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