Getting Prepared for Dog Ownership in Highlands Ranch

There are a few things to consider that you’d like in a dog.

1) Size- do you want a dog to sit in your lap or one you can ride?

2) Energy level- are you someone who spends most of your time indoors and on the couch or are you a triathalon athlete?

3) Maintenance- do you mind combing your dog every day and filling the vacuum bag every week with hair, or do you prefer a more easy to handle coat?

4) Age- a brand spankin’ new puppy, a young dog or an adult? Each has benefits and drawbacks–you usually don’t have to housetrain a young or adult dog, but you may have tountrain a few things as well.

5) Where to get your new dog- from a reputable breeder, a neighbor with an unexpected litter, or a rescue? Keep in mind over 7 million dogs and cats are euthanized every year because of overpopulation. We found our dog on Pet Finder, and Adopt-a-Pet is a great site, too.

6) Do you have children- not all dogs do well with a toddler pulling on their ears and trying to ride them like horses, but some breeds seem to love it.

7) Ease of training- do you want a dog that you have to work with constantly to bring out the sit and shake in them, or is an easily trainable dog more to your liking? i.e. “Rover, go turn the lights off, please.”

8) Breed restrictions- many apartments complexes have restrictions on breeds allowed. Check with your landlord before getting a dog, and if you plan to move in the future to another apartment keep the major restrictions in mind.

Information courtesy of http://solorya.hubpages.com

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