|
|
So you want a new dog? There are
many different types of personalities out there to choose from. You might consider
the age as a factor too.
If you are working a full-time job, taking a puppy in would be a tough thing to handle.
You have to think about house training and the chewing that will be going on while
you are away. A puppy needs to be walked on a regular basis and unless you kennel
him you could possibly find holes in your walls when you get home from work.
If you don't think that you have enough time to train a puppy consider going to your local
shelter and choosing an older dog. They need help finding homes so badly, and they
make such wonderful pets. They can be just as loyal and loving as a puppy with half the
work.
Personality: do you want a dog that is quiet, docile, or one that is full of
excitement, ready to play and run? That is another bonus when looking at an
older dog. With a puppy (a young one) it is hard to tell what they are going to be
like when they get older. They may be timid and shy but when they reach the age of
6-9 months..they may become tireless bursts of energy who are ready to go at any given
second. If you do decide on a puppy just be prepared for anything! |
Veterinarian
 Choosing a veterinarian before your pet is
good idea so that you can have the new dog examined as soon as possible.
If possible try to
find out the type of diet your new dog has been on. If you want to
change the diet, mix the new food with the old gradually adding more and more of the
new. This is easier on the digestive system and may help any of those little messes
that come with an upset stomach. Keep table scraps at a minimum and NEVER feed your pet
raw meat, due to the fact that it can lead to internal parasites.
You may consider
getting your new dog a kennel to keep him in during the day when you are working or at
bedtime. Considering the fact that his/her ancestors lived in dens (small enclosed
areas) it gives them a sense of security and MIGHT keep him off yours. If you have a
puppy this may also aid in training as they don't like to mess in the areas in which they
are sleeping.
Brushes/combs
Essential,
especially for the long haired canine. Brushing should be done on a daily basis,
getting as close to the skin as possible. When bathing it is VERY important that you
brush out all the mats before getting him/her wet because water will only tighten the mats
making them harder to remove. Grooming occasionally is a good idea for the long haired
dog.
Collars/Leashes
If you plan on
walking your dog don't forget to get these items. Even if you have a fenced in yard
it is always nice to go for the occasional walk.
|
|
alert
friendly
responsive
comfortable with people
 The above
are desirable qualities in any pet, whether you are looking for a solitary one or one that
is more active. A puppy or younger dog is usually very rambunctious and looking for
stimulation to keep him or her busy. They would be much happier with another pet to
entertain itself with, especially if you are going to be gone for long periods, such as
working.
If you are looking
for a dog with a more solitary,quiet nature, then perhaps an older one is right for you.
Generally speaking, dogs that have reached the age of approximately 4-5 years usually have
settled down a bit. The older homeless cats have a much harder time finding homes so
if you interested in this type of personality be sure to check with your local humane
society or animal shelter.
|
|
clear, bright eyes
absence of nasal
discharge
healthy teeth and gums
no discharge present in
ears (if discharge is present it may be as
sign of mites,
bacterial, or yeast infection)
a shiny coat with no
evidence of bald patches, dandruff or flea dirt
well-formed stools
 If it is at all possible your best move
would be to take the dog to your veterinarian for a general examination before making the
final decision. Even if the animal looks healthy it may have worms or other problems that
you need to be aware of. Normally you are given a trial period with your pet before
the transfer is final, but you might want to check with the owner before taking him/her
home.
|
|
