Questions to Ask When Choosing a Dog for Family Life

Dog's come in all shapes and sizes ? out of all the dogs you've ever met you've probably been more attracted to some breeds than others. Perhaps you had a dog when you were growing up and want the same breed for your children. But more needs to be determined than breed or size when choosing a family dog.

How do you choose? What do you need to know? Here are some questions you must ask when choosing a dog for family life:

How old are your children?

If your family is still young, especially if you still have preschoolers, it is prudent to consider whether your family should have a dog right now. Are you planning (or expecting) other children? Dogs require a fair amount of attention and if you have small children not only will you have less time to train or play with a dog, but you may have more difficulty trusting your dog or your children without your constant attention.

If you are still certain that you want a dog and you have the time, consider the training and age of the dog. Perhaps a well trained, older dog would be more suitable.

How much do you know about dogs?

Think taking care of a dog is a no-brainer? Well, if you have children you don't have the luxury of allowing your dog to train itself or wander the countryside. You must read or ask someone knowledgeable about the needs and training a dog requires.

If you're not up to the task you'll have to locate a trainer that will work with your dog as well as train you and your family how to deal with the dog. Many bad habits that dogs pick up come from lack of consistent training rather than the dog being troublesome.

Are you ready for the financial obligation?

To have a healthy dog you must plan for the costs of vet bills, vaccinations, flea and worm medication, grooming and training. Do you travel? Either you will need to arrange for care or pay for a dog sitter or kennel when you're away. Thinking of buying a large breed? Find out the food costs in advance ? if your budget is already tight you may be shocked at the cost of food for large dogs.

Do YOU want a dog?

If your children are young then hopefully you recognize that you or your partner must be willing to handle the burden of day-to-day care such as feeding, walking, training and cleaning. But what if your children are older and capable of more responsibility? You still need to factor in that the dog may live 10-15 years or more (depending on breed). Who will take responsibility for the dog when the children go to college or get married?

Owning a dog has wonderful benefits that you and your children will enjoy. Research continues to show that individuals benefit emotional and physically from owning a pet. But there is more to owning a dog than selecting the prettiest or most popular breed.

Shannon Emmanuel is a freelancer writer and the author of 'How to Choose the Best Dog or Puppy for Your Children'. Get a free report at http://www.best-dog-breed-for-children.com

---

How To Install An Emergency Brake On Your Horse

Imagine being on a horse and he bolts. You pull... Read More

Stop! Dont Give Your Cat That Chocolate!

"Where's the harm? My cat seems to enjoy chocolate and... Read More

Westie Rescue Centres

The aim of a Westie rescue centre such as the... Read More

Dog Shock Collars: Teaching Your Dog Basic Obedience and Breaking Bad Habits

Dog Shock CollarsDog shock collars are a touchy subject among... Read More

Flea Control

Last summer, we added a new pet to our family... Read More

Breeding Discus ? 3 Ways to Encourage Spawning

So you have a mature pair of discus fish that... Read More

Canine Mastitis

Canine mastitis is a breast infection in brood bitches, usually... Read More

Hamsters Make Cute and Adorable Pets

Hamsters are soft, furry and small. They make wonderful pets... Read More

How To Save Money By Testing For Feline UTI Yourself

Do you want to save money, anxiety for your kitty,... Read More

Dog Eye Problems - What To Watch Out For

Dog eye problems can occur at any time. You should... Read More

Our Childrens Story

One we must regrettably share with our children for they... Read More

Dog Training - How To Win Your Dogs Confidence

Settling a puppy into a new home successful is often... Read More

How to become Top Dog - A Dog Owners Guide to Sanity

Peeing on the carpet, knocking you down, or stealing dinner... Read More

Dog Safety: How to Keep Your Pups Safe From Loss or Theft

According to the American Humane Society, just 15% of dogs... Read More

Essential Fatty Acids for Parrots

You may be hearing more talk these days about "Essential... Read More

Ear Mites in Dogs: Quite Earritating

Does your dog have that sheepish look? It could be... Read More

Responsible Dog Ownership

Owning a dog is a serious responsibility, one that should... Read More

Practical Advice for Adopting a Dog

If you are thinking of adding a dog to your... Read More

First Aid for Felines - How to Keep Your Car Safe from Harm

Cats are known for their curious and adventurous nature. Curiosity... Read More

Biting & Nipping Behavior Can Kill Your Dog!

Dog bite injuries are alarmingly the most common condition that... Read More

Pet Friendly Vacations - 10 Tips for Hassle-Free Travel with Your Pet

Pet friendly vacations and travel planning make sense -- after... Read More

Animal Behavior: What is My Dog Saying?

Dogs are quite amiable creatures. Much like our human counterparts,... Read More

Preparing for Your New Pet

Getting a new pet can be a lot of fun.... Read More

Thats No Paris Hilton! An Overview of Dog Obedience Training Videos

Mention the word "video" and different people would come up... Read More

Treat Fleas Naturally and Avoid Vaccinations, for a Truly Healthy Dog

An essential to your dog's health is his/her regular annual... Read More

Is There Taurine In Your Dogs Food?

Taurine, a water-soluble amino acid, has recently become the topic... Read More

Chinese Shar Pei Character

If you have never seen a Shar Pei before, the... Read More

Symptoms of Pain and Illness in Dogs

Dog owners, who recognize the early signs and symptoms of... Read More

Clicker Training For Dogs: Positive Reinforcement Training

There is nothing more adorable than a new puppy. Large... Read More

Celebrities Discover The Amazing Chihuahua!

Some say it started with the Taco Bell dog. A... Read More

Buster the Beloved Pussycat

"Dogs have owners; cats have staff," and I have worked... Read More

Choosing Between Dog Training Schools and Animal Behavior Specialists

If you are having behavioral issues with your dog that... Read More

Dog Obedience Training

Dog obedience training begins with the owner. There are several... Read More