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