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“Mommy, mommy, we want a dog” cry out your children. How can you resist your children wanting a cute little puppy? This is the wishful cry from your children for selecting a family dog. A trip to the pet store is an option to see what is available. As the family walks through the canine section of the store admiring the cute puppies on display, you and the children will find it difficult to resist those precious puppies. The puppies wag their tails and look at you with eyes expressing “take me home; please, please.” Is your family ready to add a four-legged animal to the household? This purchase will bring about a life style change in the home. This is a purchase which should not be impulsive. Before or after going to the store have a family meeting. Selecting a family dog requires knowledge of the different breeds and how your chosen breed will fit into the family unit. Family meeting conversations will include: 1. Will it be a large dog or a small dog? 2. What breed type and temperament will be right for children and elderly family members? 3. Will it be an indoor or outdoor dog? 4. Are all puppy or dog supplies and needs in readiness? 5. Has an appointment with the veterinarian for physical examination and vaccinations been made? Financial Maintenance: Financial maintenance is of concern to many pet owners at this time. Purchasing a dog will involve additional monies for veterinarian checkups and scheduled biannual or annual examinations, medications, grooming, training, food, and other miscellaneous expenses. The financial considerations for keeping a pet will need to be calculated as part of the household budget. Time and Training: People love animals and we can get taken away with the cuteness of a puppy. Do you or your family have the time and patience to give obedience training? Much needs to be learned from puppyhood into adult years. He has to learn everything the family wants him to be and sometimes more. Does someone in the family have the patience for the repetitive instructions and teaching for good behavior and desired manners in a pet? Busy families which want a puppy unfortunately do not always have the have the time or the desire to train. The family may find it worthwhile to consider purchasing an adult dog or receiving an older dog from a friend, neighbor, or relative. Advantages of an adult dog: 1. The adult dog has been house-trained 2. Requires less training 3. Size of the dog and its temperament is known 4. It may be familiar with basic commands of ‘sit’ and ‘lie down’ or more. 5. You may know the current owners and would be familiar with the history of the dog 6. There is an acquaintance with its habits, likes and dislikes 7. An adult dog can still learn new things and they learn very quickly Naming your puppy: There is a lot of fun when selecting a family dog. The first step is naming a puppy which involves the entire family. The process of name selection will involve laughter and smiles. Depending on the size of your family and the number of name choices, there may be an instant name or it may require a week or two. Naming your adult dog: I have owned adult dogs. Sometimes I continued with their original name and other times I changed their name. With repetition the dog will learn its new name. Responsibilities: With children you may want to set up a schedule as who is responsible for feeding, for training, and taking the puppy or dog for walks. Playing is never a problem. Children will keep the pet very active with exercise and things to do; or is it the other way around? Selecting a family dog is a wonderful experience. Discover how to keep your puppy or dog healthy with good food and nutrition. Visit the pet care section of Infotrish at http://www.Infotrish.com and review Dog Food Secrets. Tricia Deed
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