Selecting a puppy

The easiest way to select the right pup is to ask the breeder to choose one that is not shy, overly dominant or stubborn. However, if the breeder prefers you do the picking, try to take an experienced person with you to view the pups.
If all fails, th following tips should help.

• Watching a group of pups at play will help you choose th one you want. So, if you do not get the opportunity to view several pups, try to arrange to the whole litter together. Then you will be able to see temperament differences in action. If, for example, you wish to avoid owning a pack-leader type, you can look out for the classroom-bully-type pup that dominates and picks on the other pups. Once you have distinguished this type of pup, you will know that it will not be going home you!
• Likewise, avoid the pup that runs and hides when the bully appears. A pup that barks at you or the other pups should also be avoided at all costs. You do not want a pup that is overly vocal: if one of the litter is barking at this early stage, it is going to be a nuisance barker. Good watchdogs do not usually start barking until they are between seven and 12 months.

Now you have decided on the breed type, CONGRATULATIONS.

The ideal age to acquire your new puppy once you have made the decision about your breed type is between 6 to 8 weeks of age. At this age the puppy will be newly weaned from its mother and dependent on its new owner. This is the ideal time to establish a strong bond between owner and pup.

Also insist tht the pup be purchased conditional upon your veterinarian examining it and giving it a clean bill of health.

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Choosing the right dog for your family

This is the most important part of the puzzle that needs to be sorted before you decide to start seaching for a puppy. You need to consider the following;

• What type of dog do you want to raise, always buy from a reputable dog breeders to avoid more expenses. Discourage backyard breeders.
  
• Consider the fact that a puppy will one day become a dog. Do not buy because, "oh it looks so beautiful and innocent". All puppies are beautiful and innocent.
  
• Where do you stay, town house, house or plot.
  
• The needs of that particular dog breed, some can live in with minimal activity but your hounds need plenty of exercise.
  
• Consider grooming as some breeds need it more than others.
  
• Important point to consider; the ages of the youngest child in your house, it is at times recommended to get a puppy that is very young when you have a toddler in the house, but make sure that you protect it against the child as it is not one of the toys he has. After several pullings it will of course defend itself. Monitor all playing activities between puppy and child to minimize the risk of injury on both.
  
• Decide where it will sleep, veterinary needs, training and socialising.

For more information on choosing the right dog breed, send me all the questions and I am more that willing to assist.

The next topic we will be the different dog breeds and and their behaviour, this will also go a long way into helping you make an informed decesion when doing your purchase or visiting the shelter to get a dog that needs a home.

HAPPY DOGGING

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Guide to Dangerous Treats for Dogs

By Keith Londrie

It is human nature to want to feed anything that has a mouth and digestive system.Zoos have to resort to posting signs warning people not to feed animals. At home, treats for dogs satisfy that primal urge to feed. While the occasional treats for dogs is pleasurable for both dog and master, both have to be careful with what is fed. You can accidently feed your pet chocolate until you finish readig this article about what not to feed your pet.

Chocolate is one of the ultimate culinary pleasures for humans, but chocolate does not qualify as treats for dogs. While dogs enjoy the flavor of chocolate, it can be harmful to pets. Chocolate has theobromine, which is a chemical stimulant. Dogs are not able to metabolize theobromine. As a result, it can linger in the bloodstream for almost a full day. The effect can be an increased heartbeat, severe diarrhea, epileptic seizures, hallucinations, heart attack, and eventually can end in a fatality. Accidental ingestion of chocolate generally isnt a large concern if the amount is small, such as a Hershey Kiss. You will want to contact a veterinarian should that happen. Usually, they will recommend that you induce vomiting. However, a chocolate bar might be just enough to make a small dog very sick, or even cause its death.

Some dog treat manufacturers actually make chocolate treats for dogs. However, they have been mixed in such as way that is not harmful to your pet. Also, carob resembles chocolate but is not related. It is safe for your pets consumption. You can learn a lot more from your neighborhood vet or pet store. These are the two best references, besides a book, on information concerning your pets health.

Grapes and raisins are also known to be dangerous to dogs. Feeding a dog grapes or raisins can cause acute renal failure and can potentially be fatal. Even one raisin can be enough to kill a small ten-pound dog. Some much larger dogs, however, can eat a pound of raisins or grapes without any effect. A few hours after ingesting grapes or raisins, the dog may begin to vomit. Three to five days later, signs of renal failure begin to surface. You dont want to hurt your dog any more than hurting a best friend because you have an emotional attachment.

If unsure about what kind of treat to feed a dog, play it safe and give them a dog biscuit. Keep grapes, raisins, and chocolates away from the reach of pets. Some pets will get into these things if left out where the dog can easily access them.

Keith Londrie II is the Webmaster of http://www.dog-treats.info/ A website that specializes in providing tips on Dog treats that you can research on the internet. Visit http://www.dog-treats.info/ now!

Article Source: http://www.bestdogarticles.com

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