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Choosing A Family Dog

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Choosing a Dog for Family

How To Choose The Right Dog For You or Your Family

Choosing the right dog for your family should be a well researched process that must not be taken lightly. Such things that must be taken into consideration, include:

1. Is your family capable of making up to 15 years commitment to insure the health the safety of your pet.
2. Are the members of your family old enough?
   Often toddlers and young children are not suited for young puppies or temperamental toy dog breeds. Reason being puppies have very sharp toe nails and 'milk teeth' and teethe and scratch children. The child can become angry and frustrated with the puppies attention and your pet becomes a something that is feared rather than cherished.
3. Are your children sensitive and respectful individuals?
   If this is the case, then your family would most likely benefit more with a medium to large sized dog. However, regardless of your decision, no small children should be left alone with a dog.
4. Are there elderly or frail / sick adults in the family?
   Under these circumstances, adolescent dogs that are live-wire in nature are not suitable for fear of injury.
5. Who Will Be the Primary Caregiver to the Dog?
   In the past you could always expect Mother to stay home and keep things in order … cook, clean and bring up the family pet. However, time has changed and family dynamics require both parents to be at work, pick up the kids from soccer practice. There needs to be one person as designated care-giver. A child cannot be charged with the responsibility of looking after the family dog.

In a nutshell, the selection of a new puppy or dog should be done, considering the physical capabilities of those it will be living amongst. Choosing a family dog should include the buy-in from all family members. Selecting a dog as a gift is not really appropriate … check with the rest of the family and ask them what is important to them and choose a dog that compliments the overall personality of your family.