| Choosing a Breed of Dog and how to get it right! | | | | practical. I receive letter after letter stating: |
| When choosing a breed of dog you need to make | | | | "What can I do as my dog has a lump under his eye |
| certain decisions - such as... | | | | and I can't afford to go to the Vet" |
| - Is your family ready for a dog? | | | | I don't mean to be harsh but my normal answer is - |
| - Should you get a grown dog or puppy? | | | | (A) I am not a Vet and (B) If you can't afford to go |
| - Do you want a mongrel or a pure breed? | | | | to the Vet don't purchase a dog in the first place. |
| - When choosing a breed - what breed is safe? | | | | Choosing the Breed |
| - What breeds are right for the family and safe | | | | - If you have made the decision and can afford a |
| around children? | | | | particular breed, you should then actually go to the |
| - What breeds should you avoid? | | | | environment where the dog is kept and watch him or |
| But the main question you should always ask | | | | her playing and interacting in his own environment, |
| yourself... | | | | where he or she feels safe and happy. |
| - What breed of dog can I afford? | | | | - Ask lots of questions and research the questions |
| When choosing a breed you need to go through all | | | | that you are going to ask. |
| of these stages before you decide on your dog or | | | | - Research the breed and look into particular details. |
| puppy. It's only fair and right as a dog lover that you | | | | If you are going to choose a Shih zhu, have you |
| take your time and don't rush. The reason for this is | | | | considered that you are going to have dog grooming |
| simple - thousands and thousands of dogs are given | | | | bills, and that they sometimes have problems with |
| up to the RSPCA or worst every single year. | | | | their eyes and ears. Really go into detail before you |
| It seems to be a fashion in England at the moment | | | | take that step. |
| for young people to purchase staffordshire bull | | | | - How much space do you have, and can you |
| terriers or any large dog that makes them feel safer. | | | | accomodate a large dog? |
| I work as a dog trainer and I am more than happy | | | | - What hours do you work, is it possible to properly |
| to see one of my favorite breeds so popular. | | | | train a small puppy while you are at work all day, or |
| Unfortunately it seems that at the present time | | | | can you get someone to pop in and let him out? |
| many of them are ending up in the local dogs trust | | | | - Ask the breeder lots of questions and find out |
| alongside another favorite of mine - the Grey Hound. | | | | previous customers-a good breeder should be able to |
| So when choosing a breed take your time and think | | | | provide a reference-it is your right to demand it. |
| about your personal circumstances before you take | | | | - Check out details-I know someone who purchased |
| the dog home. | | | | a dog who 'had a cute grunt', that grunt cost them |
| Can you afford your dog? | | | | thousands. The dog is still with them and very |
| When choosing a breed I advise my clients to look at | | | | happy-but another owner may not have been so |
| how much money they can afford-so don't choose a | | | | thoughtful. |
| dog that needs lots and lots of food and health care | | | | The bottom line is to research every possible detail |
| if you are on a small income. It comes down to what | | | | and if I could give one piece of advice to any |
| is relative to your income, I would love to own a | | | | possible dog owner-Never I repeat Neverpurchase a |
| Porsche but I can't afford to buy one or keep it-be | | | | dog or puppy on a whim! |