Choosing Your K9 Pet

"Yeahhhhhh! We're getting a puppy!" These are the sounds echoing through your home when you decide to make an addition to your family. Unless of course, your addition would be another kind of pet, a brother or sister. "Yeah, we're getting a snake," just doesn't sound right. So, we'll stick to "dogs". You probably already know a lot of the following suggestions. But, maybe, you'll run across a couple of new ideas to ponder on.

There are a multitude of responsibilities to consider when becoming a pet owner. It's a decision not to be taken lightly or made on the spur of the moment. First, can you afford it? A happy pet is a healthy pet. So, you must think about a dog bed, crate, monthly parasite tablets, immunization and yearly vet checkups, with booster shots. Not to mention, animal's gets injured and sick, too. There are also the dog collars, leads, food and dog toys.

Adult dog or puppy is usually the next decision. There are benefits and draw backs to both. An adult dog is usually already somewhat trained or housebroken, and out of the stage that he chews the legs off of your furniture. You will also need to adjust to his quirks and personality. As well as, he has to adjust to you. You also know how big he is going to be. A puppy offers a lot of fun times, playing and watching him grow and by the time he is grown, you will know every facet of his personality. Puppies require the three P's - patience, patience and patience! They chew you, your shoes, your kid's toys, and they pee on you, your shoes and your kid's toys. Please, never hit your pet. Your hands should offer food and love, not pain.

If you have children, consider their ages and compatibility with an animal. Very small children can hurt a pet unintentionally. They don't realize that pulling hair, tugging ears and poking eyes are painful. It's not the child's fault. They are just little.

Do you want a mutt or a pedigree? Some people like getting a pedigree because they already know what the dog will look like, the size, amount of shedding, and the basic temperament. Of course, they can be pricey. Others prefer a mutt or a Heinz 57. They are just as adorable and there are so many that need homes. You may want to consider a rescue dog. They have adults and puppies and sometimes even pedigrees. Check with your local Humane Society, Animal Shelter or SPCA. Be sure and get the history of your adopted pet. If it has been abused, it may need some special handling and care for a while. Most of the time, it only takes a short while for an animal to adjust and works out great. If you choose to buy a pedigree, please purchase the puppy from a reputable breeder. The dogs sold in pet stores are usually from a puppy mill. Puppy mills do not produce healthy animals. It is a cruel and inhumane practice. Please do not support them. I guess here would be a good place to add: Please have your pet spayed or neutered. It is a lot cheaper in the long run and afterwards, they are usually healthier and calmer. Too many animals suffer needlessly in bad homes or no homes

The size of your new family member is also important. Do you live in a house with a yard that the dog can exercise in? Or, do you live in apartment and his exercise depends on you taking him for walks? Are you strong enough to handle a large dog? Do you want a lap dog or lay by my feet dog? Do you like a "play all of the time" dog or "I'll play with you when you want to" sort of dog? In others words, don't just run out and get the first cute, furry fellow that wags his tail and licks your hand. This is the hard part, using self-control and waiting to find the perfect pet for you.

How much time do you have to invest with your pet? Training is crucial for your pet's safety and your comfort. The basics, come, sit, stay, and lie down are usually the most important. The other tricks are just plain fun for you and your pet.

Do you mind pet hair? A dog that sheds should probably be brushed or combed daily to minimize the hair in your home. A dog that does not shed can be brushed or combed weekly but need to have their hair cut once every six to eight weeks. If you cannot do it, you will need to have it professionally done and that will be another expense to consider.

Crate training is very popular. It offers your pet his own quarters and safety. If you are not familiar with the method, there are several articles and books on the subject.

As a matter of fact, there are several books and articles on every subject. So, do your homework, search your wants and needs and have a very happy and successful life with your new best friend.