Tips about your dog

The dog that is right for you is not the same as the dog that is right for someone else. Beforeyou chose a dog consider what your needs really are.Perhaps you are looking for a family dog. The children have been pestering you for a dog andfinally you have decided that you will get one. Under these circumstances you should consider apuppy because a puppy will adapt to your children. It will grow up with them. As far as the dog isconcerned they are slightly larger puppies.But chose the breed carefully. Some dogs may be too dominant to live happily with children.Make sure you see the puppy's parents. If they have a calm temperament then the puppyprobably will too.If possible see the whole litter of puppies with their mother. Puppies should not be taken awayfrom their mother too soon. If a puppy is deprived of its mother too soon it will not be stable in itsbehavior.The puppy that hangs back shyly is always appealing. But it may not be the best one to chose.It is usually the runt of the litter. If you have a quiet home then it may be a good dog for you.Such a puppy may thrive when it is the centre of attention and has constant reassurance. In afamily with children a shy puppy may feel overwhelmed and develop neurotic behavior.The puppy that comes running to meet you confidently is the one for you if you have children.Watch the mother's reaction. She should be watchful of her puppies but will greet you with awag of her tail. Her calmness will have communicated itself to her puppies.A puppy's eyes should be bright and clear and not runny. Its nose should be wet and cold.Check for any signs of loose bowel action.It may be that a puppy is not the best choice for you. Maybe you don't want to go through thehassle of toilet training, broken nights and chewed shoes. Perhaps an older dog would be abetter choice.Older dogs can be particularly good for older people. Even pedigree breeds can be found inrescue centers. But cross breeds can make excellent pets. They seem to share the bestcharacteristics of both their parents. What is more you will have the benefit of knowing that youare doing a good deed by giving a home to an abandoned animal.Rescue centers often have puppies but they have many adult dogs that need good homes.They can also offer the new dog owner good advice on pet care. Their dogs are usuallyvaccinated against common canine diseases and spayed or neutered.When choosing an adult dog the temperament and size of the animal are important factors toconsider. A lovely natured dog that is too large will be no use to you if you live in an apartment.An overly assertive dog will be a constant problem if you are a shy retiring person. A dog thatmight make a wonderful security dog would be unsuitable for a family pet.So take your time and find the dog that matches your personality and needs.