How to Choose The Right Dog For You

Originally posted on: Wednesday, March 10, 2010

So you have decided to get a dog. Now is the time you should decide what is the right dog for you and your family. Do you want a Purebred, Designer, or a Mutt? Do I use a Breeder, Pet Store, Pound/Rescue Shelter? There are so many things to take into consideration when making your choice. Do you have children? Do you have your own home with a nice yard, or do you live in an apartment in the city? Do you have any experience with dogs? These are important questions you should be considering before you make your decision.

If you are looking for a Purebred dog, please investigate the breed you are interested in. Each breed has unique qualities that may or may not be a good fit for you. Lets take a Jack Russell Terrier for example. They are a very intelligent and hyper breed dog that needs a lot of interaction with its owner. This is not the type of dog you would want to leave alone all day long in an apartment. If you have children a great breed would be a Golden Retriever. They have a wonderful deposition, are gentle, and make a great family dog. Another thing to take into consideration is health issues. Many purebred dogs have a predisposition to certain medical conditions and illnesses. So please investigate the breed you are interested in to make sure it is a good fit for your family. The last thing we need is another dog at the shelter looking for a home.

If you decide you want a Purebred, PLEASE use a reputable Breeder. There are many websites today where you can get that information. When you have selected a breeder, go and visit the dog kennels and meet the breeder. See what the kennel conditions are like. Meet the dogs and take notice of their appearance, temperament, and behavior. Ask questions of the breeder about his/her experience. The last thing you want to do is go to a Pet Store to purchase a puppy. Most (but not all) of these poor animals come from Puppy Mills. I am sure you have either read or heard what the conditions of most of these places are like. Why they are aloud to exist is beyond me. (sorry just my opinion)

Lets look at getting a dog from the pound/rescue shelter. Believe it or not, there are thousands of poor dogs looking for good homes. You would be surprised at the Purebred dogs at shelters. With hard economic times the way they are, many people have had to give their beloved pet to a shelter because they could not afford to care for it anymore. Some have lost their homes and could not bring their pet to their new apartment. Others have gone and purchase a Purebred dog that was the wrong fit for their family and decided they did not want it anymore. What I am trying to get at is there are thousands of great homeless dogs available for adoption that would be a perfect dog for your family. There is nothing wrong with most of these dogs. So please make sure you take what I have said into consideration when deciding which is the right dog for you.

About The Author:

Barbara Young - I am an avid animal lover. Dogs are my passion. I wanted to promote good products and information to try and help these wonderful animals. I am not a Titled Dog Professional, however I do have over 50 years experience owning dogs. To help me get the word out I created a website called http://www.busterscaninesupplyoutlet.com. I have a great Links Page to assist you with choosing the proper pet for you and your family. After you have chosen the right pet, I can assist you with quality products.

Pet Article courtesy of http://pet-articles.blogspot.com.

Reminders When Traveling With Your Dog

Originally posted on Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Learning how to travel with your dog can make the experience less stressful and a lot of more enjoyable! Traveling with your pooch can be a major hassle if don’t make all the right choices. It should be planned ahead of time so you wouldn’t ruin your family weekend getaway or long vacation.

If you’ve decided to carry your dog during the trip, here are a few reminders that you can do to ensure a safe travel experience:

Buy a dog tag or collar with identification

Your dog needs to wear a collar or tag with all the necessary identification in it. A microchip may also be beneficial for additional security. The tag should contain your dog's name, your name, and your home phone number, as well as proof of rabies shots. Keep your dog's collar and tag on whenever you’re outside. No matter how well behaved your dog may be, there’s always a chance that he may accidentally get lost or get away from you. All the information on your dog tag will be very important as you travel or decide to leave your pet at a kennel.

Safety first

Always remember safety first. To ensure your dog’s safety while he’s in the car, purchase a dog car seat. With the use of this equipment, your furry friend will be safer and more comfortable if your car makes a sudden stop.

Train your dog

Before you travel, your dog should have basic training so he will be well-behaved during the trip. It is a good idea to make your first few trips in the car to somewhere fun for your dog before embarking on a long trip. Take your dog to a park so he associates a car ride with something fun.

Bring all the necessary dog supplies

When taking a long trip, don’t forget to pack all the necessary supplies for your dog. Among the essentials include water, dog food, treats, his collar and leash. You should also bring your dog’s favorite toys and plastic bags for his poop. Also, he sure to bring any medications your dog needs.

Be prepared always

Emergencies can happen while you’re traveling with your dog, so you need to make some additional preparation. Planning your trip can make any form of emergency less stressful. Prepare a list of veterinary hospitals in the area where you’ll be staying, along with a detailed map.

Andrei Smith writes for Midwest Homes 4 Pets, a company that offers a huge selection of dog crates, pooper scooper and dog training crates. For details, please visit MidwestHomes4Pets.com or contact the Toll Free Helpline: (800) 428-8560.

Pet Article courtesy of http://pet-articles.blogspot.com.