A dog is for life. Choose wisely. (Dogs in General)

Member Name: goosey

Product:	Dogs in General
Date:	03/09/09 (158 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Unconditional love.

Disadvantages: Loss is unbearable.

I am being nagged to write a review. so while I await approval from dooyoo for a couple of my suggestions, I thought I would pop in a review about dogs in general.
so here goes.

All there is to know about dogs in general would fill many volumes and take forever to write, because knowledge of our cannine buddies is being added to, almost on a daily basis. - well it seems that way.

I cannot claim to be any kind of dog expert, despite them being a constant part of my life since my childhood - too many moons ago to mention! But, in that time, I have learned a few things about the different breeds, their characters and also perhaps, some of the better ways to handle them.

I still find it a mind boggling concept that all breeds of dog originated from the Wolf.
The tremendous diversity has been speeded along by man's intervention. I might also add, whilst on the subject of man's meddling, oops sorry, - intervention, that in the course of trying to perfect a particular feature of a breed; imperfections in other areas have been permanently introduced; for example, the Bulldog has been so grossly 'refined' and I use that term very loosely, sarcastically even, that the dogs health has been severely compromised. The Bulldog's nose has been so deformed that breathing problems are common; their bone structure, also altered to such an extent that their gait causes great discomfort.

Each breed of dog has its own set of characteristics. Terriers for instance, come in all shapes and sizes, but their main characteristic, I've found, is that they are incredibly wilful. They know what they want and how to make their wishes known. That is not to say they are being disobedient.

My Cairn terrier, Bingo, was a good example of this, although occasionally disobedient, he was expert at making me understand his wishes. My Yorkshire terrier, Mollie, also shows similar traits of what I would call obstinacy or stubborness. If she doesn't want to take a certain route on a walk, she will stop dead in her tracks, plant all four feet firmly on the ground, her legs rigid little sticks of fur. No amount of lead tugging will move her, she gazes pleadingly, into my eyes and will not budge until I say - firmly - "No -this way." She then loosens her grip on the pavement and follows without further resistance.
I often see my friends Westies employing the same tactics when trying to persuade their owner to alter direction.

I cannot claim to know all the different 'typical' traits of any one breed, but every dog, as far as I know, lives to please its owner and would, if need be, defend it's master with its own life.

~~~~PUPPIES~~~~

Oooh, I go all goose-bumpy when I think of puppies.

When choosing a puppy, all the books tell us to examine our own lifestyles before we consider homing one of those little bundles of pure chaos. It would be unwise and cruel to expect a St. Bernard, or equally large dog to be happy or comfortable in a tiny flat, or leaving any dog alone, with no company at all and shut inside, all day long whilst out working.

~~~~What do Puppies need?~~~~

**************LOVE:
Ooodles of love and attention.

**************UNDERSTANDING:

Understand that they do not know what is right (will please master) or wrong (displeases master.) They need your guidance.
Understand when they are ill, distressed or in pain.
Understand their signals of wants and dislikes.

**************PUNISHMENT?:
Hmmmmm: ONLY in the form of lack of praise.
To slap a dog or shout aggressively is abhorrent and serves no purpose whatsoever, other than make the animal nervous, untrusting and possibly aggressive.
All dogs respond well to praise, rewards and affection; so when it is disobedient and these forms of approval are not forthcoming, the animal will learn that his behaviour was not pleasing to his master. It takes a bit of trial and error on the puppy's part, to get it right, but it will.
The power of love, praise and treats for good behaviour is tremendous.
They should ALWAYS be rewarded for good behaviour, praise alone, will eventually be enough to make your pleasure understood, and thereby make your pet very happy.

House training is also a big issue with puppies. Their tiny bladders are too weak to hold water all night long. Kidneys and the gut continue working throughout the night, so puppy will need to go out at some unearthly hour in the morning and frequently throughout the day for several weeks. Never show disapproval when they request to be let out to relieve themselves, to them it is a form of punnishment. They do not do it to annoy you - honestly they don't.

~~~~~Choose the right breed~~~~

Small breeds of dogs, such as Yorkies, Corgies, Westies, poodles, are ideal for small home units, and are generally good with children.
Medium breeds such as Spaniels, poodles, and some terriers, will need plenty of space to romps around, inside and outside, they are far more energetic and need more exercise than the smaller breeds.
The larger and heavier breeds,such as Alsatians, Rottweilers, Retrievers, and Labradors need even more room and a great deal of energetic exercise;
not to mention a fairly large car interior to transport them safely and comfortably.

I could rabbit on all day about dogs, but I think the most wonderful thing to know, is that your dog will love you warts-an-all, eat into your heart and willingly lay down its life for you; and all it asks in return, is your love, cuddles and food.
A dog really IS man's best friend. Treat it accordingly and reap your rewards .

Summary: Truely the most loyal friend one could possibly wish for.