Title: The Dog Owner's Guide To Survival
Author: Alexey Baskakov
Word Count: 543
Welcome to the world of dog ownership. If you've done your due
diligence and research, then you probably are confident that you
have selected the right breed for your home. Guess what? The
education is about to begin. Let me introduce you to what I
refer to as the "Dog Owner's Guide to Survival." It's not a
book, but it is a common sense approach when it comes to canine
ownership.
Making a few common sense decisions regarding your new dog can
be critical when it comes down to laying the foundation to a
good relationship with the animal. One of the first
considerations is the position that dog will occupy from an
interaction standpoint. You should also think about that when
it comes to the animal's relationship with friends, neighbors,
and (especially) strangers who show up unexpectedly at your
home. You will find that in most instances, the relationship
will work if the dog and owner adapt to the situation that the
decisions have mandated.
Another point here is that you need to treat this relationship
the same way you would treat any other relationship, especially
relationships that you have with loved ones. Use the philosophy
of making the relationship work for all parties concerned and
you will have a much easier time of things. The key aspects are
adaptation to the relationship, amending the rules, and the act
of decision making.
To reflect back momentarily, what if you haven't decided on the
breed of dog that you want and are just starting to do your
research? Here's some suggested reading for you:
•Choosing a Dog for Dummies
by Chris Walkowicz/Trade paperback/2001
•Your Purebred Puppy : A Buyers Guide
by Michele Welton/Paperback/
•The Complete Dog Book (20th Ed)
by the American Kennel Club/Hardcover/
These three books are excellent reading. The one published by
the AKC is my first choice if you are getting that dog as an
investment (as in breeding) as well as a pet. The origin of the
breed, reasons for its development, personality, and physical
attributes is what I call critical need-to-know information. So
the first consideration is to select the breed based on studying
it from all angles and making sure that it will adapt to the
family lifestyle and temperament.
Personalities of breeds come in all shapes and sizes. Do you
want a dog that can hunt or pull a sled? Or do you want a dog
that is calm and loves to just hang out and relax? How about
the coat --- long-hair or short-hair? Obviously, if you really
love that animal, grooming will always be an issue. And by all
means, think about the climate zone that you're living in.
Here's a thought. If you live in the dessert, don't get a sheep
dog. Do you catch my drift?
Just remember that the physical and psychological aspects are
everything. Never take them for granted. Never assume that you
are doing all you can do for that animal's well being. Their
mental health controls their physical health, just like with
humans.
About The Author: Alexey Baskakov is a dedicated expert on pets
and canine health. Check out his dog supplies site at
http://www.dogsuppl
keep your best friend healthy.
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