Basic Considerations When Choosing A New Puppy ...

Before actually adding a new puppy to your home you should consider what your expectations of dog ownership are. All dogs require love, food and shelter, but puppies need more commitment from their owners than adult dogs do. Puppies are more time demanding because they are essentially
babies. They have to be taught how to behave appropriately and they go
through various stages as they grow. Most puppies go through a chewing
phase and at some points in growing up they are very energetic.

If there are children in the home even extra supervision will be required. This
is to protect both the child and the puppy. Puppies love to play and their little
teeth are very sharp. They can also easily scratch little ones with their claws
during play.

Similarly, children are drawn to small animals. They are very likely to hold
them and carry them around. Many puppies have been squeezed, dropped or
stepped on and injured inadvertently by well intentioned children. Obviously
you will have to be diligent in watching over the two when they’re together.
Most breeders of small or toy breeds do not sale their puppies to homes with
young children because of these risks. If you do have a child in your home
insure that the puppy you add is one with a gentle disposition and loving
personality.

Many people want a dog as a means of security or protection. They are
looking for a sort of living alarm system, a dog that will bark when someone
approaches the yard or the door. The good news is that almost any dog can fill
this need. The fact is that even the bark of a toy poodle is usually effective in
turning away an intruder.

Of course some people want to go a step farther with that concept and have a
dog that presents the physical appearance of a watch dog. In this case people
often choose larger breeds such as Doberman Pinchers or even Boxers. Most
dogs are protective of their owners and their territory without having any
specialized training. The sheer size and appearance of larger dogs is a
deterrent to most would be intruders.

Dogs are naturally pack animals which makes them a social animal. They love
their human family and want to be a part of it. Dogs make excellent
companions. Dogs should be included as a part of the family whenever
possible. They truly need the interaction and love of their family.
Dogs should not spend their time all alone, living in the back yard. This is
especially true of puppies. The younger the pup the more supervision and
regular training he needs. Socialization is important for all dogs. In fact, it is
the secret to a well behaved dog.

Before you add a new puppy to your home it is important to take the time to
consider what type of dog will best suit your lifestyle. If you are the type of
person that enjoys sports and the outdoors then an energetic dog may be
perfect for you. If you spend a lot of time at the computer you may prefer a
small lap dog. And if you live in the city you may want to consider a small
dog that does not require a deal of space.

Check This Out for more info:

Dogs that Itch

Does your dog have dry itchy skin? Skin so uncomfortable

that the dog is constantly scratching and biting until it

has removed all the hair from one particular area and the

flesh is raw and bloody. Most dog owners call this bald

spot a hot spot. It is an eyesore and causes the dog

owner such embarrasment, they won't take the dog out of

the house. The sound of the poor dog constantly whining,

crying, scratching and tearing at its skin can be very

annoying for the dog owner as well.

There are chemical treatments that can help. Although most

of these treatments work, some dogs can have severe and

sometimes fatal allergies to the chemicals. Grooming

would be a wise choice to treat their dogs constant

itching.

Since a lot of canine itching can be caused by pollens,

dirt, mats and dander on the dogs coat, brushing your dog

on a daily basis would be a great place to start. This

will keep your dogs skin from getting irritated. While

preventing a bout of itching, you will also be bonding

with your pet.

Bathing your pet can prevent an itching problem also.

Although too much water and shampoo can completely strip

your dogs skin of its natural oils so don't plan on

bathing the dog every day. When these oils are removed,

the dogs skin gets dry and more prone to infections.

Dry skin on a dog is just as painful as it is to a human

that suffers similar conditions. The dog can't rub

lotion on themselves to solve the problem.

Pay close attention to your dog's ears when you groom

them. They can get ear mites which are small biting

insects in their ears. When the ear mites bite, it

causes the dog to scratch at their ears causing other

health issues. A strange odor coming from the dogs ears
or if the dog does not want you to touch their ears

probably means an ear infection. Check with your

veterinarian on the best way to treat your dogs ear

infection.

If your dog still develops a hot spot, consult your vet

about what topical antibiotic cream would best prevent

infection. If your dog chews the spot, the veterinarian

may recommend your dog wear the large cone shaped collar

to prevent the scratching and biting, giving the area

time to heal.

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