Agility4mercy

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[COLOR=red]Step 1: Reality Check
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Dogs are fabulous companions because they're pack animals that can bond with humans just as easily as they would dogs. Sounds easy, doesn't it? Dogs love us, and we rule! But just bonding with us doesn't stop dogs from being dogs. They don't understand why the garbage is out of bounds, or why we get upset when they chew through the baseboard, or bark at the neighbors, or dig up the garden. Aside from the damage and the noise, hair, mud, and slobber, there’s the responsibility of ensuring that your dog, does no damage to other people or dogs.
Puppies become well-mannered dogs if they are properly trained and socialized and that takes time, practice and money. It’s a lifestyle choice: grooming the dog, training the dog, and cleaning up after the dog. And you must budget for vet bills and food. We have the power of life and death over our dogs and they give us their absolute love and trust. We owe it to these remarkable animals to carefully think about whether we really want a dog, or just a nice picture of one.
Still thinking a dog is a great idea? All the warnings have only made you nod your head?

[COLOR=red]Step 2: How the heck do you choose one breed out of the hundreds available?[/COLOR]
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[COLOR=red][/COLOR]The CKC assigns dogs to seven different “groups”: Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non Sporting and Herding. These designations can be misleading. For instance, the Dalmatian is in the Non Sporting group, which also includes Chow Chows and the Bulldog; all of them are dogs, but the resemblance stops there. The Italian Greyhound, the Pomeranian, and the Yorkshire Terrier are all in the Toy Group, but their personalities, grooming, and exercise needs are all different. Group designations can help you narrow down some choices, but don’t be afraid to look outside the seemly obvious groups for your canine buddy.
Think about what you want to do with your dog. The most important consideration when choosing a breed isn’t looks or even size; it’s the compatibility of energy levels and temperament. You may love the look of the Afghan Hound, but if you want a dog that will obey your every command without question, an Afghan will drive you crazy. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bit of independent thought and don’t mind if your dog makes you look foolish on occasion, the Afghan’s sighthound attitude will suit you perfectly.
Are you the type of person whose idea of exercise is a walk to the store and back, or do you jog five miles a day? All dogs need outdoor exercise, but some require more than others. High-energy dogs don’t get less energetic with less exercise. If excess energy isn’t dissipated in work or exercise, it will be dissipated in remodeling your living quarters. Its important to be honest with yourself about your canine expectations.

[COLOR=red]Step 3: Check out the real thing – go and look at some dogs [/COLOR]

Dog shows are a great place to look at different breeds, but not a great place to interact with them. The dogs are polished and groomed to perfection, and stressed-out owners and handlers may not want you to pat their just finished grooming job.
For a chance to really interact with dogs, I recommend taking a walk in a park where dogs play together. There you will get immersed in what real dog ownership is like as well as an example of a surprising numbers of breeds. In the relaxed atmosphere of the park, owners are willing to chat about their dogs and you will have a chance to get muddy paw prints on your clothes and cookie-crumb slobber on your fingers.
Visit a dog-training school or two and observe some classes. Visit a puppy class to get a reality check on the stresses of dealing with a dog, but also visit a more advance class to get you hope.
Pay special attention to descriptions of temperaments and activity levels. Check out breeds in books or on-line; talk to a veterinarians, dog trainers, and the most important person in your search for your canine companion – a good breeder.

[COLOR=red]Step 4: Everyone says to go to a breeder. Who is a good breeder and how do you find one?[/COLOR]

A responsible breeder is the only source you should consider for a puppy. All responsible breeders will have at least these qualities:
- They’ll tell you the good, the bad and the ugly about their chosen breed. No sugar-coating.
- They’ll have plenty of buyers and probably a waiting list, so they won’t be pushing a dog on the wrong person.
- They’ll want to spend time with you to get to know you before they’ll consider selling you a puppy.
- They’ll conduct health tests on their dogs and have the results available for you to see.
- They’ll insist that you visit, meet and interact with their dogs.
- They’ll provide you with a contract and a guarantee.
- All of their dogs will be registered and at least some of them champions.
- They’ll be a member of the Canadian Kennel Club and probably their breed club.
- The health, happiness and well-being of their dogs will be their top priority.
Good breeders plan the puppies they bring into this world and assume the responsibility for those lives. They experience the miracle and fun of puppies, but often have to deal with the heartbreak as well. If breeders seem a little protective and controlling, just think about the horrors of dogs abandoned to backyards and garages and you’ll understand their point of view. They want to be as sure as possible that the puppies they’ve brought into this world will be properly cared for.
There’s nothing quite like the bond you can have with a dog – a very special experience that is worth all the time, effort and money you put into it. Your dog might stand up in front of the television just in time to block your view from the game-winning goal, throw up on your favorite shoes and goose your mother every time she visits, but he’ll also snuggle up beside you when you’re sad, make talking a walk an adventure, and follow you anywhere, sharing the simply joy of being alive in the moment. Just being with us seems to make all dogs happy. We’re lucky to have them.

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rottnpagan

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Bravo Lise!!!

This should be a STICKY POST!! In HERE and in the 'For Sale' section!

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Agility4mercy

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Thank you

Ask the admin guys, I have no idea how to make a post into a sticky.

I also found a fantastic article on buying pups before Christmas, just haven't had the chance to type it up yet.

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rottnpagan

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Oh I'll get Bryan's attention on it, or RNT.

I've got a few good articles with sites to link up, maybe I'll do it later on.

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CUNTS AND ASSHOLES ABOUND.