10/Nov/2009
Is
Christmas the Right
Time
for a New Puppy?
Dr. Tony Lobue
Some families dream of waking up Christmas morning to an adorable puppy
underneath their tree among the toys and gifts, but there are some important
decisions to consider when determining whether or not you’re ready to bring a
puppy into your home.
Dog Ownership
First you must look at yourself. Do you have the time, the space and
the energy to appropriately care for a dog or raise a puppy?
Next, look at your other obligations. What consideration must you give your family in choosing the dog of your dreams? Is anyone allergy prone? Do you have other pets? Does anyone besides you have the time or the desire to add a dog to the family and care for it? Will any of this change in the near future? If you rent, will your landlord permit you to have a dog?
Finally, assuming all is a green light for taking the plunge into dog ownership, you must outline what your expectations of the dog are. What do you want in a dog?
You might be looking for a couch potato, a hunting companion, a protector or a playmate for the kids. Think about the needs of you and your family.
Types of Dogs
Breeds of dogs were developed for a purpose. By looking at that
purpose, you can help decide what breed is right for you.
There are certain characteristics unique to each breed that you can
expect after getting your new dog. People who buy Golden Retrievers should not
be surprised if the dogs chase things and bring them back --again and again and
again. Folks with a
It is worth looking at more than one breed if you have allergies when
choosing the best for you. For an allergic person who just can't live without a
dog, the desensitization shots work very well to reduce or eliminate allergic
reactions.
The dogs that shed very little and are
frequently groomed are considered hypoallergenic.
These dogs are often kept clean, brushed, bathed
and free of dander.
Breeds such as any
of the Poodles or Schnauzers, the Maltese or the Bichon Frise , Havenese and
many of the terriers or toys, that shed very little may be safest for an
allergic person to have as a pet.
Picking the Puppy
Many good, experienced breeders will not allow you (the novice dog owner)
to pick out your own puppy. Rather, they will pick the pup they think is best
suited for your home.
If you get to pick
out your own pup, there are some simple tests you can do to help decide which
puppy is best for you. Too many people fall for the big pup who rushes them
saying “ME ME ME” with every wiggle. This dog often grows up to be big, and
pushy and hard to handle.
Others choose the little shy one in the corner and get a shy, fearful adult that cannot participate easily in all aspects of family life. For an active home full of strong-minded people, the first dog might be perfect. For a quiet home, the second might be fine. Each puppy comes with inborn character traits, which you can use to help pick the right personality for your home.
Obedience
Training
Some of your pets personality is dependant on its
parents. The rest depends upon your care and effort to make this pup the best
one in the world.
It is always a good
idea to plan on investing in obedience training.
Don't pick a puppy or a breed on looks, markings or
cuteness. Instead look first for the adult dog's size, temperament and behavior
to determine its suitability to fit into your home and lifestyle.
Puppy or adult, make sure that you lay down the
rules when you first bring a dog home. Changing the rules a week or two after
the dog joins the family is confusing. For example, do not allow the dog on
your bed now and expect him to stay off of it later!
Choosing carefully in the beginning, and then
following up with the appropriate care and training is the best way to ensure
many happy years to come for you and your canine companion.
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