You Dont Get the Dog That You Want, You Get the Dog That You Need Essa

You Dont Get the Dog That You Want, You Get the Dog That You Need So youve decided its time to get a puppy. Excellent, for thousands of years the dog has been a companion, a friend, a guardian and a laborer for man. The domesticated dog can be traced back thousands of years to wolves. While many of the wolfs traits can still be seen in many breeds, most have been bred down to create dogs specialized in certain tasks and/or abilities. Some make good pets for families living in small apartments like a Chihuahua or a medium sized shepherd. A livestock guardian dog like the Maremma Sheepdog is bred to live outdoors on acres of land filled with sheep and/or goats(livestock) would not be suitable in a small apartment. Take a moment to explore what it is youre looking for in a dog. Collect information from breeders and people who own the breed/s youre interested in. Dont be afraid to do research and ask questions. Youll look at your needs and the needs of your new dog. You can do this by examining breed, temperament, and intelligence. Let us begin by reminding ourselves that all puppies become dogs. What may one day weigh eight pounds could end up weighing over one hundred pounds. We can ask ourselves, What is it Im looking for in a dog? Are you a property owner? Are you looking for a dog that is active? Do you need a dog that works? Or are you just looking for a companion to hold? Just like you your dog is going to have specific needs special to just him/her based on their breed. Collies of all kinds are high energy high intellect dogs that require plenty of exercise, a specific job/task just for them and incredible amounts of affection. Hounds of the general sense wouldnt require the same amounts of affection as the collie, but would require even more exercise and maybe several jobs. These are just some examples of what would be required to keep your adult dog happy, healthy and sane. Maybe you have children. If youre looking for a dog thatll be good with your children there are other aspects to keep in mind. For instance the Weimaraner might be an excellent choice. While being known as a great hunting dog, the Weimaraner has also been noted as an excellent babysitter, this breed has been known to defend children to death. Unfortunately, if the Weimaraner is spending more time with your children then you, he may defend them to death, from you. Some breeds will require extensive training just to complete simple tasks such as sit and come here. Its important to take the time to determine what kinds of training youll even be capable of. Are you, can you, be firm? Or are you soft hearted? You may want to explore the possibility of enrolling your puppy in an obedience course while he/she is still young. You may want to explore the option of purchasing a pre-trained puppy, or an adult dog that is trained may be sitting at a local shelter. Remember to do a little research and ask questions. You might come across a puppy one day, all wrinkly and squeaking weighing in at no more than four pounds and you may just fall in love and take him home. Eighteen months later you have a one hundred thirty pound Cane Corso that has destroyed every article of clothing you own. Or, you may adopt a dog that you find out is illegal to own in your country, state, city, or home. Additionally you need to take the time to acknowledge the level of commitment owning a dog takes. Just like having a significant other, your dog is going to look to you for love, compassion and understanding. And just like having children your dog will require food, shelter and discipline. Above all your dog will require a structure that is manageable by you. Find ways to enjoy the difficult tasks enlightening the easier ones. Your frustration will show through your dogs behavior. So when he/she starts urinating on your walls and chewing up your shoes it may be time to do some self reflection