Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Carry Out Some Prior Research When Acquiring A Dog

By Bob Locker

If you are thinking about getting a golden retriever, make sure you do your research beforehand. Different breeds are cared for in different ways, and you should make sure that a golden retriever is the best match for you and your lifestyle before buying one.

Find out about the disposition of your preferred breed. If you won energetic and active dog that you can play Frisbee with and go for runs around the neighborhood, don't purchase a breed that is known for lolling around the house lazily and sleeping all day.

You may not want to groom a dog for an hour every day; any dog with a long and beautiful coat will require this. If not, that luxurious coat will soon become matted and disgusting with neglect. Be sure to ask the breeder about the grooming requirements of the dog and other questions regarding daily care, like how much exercise it needs.

You need to know how to take care of a dog before you get one. Giving up an animal because you did not do your research and found out that they needed more care than you are willing to give is irresponsible and unacceptable.

Inquire about the shots the dog has had. Any dog you buy should be up to date with their immunization records. This helps prevent them from getting sick and ultimately increases their life span.

All dogs should be spayed or neutered if you do not intend to breed them. This prevents unwanted dogs from being born and ending up in the pound, seized by animal control and destined for euthanasia.

If you must have a well behaved and trained dog, find out whether or not the dog you are about to buy has received any training. If not, be aware that training can be a long and arduous process. Some breeds are easier to train than others and you must keep this in mind when dedicating yourself to the training of a dog.

Also be aware of the potential health problems of your chosen breed. Some larger breeds suffer from hip problems, for example, and it is important to know what complications could arise in the future. This prevents you from being landed with a large vet's bill that you weren't expecting.

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