Choosing a family dog It is an exciting time for your family. Many people don’t think about choosing a dog for the family, but by keeping a few simple things in mind, you can find a great family dog.
When choosing a family dog, there are many places to find dogs available. Breeders, kennels, neighbors, and pet stores offer dogs for sale. Each of these places has its pros and cons.
Dog breeders often provide the highest quality dogs you can find and they come with a pedigree. The downside to choosing a family dog from a breeder is that you pay for what you get, and that means an expensive, high-quality dog, probably several thousand dollars.
Pounds, on the other hand, provide dogs that are cheap and sometimes even offer free dog adoptions. In canine dog kennels you can find some good dogs looking for good homes. But the downside to choosing a family dog from a kennel is that the previous owner has often had to give them up for some reason. Many times that means the dog has had behavioral problems, such as barking, biting, or chewing.
Neighbors can also be a source for choosing a family dog or puppy. Sometimes they don’t love their dog anymore, or their dog had puppies and they are giving them away. You can find a good cheap dog this way, but make sure the puppy is old enough to be weaned or already weaned when you adopt him.
Pet stores are really hit or miss when it comes to quality dogs. Sometimes they buy these dogs from puppy mills that are not a good source for a quality canine. Also, a pet store is a prime place for dogs to get sick. I’ve seen people buy them and take them to the vet in the same week for IV fluids and antibiotics for a respiratory or GI problem. These aren’t just some small-time pet stores. Working in Los Angeles, I’ve seen people spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on a puppy at some Beverly Hills pet stores, only to be terribly ill and in need of even more veterinary care. So when choosing a pet for the family, location isn’t everything!
When choosing a dog for the family, it’s important to have some ideas in mind about the type of dog you want before you go dog hunting. By having a good picture of the type of pet you want, you will be less likely to fall in love with the first dog you find.
If you live in a small apartment or have small children, a smaller breed of dog like a pug would be a better option than buying a greyhound, obviously.
If you want a dog that will give you some protection or intimidation, you will of course need a larger dog, maybe even a rottweiler. By holding a picture in your mind of your perfect canine companion, choose a family dog it will be easy