The Right Way to Raise a Dog
As a volunteer at an animal shelter I see a lot of dogs. While some are strays or confiscations many more are owner surrenders. There are many reasons for this sad occurrence. Moving is a big excuse. People just don't want the effort or financial trouble of taking their "baby" with them when they move. More often, however, are the people who buy that cute little puppy in the pet store window without any consideration as to whether it will be a good companion. When Fifi or Roxie or Rex starts shedding, eating shoes, having accidents on the rugs and growling at the kids, we see him. By that time Fifi is rarely a cute, adoptable little puppy. She is an under socialized adolescent that only the bravest rescuer will take on. As the Christmas season is coming up I wish to add my voice to the chorus of others telling pet owners, and potential pet owners, how to best care for their companions.
To start with, one must choose an animal that fits one's lifestyle. Too often a person buys the husky pup, only to be dismayed when it grows into a sixty pound monster shedding bags of hair daily. Or perhaps your daughter is dying for a "teacup" Chihuahua, made so popular by the stars. The only problem is that her three year old brother repeatedly threatens the dog's welfare with his rough "play."
If you have small children, don't get a small dog. Small dogs, contrary to popular belief, are not the better option for little boys and girls. The dogs are easily injured by childhood clumsiness and have personalities that tend towards excitable aggression.
If you have allergies, avoid a dog that sheds like a bear. While you're at it, avoid those two thousand dollar mutts that are supposed to be "hypoallergenic." Crossing a poodle or other "non-shedding" dog does not necessarily produce a "non-shedding" dog. Oh, and contrary to what those so-called "breeders" say, every dog sheds at least a little. So, caveat emptor.
For the love of Dog, find a companion that fits your energy level. If you don't want to spend hours a day exercising the dog, don't get a high energy or working breed. Avoid the Border Collies and German Shepherds. Think "calm." Better yet, get a fat and lazy cat. And if you insist on having a large dog in a small space, be prepared to walk it... a lot.
As the famous line in Indiana Jones goes, "You must choose...but choose wisely." Many of the uninformed consumers purchase animals from pet stores, flea markets and backyard breeders. Unfortunately, these animals are not bred for stable minds and good health. Imagine the horror of buying a cute little Golden Retriever for Jimmy, only to have it die three months later of a genetic defect. Or perhaps you get a Labrador for Samantha's playmate. Everything goes well for a year or so, until the dog reaches puberty. Then one day he shows his teeth and makes a run her.
To avoid such incidents, carefully research the breeder from whom you intend to buy a dog. Ask to see veterinary certifications showing good health for the sire and dam. Also, check the personalities of the sire and dam to see what you will likely be getting in the puppy. If you are going through a rescue or shelter, ask how long the animal has been with them and how it has interacted with people while there. Reputable shelters and rescues do temperament testing, so you can be fairly sure you are getting a stable dog even if the background is unknown.
Now that Fifi is home with you, train her! Unlike Lassie, real dogs do not automatically know how to behave in their human "pack." You must teach your pup where to go to the bathroom, not to jump, not to chew, come when you call, walk on a leash. Even the smallest of dogs need this training to feel comfortable and secure in their homes. For large dogs, training is necessary to maintain a safe environment for every one involved.
Please, don't buy a dog on impulse. I have seen too many good dogs die because the people who bought them were looking for instant gratification and not a fifteen year commitment. Since your dog will be living with you for fifteen years, playing with your children and sharing your home, take the extra time and effort to find a dog that closely suits you. Make sure the dog has the genes to succeed, and then nurture and shape him into the ideal companion. Give Fifi a chance at life from the start. May I never see her lost and lonely, looking for love.
