How To Be A Good Dog Owner

2. What about holidays? It is sad to say that more dogs are destroyed at holiday time than any other. Unless you have a helpful family to look after your dog, be prepared for the expense of boarding kennels.

3. Are you prepared for the cost of keeping a dog? This includes not only the cost of food, and kennels at holiday time, but also the cost of vaccinations and also possible veterinary fees in case of illness. A dog, like a child, can fall ill quite suddenly and unexpectedly, so be prepared for any eventuality.

4. Exercise:- To keep healthy and happy, dogs need daily exercise, and this means a good run in a field or park, or a game with a ball, not just a stroll round to the shops on a leash. If you love your dog, be prepared to sacrifice some of your leisure time each day, whatever the weather. If you can't provide this kind of exercise to a dog, consider giving a home to an older dog. Your local dog’s home may have just the right one for you. 

5. Family circumstances:- Dogs and children usually love each other and get on well, but don't make the mistake of buying a young puppy for a small child. Young children can be very cruel and a puppy may be badly thrown about. Worse still a young pup's bones may easily broke if a child treats it like a toy. Wait until the children are older and a little more responsible. 

6. Grooming:- If you don't have much time to spare, choose a dog with a smooth or wire coat which needs little attention to keep it tidy. Long and curly coated dogs look beautiful, but they need daily grooming to keep them this way. Poodles need regular trimming, as well as grooming, so unless you are able to do this yourself be prepared for extra expense.