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Before Getting a Dog - consider... article by hkh Before getting any kind of a dog, there's a few things to run through in consideration. DOGS - Puppies When deciding upon a new cannine companion, "size and character" are amongst your first decisions and accordingly is ample safe outdoor space - especially when deciding upon larger breeds. If you're looking for a Guard Dog, please consider that Cannine Training is a must. If you're going to do it, do it right. You'll enjoy the experience training your companion - hands on - and your companion will be more attentive when you are initiating the commands. It's a bonding experience for both parties when done with respect. Now about Puppies! They are a handful and someone should be at home most of the time when taking on a pup of any kind. I say this because puppies experience anxiety, lonliness, lack of control over their bowel movements, are energetic and "teeth" on whatever they can if left alone too long. Puppies require repetitious commands, regularly and need to be watched over for safety reasons as well. They are afterall babies and NO, I do not endorse "crating" or locking pups in cages - whether indoors or out - all day long while folks are away at work.    ~ Time: Dogs require alot of time spent with them. Unlike felines, dogs require training and are companions that want to learn commands and please. Having time put aside for a cannine companion is definately a requirement.    ~ Immediate Attention: When you first bring home a dog, whether adult or pup and especially if you work all week, you want to try and bring home your new companion in the early morning, on a weekend, so that you are not leaving it alone too soon. Give yourself and your new companion a good 48 hours together to get familiar with each other and so that the dog can feel a little more comfortable in it's new surroundings. ........ Please remember if you are not getting a pup, but an older dog, then your new companion has a story. A story of a previous owner, a story of feeling left behind, a story of being a little scattered, so be sure to spend some immediate attention to the animal, to lay grounds for better days ahead.    ~ Feeding and Water Bowl: are needed. Some say plastic and others say thick glass. Thick glass is more hygenic when washed, however there are fears of accidents happening. If you get a really large dog and are fearful that he/she is strong enough to break the glass while eating, them go for plastic instead.    ~ Exercise Yard: with enough area to relieve: that's clean and healthy. Closed or fenced yards are always best suited for dogs, however building a pen approximately 5' wide and at least 10' long, is perhaps best when there is no fence or enclosed area.    ~ Thick Leather Leash and Adjustable Collar: for walks and training. We suggest leather for endurance and light weight. Leashes often get under one leg during training and the light weight of the leather does not hurt them. We suggest a reasonable adjustable collar, that you can loosen as your dog grows or as the fur thickens in cooler winter months.    ~ Bedding and a place to sleep: While some don't mind their dogs on furniture, others somewhat do and for those that do, make sure you get an old comforter ready or purchase a foamie type cushion so the dog knows from the beginning that that is his/hers and is a place to sleep.    ~ Food: No matter where you get your dog from, try and find out what food it was eating so that you don't make sudden changes in the dog's diet. Sudden changes bring on mild-severe diahrea which could not only create an umcomfortable and messy situation for you, but imagine how your new companion would feel, not being familiar with your home. So whether the dog comes from a friend, a shelter or SPCA, ask what type of food it's been eating.    ~ Grooming Brush: Whether your new dog has hair of fur, grooming is essential and needed to prevent matting, knots and hair loss all over your home. Depending on the breed, most dogs need to be brushed once a month, sometimes two, depending on where it ventures. Show dogs require further attention that goes by groups.

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