A Bit of Dog Training

I love dogs and I am sure you do to! True to the saying, dogs are mans best friend, the great thing is it works the other way too. The best way to obtain a new friend is to adopt. This gives life to an otherwise bleak future. Before you take the plunge there are a few things that must be considered ahead of time to be sure you are ready for this action. Owning a dog is a BIG responsibility. If you are not able or willing to perform the needed duties of dog ownership, it is best that you reconsider and maybe just get a gold fish. After all, this animal will rely on you for a healthy and happy life. So what is expected of a new dog owner? Read on and find out.

The first thing to be aware of is that the American Kennel Club classes dogs by group. There are seven different categories of dogs:  sporting, non-sporting, toy, terrier, hound, working and a miscellaneous class. Matching your family with the right group will give you a good foundation to work from. Read up on each group and find out what makes it special.

Some things to keep in mind when deciding to adopt a new dog or puppy:

I can not stress the point enough, owning a dog requires a fair measure of commitment. Like a young son or daughter you can be sure there will be expenses regarding food, medical checkups, and the need for attention that all dogs have. Do you take lots of vacations or 3 day trips. You will need to alter your customary plans as your new family member will need to come along with you or arrangements will need to be made for their care while you are out. One thing you can do is get a dog with characteristics that match your lifestyle. If you like to lounge around and stay at home a less hyper pup would probably be to your liking. If you are a ‘clean freak’ then a long hair dog will not be a good choice for you. If you are the outdoors type then a high energy canine will give you hours of companionship out on the trail.

New dog owners often do not research the characteristics of the dog they might be interested in. It can be a big shock to learn that your breed has traits that are in serious conflict with your expectations. Case in point, do you want a digger? If you have lots of plants and garden areas, probably not. A Terrier would not be a good choice in this case as they often have the need to dig! Remember, a responsible owner will start training their dog right away to help temper these undesirable traits. This requires discipline and will take time to accomplish. As a dog owner you need to keep up the program for the sake of your dog. Doing so will create a happy calm home and not regretful feelings. As a trainer I recommend looking at these dog training products as they have helped me with my dogs. Another thought to consider is size. Do you want an overly friendly dog or one that will scare the pants off of anyone walking in your directions. But don’t make the BIG mistake of getting a dog thats too BIG if you are in a small apartment with no yard. Some dogs need room to run and expend their energy. It is not fair to you or your dog to be put in such a situation.

For a family needing a small dog a Pug is a great choice. If you want a larger dog that can be taught, the German Shepherd is a good choice. The German Shepherd is one of the most lovable dogs in the world. They are not only great pets, but also guard dogs, rescue dogs, and police dogs. A German Shepherd will reach 95 pounds at the maximum, with 26 inches in height.  German Shepherds were first raised as herders, so they do very well protecting younger children and ensuring their safety. They do need intensive training as puppies. You can get professional training tips on [training German Shepherds here. |Get some great information on trained German Shepherd here.] They will learn quickly, which is another reason to provide a firm yet respectful hand during training.

Adopting a dog is a great way to give a animal a second chance at life. Usually people think of adopting only a puppy. After all who would not want a fluffy little ball of cuteness and fun? Well, if you have never had a puppy then you might not be familiar with the 2am howling monster that wants to sleep in the same room as you. You may not be accustom to waking up to dog poop all over the floor. Although an early dog training routine will fix these little set backs you can count on them in the beginning. These are things that some may not want to deal with. No problem, just adopt an older dog. Older dogs have a less likely chance at a home because they are often overlooked as potential pets. You will be doing yourself and a needed pup a favor by considering this possibility. Remember that dogs do bring good experiences to a family but there can also be times of stress. Dog health issues can bring much worry and cost a good bit of money. Be sure to count the costs for both the good times and the not so good. Owning a dog is a rewarding experience and will bring years of joy to a family. Be sure to consider these points and you are on your way to adopting the perfect pup.