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Dogs

Dogs are a common choice of pets. Known as “man’s best friend”, dogs are a good option for anyone who enjoys interaction with their pets. Dogs can be trained to do countless tricks and are good company for the young and old.

Breeds

Once you decide to get a dog, though, you will have to choose a specific type, or breed, depending on your preferences and circumstances. There are 147 registered breeds, according to the American Kennel Club. They are divided into 7 groups, based on the intended use for the breed such as sporting, herding or working. These characteristics may help if your objectives relate to one of these groups, but if you want to become a dog owner purely for enjoyment, think about the specific characteristics that you need or want. Some dogs are better with children than others, so keep that in mind if you have small children. Consider if a dog who sheds would be a problem before you buy one with a full coat of long hair. Also, think about the size of dogs that you prefer and what fits best in your living space. Other considerations include a dog’s ability to obey, exercise needs and any pet allergies that you or family members might have. These and other factors are a vital part of choosing the best breeds for you.

Price

You may choose to spend a few dollars to rescue a dog at the local shelter, or you might prefer to purchase your pet from someone who raises purebreds. Though dogs purchased from the shelter come with little or no information about the animal’s background, habits or disposition, some people are willing to trade these unknowns for the satisfaction of knowing they have rescued an animal from death. Dogs purchased at the pound may be a mixture of breeds and have sometimes been abused or neglected. However, if money is tight, shopping at the animal shelter may be the right choice for you. Prices vary depending on the age and breed of the dog.

Others prefer to make more of an investment in their dogs. Buying a purebred dog can cost anywhere from several hundred dollars to more than a thousand dollars. If it is important that your dog be of good breeding, contact a breeder in your area to find out when they will have puppies available. Unsure of how to find a breeder close to you? Check the yellow pages or visit the American Kennel Club’s website (www.akc.org) for a list of breeders and clubs organized by breed.

Training

Everyone knows that training is an important part of owning pets. Dogs especially need to be house trained, though you may not have to worry about this aspect if you purchase an older dog. Puppies can be trained by the seller, but the odds are good that you will want to know something about house training a dog if you choose to buy a puppy. Trying to house break your dog can be frustrating; keep in mind that you are teaching him to stop doing something that comes naturally.

Other parts of training are likely to be more enjoyable because they are fun for dogs to do. Teaching your dog to sit, heel, stay, and roll over are some of the more common tricks, but your imagination and your dog’s capacity for obedience are your only limits. You can use treats or dog food to reward your dog as he learns new tricks, but it is best to gradually switch from giving edible treats to giving praise. Dogs who are given food as a reward for every trick may become overweight.

Grooming

It is important to groom your dog regularly. Dogs need to receive regular care of their coat, eyes, ears, nails and teeth. Frequent care of these areas will result in a healthy dog with a longer life span. Dogs do not need to be bathed often; once a month is enough unless he gets unusually dirty. Some breeds, however, may need to be brushed almost daily. Though it takes time and some practice, regular tooth brushing is best for dogs and will prevent the costly problems of bleeding gums and rotten teeth later on. A dog’s nails should be trimmed regularly as well. You may choose to take your dog to a groomer for these duties if you are not confident enough to do them.

Feeding

Feeding your dog may seem like a simple part of dog ownership, but it can be almost as complicated as feeding a person. Dogs have different nutritional needs, depending on their size, breed, age and purpose. Dogs can even have food allergies. Make sure that you purchase food that is appropriate for your dog with respect to all of these areas.

With some effort and research, you can find the dog that is right for you and your family. Though dogs can be expensive and will certainly require some time from you as well, the relationship that you form with your dog is a lasting reward.