How to Pick the Perfect Dog For Your Family

If you are a parent, at some point your child will approach you and ask about getting a dog as a family pet. Of course, your child will have no idea how much responsibility in involved in dog ownership. You have to train your dog to do its business outside, walk the dog, feed the dog, take it to the vet, clean furniture and carpet from shedding, and provide some form of flea and tick control. There is also the expense involved; paying for it, getting the dog spayed or neutered, plus the shots from the vet, dog food, vet visits, and pet supplies. There is also the question of who can take care of your canine friend when no one is home, either due to work and school or a family vacation. Most parents who buy a dog for their kids quickly find that it is not their child's dog, but their own! Kids have a way of forgetting to feed their pets, or take them for walks, and they certainly won't be paying for the dog food or vet visits, much less cleaning up after it with a pooper scooper.

None of this is meant to deter you from getting a dog as long as you have the space for the breed you want and your family, including your child, seem ready for dog ownership. Dogs can be very loyal and loving and make great companions. But before you pick out your new dog or puppy, you should do a little research on the different breeds available; their temperament and the size they will be when fully grown. You might also want to know how easy a certain breed is to train, since it is unlikely your new pet while have much training when you bring it home.

Suppose that you have a large, fenced-in yard, and your family leads an active lifestyle. You might consider a Dalmatian. These are working dogs that were originally breed to pull carriages, so they are athletic and have a lot of energy for playing. Another good dog for outdoor activities is the Labrador Retriever. Labs are friendly, loyal, and good with children. They can be a great companion for hunting, camping, or hiking. A dog that does well in cold weather and has great stamina is the Husky. Huskies are hard-working, but stubborn, so if you chose this breed, make sure you have the patience for training your new pet.

If you don't have a lot of space for your dog to run, consider a smaller breed. Smaller dogs, especially when they are young, can be even more active than larger breeds. Even a dog the size of a Chihuahua needs lots of exercise and smaller dogs tend to be a tad hyper. Still, a smaller dog can use a smaller space for its exercise. A Jack Russell terrier, a true bundle of energy, can get a workout running around a kitchen table. Chihuahuas are popular now due in part to the high profile of Paris Hilton's dog, Tinkerbell. But they are not the best breed around young children. A dachshund is a nice compromise; smaller in size, but smart and good with children. The "wiener dog" was originally breed for hunting badgers, so they are not pushovers, but they are gentle around people. A major drawback to this type of dog is that they are highly susceptible to back problems.

This is just a small sampling of the many dog breeds available. There is also the mixed breed mutt, which can suffer from fewer negative genetic traits. Pure-bred dogs often have problems due to inbreeding, and picking a dog from the SPCA or other shelter can save money and help an animal in need. Whichever dog you chose, make sure that you have done your homework regarding the type of pet and gotten your home ready in advance.

If your child is desperate for a pet dog, but you don't have the space or budget, or just feel that your child isn't ready, there is a simple alternative. You can placate your child and avoid a lot of temper tantrums with a plush dog! There have been great advances in stuffed animal manufacturing and design so that now you can get an incredibly realistic plush dog in the breed of your (or your child's) choice. That way you won't have to worry about vet bills, shedding, late-night barking, cleaning up with a pooper scooper, or an expensive de-worming. Plus, a stuffed dog can help give you an idea of whether your child is ready for the responsibility of a real canine. If they can "feed," walk, and exercise their plush pet at appropriate times, they may be ready for the real thing. Likewise, if your child fails to show responsibility for their plush dog, then no real animal suffers and your child may learn a valuable lesson about the need for responsible behavior. It's really a no-lose proposition, and your family gets a cute and cuddly plush toy in the bargain.

Choosing a Dog Breed For Your Family

Every household is unique, and your new canine addition will be too. It's too easy to visit the RSPCA and fall in love, they're all so adorable! But before you leave your house, it's important to consider what kind of breed would suit your household best. How much time do you have for exercising your dog; how big is your back yard or do you live in an apartment; how much cuddling time will you have for your new friend?

My best advice - do your homework. Believe me, it will be far from boring! It's simply amazing the range of different breeds that are out there. If you abide by this first rule, you're going to meet a great new friend who's everything you wanted - and whose needs are not impossible for you to meet.

Now the fun begins, draw up six columns; time, space, activity level and temperament, health, expenses, family considerations (some of these will overlap):

Time: How much time do you have for your new pal? And you'll definitely need some - every day. Each breed requires a different amount of exercise, socialising, play and grooming. For some breeds it's a must to get down to the dog park each evening. Others love a fetching session twice a day. An Afghan hound's charming coat requires regular bathing and brushing, with techniques suited to its hair - period. And well, puppies need more...of everything! Put aside much more time and consideration in those first few months and get as much training and quality time in. Make sure you bring home a pal for whom you have the time to keep in optimum condition.

Space: Where do you live? Where will your dog live, dawn 'til dusk? Will he spend mornings and evenings inside? Will you be home or out and about with your dog most of the day? Your buddy will be sharing space with you and your family; some are better suited to being around children than others will share more in common with older folks. If you don't have a big yard, getting an active dog who requires lots of space can be a big mistake. A placid and sweet Newfoundland, though huge, would be better suited to taking up the whole rug in your apartment than a little "Speedy Gonzales" Jack Russell. Also, it's good to take some time to consider if you'll have visiting animals and what arrangements you'll need then.

Activity level & temperament of breed: Can you handle an active, determined breed or do you need a mellow pet? A gorgeous Malamute may be strong minded and a challenge to train while a Dalmatian may not be able to handle being left at home alone. A Chihuahua is likely to need heaps of attention to keep him feeling safe and calm, so if you don't have the time and devotion, a different breed may be a better match. What characteristics are you looking for in your canine companion?

Health of Breed: Some breeds may be prone to hereditary diseases or conditions. This is a much-needed consideration for your life together, as you will need to keep an eye out for symptoms of diseases and conditions that your breed is prone to. You need to be careful to check the skin of Bulldogs regularly, Collies need you to check their eyes, Mastiffs their eyelids (that they aren't rolling in), large or giant breeds in general, hip dysplasia. The list goes on so make sure you've got all the info you need to properly check the health of your new pal.

Expenses: Ahem... First up - can you afford the dog? Dogs deserve and require quality food and regular veterinarian care. Pet Health insurance can be a great option for responsible pet owners. I have policies for all my animals and it has sure shown its worth! But seriously, you can only add to your family if your budget shows you can afford it.

Chat to your local vet about the breed you're thinking of adopting and you'll be able to figure out expenses around diet, gear (a carrier, portable water bowl, etc.), regular amenities (flea and tick prevention, special shampoos) and the shots and possible problems your dog could get into (and their costs!). Estimate generously so you won't be caught out.

Family considerations: What sort of dog suits your family? Puppy or adult? Active or relaxed? Good with young children? Playful? Do you have other animals living with you?

How much shedding will work for you? Different breeds shed different amounts. You may prefer a "hairless" dog or you may enjoy really enjoy brushing your dog as a special activity that brings you closer together. Barking. Some breeds tend to vocalize quite a lot while other breeds such as the Basenji don't bark... while they do yodel. Taking the time to ensure that your new pal will check all your boxes can really pay off.

A Guide For Parents Looking For the Perfect Family Dog

Most parents can probably expect to hear their child ask for a dog some time during their life. This can be a dreaded question, because there's a good chance your child has no idea what's involved in dog ownership. They don't consider the time and money involved, like walking the dog every day, taking it to the vet, shedding, and other problems that can cause a mess in the house, and the need for a dog sitter when your family goes on trips. In fact, many parents soon find the dog to be their responsibility! Besides paying for its needs, they have to feed it, walk it, and use that pooper scooper every day!

But if you do decide to go forward with dog ownership, there are a couple of things that you'll need to consider. First, you need to investigate the temperament and behavior of the dog you want to adopt. Remember, pets rarely come perfectly trained, especially if you plan on getting a puppy.

Let's take the example of a Lab. This larger dog is extremely active, and it needs a family that's just as high energy. The Lab is a great dog for outdoorsy types; if your family loves things like camping and hunting, then this dog would be a great match. Also a great match for the active family would be a Dalmatian. These animals were originally bred to be a working dog as carriage horses, and so they are agile with a lot of stamina. Another great match for the energetic family, and probably the most active dog around, is the Husky. Bred to race, these large, long-haired dogs are known for their athleticism. They are also stubborn without training, so before getting a Husky you need to make sure your family has the patience and dedication to train hard. On the other hand, if you do not have such an active family, then a smaller dog like the Chihuahua might be a better match. While these dogs can be wound up like any animal, they are certainly more mellow overall. They also crave attention and are territorial, which means they aren't good dogs for families with small children.

These are just some examples of common traits for dog breeds. Carefully evaluate your lifestyle and the needs of the animal before making a decision. Some dog types are also less prone to health problems, which can cut down on your vet bills. So remember, there is a lot to consider when deciding if a dog is right for your family.

But if you decide a dog isn't right for your household, there is a way to cut off any child tantrums before they start. Get them a plush dog! A plush dog is still cute, but there's no shedding, barking, biting, cleanup, or vet bills. This could also be a great "in-between" stop before making the final decision on whether or not to get a real dog. Have your kids take care of their plush pet as if it were real, giving them a chance to get used to the idea of all the responsibilities that come with dog ownership. Get them into a routine where they "feed" the dog at specific meal times and give the stuffed toy and themselves regular exercise. They'll either perform well and give you the confidence that they can handle a real dog, or they'll realize that an animal would be too much work for them. Either way its win/win, and in the meantime, you get an adorable placeholder for the real thing.

Dog Breeds - Choosing a Dalmatian For Your Family Dog

When choosing the right breed of dogs, it is important to get a dog who can adjust to your family lifestyle easily. There are some questions you need to ask yourself before choosing the right breed. Questions such as "who will take care of the dog?" are crucial in selecting the dog breed that can fulfill your requirements.

If you are looking for a dog who has a medium built and can easily adjust to apartment living then a Dalmatian is just what you need. In the past, Dalmatians were used for herding and they still carry their natural ability to be a guard dog who can easily protect their human masters.

They are also classified as sporting dogs who have strong scent ability and do not normally warm up right away to strangers. They are great guard dogs who are very smart and can be good protectors. They are also elegant to look at, and had often been admired for their spotted coats.

The Dalmatian is also a perfect company for children as they are very playful and always eager to please their masters. However, because they are naturally active and requires constant exercise, they may need for a good fenced yard to keep them in. They are constantly full of energy, but once a harmonious relationship has developed between him and his master, the Dalmatian can be a loving and charming dog.

Grooming Dalmatians may not be that easy because they tend to shed a lot of hair which can cling to carpets and furniture. However, a good grooming glove or rough towels used on his coat daily will help.

Dalmatians will benefit from early puppy training which can also teach him to be more sociable with humans and other dogs.

With all these qualities, you won't go wrong choosing a Dalmatian for your family dog. Be careful though, to buy your Dalmatian from reputable breeders, as these dogs are quite prone to deafness. Before buying your Dalmatian, make sure to test it for deafness by talking to him and seeing if he reacts fast enough.

The Dalmatian is a versatile dog and is easily trainable. Make sure that you only get your Dalmatian from experienced breeders and train your Dalmatian early through reputable puppy training schools.

Dalmatians As a Family Pet

Dalmatians

Description: With an athletic build and distinctive spotted white coat, the Dalmatian is a dog that is easily recognized and known worldwide. Built for endurance and stamina, it is easy to see with a deep chest and long muscular legs, the Dalmatian running beside horses and carriages of times past. The Dalmatian is a dog like no other, in appearance and temperament.

Characteristics: The Dalmatian is a lovely dog, full of good spirit and cheer. They are quiet and polite, a real well mannered gentleman, an a wonderful addition to the right household.

This is a very athletic dog and loves to play and needs a family of a similar disposition. Best for someone who has experience with dogs and is as active as they are. They make an excellent choice for those who enjoy bicycling, jogging, hiking or even horseback riding. An ill exercised Dalmatian is an unhappy, ill behaved Dalmatian.

They can be a bit stubborn and some can be high strung, but they are intelligent and easily trainable, if done in a positive reward focused way. The Dalmatian a loyal and protective dog, who makes a good family protector.

The Dalmatian makes a wonderful friend for children but care should be taken when around toddlers as they can be quite enthusiastic in play and may accidentally knock them over. They get along well with other household pets and especially love horses but some can be belligerent with strange dogs.

Origins: As the names suggests, the Dalmatian comes from Dalmatia, which is a region of Croatia. An old breed, who has been known in Europe since at least the Middle ages.

Special needs: Dalmatians need three major things, early and ongoing socialization and training and daily exercise. Without these three things they can easily become a high strung dog, who is given to destructive bad behavior and aggression. Dogs who don't get proper socialization as puppies can suffer from fear aggression which is one of the hardest conditions to help a dog through.

Highlights:

-The Dalmatian's usual life span is about 12-14 years

- Like any dog who is predominantly white, the Dalmatian is prone to deafness, it is estimated that about 30% of all Dalmatians have some sort of hearing problem. When buying a puppy be sure to check his hearing.

- Despite a short coat, the Dalmatian sheds daily all year long.

- A very clean dog, who has basically no doggie odour.

- Due to their popularity because of television and movies, it's a breed that has been badly bred by unscrupulous people just trying to make a quick buck. Perspective owners need to pick their breeder carefully, look for one that cares about the betterment of the breed and offers a health guarantee.