Advice if youre thinking about adding a dog to your family: sit down and WRITE out what you envision living with that dog is going to be like. Then talk to friends who have dogs and see how close your vision matches the reality. Then talk to some vets, rescues, and shelter staff to see how closely they agree with your vision. THEN evaluate what you will do when the reality does not match the vision, because the odds are pretty darned good they wont. The start the process all over again, and see if, after getting input from all of those people, your vision has changed - because if it hasnt, you havent heard word any of them have said, and you probably are better off not getting a dog. And dont forget to research whatever breed you decide to get - if youre going with a purebred dog, spend a LOT of time researching through the breed clubs and breed rescues as youll get a pretty good idea of expected and acceptable temperament. If youre getting a mixed breed, find a trainer that you like - visit a few classes so that you know how they train and what is expected of a dog, then be ready to pay the trainer to go with you to evaluate any dog youre interested in. Sounds like a lot of work, I know, but it could save you a world of heartache in the end - and make rescues a lot less busy, which wed really like!
Posted on: Fri, 06 Jun 2014 22:32:11 +0000
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