DON’T GET A DOG…
February 22, 2011
The following “don’ts” are only a guideline for best results. If you don’t follow or agree with my suggestions it doesn’t mean I wouldn’t speak to you or take you as a client. I know there are exceptions to every rule. I am expressing my professional opinion backed by many years of experience. I only want to help you avoid situations that could be detrimental to you and your pet.
… If you’re going to adopt a dog (small or large breed) and you’re pregnant! Most dogs- especially small dogs, don’t really like kids, poking, pulling, jumping (falling) on them, etc. especially if they haven’t been raised with them. Not all of these dogs will bite kids, but lots of kids do get bitten. WAIT! Have your baby, let them grow up several years, then adopt and raise your dog properly.
…From (most) pet shops. Most reputable breeders don’t usually sell their puppies to pet shops. Why? Because breeders care where the puppies are placed (homed). Breeders also want to make sure you know exactly what you’re getting yourself into, they don’t want their dogs or their dogs offspring to end up being abandoned, or given to a shelter or worst? I’ve read up to 90% of Pet shops in the U.S. get their puppies from puppy mill type operations. AND It’s big corporations that are backing these puppy mills. Many new regulations have made it more difficult for pet shops to buy puppies from puppy mills, and I’m sure if you have the time to do the research, you can find pet shops that are legitimate. I’ve heard from a pet shop owner here in Australia, who gets her puppies from a reputable breeder, Unfortunately though, this is not a Country wide practice.
…as a gift for someone. I shouldn’t need to explain why this is a bad idea, but this kind of thing happens more often than you might think. There’s a big difference between overhearing someone say; they want a dog, and them having to care for one day in and day out. Or a child saying they want a puppy, when they have no clue about the amount of care needed to owning a pet; heck, you have to remind them to brush their teeth everyday. Unlike a tie, or glass vase, this is one gift that if you have to return it, it could be the end of a life.
…unless you plan on taking the dog and you through puppy kindy, basic and advanced obedience courses. So many dogs are abandoned or returned to shelters only 3-6 months after adopting them because of behavior/control issues. Those issues could have been taken care of with a few lessons from a dog friendly trainer/behaviorist, and not much more time per day than you already spend with them. When I trained animal actors we would rescue dogs from shelters and turn them into working actors. It’s not the dog, it’s just the owners lack of knowledge.
… unless you’re going to socialize them before the age of 4 months. All dogs should be properly socialized and exposed to lots of strange children/adults who pet them, hug them, sleep (near) them, play and hand feed them. Doing this as early as possible, especially with knows aggressive breeds will greatly reduce aggressive behavior towards people. The benefits of early exposure outweigh the very small risk of a young puppy actually catching something from another dog.
…If the puppy your getting is under 7 weeks old. The period of 4-8 weeks is a crucial socialization period with the mother and other litter mates. It’s the best time to teach the puppy a few ground rules i.e. how to interact with other siblings, how to respect elders, how to read mother and siblings body language, not to wonder off, how to have a soft mouth (bite), learn the “Den” concept and a few other lessons. Puppies that are adopted under 6 weeks old are more likely to display aggressive behavior with their owner and have poor social skills with other dogs.
…If you have small children and the breed you’re getting has known aggressive tendencies or is an older dog. The danger is with any breed that wasn’t properly exposed to children under 4 months but even more so with known aggressive breeds. Watch for warning signs and hiring a professional behaviorist can help greatly reduce/cure aggressive behavior towards people. The number of dogs bites in the U.S., especially towards children is staggering.
…if the second dog is a puppy and your first dog is too old. A puppy can put an extra boost in a older dogs life, but if your first dog is too old, the new puppy just ends up being too much for the older dog’s frail body. Your older dog can’t defend himself and will have trouble communicating to the puppy to back off! The best time to add a new puppy is when your first dog is between 1 and 5-years old (large breeds) 1 and 9 years old (small breeds).
…I should say, don’t get 2 dogs at the same time, especially if they’re siblings. Yes they will keep each other company, but it’s also double trouble. In most cases you will barely have time to raise and train one of them properly, let alone both. In a dog-owner relationship you want your dog focused on you more than things around them. Getting 2 puppies at once, they will focus more on each other. It’s best to wait until your first dog is at least year and well trained before getting a second dog. A good idea is to adopt and train an older dog, then get your new puppy. That way they can keep each other company, plus you’ve saved a life.
… Based on looks alone, you have to realize what your getting yourself into. Some dogs are gorgeous, but can be a huge burden on you, your family and home. It’s difficult for me to recommend a breed, because all dogs require time and patience to do it right. I did post the top ten smartest breeds, thats a good place to start looking for a dog. Some breeds aren’t bred to be in certain living conditions and some owners shouldn’t be owning certain breeds. Unless you know exactly what your getting into and can provide whatever is needed, these are the breeds I would avoid owning. http://www.malibudogtraining.com/2009/08/12/10-breeds-to-avoid/
…If you have small children. When raising a child and dog together, one of them isn’t going to get the attention needed. It’ s best to wait until your child is at least 7 years old before getting a new puppy. A cat would be a better solution, but any animal will take away from the precious time you need for your child. Obviously there are exceptions to the rule but to do it right, you should wait.
…If you work long hours. A lonely bored dog will develop behavioral issues that usually leads to trouble! Luckily there are options for people with long working hours, dog walkers and doggy day care, however these exercise outlets don’t replace what you provide with companionship. If you get a new puppy, be prepared to take a few weeks off. I wouldn’t get any animal if I worked long hours. A dog sitting in the backyard is only learning things that will keep them there.
… Just because you have a backyard! ok, maybe having one- makes it nice when you don’t have time to walk them, but it shouldn’t be the main reason to get a dog or not. It’s not how big a home or backyard is, it’s what you do that makes you the perfect dog owner. When left alone a dog isn’t running laps in the backyard trying to make up his daily requirement of exercise. A lonely or bored dog will just develop bad habits like barking, digging, chewing, fence fighting and escaping etc. Getting a second dog may not be the answer either; sometimes it can help but usually just leads to double trouble. Whether you have a big backyard or a big dog in a small place it doesn’t matter, as long as you spend time with them exercising and educating.
