DOG
SELECTION
Here we go! You ARE barking up the right tree, and you are
ready to let in a loving creature into your life! The fun
begins now! What sort of dog should you choose? Here are some
of the questions you should ask after you have considered the
factors above:
- Purebred vs. mix or mutt (nothing wrong with the
latter!) If I go for a breed, what breed should I be
thinking of?
- Full-grown or puppy? A puppy is very malleable and easy
to train, and you can get the training right from the
start. But you DO have to put up with chewing and teething
and a bundle of energy who may or may not embarrass you
by chewing his way into the next door neighbor's apartment
(true story!)
- Purchase from breeder or adopt from a shelter?
- Should I do an online exploration?
- Male or female?
- Should I be buying from a petstore? (Be very careful.
Many of these puppies may be products of puppy mills, where
dogs are made to breed like breeding machines, and may of
these puppies, if not sold immediately, live their whole
lives in terrible conditions, thus developing behavioral
issues. Many volunteers choose to work with these animals to
help socialize them. I have talked to one such individual,
who provided valuable insight into a whole segment of dog
culture.)
- Do I or others in the household have allergies? In other
words, do you have to have a "hypo-allergenic"
dog? Two dogs basically do not shed: the poodle and the
bichose frisé. However, they do need more grooming, as
they tend to get tangled easily as the fur/hair curls
up.
One of the
most invaluable resources on the web is the site for the
American Kennel Club (http://www.akc.org ). Here, you will find
information on every recognized breed, and all sorts of
information for the dog-owner.
Also check http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/dog_care/index.html
for an overview of petcare.
Dating and Health for Females Over 40: forFemales.info
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