Deciding to own a dog is a large responsibility that should be well thought out and planned. First you need to think about the cost to owning a new pet, they not only need to be feed every day, but also need to be taken to the vet for yearly check ups and vaccinations, and need monthly flea and heartworm prevention. This prices for these differ greatly when comparing a large breed dog to a small breed dog. The next step you need to take is deciding on which breed would be best for your lifestyle there are hundreds of dog breeds and each one has different requirements. Some dogs need a lot of exercise and time to run while other dogs are perfectly content sleeping on the coach all day! Some dogs need to be groomed on a regular basis while other just need an occasional bath. You also want to take into consideration the attitude and personality of the breed some need to be socialized to different situations much more that other breeds while a golden retriever will handle anything you through at him a bull terrier will not with out the proper socialization. There are a variety of places that you can get information on different types of breeds, try looking up breed books in your local library or even going to your local animal shelter and discussing breeds with an adoption counselor. The counselors are there to help people determined which breed would work best for them. You also want to take into consideration health concerns each breed may have. All breed have different genetic diseases and health concerns that should be researched and discussed with a veterinarian before purchasing that particular breed.
Once you have decided on the breed of dog you would like you need to research where to purchase this pet. The best place to start is your local animal shelter or rescue group. There a thousands of animals given up to shelters and rescue groups each week. Each breed has its own rescue group so if you are having problems finding the particular breed you want at your local shelter try using that breeds rescue group. You may have to travel out of state to find a particular rescue group. If you are set on a particular breed and want a pure breed puppy you will want to pick a responsible breeder. As I stated earlier each breed has its own genetic concerns, there are many breeders that take these genetics into consideration and do multiple genetic testing on each pet before deciding to breed them. You can find information on the tests that should be done on each pet through your local veterinarian. Be sure are ask the breeder if they perform these types of tests and for the results before making any commitments.
Once you have picked your breed and the place you are getting your new companion make sure the first place you visit is your local veterinarian to be sure your pet is healthy! Good luck in finding your perfect new companion!
Cathy?s website Paw Prints Boutique is dedicated to pets and their owners. Providing pet lovers with the most fabulous Pet Accessories, including dog beds, pet carries, dog collars and more. This articles co-author is Cathy?s daughter Rachel she has a bachelors degree in Zoo Science. For the last two years she has been working as a small animal Veterinarian Assistant and is currently going to school through Purdue University for her Veterinary Technology degree.
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