Adopting a dog is an exciting event.  Truly a man’s best friend, you can rely on your pet to give you company, companionship and some can even guard your house. You need to review your personal lifestyle and needs when adopting a dog. It is a major decision whether or not you choose to have a puppy or an adult as a pet. Before deciding on which dog to adopt, here is some useful information that might help you decide.

Puppies:

* Bringing up a puppy is an advantage because this means that you guide its growth and well being. You have the chance to raise it according to what you want. This means you can ensure that it is properly nurtured with the right dog food, ensure that necessary vaccinations are given and prevent heartworm at this early stage. Having your puppy personally trained is also a plus since you can teach him exactly what you want.

* You should adopt a puppy when it is at least 10 weeks old. Puppies need a lot of time to be cared for by their mothers. This is a crucial stage for them. They somehow gain a psychological advantage for both puppy and for the mother dog as well.

* A puppy can easily adjust to new surroundings as compared to an adult dog even though most puppies may cause minimal to major damage to your personal stuff while they are in the stage of teething. They need to be housebroken and house training needs a lot of time, effort and patience from the owner.

* There is no assurance of what a puppy will look like when it grows up; especially it is a mixed breed. Also, his temperament might change too when he grows up.

* Most pet owners love how puppies can be entertaining for the entire family.  They are very cute and adorable pets that is a hit for both children and grown ups. Puppies can be easily regarded as one of the family.

Adult dog:

* You would have less of a fuss taking care of an adult dog. They already have this established behavior that you can easily adapt too. By being with the dog more often, you would have more or less an idea of what its temperament is.

* You need to get as much information as you can when adopting an adult dog. Take note of its habits and mood swings. Hopefully you can acquire this valuable data from the previous owners of the dog. Some adult dogs may have some behavior issues. It is important to take note of them.

* It may take some time and effort for an adult dog to be completely comfortable with a new owner.

* You need to introduce an adult dog to your children and other household members before bringing him into the home. This would help the dog be familiar with them and helps them refrain from biting or barking thinking that they maybe strangers.

* Adult dog may not need your full attention unlike puppies need and would require lesser trips to the vet.

* For a fully grown dog physique and behavior is basically not a variable anymore. What you see is basically what you get.

* Most dogs are housebroken already so they would cause lesser damage to your belongings and don’t wake up at night like most puppies do. They have usually overgrown the impulse of chewing things that strike his fancy.

* An older dog can easily adapt to other pets, like other dogs or cats, if you have a group of them at your household.

Adopting a dog is not an easy task and choosing which one to adopt can be a little tricky too. Everyone loves sweet looking puppies, but not everyone can stand up to the tiresome house training although most appreciate the bonding shared with them. Adult dogs need no great amount of guidance but can still turn out to be a lovable pet. Whichever you think is the right pet for you, just keep in mind that taking care of them needs a lot of time and effort. In return, they would always keep you company and has ready smile with an excited wag of tail waiting for you everyday.

Here is a few tips for a healthy and happy dog…

Select a high-quality dog food appropriate for your dog’s age, weight, activity level or size. Make sure to feed your dog dry food as well as moist canned food to help keep his teeth clean. 
 
Be sure that protein ratios are correct for his breed and age. Typically, dog food with 20 to 30 percent protein content provides a healthy balance. 
 
Avoid overfeeding, since obesity can lead to a variety of medical problems, including musculoskeletal problems, and can aggravate hip dysplasia (abnormal growth or development of the hip joint). 
 
Avoid feeding your dog table scraps; it encourages begging and may not be good for his digestive system. If you must give her people food, put the scraps in her dog bowl after the family has finished the meal. Be careful to avoid giving her onions or chocolate. 
 
Feed your dog a measured amount twice daily, but keep in mind that some dogs prefer to eat one meal a day. 
   
When switching dog foods, do it gradually over a week by increasing the ratio of new food to old food. This will help avoid digestive upsets. 

Do not over supplement your dog’s diet with vitamins and minerals. Excess dietary supplements cause nutritional imbalance and medical disorders. Some vitamins and minerals are toxic in high dosages.   Never feed your dog chocolate. Chocolate is toxic.

Dog Creeps On Stays

Fasten a long line to your dog’s collar. Ask an assistant to hold the end, out of sight, in back of the dog. (The line can be run through a crack in the door or through shrubbery or bushes.) When the dog inches forward, the line is jerked sharply

Dog Refuses To Stay

Ask an assistant to stand behind your dog and hold the handle of the leash. Whenever she moves, the assistant jerks the dog back to position the dog breaks only occasionally, tempt her so you can get in a good correction. Put your dog on a long line, and ask an assistant to hold the end out of sight in back of the dog. Tell your dog “Stay!” Face her across the training area. Kneel, tap the ground, clap your hands, run, but don’t call your dog. If the other antics cause the dog to move, call out a forceful “STAY!” before the assistant jerks the line.

From

The Complete OPEN OBEDIENCE COURSE

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