Choosing the Best Dog for You - The Best Owner for Her How cute is she! But is she the best dog for YOU? It's a dog-eat-dog world out there and they're all vying for your love and attention. The cutest, the baldest, the hairiest, the smallest, the fashion accessory...the lapdog, guard-dog, go-fetch it dog and all those in between. From the quick witted, feisty terriers, Jack Russell and the like, to the lolloping yet aloof Afghan hound or the slightly gawky great Dane puppy who's still growing into her oversize feet. Yep. All dogs or dog breeds - (the 10 most popular dogs) are not created equal, even before you account for their individual personal traits and little quirks. Just like us really. Best Dog for You - Dog Life ExpectancyChoosing the right dog for you, the best dog for you is incredibly important if this relationship is to survive and thrive. Not only is this furry bundle totally reliant on you, she is going to make a positive difference to your life. You too need to commit to a beautiful and harmonious existence for you both.
You need to be in it for the long haul. This relationship could last on average between eight and fourteen years. - see avg. dog life expectancy most popular breeds. That's a lot of heartache for everyone if YOU get it wrong. Best Dog for You. # 1: As a general rule of thumb, expect the smaller breeds to live longer than big breeds e.g. Great Dane 8.4 years, Chihuaha 13 years and females outlive males by about one year. Of course, feeding it a healthy and appropriate diet, and keeping stress to a minimum will impact life expectancy too. Ask anyone who's been there and done it! To have your kids pleading not to get rid of their beloved pet. To take their bundle of joy to the adoption centre - or worse. It's not a pretty site. And why?
Best Dog Training Schools Teach Communication
Best Dog for You.
# 2: It's necessary to instruct your canine pet to do what YOU want. Learn the correct way to communicate with him/her to prevent behaviour problems. Teach your pet to redirect his natural behavior to purposeful, acceptable activities in and around the home and neighbourhood. Effective communication begins with dog-training. Check out local dog training classes before you purchase your pet. The Best Dog Breed for you - WHY do you want a dog?Companionship - feel lonely on my own - a pet for the kids - always had dogs - just love them to bits - to guard the house - need a working dog - want to show my dog - fancy doing some dog agility classes - seems like a good idea - security and safety - got not kids - doing my bit for animal welfare - my dog recently died - feel safer with a dog when out walking alone - want a jogging partner who doesn't bug me - someone to talk to - motivate me to exercise - other?
Best Dog for You.
# 3: Breeds can be categorized as sporting, non-sporting, hound, herding, toy (miniature), working, and the terrier group, not to mention the crossbreds. They have been bred down the years for specific skills, qualities and characteristics. Find out everything you can about the breeds you are attracted to. A Puppy or Older Dog? Do You have the energy? Who can resist a cute gooey-eyed puppy. There's something about young animals that brings out the nurturing instinct in most of us. Whether you're drawn to the brash, confident tail-wagger who pushes his way to the front, or the shy little guy or gal too afraid to come out from behind his mother, you need to be strong to pass them by. Yes, food and shelter is all they demand in return for their unconditional love - but you want to be a responsible dog owner, do you not? Some old friends (in both senses)of mine replaced their beloved deceased Golden Labrador with a new labrador puppy, because that's what they've always had. Yes the breed suited them and they loved him to bits. Should they have had more regard to their own advancing years? . Sadly lack of exercise, overfeeding, no training and constant reprimands for jumping up a disabled partner caused upset. It was a very young puppy. They are full of life and energy and that's what puppies do. The puppy had to grow out of it's natural playful behaviour very quickly. An older ready trained labrador, who'd outgrown those puppy years or a smaller less energetic breed might have been best for everyone. There will always be dogs who sadly have outlived their owners and are desperate for a new loving home.Best Dog for You.
# 4: Choose a dog whose energy levels match or is lower than your own. Like babies, puppies need a lot of attention - house training, crate training, obedience training. You need energy, enthusiasm and perseverance by the bucketful - with sleepless nights thrown in for good measure. 
Best Family Dog - WHO Walks the Dog?Then there are families who get the dog for the kids or for one child's birthday. Trouble is they live such a hectic lifestyle, mostly no one home all day. Despite best of intentions, everyone fails to find time to squeeze in a desperately needed walk for an energetic intelligent working or sporting breed. Instruct your children in responsible pet ownership and be a good role model. Walking the dog should not be seen or allocated as a chore. That's not fair to anyone. and leads to further stress on the family.
Best Dog for You
# 5: Most dogs require at least 1 hour of exercise daily, though some require more. Provide mental stimulation for your dog through training, doggie puzzles or hiding treats for him to find. Canine Coats - Brush up your knowledge Are you allergic to dog hair? Want a hypoallergenic breed or a non-moulting dog? Do you prefer hairless, short-haired, long haired, wire-haired, tight curls, shaggy or clipped. Take your pick they're all available.
Could maintenance be an issue however?Do you have time, patience, inclination and know-how to groom your pet regularly? Will it be a quick detangle, full on DIY grooming or pooch parlor pampering for your canine friend? Perhaps even a dog hotel for his annual holidays while you're cruising the Caribbean. Best Dog for You.
# 6: Not only is grooming an important part of your dog's health, but it also helps to build a strong relationship and bond with your dog. Best dog for You - Breed-Specific health issues. Any dog can become ill, be involved in accidents and need treatment. Some things in life cannot be avoided. Others develop life threatening illnesses or become diabetic, arthritic or suffer chronic illnesses. Several breeds develop particular illnesses, conditions and weaknesses e.g. Hip Dysplasia - a condition caused by problems in the structure of the hip joint. It's common in larger dogs e.g. Doberman, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Great Danes, Labrador Retrievers, Rottweillers etc. Rear lameness caused by hip dysplasia means your dog may struggle eventually even to stand. Ideally you should check back 3 generations in the bloodline. Best Dog for You.
# 7: Do your homework before you fall in love! Research thoroughly if you don't want your pet to suffer pain, and your loved ones to go through emotional trauma and heartbreak. Ask your vet about dog health insurance too. You may need significant funds in the future for veterinary treatments or surgery. Return from Best Dog for You to Happiness is Pets.
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Best dog for YOU"A dog's temperament is a direct result of the human's /owner's ability to understand him and give him what he instinctually needs as a canine animal." Doggie Daily Do'ssomewhere in between Afghan hound or hairless Groom to keep her clean Exercise daily Frisbee games are fun A walk in the park Healthy for everyone Mental stimulation Puzzles toys and training Dog or cat companion Stops her complaining Something to play with Balls, bones and bubbles Healthy food and exercise Keeps her out of troubles For sure you won't regret She's the best pet indeed If you play your part To satisfy her need. ~ Pauline Oliver |
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Out of sheer boredom, excess energy, lack of training and appropriate stimulation, he's gnawed his way through much more than his jumbo bone. The game of 'I've stolen it, come get it back' is becoming extremely tiresome as he hotfoots it around the yard. He/she's becoming a real nuisance. Your otherwise quiet neighbourhood now rings to the sound of his constant barking. Neighbours, what neighbours?
