By Trish King, Director of Behavior & Training
Remember what it was like when you were a kid? Endless afternoons spent kicking around with Max or Mike or Scruffy--throwing sticks and balls, exploring creeks and secret places.
Today's kids have schedules--soccer, ballet and after school activities, not to mention the piles of homework they seem to bring home every night. If you think it's tougher for children, consider what dogs are missing. Many families don't have the time to take Max out for a daily walk or to give him enough attention. A dog that gets too little attention can easily become a troublesome pet that is kept outdoors to howl, whine, and dig in the yard until he is given to a friend or turned into an animal shelter because he is not "working out."
So, before you consider adopting a dog, make sure you have the time. He or she will need routine attention and obedience training. A dog needs to be a part of the family--not an unhappy outsider looking in.
Once you have decided you are ready to expand the family, what kind of dog do you like? Make a list of your preferences.
Short-coated dogs, or long?
Coat length does not necessarily translate into shedding. Some long-coated dogs shed very little, only going through shedding periods once or twice a year while others shed a lot. Many short-coated dogs shed all year long, distributing little hairs on everything in your home.
A big dog, small dog, or something in between?
Big dogs are not necessarily outdoor dogs. In fact, some of the biggest need the most personal attention. Dogs that are protection or property-oriented need to be with their guardians a great deal. On the other hand, some smaller dogs (terriers, in particular), are quite happy to be left to their own devices for hours at a time.
A watchdog or a companion?
Many people want a dog who discriminates between the good guys and the bad guys, but unfortunately, that is an unrealistic expectation. Most dogs can tell the difference between "us" and "them," but "them" can and does include good friends, relatives and children. So picking a dog for protective abilities is not a particularly good idea, unless you have a great deal of experience.
If you have children, it is extremely important that you pick a dog who is tolerant, both physically and mentally. Children under the age of six do not understand that dogs can be injured, and dogs treat children as they would a puppy. In other words, what would appear to be a good watchdog might not be the best choice for a family with young children.
Now, check out some dog books--with pictures--and read up on the dogs you find attractive. Read more than one book, as they often have different, and sometimes contradictory, information. If you like a particular breed, go to a dog show and talk to a breeder, without looking at any puppies (you're likely to fall in love if you see the baby animals!). Ask a lot of questions.
Realize that an AKC registration only means that the dog is registered, not that he is a good dog, either temperamentally or physically. If you do end up buying a purebred, choose a breeder with good references and make sure you get assurances or a contract that permits you to return the dog if there are problems.
A puppy is like a child. You must pay attention to her and train her if you want your dog to be a companion animal. Leaving the dog out in the yard, with no exercise, is a recipe for failure. Structure your life to include your dog, attend to his education and you will end up with a friend for life.
Suggested reading:
- Parenting Your Dog by Trish King
- Think Dog by John Fisher
- DogSense by Trish King
- How to Raise a Puppy You Can Live With by Clarice Rutherford & David H. Neil
- The Dog Who Loved Too Much by Nicholas Dodman
- Good Owners, Great Dogs by Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson
- Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson
- Raising Puppies & Kids Together by Pia Sullivan & Lynn Eckhart
