When it comes to choosing a dog breed, the decision you make now will impact on your life for the next 10 to 15 years. A hasty, ill-informed choice now could have disastrous consequences later on.
It is vitally important that you pick a breed that matches your circumstances and lifestyle. How do you decide? Well you can start by thinking about the factors laid out below;
1. How big is your property?
How to Raise the Perfect Dog: Through Puppyhood and Beyond
- ISBN13: 9780307461308
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From the bestselling author and star of National Geographic Channel's Dog Whisperer, the only resource you’ll need for raising a happy, healthy dog.
For the millions of people every year who consider bringing a puppy into their lives–as well as those who have already brought a dog home–Cesar Millan, the preeminent dog behavior expert, says, "Yes, you can raise the perfect dog!" It all starts with the proper foundation in the early years. Here, Cesar tells you everything you need to know to create the best environment for a well-balanced dog in order to avoid behavior issues in…
While a huge property is not absolutely necessary to keep a dog, it should be obvious that certain dogs need more space than others. Keeping a highly active dog, like a Malamute or Border Collie, in an apartment is not only cruel, but a recipe for disaster. You will end up with a highly stressed and, most likely, destructive dog.
If space is an issue, choose a small dog breed instead, but remember, you still have to get them outdoors for some exercise daily.
2. How much time can you spend with your dog?
Your number one responsibility as a dog owner is the well-being of your dog. Among other things, this includes daily walks and exercise. How long should they be exercised for? Well for most dogs, an hour per day will be sufficient. However, some breeds, particularly those from the herding, sporting and working groups, need even more than that. You're looking at 2-3 hours per day to keep them satisfied.
Do you have what it takes to keep up with such an energetic dog? If not you may be better matched with a more relaxed companion, a Bulldog perhaps.And there's still training to consider. All dogs need at least basic obedience training. Some dogs are eager to learn, and easy to train. Others, like most dogs classified in the hound group are famous for their stubbornness when asked to perform even the simplest of tasks.
3. Are You An Active Person?
If you love the active outdoor lifestyle, or if you have the kind of job where you can involve your dog, you'd probably do well with a dog that is a good match for your level of energy. Best choices are from the working and herding groups, but be warned, these guys don't just like to work, they absolutely demand it.
Another good option is the gun dog group. These dogs also have exceptionally high energy levels, but are less demanding than, say, a Border Collie.
4. Are there children in the household are what are their ages?
It goes without saying that if you have young kids you should pick a breed that is known to be good with children. Labradors and Golden Retrievers are renowned for their sweet natures, which explains the enduring popularity of these breeds.
Others that fit the bill are Beagles and Boxers who, despite their size, are known for their gentleness with children.Some breeds though are not suitable, especially toy dogs like the Chihuahua and, who are inclined to bite first and ask questions later.
{Choosing a dog is an important decision and one that will impact on your life for the next 10-15 years. It is therefore advisable to make an informed decision. The questions above will get you started.|Choosing a dog is a big decision. What you do now will affect your life for the next 10 years and more, so choose wisely. Answer the questions above and you'll be off to a good start.|Picking a dog is and important decision, and one you'll want
To find out more about dog breeds a-z, dog care, dog health and other helpful dog info visit dogsanddogtraining.com
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Beautiful Joe – An Autobiography of a Dog
Beautiful Joe – An Autobiography of a Dog is presented here in a high quality paperback edition. This popular classic work by Marshall Saunders is in the English language, and may not include graphics or images from the original edition. If you enjoy the works of Marshall Saunders then we highly recommend this publication for your book collection.
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Indispensable for both first-time and experienced cat owners, the ASPCA Complete Guide to Cats is the one place to turn for up-to-date information on feline health and behavior, including detailed advice on feeding, grooming, veterinary care, litterbox training, and the special needs of kittens, older cats, and cats from a shelter. With more than 450 illustrations and photos, and an easy-to-use guide to the personalities, characteristics, and idiosyncrasies of the fifty most popular breeds, this handy volume offers real, reliable answers to all of your questions about cats.For many, the search for a comprehensive cat-care book often leads to frustration, finding only specific topics addressed in each book–from a care primer here to a breed book there. Now, from the ASPCA, comes the Complete Guide to Cats, covering everything that a cat owner needs to know about choosing and caring for a kitty. Beginning in section 1 with the basics of how to bring a cat into your life (choosing your new pet, preparing your home for the new arrival), section 2 goes on to offer detailed information on cat breeds and how to decide which breed is the right one for you. Section 3 covers a brief history of the domestic feline, how the cat works (framework of bones and muscles, the organs, digestive and urinary systems, reproductive system), and understanding your cat. The final section of the guide is devoted to taking care of your cat, including keeping your kitty healthy and common feline health problems, home nursing, first aid, and special care, such as mating, pregnancy, and birth, as well as the older years. With a multitude of color photographs and illustrations sprinkled throughout the clear and concise text–not to mention the added value of appendices that offer a host of helpful information including important telephone numbers and a glossary of cat-related terms–the ASPCA Complete Guide to Cats is a must-have for the owner that wants the best for their feline friend.
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- ISBN13: 9780470641675
- Condition: New
- Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!
The all-in-one resource for cat owners
Do you consider cats valued members of the family? Do you want to ensure you're giving your beloved feline friend the very best possible care? Then this all-in-one, comprehensive cat care guide is for you!
From grooming to litter box issues to nutrition and much more, The Complete Cat's Meow covers all the bases to raising and caring for kitties. It also shows you how to introduce a new kitten to other pets, handle behavioral problems, and make life comfortable for cats of all ages.
- Covers everything cat owners need to know about health, nutrition, behavior, and training
- Compelling photos of a wide variety of breeds
- Other titles by Arden: The Irrepressible Toy Dog; Small Dogs, Big Hearts
Whether you're a veteran cat owner or thinking about adding a feline to your family, The Complete Cat's Meow is your one-stop guide to comprehensive cat care.
The Complete Cat's Meow: Everything You Need to Know about Caring for Your Cat
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All dogs need exercise, and one of the things that they love most is a good walk. Unfortunately, many dog owners either don’t have the time, or don’t realize the importance of walking their dogs regularly.
Others give it a go, but give up after being hauled around the neighborhood one time too often by an unruly dog. If any of the aforementioned scenarios describes you, pay attention, because I'd like to share a piece of information that every dog owner should know.
“Dogs need their walks!”
Dog Sense: How the New Science of Dog Behavior Can Make You A Better Friend to Your Pet
What dogs really need is a spokesperson, someone who will assert their specific needs. Renowned anthrozoologist Dr. John Bradshaw has made a career of studying human-animal interactions, and in Dog Sense he uses the latest scientific research to show how humans can live in harmony with–not just dominion over– their four-legged friends. From explaining why positive reinforcement is a more effective…
Dog Sense: How the New Science of Dog Behavior Can Make You A Better Friend to Your Pet
As any dog trainer will tell you, a dog needs to be exercised every day. Depending on breed, age, size and so on this can range from a short 30 minute walk, to hours of vigorous activity. But the point is that exercise is essential, and walking is probably the best exercise there is for a dog.
But dog walking is more than simply clipping on the dog’s lead and heading out the door. A few simple guidelines will make it an altogether more enjoyable experience, for you and the dog.
Here are some best practices you can follow;
* Choose walk times carefully, avoiding the heat of the day. If you do have to walk when it's hot, be sure to take water along for your dog, because dogs can overheat quite easily.
* Teach your dog to walk next to you rather than in front. A dog that takes the lead is more likely to become aggressive and pull on the lead, as he sees himself as leader and protector.
* Don't pull back on the lead because this will just encourage your dog to pull back. Try to always keep a relaxed grip, and if your dog does pull, stop and wait for him to calm down before continuing.
* Own the walk. You decide where you go, when you stop, and whether the dog is allowed to mark, or sniff around.
* Avoid other dogs. You never know how two dogs are going to react towards one another. Quite often these encounters will end up in a fight. If you have a small dog and a large dog approaches, pick you dog up and turn your back. If your dog is large, turn and walk in the opposite direction.
You also don’t know the health status of dogs you come across. An infected dog can pass on a serious disease to your dog.
* Choose a collar and leash (or a harness) that is comfortable for your dog, but that also gives you complete control over the dog. Also make sure that your dog is wearing an id tag, just in case he gets away from you.
If your dog does escape, the id tag will hopefully result in him being returned safely. For an extra level of security you may also want to have your dog micro-chipped.
* Finally, have fun! Walking your dog can be a really fun activity if you approach it in the right way. It's one of the best ways of bonding with your dog, it's an excellent work out for both of you, and your dog will be calmer and more obedient. All of that for just an hour of your time a day.
Find out more about dog training tips, dog care, dog grooming and other interesting dog info at http://www.dogsanddogtraining.com
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