Dog-ing

Dog lovers be warned - this story is sure to anger, upset and make you want to do something to help.

Dogs are great! If you are thinking of getting a dog, be sure not to rule out getting a small breed. Small dogs are so mobile, that you can take them practically everywhere with you. If you are on a long walk and your little dog tires out, you can simply pick him up and carry him along!

There are also special small dog carriers available that are designed for the smallest breeds. These carriers come in the form of backpacks, shoulder bags and sling-type harnesses that you just slide you little four-legged friend into and take him along with you.

If you live in a small apartment, a loft or even a small house, owning a small dog is a great idea. Small dogs do not need as much space as a big dog and many landlords will allow tenants to own small breed dogs.

Another great advantage of owning a small dog is that they do not require nearly as much activity as a large dog. Of course they need walks and play time, but taking a small dog out around the block a few times per day is usually sufficient. If you own a large breed on the other hand, that dog will need to cover a lot more ground each day to ensure that he gets a sufficient amount of exercise.

So if you are going to get a dog, please do consider the small breeds. They are easy to carry, take up less space and are less expensive to keep as they do not eat nearly as much food as the large breeds.

No matter even if you are really careful, your dog could become lost and having your dog wear an ID tag is essential and will increase the possibility that you will get your dog home safe and sound.

It is a great idea to get your young dog used to a collar when he is a puppy. Be sure that you can easily slip two of your fingers between the collar and your dog's neck, so the collar is not too tight. After about one week of wearing the collar, your dog should be very used to the collar and will not even notice that he is wearing it. The next step is to get a dog identification tag engraved with your dog's name, your name and phone number.

If your dog escapes from your house or yard and is not wearing an ID tag, the chances are slim that you will ever locate him. With the tag, whoever finds your companion needs to only call the phone number on the tag and then you and your pet will be re-united. Dogs are a part of our families, so please do remember to have your dog wear an ID tag.

Follow this one simple rule: Off property, on leash. Be sure to have your dog leashed when he is not at home. You and your dog will both be happier and you will have the peace-of-mind knowing that you are doing everything you can to ensure that you will have your dog in your life for as long as possible.

Dogs bark for a variety of reasons. Dogs bark to communicate with you, with other dogs or to express how they are feeling. When dogs play together they bark. This is just a way that they are telling each other something. It is a bit difficult for us humans to guess what exactly they are saying to one another, but when a dog barks at us, it is usually relatively easy to tell what it is they mean by it.

Dogs will bark at people when they are ready to be fed, to be let outdoors or for a variety of other reasons. When a dog barks, he usually looks in the direction of what he wants, and this can be a good clue as to what his barking means. If your dog wants to go outdoors, he will probably bark at you and then look at the door.

A dog that seems to bark for no reason at all, could have a psychological problem or even a heath issue, and it would be a good idea to talk to a veterinarian about it.

Dogs bark to communicate. So the next time your dog barks for what you think is no apparent reason, just watch him carefully and you will probably discover why he is barking.

If you are thinking of getting a dog as a pet, how do you know what breed is best for you? Dogs come in all sizes and breeds, and the simple task of choosing a dog can be overwhelming.

You should look first at your living situation. If you live in a small apartment in a city, it would probably not be the best choice for you to get a Great Dane. Large breed dogs require space and they need much more exercise as well. Large dogs are also more expensive to keep because they eat a great deal more food than a smaller breed.

If you are an older individual, it may also be wiser to choose a small breed dog like a Yorkshire Terrier or Toy Puddle, for example. These smaller breeds do not require such vigorous activity, so four or five walks of about 15 minutes each, should suffice in keeping the dog fit and happy.

If there are children in the household, choosing a dog breed that is known to get along well with children is very important. Some dogs are known to be a bit predictable, so choosing an American Pit Bull for instance, may not be the best idea.

Owning a dog has great benefits and can bring a lot to a person's life. Dog ownership brings many advantages as dogs provide companionship, they make a great addition to a family and if there are children in the household, they can teach children the importance of being responsible for a living being. Dogs need a feeding schedule and regular grooming throughout their lives. If the dog is well cared for and given a lot of positive attention, the owner will be rewarded with many dog kisses and lots of adoration!

If you own a dog, you will be responsible for meeting the dog's needs. Dogs require care and attention. Dogs are 'pack animals' which means they wish to be in a group and they need to know where they rank in that group. As a dog owner, you must let the dog know that you are the 'leader' at all times, because the dog will be looking to you for guidance and reassurance in his or her's daily activities.

The benefits of owning a dog are many. If the pet dog is given proper care, feeding and affection, the owner will have a best friend for many years to come.