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The Importance Of Choosing The
Right Dog Breed!
It seems that once a person reaches
a certain age, everyone around him decides that it is time to get a
dog. Years ago, this pattern was more commonly associated with
noting a growing number of friends getting married and having
children. However, in this day and age of independence and two
income families, getting a puppy seems to be the new way to say
Hey, I am ready for a mature commitment.
The problem arising all too often
is the lack of impulse control in these future dog-owners. Whether
the desire for a pet is rooted in a deep love for animals, a need
for companionship, or a symbol of the great maturation into
adulthood, adopting or buying a puppy is a heady responsibility and
should not be taken lightly. Specifically, the first decision a
person makes about his future pet is arguably the most important-
choosing the right breed or mix.
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Here are some dog breeds
to Consider!
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Walking into a pet store, a
breeder’s home, or your local SPCA and simply choosing the cutest
and cuddliest of the puppies available may have its immediate
advantages. However, choosing a breed that is not right for you can
also be tragic for both you and your newfound furry friend.
Dogs are not like children.
Raising them and teaching them right from wrong is not always
enough. They are animals and have instincts that they are going to
follow, sometimes despite a great deal of training to do otherwise.
Certain dogs have been bred for generations with characteristics
that might not be appropriate in your new pet.
A lot of potential pet-owners are
guilty of what I like to call the that-will-never-happen-to-me
syndrome, swearing to anyone who will listen that they can care for
a breed that is entirely too much for them. Usually these
undesirable owner-pet relationships begin with the best of
intentions. A woman who lives in a studio in the city really
believes she can care properly for a Mastiff. A single father truly
thinks that the small stature of a wire fox terrier makes it the
best dog to play with his young children. Or, as aforementioned,
people choose the adorable young boxer, blissfully ignorant to the
amount of exercise these breeds need as they get older.
What dog owners who choose the
wrong breed come to realize is that this animal is not a “bad dog,”
he is just in the wrong situation. The problems occur when this
realization happens after the Mastiff has destroyed his owner’s
apartment, the terrier has frightened or nipped at a child, or the
boxer has run away. All of these situations of sadness for the
owners and hardship for the pet could be avoided with a little
foresight.
While choosing the wrong breed can
have dire consequences, choosing a breed that is compatible with
your lifestyle and capabilities is extremely rewarding and can
result in a loyal and lovable companion.
Whatever your situation,
personality, or purpose for getting a dog, there is a breed that is
most compatible with it. While educating yourself on the variety of
dog breeds and their tendencies can help you make the right
decision, choosing a breed is also not a guarantee that your dog
will immediately behave. A puppy is still a puppy and needs proper
training, grooming, and affection to grow into the kind of dog that
you want as a companion. Choosing the right breed for you, however,
will protect you from aggravating situations and will make the
training process much more smooth for you both.
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