Archives for Adopting A Dog category
Where To Find Cheap Dog Insurance
The thing to do is to figure out where to find cheap dog insurance and still get your money’s worth. It is worth shopping around for cheap dog insurance. If you have recently welcomed a pet into your family or are considering doing so for the first time, you are probably surprised at how much pet health insurance can cost.
In many cases, a veterinarian is hooked up to a particular insurance provider that they will suggest you sign up with. So if you already know the veterinarian that you want to use, that might be the way to go. However, you are not likely to get the cheapest deal that way.
You can often find a better plan online, but do check that your veterinarian will work with the other company – or ask the insurance company for the address of an approved veterinarian in your area.
The problem with cheap dog insurance – or any kind of cheap insurance – is that the companies usually reduce the amount of cover so that they can offer a lower price. This means that if you go for the cheapest pet insurance you will often find that you are not covered for all of the costs that you expected.
Some cheap dog insurance policies may not cover vaccination shots. Others may not cover the most serious diseases or any pre-existing condition – that is a health problem that your dog already has – even if you don’t know about it.
This means that it is very important to read the fine print. You may even want to get a quote from a very expensive plan so that you see everything that is covered. That makes it easier to figure out what is NOT covered in the cheaper plans that you are considering.
If you look for cheap dog insurance online, you will have more chances to compare prices. The alternative is to call a lot of insurance companies, and that takes time. Also, you probably wouldn’t be able to call as many as you could find on the internet.
The advantage of calling the companies is that you can sometimes get a better deal that way. This is especially true if you have seen a good offer online.
For example, let’s say you prefer a particular veterinarian who is approved for company A’s pet insurance plan. You want to go to that veterinarian but company A is not the cheapest alternative. But if you can go online and find a cheaper plan that offers all of the same cover, you can call company A and say, “Hey, I really want to sign up with you, but company B is doing the exact same insurance plan for X dollars less. Can you offer me an improved deal?”
In that situation they will often reduce their price for you. But you have to be sure that the cover is the same across the two plans, otherwise they will simply explain that their policy is more expensive because it is better.
So the best place to find cheap dog insurance is on the internet, but it is often worth negotiating either on price or on cover to get a good deal from an insurance company that your veterinarian recommends.
Enjoy the new article Where To Find Cheap Dog Insurance from Dogs & Puppies Adoption Blog and here are some of the other pet and dog sites that I currently operate. Hope you can find all of the information about dogs and caring for dogs that you are looking for through these sites.
Teri’s Dogs
Puppies & Pooches
TC Pet Stop
The Puppy Blog
Technorati Tags: cheap dog insurance, where to find cheap dog insurance, dog insurance, veterinarian, insurance provider, cheap insurance
Jan 29, 2012 | | Adopting A Dog
The Best Pet Insurance For Your Pets
Off topic about dogs is what this articleis about. If you have a pet then this is about the best pet insurance for your pets. What is the best pet insurance that you can buy? It is the one that suits your pets and your circumstances. There is not just one best pet insurance plan that would be a good fit for everybody. If there was, that plan would be the only one available and everybody would sign up for it!
The huge number of pet health insurance companies is a sign that there is room for a lot of variety in this market. On top of that, just about all of the companies offer more than one plan. So if you want to find the best pet insurance, you will need to look at more than one policy. We will give you some tips on how to do that.
First, you can be pretty sure that any pet insurance company will have different plans for dogs and cats. This is because the costs, needs and lifespan of these animals is not the same. Dog insurance usually includes liability cover, so that the insurance will help you if your dog attacks somebody or damages their property.
Cats do not need this cover. This is partly because cats are not so likely to cause serious injury or damage, but more importantly it is because owners are not held responsible for their cats in the same way. A person is expected have a dog on a leash or under effective control any time it is outside their own home. So if your dog attacks another dog, that is likely to be considered your fault for not controlling the dog. But a cat wanders around the neighborhood freely on its own and you are not expected to control it in the same way.
It is possible that the owner could be held responsible for the actions of a cat – for example if you knew that your cat had AIDS, and you allowed it to go out and infect other cats – but it is much less likely. In that example, it would be difficult to be sure that it was your cat and not some other cat that had caused the infection.
Some companies also offer insurance for other animals. You will usually find these plans listed under ‘exotic animals’. You may not think that your pet is very exotic if you have a rabbit or a hamster, but these plans cover most small and unusual animals. They are mostly designed for the owners of valuable pets who want to insure them against loss, e.g. theft or accidental death. Horses are not usually covered by pet insurance but by specialist equine or agricultural insurance plans.
Most companies offer a discount if you are insuring more than one pet, so it is worth making sure that you sign up with a company that offers plans for all the types of pet that you own. There are also several other variables that you will need to consider, including the age of your pets (some plans do not cover older pets), whether they are of a breed that is known for hereditary health conditions, and financial factors.
For dogs and cats, most pet insurance companies offer more than one option. The more expensive plans cover more diseases, have higher claim limits and lower deductibles. Budget plans may require a co-payment, so that even after the deductible payment, the insurance company only pays 90% of the cost of any treatment.
This means that shopping around for pet health insurance can be complicated. It is very important to read the policy carefully before you sign up, and this can be time consuming if you are considering more than one plan. However, you will not regret spending the time to find the best pet insurance for you.
Enjoy the new article The Best Pet Insurance For Your Pets from Dogs & Puppies Adoption Blog and here are some of the other pet and dog sites that I currently operate. Hope you can find all of the information about dogs and caring for dogs that you are looking for through these sites.
Teri’s Dogs
Puppies & Big Dogs
All About Dogs
Because You Love Your Dog
Jan 29, 2012 | | Adopting A Dog
The Basset Hound – Laid Back And Loving
The Basset Hound (if you want a purebred) or a Basset Hound mix (if you don’t mind not having a purebred) can be a Medium/Large dog that typically weighs between 45-75 pounds. Their height averages between 11″ to 15″.
The Bassett is long and low and their height/weight ratio makes their already short legs look even shorter. In fact, their name comes from the French word “bas” which means low. Their gentle, loving, patient nature makes them an excellent companion dog for the home while their keen sense of smell and hunting instincts continue to make them excellent hunting companions.
Recognized by the AKC in 1885, the acceptable colors for the Basset Hound are a variety of hound colors, but they are typically white with chestnut or sand colored markings. The fairly dense coat is short, straight, hard and smooth. Their coat is easy to groom and only requires an occasional brushing and shampooing.
This loving, gentle dog is perfect for family life. For the mix breed the colors are not important.
They are excellent and patient with small children, even when they are not socialized with them. They are affectionate with their family and love to be around their family. They are great with other dogs and pets as well, although early socialization is good for non-canine pets because they might chase them due to their hunting instincts.
They are easy going and fairly inactive when they are inside, making them great for apartment life as they enjoy relaxing and laying around inside. They are more active outdoors and require regular play, exercise and time to run. If you don’t have a yard, you should plan to at least take them on a daily walk.
They are fairly easy to train, but if they are on the trail of a scent, they will not pay any attention to you. For this reason, a fenced in yard is best. They have a tendency to gain weight, so monitoring their food intake and giving them ample exercise is important.
The Basset Hound originated in France and dates back hundreds of years. Their ancestry can be traced back to the Bloodhound.
Originally used as hunting dogs, the Basset Hound uses its excellent sense of smell to track animals. Even though they can still be used for hunting, they are seen more as companion dogs today. If you like when you take your Basset out for a walk there is an excercise you can do that will keep his mind active for what he was bred for without having to actually hunt.
What you do is make up a puree of whatever his fav meal is and put it into a squeeze bottle. Then you just make trails for him to follow with his fantastic sense of smell. This will make your pup very happy and doing what he loves doing best.
Few breeds equal the Basset Hound’s gentle, forgiving, laid back nature. They are perfect for active families and for those that just enjoy an occasional walk provided their Basset Hound can have daily outside time. Whether you have small children or other pets or dogs, the Basset Hound can fit into just about any type of family dynamic with little to no adjustment problems.
Enjoy the new Dogs & Puppies Adoption Blog article on Basset Hounds and here are some of the other pet and dog sites that I currently operate. Hope you can find all of the information about dogs and caring for dogs that you are looking for through these sites.
Puppies & Big Dogs
Teri’s Dog Training Tips
The Puppy Blog
Technorati Tags: Basset Hound, laid back and loving, Basset, Basset Hound mix, hunting, sense of smell, great with children, apartment dog
Jan 09, 2012 | | Adopting A Dog, Adopting A Puppy
Hybrid Dog – It’s Not A Mutt
Thinking of adopting a dog or puppy, why not try a hybrid dog. What is a hybrid dog? It’s not a mutt but a mix of more than one purebred dog. Every day we hear more about the new “hybrid” dogs, or “designer” dogs. Each feature is accompanied by pictures of adorable puppies that are examples of this new “breed”. Of course they’re cute! All puppies are!
Should you pay hundreds, and in some cases, thousands of dollars for one? Certainly not! The offspring of a mating between two purebred dogs of different breeds is a mongrel, a mutt as some people like to refer to them. But it doesn’t have to mean that it is one. And if you have one, you should love it, train it and care for it as if it had the bluest blood of the canine kingdom.
Every dog breed, and there are hundreds in the world, was “created” by humans. Each breed was developed for a specific purpose – whether that original job was guarding the flock or being the ideal lap-dog. There’s no reason that development shouldn’t continue. If there is a need for a dog with particular characteristics, enterprising individuals will come forward to fill that need. However, it takes many generations to “breed true.”
Compare yourself to your siblings. Do you all have the same looks, same personality, same interests and strengths? Chances are, you don’t. Each of you has some of the “best” traits of your parents. But those may not be the same traits. And each of you has some of the worst.
Two of the best-known mixed-breeds out there now are the “Golden Doodle” and the “Puggle.” The thinking behind these crosses is fairly obvious: wouldn’t it be nice to have a Golden Retriever’s personality and willingness to please combined with the Poodle’s non-shedding coat and intelligence? Wouldn’t it be equally delightful to have a small dog without the breathing issues of a Pug, but quieter than a Beagle? But there is no way of knowing you won’t get a high-strung, noisy, stubborn, slobbering mutt who sheds like the dickens!
If you are considering spending the kind of money that these “hybrids” are commanding, be sure to research all of the traits of the contributing breeds. You will get a mixture of the two. And an equally adorable mixture may be waiting for you at your local shelter – the size you want, with the coat you want and the adorable face that melts your heart.
If you require certain characteristics in your puppy – whether a family member has allergies, or you have a very small, or no yard, or your household requires a quiet, “easy keeper,” or if you wish to fully participate in the world of canine competition, consider a pure-bred animal. There are over 150 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club. Research them at www.akc.org. Surely one of them is right for you.
If you want to check out some of these hybrid dogs you can try the site Dog Breed Info. It lists an extremely wide variety of hybrid dogs along with photos and info on the breeds.
Technorati Tags: dogs, small dogs, puppy, puppies, hybrid dog, designer dog, puggle, golden doodle, purebred, purebreed, adopting a dog, adopting a puppy, Dogs & Puppies Adoption, TC Champigny
Nov 12, 2011 | | Adopting A Dog
Top Considerations For Purchasing A French Bulldog
The top considerations when purchasing a French Bulldog is first knowing what you want. As with most breeds you want to consider body type, size, gender and health problems, just to name a few things.
Breeders today are simply enjoying what they do, not just because they are surrounded by the creatures that they love, but also because they are able to make a living out of it. The reason behind this is more people today are purchasing dogs. This may be because of several reasons; some see them as the ultimate in home safety, while some have them for companionship, whatever your reasons are you’ve definitely made a good decision.
Dogs have always been known as the best pet to have, and for so many reasons that need not be elaborated. And presently, many dog lovers have found that the French Bulldog is one of the top choices.
Like cuddly teddy bears, French Bulldogs have an appeal all of their own. They possess the same stocky and muscular, sometime fearsome look, but they are also diminutive and lovable. And although purists would prefer purebred French Bulldogs, you have to know that there are a variety of French Bulldogs available in different colors and sizes. So once you have decided that you are ready to own a French Bulldog, here are some of the considerations that should know to help you decide which type of French Bulldog to purchase.
Type Of Body And Size
Yes, they have the same body type, to a certain extent. Some French Bulldogs are stockier while some are much thinner. Some have longer legs, while others are lower to the ground. Depending on their lineage, you will be able to choose, based on their parents, what type would best suit your preference. Some are noticeably bigger as well. If you want to let your dog join a show later on, you can check the American or Canadian Kennel Club for their minimum and maximum requirements.
Gender
Some say that female French Bulldogs are more susceptible to training. And this consideration is based on the fact that if you want to produce a litter later on. This though depends on the breeder that you bought the dog from. Some do not allow their dogs to produce offspring and requires them to be spayed or neutered.
The Bloodline
There is then the bloodline of the dog and the reputation of the breeder. Once again, if you want your dog to be entered into competitions, having champion parents will help boost the chances. To do this, you must be able to get proof of their registration with the AKC/CKC and proof of their champion win. A reputable breeder will be able to show all of this to you. If you want a dog for show make sure you only get your dog from a reputable breeder. If you want you dog for just as a pet then you can be a little more lenient.
Health Problems
One thing you must remember is that each purebred breed has their own particular health problems. Make sure that you become aware of what specific health problem French Bulldogs are likely to get. A breeder should be able to show you the health history of the bloodline of the dog. Also, the results of the health tests on the puppy should be produced. This will help ensure that you are getting a healthy French Bulldog puppy.
Check Yourself
And lastly, check on yourself. See if you are indeed ready to take on the responsibility of being a responsible owner. Not only emotionally, but also financially and have ample time and space to dedicate to owning a dog.
These are just some of the top considerations for purchasing a French Bulldog. Enjoy your new French Bulldog buddy, you won’t regret it.
Technorati Tags: top considerations, purchasing a French Bulldog, French Bulldog, breeders, dogs, body type, size, gender, bloodline, health problems, Dogs & Puppies Adoption Blog, TC Champigny
Sep 28, 2011 | | Adopting A Dog
Learn How To Spot A Good French Bulldog Breeder
Learn how to spot a good French Bulldog breeder and get the perfect dog for you. Here are just a few things to check out about finding a breeder for French Bulldogs if you want a purebred dog instead of a mixed breed dog.
There is nothing wrong with mixed breed dogs, they can be as loyal and a great companion as any other dogs. But if you’re out in the market for something that you can be sure about in terms of temperament, health concerns, and the precise look of the dog when it grows up, then you should definitely go for a purebred. And if you also would like to join dog shows, then you should know that only purebreds are allowed to join. And if you’re like the thousands of Americans today, then you would most likely would want to have a French Bulldog as your pet.
Purebred French Bulldogs can be quite expensive. So if you’re going to spend a lot of money to have a great looking, loyal, and playful dog, then you have to be sure that it comes from a good breeder. A reputable breeder will be able to provide you a French Bulldog that is very beautiful, but a dog that you know will be able to give you the true experience of owning a French Bulldog. But first things first, how do you know if a breeder is trustworthy?
Many breeders have become such because they love their dogs. It is a source of income for many of them but mostly, it’s all about their love for that particular breed or several breeds. So, you need to see or discover for yourself whether a breeder is in it just for the money, meaning he skimps on whatever he can to make a profit, or is in the breeding game for the love of dogs. Here are some ways to help you learn this.
Be doubtful of breeders that advertise their puppies. Advertising cost money, so they are probably skimping on other costs, like maybe important health tests. And when the ads declare that their puppies are from champion lines or are sired from dog show champion parents without showing which pedigree it is, then be wary about that breeder. Do not be persuaded either by ads of breeders that boast of certification from the American Kennel Club.
And if you’re in the market for a pure bred French Bulldog because you may want to enter it into a competition, then don’t go to a breeder that sells puppies with a rare color. Although it may be enticing to have a unique French Bulldog, rarely are they qualified for competitions. Also, extreme sizes, either too small or bigger than normal, should not be bred, they can throw off the balance of the purebred line.
Reputable breeders share all information about their dogs, they even show it in their website. All photos and pedigrees are posted and all health concerns are shown as well. In fact, reputable breeders oftentimes enter competitions to show their dogs. This means that the dogs are very well cared for and they have great concern in maintaining the integrity of the breed.
And finally, but definitely not the last aspect in defining a reputable breeder, a breeder should always have tests for the health of their litter. They should let you know of the line has any recurring health concerns and should provide a guarantee or warranty that your French bulldog is healthy.
Learning how to spot a good French Bulldog breeder takes research and checking out their references. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and don’t be afraid to check them out. If you are willing to spend the kind of money it costs to buy a purebred French Bulldog then you should be willing to do what is necessary to find the right breeder.
Technorati Tags: learn how to spot a French Bulldog breeder, breeder, French Bulldog, purebred dog, purebred, dog, American Kennel Club, puppies, litter, reputable breeders, Dogs & Puppies Adoption Blog, Teri Champigny
Aug 17, 2011 | | Adopting A Dog, Breeders
Want To Adopt A Chihuahua?
What You Should Know About Chihuahua Breeders
So you are looking to adopt a Chihuahua. Here is a little of what you should know about Chihuahua breeders. The Chihuahua is believed to be first found in Mexico according to folklore and archaeological finds, but in fact their history is puzzling and there are many theories surrounding their origin. Chihuahua breeders have been producing the dog, which weighs between 1 and 6 pounds for decades now.
The Chihuahua is the smallest pure bread dog in the world. They are the only natural toy breed in the world as every other toy breed is a hybrid. Chihuahua breeders are proud of the long lineage of the breed.
The Chihuahua can be either smooth/short haired or long haired. Canada and the United Kingdom separates these two into separate breeds while the Kennel club in the United States considers them one breed.
While each Chihuahua has its own personality, in general, they are graceful, energetic and fast. They also tend to have “terrier like” qualities such as being alert, observant and keen.
The Chihuahua often stands up to dogs much bigger than itself. He or she is also very protective of their family. He is a good watch dog because he is fierce and very loyal, but does not make an effective guard dog because of his small size. The Chihuahua is also known as “Teacup” “Toy” or “Pocket” Chihuahuas. Celebrity women are often seen carrying the dog around in their purses or bags.
Chihuahuas tend to be long lived dogs. Some common genetic problems include Patellar Luxuation, eye problems, hypoglycemia, heart disease and tooth and gum ailments. When stressed or excited, a Chihuahua tends to shake or tremble.
Chihuahua breeders need to be ethical. If you are going to buy a Chihuahua, make sure the puppy’s parents have all of the health clearances.
Chihuahuas can be trained through “clicker training”. You click the clicker and give the dog a treat when she has done what you have asked her to do. This installs in the dog’s mind that when you click, she gets a treat. Once she knows the click means a treat, you can begin teaching her specific behaviors based on the click. Keep the initial training sessions short – 5 to 10 minutes – so that your dog doesn’t become bored. If you try do do a task that for too long a dog will become easily bored.
Clicker training can be used to promote every day good behavior such as sitting or more complicated behaviors such as turning around in circles.
You can adopt a Chihuahua thorough a breeder or you can rescue a dog from places like Chihuahua Rescue & Adoption: Adopt a Chihuahua in your area. If you are thinking of going through a breeder remember to ask your Chihuahua breeder whether your dog is in good health and is able to be trained. The Chihuahua is a great dog and Chihuahua breeders can help you pick out the best in the litter.
Technorati Tags: want to adopt a Chihuahua, what you should know, Chihuahua breeders, Chihuahua, long haired or short haired Chihuahuas, Mexico, small, toy, teacup, clicker training, dog, adult, puppy, adopting a Chihuahua, Dogs & Puppies Adoption, Teri Champigny
Jun 06, 2011 | | adopt rescue dogs, Adopting A Dog, Breeders
Adopting A Dog – Puppy Or Adult
So, you’re thinking about adopting a dog. Well, now you’ve got to consider whether you want an adult dog or a puppy. You will also consider if you want to adopt the the shelters, dog pounds, humane societies or a breeder. Adopting a dog whether an adult or puppy is a big responsibility. There is a lot to consider when you decide to adopt a dog. Are you really ready for it? Like having children you are tied more to your home and traveling can be a bit more of an experience and limited.
Everyone is surely going to get excited when trying to adopt a dog. Truly a man’s best friend, you can rely on your pet dog in giving you company, cuddling up together and some can even guard your house. You need to review your personal lifestyle and needs when adopting a dog. It is a major decision whether or not you would choose to have a puppy or an adult as a pet. Before deciding on which dog to adopt, here is some useful information that might help you decide.
On Puppies
Everybody loves a puppy but be aware immediately of the responsibilities of what a puppy needs and what it involves.
– Most pet owners love how puppies can be entertaining. They are very cute and adorable pets that is a hit for both children and grown ups. Puppies can be easily regarded as one of the family.
– You should adopt a puppy when it is at least 10 weeks old. Puppies need a lot of time to be cared for by their mothers. This is a crucial stage for them. They somehow gain a psychological advantage for both puppy and for the mother dog as well.
– Bringing up a puppy is an advantage because this means that you would guide its growth and well being. You would have the chance to raise it up according to what you want. This means you can ensure that it is properly nurtured with the right dog food, ensure that necessary dog shots are given and prevent heartworm at this early stage. Having your puppy personally trained is also a plus since you can teach him exactly what you want.
– A puppy can easily adjust to new surroundings as compared to an adult dog. Although most puppies may cause minimal to major damage to your personal stuff while they are in the stage of teething. They need to be housebroken and house training needs a lot of time, effort and patience from the owner.
– If you already have other pets like say a cat, then if you get a puppy that puppy would grow up with your cat or cats.
– There is no assurance of what a puppy would look like when it gets old; especially it is a mixed breed. Also, his temperament might change too when he grows up.
On Adult Dogs
– An adult dog is a great choice because in most cases the dog would already be house-trained and maybe even already have some basic training.
– You would have less of a fuss taking care of an adult dog. They already have this established behavior that you can easily adopt too. By being with the dog more often, you would have more or less an idea of what its temperament is.
– You need to get as much information that you can when adopting an adult dog. Take note of its habits and mood swings. You can acquire these valuable data from the previous owners of the dog. Some adult dogs may have some behavior issues especially if they are coming from shelters. It is important to take note of them.
– It may take some time and effort for an adult dog to be completely comfortable with a new owner. Let the dog become acclimated with his surroundings. He needs to get a lay of the land so to speak.
– Take note that you need to introduce an adult dog to your children and other household members. It is best to introduce an adult dog to the family members one at a time instead of all at once as this could confuse and startle the dog. This would help the dog become familiar with them and helps them refrain from biting or barking thinking that they maybe strangers.
– An adult dog may not need your full attention unlike puppies need and would require lesser trips to the veterinarian.
– For a fully grown dog, physique and behavior is basically not a variable anymore. What you see is basically what you get.
– Most dogs are housebroken already so they would cause lesser damage to your belongings and don’t wake up at night like most puppies do. But remember this is only the case if the dog was an inside dog and sometimes not even then depending on how and if they were trained at all. They have also over grown the impulse of chewing things he has his eyes on.
– An older dog might or might not adapt to other pets, like other dogs or cats, if you have a group of them at your household. In this case try introducing the other animals one at a time to see how they get along.
Adopting a dog is not an easy task and choosing which one to adopt can be a little tricky too. Everyone loves sweet looking puppies, but not everyone can stand up to the tiresome house-training. Though most would appreciate the bonding shared with them. Adult dogs need no great amount of guidance but can still turn out to be a lovable pet. Whichever you think is the right pet for you, just keep in mind that taking care of them needs a lot of time and effort. In return, they would always keep you company and has ready smile with an excited wag of tail waiting for you everyday.
When you decide to adopt a dog or a puppy try to remember all that is involved in owning a pet. There are a lot of responsibilities involved when owning a pet and your time would no longer be your own. Restrictions apply when you own a pet. If you are indeed ready then think of all the rewards and love you will reap from this relationship.
Technorati Tags: Adopting A Dog, Puppy Or Adult, puppies, dogs, puppy, dog, house-trained, housebroken, pets, adopting, adopt, Dogs & Puppies Adoption Blog, Teri Champigny
Mar 10, 2011 | | Adopting A Dog
Adopting A Dog
You’ve come to a point in your life when you’ve decided that you want to add a dog to your household and are thinking about adopting a dog or a puppy. Adopting a dog changes your life forever. If you have been thinking of getting a new dog, have you considered all the options available to you?
The obvious choice people make, when considering a new dog is to go to a specialized dog breeder. A good dog breeder will be able to sell you a puppy that has been checked for genetic problems, diseases etc and will very often provide you with a high quality pedigree dog that should be free from problems that plague a lot of dogs. This is ideal for a lot of people but of course will come at a price.
There is an alternative however – adopting a puppy or adult dog from a shelter.There are lots of dogs that are without homes at animal shelters or humane societies. These animals are often a victim of circumstance. Either an owner has died, or an elderly person cannot cope any more or somebody just doesn’t want them anymore. Sadly through no fault of their own, they have ended up homeless. Adopting a dog, may be a great way to offer a loving home to one of these dogs.
A lot of people are concerned that they may end up with an unhealthy dog, or a dog that may be aggressive by getting one from a shelter. Most animal shelters will check a dog for good health and good temperament, so if there are any problems you will be told about them. Also, a lot of shelters offer in-house training to increase the chances of a dog finding a new home. There are even some shelters that will let you have a trial home stay to see if the dog is right for you. Which is great for everybody!
The best way to go about adopting a dog is to pay a visit to your nearest animal shelter. Explain to the staff there, what kind of dog would suit you and your family. Bear in mind that if you have very small children, getting a large dog may not be a good idea. Similarly if you have an apartment, maybe think about getting a small dog that doesn’t require vast amounts of exercise. A bit of forethought before you arrive will make finding the perfect dog for you that much easier.
When you bring your new dog home, try and imagine things from her perspective. Your new dog has probably been through a lot in the past so bringing her to yet another new home may well be overwhelming. The best thing to do is keep her on a leash at first, and gradually introduce her to your home letting her sniff each room until she has got a feel for her new surroundings. Also take her to relieve her bladder outside if she has been on a long car journey with you.
Once she has settled down, allow her to walk freely off the leash inside your home (not outside off the leash yet). This will give her a chance to find ‘her’ spot. By this I mean her favorite place. We all have a favorite spot where we like to go, dogs are no different. If you have bought a new dog bed or blanket for your new arrival, this may be the place to put it. She will naturally go to that spot so having a comfy new bed there will help her settle in.
Your new dog may be very quiet for the first few days but don’t worry, this is part of the settling in process. After a short while your dog will be a fully settled in new member of the family.
Adopting from an animal shelter is a great way to get a new companion and a great way to make a new and happy future for your dog.
Technorati Tags: adopting a dog, adopting, adopt, dogs, dog, puppies, puppy, adult, dog breeder, breeder, shelter, animal shelters, humane societies, Dogs & Puppies Adoption Blog, Teri Champigny
Mar 05, 2011 | | Adopting A Dog
Adopting An Older Golden Retriever
Those of you who want a Golden Retriever but aren’t ready to go through the trials and tribulations of a puppy, should look into adopting an older Golden. Older Golden Retrievers are mature, and prove to be great in homes where they need to spend a quality amount of time by themselves. They are a very adjustable breed, being good tempered. No matter how old the Golden may be, he will quickly become a valued member of your family in little to no time at all.
Many times, breeders will have older dogs for sale. There are several reasons for this, which include show dogs that have lost their potential, studs that have been used for breeding, female Golden’s that have been bred a few times then retired, or other types of special conditions where a breeder is helping a friend get rid of his Golden Retriever. There are other reasons as well, although whatever they may be – the adult Golden Retriever will be available for anyone who wants him.
Most older Golden Retrievers are already housebroken, and know a lot of behavior patterns and how to adapt to a new and loving family. Although it will be a little hard on your new dog at first, if you give him plenty of love, attention, and patience, he’ll be just fine. You need to keep reassuring your new Golden on a regular basis, and let him know that you are his new owner and that you love you and you are glad he’s a member of your family.
If you have been thinking of adopting an older Golden Retriever, you should make sure that you learn everything you can about him. You should also determine his temperament, and whether or not it’s compatible with your family. You should also learn important things as well, such as his diet, likes, dislikes, daily routine, and his habits. Before you decide to take him, you should always make sure that the members of your family meet him as well, so you can talk it over and decide whether or not everyone wants the dog to be a member of your family.
With an older dog, you need to take care of him for the first days, and let him know where everything in your home is. You’ll need to show him where he sleeps, where he should use the bathroom, and where his food is. Take your time and be patient with him, as will normally take him a few days to learn how things in your home work.
You should always give your new Golden Retriever at least a month or so to get used to his new environment, before you start his new obedience training. Even though your new dog may have some prior obedience training, you should still enroll him in a new class. This way, he can brush up on training and you can work with him to help him understand. Once you have finished training, he’ll understand your commands better and you and him will get along just fine.
All Golden Retrievers, regardless of their age, love attention. Older Golden’s on the other hand, may have medical problems that you aren’t aware of. You shouldn’t let this stop you from getting one though, simply because the rewards that you’ll find are far greater than any cons that may come to mind. Although many people don’t give a lot of thought to getting an older Golden Retriever – they are perfect for families who don’t want to put up the time and troubles of raising a puppy.
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Feb 27, 2011 | | Adopting A Dog
