should always have a little backup cash handy in case the dog accidentally swallows your eyelash curler.
Other doggie accoutrements that you'll need to purchase include (for starters):
Training
We assume you want a dog because you yearn for the companionship of an animal, not just because you want a new toy (unless it's a toy dog, which, by definition, absolves you). But getting the dog is only part of the equation. To create a wonderful companion and a happy, healthy dog, you have to put some time into obedience training. Just as time on the Stairmaster every day makes for a butt you can be proud of, so too will consistent daily obedience training make for a mutt you can be proud of. At the very least, you'll want to housebreak your pooch. Teaching commands like "sit" and "stay" will make your life a LOT easier. And if you go on to advanced obedience training, you too can have one of those superstar dogs that catches Frisbees and runs obstacle courses when it's not busy signing autographs.
The point: obedience training is how you get the best from your dog. It's also how you give the best to your dog: a well-trained dog is a happy dog. They're secure. They know that you're the boss and that you've got a plan. So keep training in mind when you get a pup.
"Fixing"
Fix my dog? I didn't even know it was broken! But unless you're prepared to take care of 13 more puppies, you really should spay (for girl dogs) or neuter (for boy dogs) your dog immediately. Millions of dogs die each year in shelters and on the streets, and much of it could be prevented if people had their pets fixed. You might think that having your 'nads snipped off is a bad thing, but the world does not need more puppies. It needs people to take care of the ones that have already been born. Just ask Bob Barker.
Next to getting married, having kids, buying a house or running a country, caring for a dog is the biggest commitment you'll ever make. You know why: because a dog is a living thing. Dogs feel pain, fear, loneliness, joy, love, and loyalty. Dogs also occasionally feel the need to shred Gucci loafers. It's all part of the dog-owning experience.
This SYW has focused almost entirely on the unglamorous responsible side of dog ownership. You already know all the reasons why you want a dog. We wanna make sure you know what you're getting into. But if you take care of your dog properly and treat it with consistent love and affection, you'll be rewarded for your efforts more richly even than people who bought Microsoft at $20 a share. Of course, your reward will be in companionship, not financial security. But who knows? If you train your pup well enough, maybe he'll be sniffing out hotstocks before it's over.
Have LOTS!!! OF FUN!!!!!
#2
DECIDE WHAT BREED BEST FITS YOUR PERSONALITY
Here are some very general guidelines. Of course, we won't list every dog breed on the planet, but they'll get you thinking in the right direction:
Intelligent dogs
- Poodle
- German Shepherd
- Australian Sheepdog
- Belgian Sheepdog
- Keeshond
- Dachshund
- Brussels Griffon
- French Bulldog
- Manchester Terrier
- toy breeds (such as a Chihuahua or Pekingese)
- Pug
- English Cocker Spaniel
- Beagle
- Basset Hound
- Brittany Spaniel
- Old English Sheepdog
- Pug
- Basenji
- Boston Terrier
- Bulldog
- Lhasa Apso
- Welsh Corgi
- Scottish Terrier
- Basenji
- Borzoi
- Chesapeake Bay Retriever
- Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
- Whippet
- Brittany Spaniel
- Bichon Frise
- Old English Sheepdog
- Bearded Collie
- Golden Retriever
- Labrador Retriever
Again, these guidelines are EXTREMELY rough. Picking a dog based on these lists is like getting a phone number off a bathroom wall. There are no shortcuts. A good place to start your research is by checking out the ads that are displayed on the right of this page, they have the Complete list of breeds. Then try going to a dog show or talking to a vet. In our opinion, though, the absolutely best way to research is to talk to friends who have dogs. Believe us, they'll give you more information than you care to know.
In case you didn't realize it, all of the breeds we listed above are purebreds. This means that they are the product of parents of the same breed. To get a true purebred worthy of being in a dog show, you often have to pay thousands of dollars. Most people get mixes of some sort (the "cockapoo," a combo of a cocker spaniel and a poodle, is quite popular), because rumor has it that purebred dogs can have personality problems because the gene pool is so small (think of people who marry their cousins). As a result, many people choose to go with a mutt, a mish-mash of different breeds. Mutts can combine the best of two or more breeds in a one-of-a-kind dog. Having a mutt is like the canine equivalent of owning an original work of art. Benji was a mutt. And who doesn't like Benji?
Is this all sounding like too much work? Then go back again and reread step 1, because the work is just beginning. A dog is a living thing, but millions of dogs die every year because their masters didn't realize how much work caring for a dog really is. We're not trying to bum you out, but this is nothing compared to how bummed you'll be if you become one of those failed former dog owners.
#3
DECIDE WHAT BREED BEST FITS YOUR LIVING ARRANGEMENTS
Now that you've got yourself figured out, it's time to figure out what kind of life you lead.- Evaluate your living space. How much space do you have for a dog? Do you have a fenced yard? What kind of life do you lead? Do you want a great big dog, a little bitty dog or something in between? Sure, that Irish Wolfhound matches your eyes perfectly, but it's not gonna Fit into your studio apartment. Conversely, that Chihuahua is never going to be able to navigate your 40-acre spread. It seems obvious, but no matter how well your personality fits a particular breed, you have to make sure that your living arrangements match it too. It would be cruel to keep a big dog locked up all day in a tiny apartment.
- Evaluate your schedule. How much are you home? How many times per day can you walk a dog? If you just thought "per day?" then go back to step 1 and reread it ten times. Some dogs are more independent than others, so if you're not around a lot, it won't do you much good to get a clingy dog. Always remember that dogs get lonely, and if you're gone for days on end (even if the neighbor pops in just to feed it), the dog'll still get depressed. Yes, doggie Prozac stock has gone through the roof, but at whose expense?
- Anticipate future lifestyle changes. Do you have kids? Will you ever have kids? Are you sure? You don't want to get into a situation where you have to put the kid up for adoption because he or she can't get along with the dog. Better to get a kid-friendly dog in the first place, just in case.
- Evaluate your activity level. Picture your idea of a fun time, and be sure that the right kind of dog fits within it. If you love to go hiking, a Yorkie's not gonna be able to keep up. If you like sitting and knitting, a Border Collie's going to make your life a living hell.
#4
MAKE SURE YOU CAN AFFORD IT
Whoever said that two can live as cheaply as one never had a dog. A dog isn't going to break you financially, but it is an investment. Over the life of the pet, you can expect to shell out as much money as you would on a decent used car (or a crappy new one). But really, which would you rather have - a Yugo or unconditional love? Be honest.The actual dog isn't expensive (you can get one for free at your local animal shelter). Rather, most of the expense will be buying dog food. Ask your vet to recommend a brand.
Vet? What vet? The vet that you're going to take your dog to as soon as you get home from the shelter or breeder, Sherlock. Proper veterinary care is non-negotiable. Things like check-ups, shots, neutering or spaying, flea and tick control, and dental care will keep your dog in good running condition and win you a place in Good Dog Owner Heaven. Once a year is all it takes, assuming your pup isn't playing in the street or smoking a pack a day. But it's still an expense, and you should always have a little backup cash handy in case the dog accidentally swallows your eyelash curler.
Other doggie accoutrements that you'll need to purchase include (for starters):
- Big, sturdy, stable, unbreakable food dish and water dish
- Comfortable, strong collar or harness and matching leash
- Grooming supplies
- Chew toys
- Current ID tag with address and Phone number (really important!)
- Solid, roomy crate for transport (many dogs also use them as a safe sleeping place in the house)
- Warm, dry, wind-and-waterproof doghouse (but your dear little pup will be an indoor dog, we hope)
- Little knitted doggie sweaters are optional in cooler climates.
#6
PREPARE YOURSELF FOR TRAINING AND
Yes, this article is about how to pick the perfect pet dog, but you should also know what you're in for once you get it. It is important to train and "fix" your pup, and it's better to get this information sooner than later.Training
We assume you want a dog because you yearn for the companionship of an animal, not just because you want a new toy (unless it's a toy dog, which, by definition, absolves you). But getting the dog is only part of the equation. To create a wonderful companion and a happy, healthy dog, you have to put some time into obedience training. Just as time on the Stairmaster every day makes for a butt you can be proud of, so too will consistent daily obedience training make for a mutt you can be proud of. At the very least, you'll want to housebreak your pooch. Teaching commands like "sit" and "stay" will make your life a LOT easier. And if you go on to advanced obedience training, you too can have one of those superstar dogs that catches Frisbees and runs obstacle courses when it's not busy signing autographs.
The point: obedience training is how you get the best from your dog. It's also how you give the best to your dog: a well-trained dog is a happy dog. They're secure. They know that you're the boss and that you've got a plan. So keep training in mind when you get a pup.
"Fixing"
Fix my dog? I didn't even know it was broken! But unless you're prepared to take care of 13 more puppies, you really should spay (for girl dogs) or neuter (for boy dogs) your dog immediately. Millions of dogs die each year in shelters and on the streets, and much of it could be prevented if people had their pets fixed. You might think that having your 'nads snipped off is a bad thing, but the world does not need more puppies. It needs people to take care of the ones that have already been born. Just ask Bob Barker.
Next to getting married, having kids, buying a house or running a country, caring for a dog is the biggest commitment you'll ever make. You know why: because a dog is a living thing. Dogs feel pain, fear, loneliness, joy, love, and loyalty. Dogs also occasionally feel the need to shred Gucci loafers. It's all part of the dog-owning experience.
This SYW has focused almost entirely on the unglamorous responsible side of dog ownership. You already know all the reasons why you want a dog. We wanna make sure you know what you're getting into. But if you take care of your dog properly and treat it with consistent love and affection, you'll be rewarded for your efforts more richly even than people who bought Microsoft at $20 a share. Of course, your reward will be in companionship, not financial security. But who knows? If you train your pup well enough, maybe he'll be sniffing out hotstocks before it's over.
Have LOTS!!! OF FUN!!!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment