| Dog's come in all shapes and sizes - out of | | | | locate a trainer thatwill work with your dog |
| all the dogs you've evermet you've probably | | | | as well as train you and your family how |
| been more attracted to some breeds than | | | | todeal with the dog. Many bad habits that |
| others. | | | | dogs pick up come from lackof consistent |
| | | | training rather than the dog being |
| Perhaps you had a dog when you were growing | | | | troublesome. |
| up and want the samebreed for your children. | | | | |
| But more needs to be determined than breedor | | | | Are you ready for the financial obligation? |
| size when choosing a family dog. | | | | |
| | | | To have a healthy dog you must plan for the |
| How do you choose? What do you need to know? | | | | costs of vet bills,vaccinations, flea and |
| Here are some questionsyou must ask when | | | | worm medication, grooming and training. Doyou |
| choosing a dog for family life: | | | | travel? Either you will need to arrange for |
| | | | care or pay for adog sitter or kennel when |
| How old are your children? | | | | you're away. Thinking of buying a largebreed? |
| | | | Find out the food costs in advance - if your |
| If your family is still young, especially if | | | | budget isalready tight you may be shocked at |
| you still havepreschoolers, it is prudent to | | | | the cost of food for large dogs. |
| consider whether your family shouldhave a dog | | | | |
| right now. Are you planning (or expecting) | | | | Do YOU want a dog? |
| otherchildren? Dogs require a fair amount of | | | | |
| attention and if you havesmall children not | | | | If your children are young then hopefully you |
| only will you have less time to train or | | | | recognize that you oryour partner must be |
| playwith a dog, but you may have more | | | | willing to handle the burden of day-to-day |
| difficulty trusting your dog oryour children | | | | caresuch as feeding, walking, training and |
| without your constant attention. | | | | cleaning. But what if yourchildren are older |
| | | | and capable of more responsibility? You |
| If you are still certain that you want a dog | | | | stillneed to factor in that the dog may live |
| and you have the time,consider the training | | | | 10-15 years or more |
| and age of the dog. Perhaps a well | | | | |
| trained,older dog would be more suitable. | | | | (depending on breed). Who will take |
| | | | responsibility for the dog whenthe children |
| How much do you know about dogs? | | | | go to college or get married? |
| | | | |
| Think taking care of a dog is a no-brainer? | | | | Owning a dog has wonderful benefits that you |
| Well, if you havechildren you don't have the | | | | and your children willenjoy. Research |
| luxury of allowing your dog to trainitself or | | | | continues to show that individuals benefit |
| wander the countryside. You must read or ask | | | | emotionaland physically from owning a pet. |
| someoneknowledgeable about the needs and | | | | But there is more to owning a dogthan |
| training a dog requires. | | | | selecting the prettiest or most popular |
| | | | breed. |
| If you're not up to the task you'll have to | | | | |