Different breeds will have certain characteristics. There are several things that you should consider before deciding on buying a dog for you: Some very imperative questions that you need to ask and answer before buying them are
Can you spend time with it? How much? As dogs are social creatures, they would not like if they are left alone in the backyard or tied the whole day. You should at least spend half an hour with it every day without fail. Few minutes in between your work whenever you are around would also keep up its energy. Alternatively, you could also talk to it to keep it busy. Dogs usually pick up your tone and respond accordingly.
Can
you provide space for it? If you live
in a small apartment, you must take this into consideration: Do not be deceived
by their size. There are small dogs like Terriers which are high with energy
while there are some like Mastiffs who like to lie around while you are not
there. You should also consider the fact that the dogs like retrievers grow big
in size and if not potty trained would be difficult to manage. Bigger dogs like
German shepherds and the husky’s occupy good amount of space. If you have
reservations that your dogs should move around only in the restricted area
within the house, Then you may have consider dogs which are more obedient and
can be controlled easily.
Can
you spend some money? Although you may
get a dog for an inexpensive price, you will have to spend some amount of money
in buying food, paying for veterinary checkups, vaccinations and routine
medical care over the lifetime of the dog. Not to mention replacing anything
the dog may damage (which may not happen if managed well), or money for medical
emergencies should not be sidelined. Some dogs are susceptible to more health
problems based on the breed and some are not. On the other hand you can also
opt for a mixed breed. They are also equally lovable companions and are in-fact
more resistant to infections. They are more freely available for adoption and
cost less.
Exercise – How much can you give it? It is not necessary that you should take the dog for a walk every day. If your time is limited, you should look for smaller or less active dogs that can obtain enough exercise in your home or from short walks. If they are active dogs, you should ensure you play with it within the house for good amount of time (at least half an hour) until you leave it exhausted. Do not be under the impression that small dogs are less active and larger dogs are more active.
Can you train a dog? Trained dogs are real company. They can go along with you anywhere you go with no fear of messing up the place. Regardless of the dog you get, training takes some good amount of time and focus until the dog starts understanding and listening to you. The Dogs becomes compatible and your family once trained. You need not be a dog trainer to train dogs. However, you need to have patience and time and ensure you keep repeating the same thing until your dog understands. Reward it when it does what you said. Potty training and a few basic training will make your life filled with joy when a dog is around.
How much grooming can you do? Normally people
misunderstand the fact that if the dog has hair, it sheds and if the dog does
not have hair it does not. That is not true. All dog breeds which have longer
hair only signify that they do not shed much hair and that is why it is long.
However, all dog breeds that do not have much hair tend to shed them. This is
one of the important criteria that you need to consider while buying. Are you
prepared to have hair around in your home? How much? Some dogs need no grooming,
while some need more and some very little. All dogs irrespective of their breed
will require nail clipping regardless of conditions. Note-You need to spend
some money on grooming if you buy dogs that need grooming.
Which sex do you want, male or female? Sex usually does not matter much while buying a dog. However, if you have any preference, you may get the one that you want.
Characteristics of a dog- Dogs show individual personalities and variety exists within each breed. Breeds are only a general indicator of what to expect. While some dogs are aggressive, some are not. While some are highly energetic, some like to lie down. While some are very friendly, some are possessive. However, above all, it is the environment you create for the dog. The dog easily understands and shows emotions. It reacts to the surroundings as well. So if you treat your dog well, more likely it would obey you and fill the home with joy.
UAE- K9 Friends, Dubai - + 971 4 3474611; Dubai Animal Rescue center –050 -2153004
India - Bangalore -Bangalore SPCA – 91-(0)80-5540205
Bombay - Bombay
SPCA - 4131007 / 4137518 / 4133598
Hyderabad - Blue Cross of Hyderabad, Ph.: 91-(0)40-244355 / 238071
Chennai - Animal Welfare Board of India - 91-(0)44-4612684 / 4612842, Fax: 4612807. E-Mail: awbi@md3.vsnl.net.in ; Also SPCA Madras - 91-(0)44-5321628 / 5322160
UK – RSPCA – South god stone – Email- southgodstone@rspca.org.uk; Ph. –0300 123 0741
USA – ASPCA - (212) 876-7700, In NYC: (212) 876-7700, ext. 4450 In NJ: (800) 582-5979
Australia-Phone: 02 6282 8300, Report animal cruelty: Contact your state or territory RSPCA.
South Africa - E-mail: nspca@nspca.co.za, (011) 907-3590
Canada – Animal Welfare - 1-888-668-7722 ext. 336, tfirmage@ospca.on.ca
New Zealand – RNSPCA – (09) 8296094, Email – info@rnzspca.org.nz
