It is believed that people who do not have enough heat in life, like and understand dogs better than cats. Since dogs are more loyal and affectionate towards their owners, and cats are known to have a self-sufficient character and do not need custody. That is why people are more likely to choose a dog more responsibly than to choose a cat. A dog is not just a pet, it's a new member of the family who needs conditions and proper care, upbringing and care as a child. How to make the right decision? How to choose a dog and understand that it is yours in the full sense of the word? This will be discussed below.
For whom are you always the best? Who always loves you sincerely and unselfishly? Of course, your favorite dog. And if you are also thinking about starting a dog, know that somewhere in the world there is a fluffy creature with a wet nose that awaits you. There is a statement that we do not choose our pets, but they do not. And the fact that dogs are like their owners is no longer a joke, but a scientifically proven fact. Venerable psychologists have studied this issue and published their results in the journal of the American Society of Psychological Sciences. It should be noted that they have not quite discovered America - we have similarities with our pets from the moment when you are just dreaming about a four-footed friend. Subconsciously, on an intuitive level, you come to the conclusion that this live "mop" or phlegmatic "calf" will be your favorite for many years.
When choosing a new family member, it is important to consider not only your own willingness to sacrifice the current distribution of the day, but also objective circumstances. For example, the size of their homes, work schedule, family composition. It is unlikely that it would be sensible to keep in a small apartment such a giant as Alabai or St. Bernard. In the same way, as well as keep in the yard on the Chihuahua chain.
Decision is made. What's next?
So, you have already decided to have a dog, and started sharing your plans with others. What, most likely, you will hear from your interlocutors? Of course, something like: "But this is such a responsibility!", And then: "Do you know what you have to do for this? You will not be able to go anywhere for long, you will need to constantly take care of the dog, feed, treat, teach ... "These phrases do not shine with optimism, but ... you are advised to approach the issue from a different point of view - to think about the dog, not about yourself.
Conduct the experiment. What time do you usually get up? Try a few days to get up an hour and a half earlier. And on the day off, and on holidays, and even on January 1. After all, with a dog you need to walk at least twice a day. Everyday. Ask yourself the question: do you have a store nearby. Where can I buy food for pets? What do you intend to feed your pet at all? Try to calculate how much you can do (because you already know about the breed of the desired dog or at least its estimated size). Do you know where in your city there is a vet clinic? How to contact a doctor if there is an emergency? If the only questions of this nature lead you to irritation and bewilderment - seriously think about whether you are ready for the emergence of a new being alongside.
Psychologists say that getting their first truly long-awaited puppy is akin to the birth of a child - it also radically changes the world outlook, way of life and character. The decision to take the dog home is a serious and responsible step. Because the dog in the house is not just a fluffy ball that feeds the paw and plays with a stick. It also means that someone will gnaw your shoes, do not give a sleep in the morning and most importantly - require daily care and love.
How to choose the right puppy?
Before you go to the seller for a puppy, determine in advance the breed. These are not just words. The breed determines the nature of the dog, its quality and belonging to a particular activity. Ask yourself: why do you need a dog? What is it for you - a soft plush toy, a brave guard or a cheerful shit? Remember that it is hardly possible to have a brave guard and an affectionate friend for the whole family at the same time. Be sure to consider this in advance.
It is best to take the puppy into the house at the age of about two months. Approximately at this time the puppies begin to lead an independent life and quickly get used to the new owner. When buying a puppy in the first place, observe it for a while, and then carefully inspect it. If it is healthy, active, the skin and wool are clean, without dry crusts, scars and bald spots, the mouth and eyes look normal, the gums have a light pink color - your puppy looks healthy. This is already a good start, but just in case, check something else. Look at the puppy in the eyes - they should be clear, transparent and without white spots. Feel his stomach - it should be soft, not too bloated. If the dog owners claim to have done all the required vaccinations, ask them for a veterinary passport with a note of vaccines and a veterinarian's seal.
After acquiring a puppy, it is better to immediately show it to a veterinarian for examination and fixing the timing of preventive measures (vaccination, planned removal of worms, etc.). You can take the dog no earlier than 10 days after vaccination.
If the family has a child
Even if you have established the criteria for the behavior of your future dog in relation to the child (calm nature, friendliness, playfulness), know that it is almost impossible to foresee how the dog behaves in this or that situation. There is a general "rating" of breeds suitable for families, even with young children. These are Labradors, Newfoundlands, as well as Collies and Middle Terriers.
Most cynologists recommend that when a small child is at home, be careful with choosing a dog - this is important for both the child and the animal. Many psychologists believe that dogs play a big role in the upbringing and development of the child, developing in him such qualities as sociability, love, openness, and later care, kindness, responsibility. It is assumed that such children more often than others become leaders among their peers and more actively develop leadership skills.
If we consider the degree of aggressiveness of the dog, the breeds can be placed in the following order in descending order: Caucasian Shepherd, Rottweiler, German Shepherd Dog, Black Terrier, Mongrel, Doberman, Eastern European Shepherd, Rescue Schnauzer, Boxer, Labrador, etc. Dogs of more aggressive breed hardly suitable for families with young children.
Never leave a child alone with a dog, regardless of its breed! A child can pull a dog by the tail, pull it by the ears or somehow provoke aggression. Explain to the child that you can not hurt the pet, you can not disturb him or make him play with food or sleep. However, be careful not to be too strict with the child, which can alienate him permanently from the dog.
Do not be afraid of allergies! Of course, such a probability exists, but in general healthy and well-groomed dogs are not themselves a source of allergy. Allergies are not caused by animals, but by parasites that live on it.
Which breed to choose?
Before you choose dogs and understand that they are yours, you need to have a clear idea of the most common breeds. For example, for sports people who lead an active lifestyle, a small or medium-sized dog will be suitable - a setter, a spaniel and all kinds of terriers. They are very popular because of their cheerful disposition, but, unfortunately, their owners often doom them to a sedentary lifestyle. Remember that ideally a hunting dog needs to run at least 30 km per day!
For a big family, who loves spending time together in nature, dogs with a peaceful and accommodating nature approach dogs in a cottage with friends. Ideal in this regard labradors. Despite its small size, it is absolutely devoid of aggression. She loves everyone at once. She will fill you to death sooner than at least once bite. With her innate sense of responsibility, the labrador will become a good friend to the child.
For a good owner of a large country house, respected in society and wishing to see the order in everything, the dog-guard will do the trick. This is an Asian or Caucasian sheepdog or rottweiler. Such a dog will be the pride and "calling card" of a good owner, because the content of such a dog is not cheap. Such a dog should be trained by an experienced cynologist, so as not to pose a danger to your family members.
Young people leading an active life and loving clever and devoted dogs, able to protect and be at the same time a friend, the German Shepherd is ideal. Due to the high level of intelligence, this dog practically does not need special training (unless, of course, it is not about service in the police or other military service). Such dogs learn themselves. With them the main thing is to get in touch, trust them and love them - they will answer you the same and bring great pleasure from communication. But this dog will not suit old people because of its extreme activity and the need to move a lot.
Dogs fighting breeds are good for single boys, but are absolutely not suitable for living in a family. In some countries, they were officially banned from content without special permission.
Dogs of small breeds - lap-dogs, yorks and terriers - will suit any family. But the Chihuahua deserves special attention. This dog, despite its small size, has a "big" character. She is often aggressive towards other family members, except for one master, whom she chooses herself.
If you have at least one of the following factors, you should not start a dog:
- There is not enough space at home
- Disagreement of any family member
- Having a small child in the family
- Allergy to wool from you or another family member
- An irregular working day and / or long trips without a guarantee of substitution
- Nightlife that you are not going to change
Remember - in extreme cases you can always leave the dog with a supply of feed, but with the dog you also need to walk every 4-8 hours, depending on the breed and the age of at least one hour. In addition, there are many nuances associated with the characteristics of the breed.
You must unquestionably have a dog if:
- You have lived for many years a dog, she recently died, and you feel that now there is something missing
- You love animals and have the opportunity to take long walks
- You want to accustom yourself or your children to responsibility and love dogs very much. And keep it to you conditions.
- Your child has long been dreaming about it. You will be surprised how communicating with four-legged friends will make your children more happy and help in the development of moral, physical and intellectual qualities. They will gladly learn, suppressing their own selfishness.
- You have elderly relatives who have a lot of free time and who love animals. A dog is an ideal companion for pensioners. After all, they often have a strong lack of social life and suffer from a feeling of worthlessness. So a dog can be literally a source of vitality and energy.