There are many different kids of breeds of dogs that are available. With each breed typically comes certain personality traits. While this is not always the case, there are typically certain instincts that are bred into each breed as well as certain levels of intelligence. To determine which breed is right for you and your family, it is important to consider these factors when making your decision. The first thing that you will want to consider is whether have a pure breed dog is important to you. With a pure bred dog you will have more knowledge about the personality traits that you can expect. You also will have an idea of what health issues are most common with that type of dog. This can help you to make a great choice for your family with less concern about not being able to make them part of your family. However, there are millions of dogs around the world that are in need of a forever home. When adopting an animal that is in need of a home you are reducing the likeligood that they will be put to sleep and will be greatly improving their quality of life. While you may not know the exact breed of the dog, those that work at the shelter can typically tell you what breed is most dominant. They may also have information about their behaviors and personality, which can help you to make the decision. These dogs are typically older, so you will actually have direct insight as to what they will be like for the remainder of their life. You also do have the opportunity to spend time with them before making your final decision, so you can learn first hand how they will interact with you and your family. The things [...]

Just like humans, every dog has different needs when it comes to the amount of physical activity they need in order to stay healthy. The main purpose of taking your dog on walks is to help them to get the exercise that they need. To better understand what your dog's personal needs might be, it is important to consider a number of factors. One of the most important factors is the size of your furry family member. Smaller dogs typically require a lot less activity than a large dog. This is due to their natural tendencies, which largely vary depending on their size. Of course there are small dogs that have a lot of energy that they need to get out and there are large dogs that don't desire to be active, but for the most part, their size will play a major role in their energy level and exercise needs. Another factor is their age. Older dogs require a lot less activity simply due to their age. This is especially true for those that have joint issues or other pain problems. However, younger dogs, especially those that are under 10 years old, typically need a great deal of exercise each day. The more vigorous the exercise, the better. Essentially, no matter the age or size of your furry family member, they should get at least 20 minutes of exercise each day. Going for a walk is a great way for you to bond with your animal while getting them the exercise that they need. There are a lot of other ways in which you can get them some exercise as well, that don't require you to have a place to take them for a walk. Simply playing with your fur baby is a great way to get them the [...]

When you own a dog, it relies on you to know how to act in the world around it. As a dog owner, it's your responsibility to do what you're supposed to do to be a responsible pet owner. Here are four tips when having dogs as pets.1. Feed your dog the proper food.As a dog owner, it's your responsibility to feed your dog the proper food. What does "proper" food mean? It means food that is healthy and that contributes to your dog's health. For example, it is not healthy to feed any dog table scraps or human food. A dog is not a human, and therefore, it needs food that is suitable for its system. Therefore, be sure to purchase healthy food from a grocery store, pet store, or online.2. Ensure your dog has enough exercise.Your dog needs ample exercise. It is not healthy for a dog to lie around all day. Be sure you take your dog out for fresh air and exercise at least three times a day. For example, a walk around the block is a good exercise for a dog.3. Make sure your dog knows some commands, especially for emergencies.Your dog needs to know some basic commands, especially for emergencies. Commands such as "stop," "come," etc., help a dog do what he or she is supposed to do.4. Be sure to groom your dog properly.It is also your responsibility to groom your dog properly. That means your dog needs to be bathed, combed, nails cut, etc. If you can't do it properly on your own, it's your responsibility to take your dog to a dog groomer.As a dog owner, your dog benefits and lives its best life when you do what you are supposed to do as a responsible dog owner. Be sure to [...]