,Alexx.
02-04-2006, 10:47 AM
Taking on a dog as a pet is a big commitment. It will need attention, training, routine veterinary treatment, grooming and daily care and exercise.
Some dogs are fairly independent and happy to amuse themselves for a fair amount of time, they are sociable animals and it is not right to get a dog if you are going to leave it alone for huge amounts of time during the week while you are at work or school. If dogs are left alone for too long they will become bored and might become destructive.
If buying a puppy the best place always to buy is directly from a reputable breeder. Buying a dog direct from the breeder means that there is the opportunity to see the parents and know the date of birth of the puppy that it is intended to purchase. If your buying a puppy from a breeder ask to see the parents. If they are healthy that probably means the puppy is healthy as well.
Another way of buying a puppy/dog is from a dog shelter. These are dogs who have either been abandoned or brought in because their owner cannot look after them any more. If the dogs have been abused/abandoned the dog/puppy might be shaken up and it will take them quite a while to learn to trust you so be patient with them.
Preparing for the dog
Once you have decided to buy a dog you need equipment for him/her such as food, toys, food and water bowl, collar and lead and a dog bed. If you travel a lot and you want to take your dog with you you can buy dog harnesses for him/her to sit in the car with you. Before you bring your puppy home you need to check for dangerous things and get rid of them such as -
Electric cables,
Small objects that the puppy might swallow
Gaps in fencing the puppy might escape
Make sure your puppy is always safe.
Selecting a dog
There are many types of dogs too choose from such as big or small, long haired or short haired and there are many different breeds.
It is important that thought is first given to the type or breed of dog suited to the potential owner's circumstances. A big dog means big expense, while a smaller dog is cheaper to care for on a daily basis. A large dog requires space, and may also not be so suited to households with smaller children who may get knocked over by a large dog. Some dogs require more exercise than others, some can need firm handling and are not so easily trained as others and so are not an ideal first dog. After you have found out what breed of dog you want etc go to your local shelter or breeder and have a look round the dogs/puppies.
Bringing home your puppy
When you have brought your puppy home take it into the garden to relieve itself. Put down newspaper or puppy pads in your house next to the door. Also when the puppy does relieve itself it should be praised. After your puppy has relieved itself let it investigate its new surroundings. Dont fuss over him/her until your puppy has had a good look around its new home. If you have other pets your new puppy should be introduced to it carefully because it might be jealous and might harm your puppy. It is best to supervise the new puppy and the other pet for the first week at least.
Contacts
RSPCA UK
http://www.rspca.org.uk (http://www.rspca.org.uk)
Dogs trust
http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/
Pets at Home
http://www.petsathome.com/ (http://www.petsathome.com/)
If you know anymore contacts or have any questions pm me and I will add them on/answer your questions.
Some dogs are fairly independent and happy to amuse themselves for a fair amount of time, they are sociable animals and it is not right to get a dog if you are going to leave it alone for huge amounts of time during the week while you are at work or school. If dogs are left alone for too long they will become bored and might become destructive.
If buying a puppy the best place always to buy is directly from a reputable breeder. Buying a dog direct from the breeder means that there is the opportunity to see the parents and know the date of birth of the puppy that it is intended to purchase. If your buying a puppy from a breeder ask to see the parents. If they are healthy that probably means the puppy is healthy as well.
Another way of buying a puppy/dog is from a dog shelter. These are dogs who have either been abandoned or brought in because their owner cannot look after them any more. If the dogs have been abused/abandoned the dog/puppy might be shaken up and it will take them quite a while to learn to trust you so be patient with them.
Preparing for the dog
Once you have decided to buy a dog you need equipment for him/her such as food, toys, food and water bowl, collar and lead and a dog bed. If you travel a lot and you want to take your dog with you you can buy dog harnesses for him/her to sit in the car with you. Before you bring your puppy home you need to check for dangerous things and get rid of them such as -
Electric cables,
Small objects that the puppy might swallow
Gaps in fencing the puppy might escape
Make sure your puppy is always safe.
Selecting a dog
There are many types of dogs too choose from such as big or small, long haired or short haired and there are many different breeds.
It is important that thought is first given to the type or breed of dog suited to the potential owner's circumstances. A big dog means big expense, while a smaller dog is cheaper to care for on a daily basis. A large dog requires space, and may also not be so suited to households with smaller children who may get knocked over by a large dog. Some dogs require more exercise than others, some can need firm handling and are not so easily trained as others and so are not an ideal first dog. After you have found out what breed of dog you want etc go to your local shelter or breeder and have a look round the dogs/puppies.
Bringing home your puppy
When you have brought your puppy home take it into the garden to relieve itself. Put down newspaper or puppy pads in your house next to the door. Also when the puppy does relieve itself it should be praised. After your puppy has relieved itself let it investigate its new surroundings. Dont fuss over him/her until your puppy has had a good look around its new home. If you have other pets your new puppy should be introduced to it carefully because it might be jealous and might harm your puppy. It is best to supervise the new puppy and the other pet for the first week at least.
Contacts
RSPCA UK
http://www.rspca.org.uk (http://www.rspca.org.uk)
Dogs trust
http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/
Pets at Home
http://www.petsathome.com/ (http://www.petsathome.com/)
If you know anymore contacts or have any questions pm me and I will add them on/answer your questions.