Who is the dog?
It is not uncommon for humans to want to coddle and protect a dog shortly after bringing it home. Unfortunately, this often leads to a confusion in the pack order of your home. Dogs are dogs and if you do not display dominance over your dog or become the one in the alpha role from the beginning, your cute will soon start to dominate the house. This leads to aggression and behavioral problems in dogs if the humans do not take the alpha role.
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Dog Standards
There are many recognized dog breed standards. Standards are only based for those dogs that will be shown or bred during some time of their lives. This does not distinguish a health dog from a sick dog nor a well-mannered dog from an aggressive dog. For those dogs recognized by the AKC and CKC, each of the websites have a list to help people understand the showing or breeding standards for their specific dog breeds.
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Is a dog right for you?
In order to be sure if a dog is right for you, the following questions need to be answered truthfully:
- Are you willing to take responsibility for a dog and its needs for the next 10-15 years, regardless of what life brings you?
- Do you have the time, money and patience to take care of a dog?
- Can you give the dog enough attention and exercise?
- Can you live with shedding and drooling for the next 10-15 years?
- If you plan on getting a puppy, do you have the time and patience to deal with the trials and tribulations of puppy hood?
- Can you resist the urge to get a dog impulsively, and instead work to make a responsible decision?
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Where to get your dog?
There are three main places that any family can get their new puppy or older dog: dog or breed specific rescue, local shelters, or breeders. Where you get your dog depends on the type of dog that fits your family. If you are looking for an older dog or puppy, all three places are an option. However, you must do your research prior to getting your dog from any of these places. Do research on the specific breed you may be looking to bring home. Ask friends, neighbors and coworkers if they know of any reputable place. Check with local agencies to make sure that the facility is reputable. Lastly, do not be afraid to ask any place you are considering for references. This is a very important decision that needs such research.
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