Dog Ownership | Dog Care Information

Deciding to become the owner of a dog is a commitment not to be undertaken lightly, a decision to be made with the involvement of all close family members and something which should have been discussed at length. It is likely that one member of the family will be primarily responsible for looking after the dog but everyone concerned must be genuinely enthusiastic about the coming of a new family member, for that is what a dog should be.

A dog joining a new home against the wishes of one or more people in the immediate family can cause argument, often leading to the dog having to be re-homed - distressing for all concerned and, most importantly, for the dog. It is absolutely essential that a dog is not left at home alone all day. Ideally one member of the family should generally be based around the home, and this does not just apply when the puppy is young and adjusting to a new environment but for the entire life of the dog. Of course a dog can be left for short periods and there are many homes where, for example, the wife works part-time to no major detriment of the dog. There are even cases where an owner's lunchtime at home can break the boredom of a dog which would otherwise be left alone for too long. The dog needs to relieve itself, stretch its legs and have some human companionship to break the monotony of an otherwise over-long day.

Neighbors also have to be considered. A dog left alone can not only be destructive, due to boredom, but can also be noisy. A dog's owners may easily not notice the noise because when the family returns home the dog will be quiet, so if one lives in a built-up area, or indeed has any neighbors at all. They will probably be telling the truth if they complain that your dog is barking all day.

It should always be borne in mind that most have happier lives if they are allowed to live in the house and lake part in the routine of everyday life. Even working dogs appreciate some time in a domestic environment and absolutely no dog should be tethered outside all day. One tends to think that such treatment of our canine friends is in the past, but regrettably in many uses it is not.

Consideration must also be given to holiday time, as depending which country you live in. .1 dog may not be allowed to travel with you abroad and return to the country of domicile. This is currently the ease in Britain because of quarantine laws.1 here are some extremely good boarding kennels but these must be investigated carefully and ideally taken on personal recommendation. I laving said that, no dog should constantly be sent 111 and out of kennels just for the owner's convenience.

No one should ever give a dog as .1 gift, for much as the receiver max have enthused over the idea of having a dog, the ultimate decision and responsibility to buy and look after a dog must rest with that person alone. Indeed, most genuine breeders will refuse to sell a puppy during the few weeks prior to Christmas, for fear that the dog may have been purchased as a surprise gift. Added to that, the festive season is always a time of great activity and a time at which normal household routine rather falls by the wayside. A new dog needs to be brought into a stable environment, so that they can have every possible opportunity to learn how to adapt to a new home easily. This should be done at a time of the year when there is less frenetic activity in the household, for the sake of the new dog.