Dogs - Just - Dogs

The AKC registers over 150 different breeds totaling nearly one million dogs in 2003.

To put that in perspective, the animal shelters in America rescue up to 12 million homeless dogs and cats every year and 25% of these are purebreds.

Dogs for Dog Lovers

This resource is meant as a quick guide for dog owners like you to better understand your wisely chosen pet.

This includes how to take care and love it, make him happy, keep him healthy, so that he will better understand you and listen to you, love you and make YOU a better person during your incredible life journey together!

Devoted and glad owners of dogs have come up with a long list of attributes and traits of their favorite pet that include:
Alert · Boisterous · Boundless energy · Brave
Canine clown · Courageous · Devil dog · Devoted
Dignified · Exuberance · Family dog · Fearless
Friendly · Hearing dog · Highly trainable · Intelligent
Intuitive · Keen judge of character · Loving · Loyal
Patient with children · People dog · Poor swimmer · Playful
Quick learner · Self-assured · Smart · Soulful
Spirited · Stoical · Vigilant · Working dog · Wonderful pet

And you can add to the list…

Dogs by Don Trosper

Dog Training - They are NOT Throwaways
C. Rogers Upson 
1361

People tend to have the mistaken belief that domestic dogs (and cats) are perfectly capable of existing on instinct in the wild. Well, let me tell you--they aren't.

Part of the training that wild animals receive from their parents/packs/prides is to do with hunting and obtaining/stalking prey. They don't get that training from their humans. What they DO learn, however, is that man is essentially harmless, therefore, if they HAPPEN to survive dumping, they are more likely to invade our territory and trashcans. Packs of dogs that have no fear of man are much more dangerous than packs of wolves that tend to avoid mankind.

The majority of dogs that are taken to the country and dumped are either because the owner has tired of dealing with a dog that is not trained, or, they are from litters of unwanted puppies. Both reasons stem from the ignorance of the humans.

It behooves you, when you go to the pet store and see those darling puppies, to be prepared to train the dog to be suitable for your lifestyle. You need to be aware, for example, that the young puppy needs to go outside frequently. That they teethe between four and six months of age and during that time, they are voracious chewers--on anything.

If I sound angry, it's because people, when they make the decision to adopt or buy a dog, need to do so with the same care that they would adopt a child. Only this one will not be going off to college in the not too distant future. Nor, as a general rule, will it eventually get a job to help support itself.

What might be cute in an eight-pound puppy, will not necessarily be acceptable in a 50 pound dog. Jumping up on people, chewing on hands or clothing, nipping at your heels are all behaviors that need to be nipped in the bud.

Here are some basic do's of ownership:

Do think about the purchase/adoption before you go through with it.
Do purchase the proper crate for your dog and teach the dog to use it.
Do plan to spend time daily with the dog.
Do make rules for the adult dog that you will teach it as a puppy.
Do get the dog neutered/spayed if it will not be a show dog or working dog.
Do study training books or plan to attend training classes with the dog.
Do get lots of chew toys for the puppy and teach him to use them.

Some do not's:

Do NOT succumb to the adorable puppies on impulse.
Do NOT assume that if it doesn't work out, you can just dump the dog in the country and it will survive.
Do NOT make the mistake of believing that the puppy won't chew on your things. It will, unless you teach it otherwise.
Do NOT let the puppy do things you would not let an adult dog do.

Actually, that last one brings another thought to mind. If you don't want to deal with the chewing of teething time and the accidents of a busy puppy, you might consider getting an older dog rather than a puppy. Dogs over the age of six months have pretty well finished the teething that leads to so much chewing, although they still have that drive. Getting bones and sturdy chew toys and making sure the dog chews them instead of your shoes or furniture will satisfy that.

Plus, if you get an older dog, house training is much quicker than with a puppy, as a rule. Some of it depends on where you get the dog from. With an older dog, you have to watch it some, but if you're consistent on taking the dog outside from the beginning (which does work with puppies, but takes a bit longer since they actually have little bowel or bladder control until 3-4 months of age), through the same door and encourage him in some indication that you can comprehend as a signal, then things should be settled pretty well quickly.

Neutering or spaying a dog that is not breed-enhancing quality will alleviate the unwanted puppies problem. And for those that want to breed their bitch (female dog) for educational purposes (We want the children to see the miracle of life), I say, don't be stupid. That may seem harsh, but consider this. If you breed your female and she whelps twelve puppies, what are you going to do with them, if you can't find homes for all of them?

Smaller breeds tend to have smaller litters, true, but some of them have a much harder time whelping, too. That tiny teacup Poodle is likely to have a much harder time delivering puppies than a larger Terrier-type or a Lab cross. Besides, if you can't find materials in the library or on the internet to use to educate your children, you're not trying hard enough.

At any rate, use your brain before your heart (or the kids) tempts you to get that puppy. It will be much better for you and for the puppy.

Would like to receive more information about dogs and dog breeds?

Just leave your name and email address below.

Your information is safe. We do ask you to verify your email address before we send you anything. And we don't share the information with anyone else.

Thanks - Enjoy