Dog Pawlor » Adoption

New Dog Check List

Noriko — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 04:36:31 +0000

Welcoming a new dog into your home is a big happy event, but it can also be overwhelming. Your new dog is anxious to become a part of your family and counting on you to get the proper care. To make this process a little easier, we compiled a checklist.

Homecoming Gear

Collar and Leash
ID tag
Carrier, Cage or Crate
Bed
Food
Food and Water Bowls
Food Storage Bin
Dog Care Book
Toys

Basic Grooming/Hygiene Gear

Brush and Comb
Nail Clippers
Shampoo
Dental Care
Ear Care
Pooper Scooper

Services

Veterinarian
Groomer
Trainer

How to Choose a Dog

Noriko — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 03:09:00 +0000

So you’ve decided to add a dog to your life, but what kind of a dog? There are many factors to consider – dog’s age, size, breed, etc… Choosing a dog that matches your lifestyle is another aspect you need to consider. It is very important to do some homework and figure out what you are looking for before you actually begin your search for a new companion.

Here are some things to consider…

Your Lifestyle

Selecting a dog that matches your life style is very important. For instance, if you are living in a small apartment, a dog that is large and high energy is not the best choice. However, if you are active/athletic and have a large yard, this type of dog can be the best match for you.

Dog’s Age – Puppy or Adult?

You must admit – it is hard to resist those cute cuddly puppies with droopy eyes. However, puppies usually require much more attention than older dogs. You will need a lot of time and patience – housetraining and correcting unwanted behaviors such as chewing and jumping. The advantage of getting a puppy is that you can be sure that he/she receives proper care during puppy hood, such as proper nutrition and socialization.

Getting a more mature dog can bring as much joy as getting a puppy. The major advantage of getting an older dog is that the dog is usually already housebroken and passed the destructive chewing phase. Some dogs may take a little longer to adjust to new surroundings at first, but with just a little patience, he/she will soon become a wonderful part of your family.

Purebred or Mixed Breed?

If you are planning to compete in dog shows or looking for a breed with specific characteristic, you would probably want to find a reputable breeder or contact a purebred rescue group for that breed. Animal shelters also have many purebreds. The American Kennel Club is an excellent source of finding out about purebreds. All purebreds have specific breed standards. Therefore, if you get a purebred puppy, you will have a good idea on his/her size, appearance and temperament.

Mixed breeds are combinations of different breeds, so if you can tell the predominant breed of a mixed-breed puppy, you can still predict his/her physical and behavioral traits. Mixed breeds have combined traits of different breeds, thus they are more likely to be free from breed specific health problems.

Adopt a Shelter Dog

Noriko — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 20:24:10 +0000

If you are looking for a canine companion, why not visit your local animal shelter? Many pets are waiting for someone like you, a caring person who provides a loving home. Animal shelters have a great selection and you will probably find “the one” you are looking for.

If you are concerned about the background of shelter animals, don’t worry. Most shelters screen the animal for health and temperament prior to putting up for an adoption and they make every effort to collect history of the animal. Shelter staff can also answer questions about the dog you are interested in.

You should be able to find your local animal shelter in Yellow Pages under “animal shelter” or “humane society.” You can also use websites like Adopt-a-Pet.com and Petfinder.com.

And remember, by adopting a dog from a shelter, you are saving a precious life. Unless the shelter has “no-kill” policy, about half of the animals in shelters in the United States are euthanized each year simply because there are not enough homes for them.