How To Choose The Right Dog Breed For Your Family

At some point or another, most kids will beg their parents for a dog. Those who have had a dog before or have always wanted one may be considering giving in to their child's plea. However, before parents make any decisions, they should think about which breeds are best suited for their family.

Why is Choosing the Right Breed Important?

Like children, dogs are a lot of work. They require care, attention and exercise. If they do not get these things, they could wind up being sick or unhappy.

Because dogs rely on their owner to provide them with a good life, families should not take on dogs that they cannot handle. Choosing the wrong breed could mean that the dog and/or the family do not get their needs met.

How to Find Information on Dog Breeds

The simplest way to get information on dog breeds is to look on the AKC website. This website lists every dog breed and talks about issues such as:

Jack Russell 

- Exercise requirements. High energy dogs such as Jack Russell terriers should not be adopted unless the family has time to walk them every day.

- Grooming requirements. Some breeds require more grooming than other dogs. For instance,

Maltese terrier

Maltese terriers need to have their fur trimmed regularly. If this is not done, their hair may mat.

Labrador

- Temperament. While all dogs can sweet with the proper training, some of them have a milder temperament than others. Labradors are known for being good with children while terriers have a reputation for being "nippy" and loud.

Border Collie

- Trainability. When a dog is easily trained, life becomes much easier for the dog owner. Untrained dogs tend to misbehave more often.

Are Some Breeds Better for Children Than Others?

Highly trainable breeds are great with children as they are eager to please. Some examples of these breeds are Labradors and Golden Retrievers. Breeds like German Shepherds and Border Collies are also highly trainable.

Although, some parents would rather not get specific breeds, all breeds are good with children if they are trained and socialized properly. The size of the animal should also be considered.

Great Dane

Many people (especially men) have never imagined themselves owning a small dog. While this is fine, dogs that are too large may not be suitable for certain conditions. Large dogs require a lot of space and this could be a problem if they are living indoors. They also eat a lot more food.

Chihuahua

Small dogs such as the Chihuahua are nervous around small children. This is because smaller children tend to play more roughly than adults. A pull on a tail could lead to the dog feeling threatened and reacting aggressively.

Bichon

Finally, health problems need to be assessed. If a breed is known for having certain health problems, parents may not want to adopt the dog. Illnesses and medical problems can result in high vet bills. If anyone is allergic to dogs, a dog that does not shed much should be chosen.

Taking a little bit of time to choose the right dog is important and can make for a happy household.

Source:https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6058542778250350059#allposts/postNum=6

Get Healthy With Your Dogs Help

You're probably asking how can my dog help make me healthy. Simply put he can get you off the couch and outside for a long walk or an afternoon of throwing a ball or a toy for retrieval games.

I think that everybody knows that it is a proven well documented fact that people who own dogs live longer. That isn't just because you own a dog it is because it gives you something to care for and be active with.

In fact another well documented fact is that people with dogs have better mental health as well. Of course I think we have all known at least 1 wacko in our lives that had a dog so there are exceptions to that rule.

So let's talk about some things you can do to get healthier with your dog.

1. Go for a daily walk. Walking 10,000 steps a day will go a long way to keeping you healthy. A one hour walk will give me 5500 to 6000 steps so I am well on the way to the 10,000 steps that I have for a daily goal.

2. Get involved in some type of dog sport. If losing weight is a goal of yours then you may want to consider agility training. Agility training involves all types of jumps and obstacles for your dog. You are running along with your dog and getting some great exercise.

3. If you feel that your dog may have what it takes to be a search and rescue dog you may want to consider joining a local SAR group. Your dog may be used for detection work as a cadaver dog or possibly for tracking a lost child. Getting involved with an SAR group will get you up and moving for the training as well as any real emergency situation.

4. Get involved with A.K.C. obedience trials with your dog if you both enjoy doing obedience. There are literally dog shows all over the country each and every week-end.

5. A.K.C. also now offers tracking competition. So if obedience is not your dog's thing but it has a good nose then tracking just may be what you both need.

As you can see there are a bunch of different things you can do with your dog to get you healthier and to keep you that way. A dog can make you happier and one thing to remember is that a nice dog can be a great way to meet the opposite sex. That's right your next partner may just be that person that approaches and asks about your dog. 

Good luck!

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Get-Healthy-With-Your-Dogs-Help&id=8479813