So your family has decided you want a dog: congratulations! Dogs can bring so many wonderful things to your family’s lives: companionship, unconditional love and a great excuse for exercise. While people have many commitments, relationships and chores to a dog you are his entire world.

BE PREPARED:

You might think that this just includes stocking up on kibble and chew toys, but being prepared starts before you even go pick out or adopt a dog. Research different breeds and find out which breeds might be best for your family. For instance, a Labrador puppy requires lots of exercise to be happy and well-adjusted. Pitbulls need a strong leader to help them distinguish between right and wrong. Cocker spaniels, while easy-going, thrive best in an environment where they will be around people as much as possible. Even mixed breed dogs will carry traits from their ancestors. Be realistic in what your family can handle. If you are a family that loves hiking, then a more “sporting” breed could be right for you. If your family prefers puzzles and gardening, then consider a smaller “lap” dog.

BE PUNCTUAL:  

New dogs, and especially puppies, require routine. While no dog will come home perfect, accidents on the rug and chewed up slippers can be greatly reduced by giving your dog some structure. This can be turned into a wonderful family activity with children and parents taking turns walking your dog, letting it outside to do it’s business, and feeding. Have a family meeting beforehand to divide up tasks and mark them on the calendar. Explain to children that, no matter how tired they might be, their puppy can’t walk himself and needs them to do it everyday.

BE PATIENT:

No dog, no matter the breed or age or cost, will come home perfect. Eventually, your dog will do something you don’t like. They might take months to fully toilet-train. Or they might be like my wonderful doggie, who is terribly afraid of thunder. You must be patient, as much as you are with your children. Positive-reinforcement and treats for good behavior work wonders. My husband and I have worked with dogs for several years and one thing that we have found that helps is a daily walk. A tired dog is a well-behaved and happy dog. Don’t be afraid to check out books or research on the Internet. Dogs have been travelling with man for thousands of years, so use your instincts!

BE PRESENT:

While dogs aren’t people, they do love to be around other living things. Socialize your dog. Sign up your dog and whole family for agility classes. If you can take your dog on vacation with you, do it. Before you bring home a dog, or any pet, make sure someone in your household can spend time with that animal everyday. Make sure children are supervised with your new dog until it gets used to it's surroundings. Use a stuffed dog to teach children about the right ways to pet a dog. (Remember, Spot doesn't like it when you pull his leg!)

BE A HERO:

Please consider getting your new dog from your local animal shelter. If there is a specific breed that your family wants (I’m quite partial to Chihuahuas) then look on the internet for rescue groups or on petfinder. There are so many wonderful, beautiful dogs in shelters all across the country just wishing on every star that someone will adopt them. There is a misconception that dogs in shelters are there because they are bad. Quite often animals are put into shelters because people move, or their owners pass away, or simply aren’t wanted anymore. Some people might disagree with me but I believe, in my heart, that a shelter dog always remembers that you rescued them.

I hope you and your dog have a lifetime of happy memories together!