Pet Proof Your Home Before Bringing Home Your New Pet

Are you a proud new pet parent? Before you bring that precious pet home, you should be a responsible pet parent and pet proof your home. This will not only keep your new furry friend protected but it will also save you time and work in the weeks and months to come.

I'm always saddened to hear about a new pet being returned because the new owner couldn't handle them for some reason. I think one of the reasons that pets are often returned relates directly to their lack of preparedness. Not unlike bringing a new baby home from the hospital, bringing a new pet home also requires household changes and adjustments so that both you and your furry friend can start off on the right paw.

Where Do You Keep The Chemicals & Toxic Foods

One of the first things to address is the where you store your chemicals such as cleaners. Just like children, animals are curious and often get into mischief. Remove these items from underneath your bathroom and kitchen sinks and put them into a cabinet with a child-proof or pet proof lock. It's always a good idea to switch to all natural or green products that are not only good for the environment but not harmful to your children or your pets.

Don't Forget To Stock Up

Before bringing home your new pet, you need to think ahead and plan for potty accidents. Because I promise you there will be accidents for a while until you get them completely house trained. It's also likely they may vomit some until they adjust to their new diet and environment.

You will definitely want to get a pet stain and odor remover that is an enzyme cleaner because this type of cleaner actually eliminates the urine odor, where other cleaners just cover it up. It also will help keep your dog from peeing over and over in the same area.

Now if you are a gagger or have a really weak stomach, no worries. There are handy little carpet cleaners made just for pet messes. These little pet carpet cleaner machines can even just be left sit on the spot and they do all of the work for you like the Spotbot Pet Compact Deep Cleaner! How much easier could it be that to just sit it on the spot and it does all the dirty work. If I were bringing a new puppy home, it's seriously a purchase I would make.

What To Look For & Where

So you're ready to pet proof but where should you begin? Try getting down on your pets level. Seriously, get down on the floor and start looking around. You'll get a whole new perspective from their angle. You'll see thing people have dropped such as money, medications, candy, food wrappers, children's toys, cords etc. all potential hazards for your pet. Also look for spaces that need to be closed off so that a small pet can't crawl in and get lost or stuck.

Potty Training

Potty training can be a trying time in pet parenting but it's important that you maintain your patience and your temper. You need to expect accidents and often repeated accidents. Never react by screaming at the animal or striking the animal. This only serves to tell your new pet that they are not supposed to potty in front of you. So the next time, they will potty in private, say behind the couch or in your bedroom.

Instead, change the tone of your voice and firmly say "NO!" Then pick them up and take them outside to the area you want them to use to potty. Use the same place so they start associating that area with using the bathroom. If they do seem to understand why you are taking them to the same place each time, then pick up some of their potty and poop mess with gloves and paper towels and take it out to the bathroom spot and leave it there. Make sure that your dog sniffs this but do not rub their nose in it. This will help the dog better understand that this is their potty spot. Remember to praise them and even reward them with a small treat for having a successful outdoor potty.

Don't Forget The Toys

Dogs are natural chewers and rely on chewing to relieve anxiety and as a form of relaxation and play. It's really important to always choose quality toys and chew bones and give your dog the chance to chew everyday. By keeping toys and chew bones available, you are giving them an alternative to chewing on your furniture or shoes.

Keep Shedding Tools On Hands-free

There are multiple ways to clean up the hair your dog sheds but there a couple of things I think work better than others. First of all, keep your dog brushed regularly. This will help more than anything. Vacuum more often, like you had to do when your kids were little. This helps keep up with the shedding and doesn't allow it to get out of hand. The other item that I absolutely love is the new Pledge Fabric Sweeper which picks up hair off of your couch and fabric. Just rub it side to side and it picks up the hair and stores it in a chamber for disposal. Super easy! They say it's comparable to 145 of those sticky sheets. I think it's amazing little gadget and I love watching the hair ball collect in the chamber - lol!

No Toilets Allowed

Always keep your toilet lid shut and/or your bathroom door closed. The chemicals you use to clean your toilet will make your pet sick and will poison them over time. Pets love to drink out of the toilet because the water is fresh and cool, so keep those lids shut!

Start Training From Day One

Too many pet parents go into pet ownership without recognizing the need to train their new pet. There is nothing more important that the need to teach their pet commands and how to obey when they bring them home. Not only does this teach manners but it is a safety issue. Poorly trained animals are often the reason pets are returned or taken to shelters. So do your research or hire a trainer and learn with your dog. It will make your dog and you much happier.

The most important thing when you pet proof your home is to do it before you bring your furry friend home. Beyond that, just enjoy your new pet and love them loads!

A few months ago I left the business world to pursue my passion of working with animals while trying to improve my health. To do this, I am using my 20+ years experience as a dog breeder and pet owner. I also worked for a well known veterinarian and national vet supply company for several years. I have a B.S. In Agriculture with an emphasis in Animal Science and Ag Business and I worked in the Agriculture Business Industry for over twenty years. So if you are interested in the details of how the right dog food, dog care and just good old fashioned love and affection can help your dog live a healthier and longer life, please join us at:

To check out the SpotBot Pet Compact Deep Cleaner and Pledge Fabric Sweeper: SpotBot [http://www.love-your-dog-food.com/pet-proof.html# Spot-Bot]

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Things to Consider Before Buying a Dog From a Pets Guide

Many factors need to be considered by a family, before bringing home a new pet.

Some are as followed:

GENDER - SIZE - HAIR:

What about the gender of the dog? Are you interested in a male or female? Will you breed the dog once it is grown? If a breeding program is not in its future, consider neutering the dog. Are you interested in a large or a small dog? Often, potential owners don't consider the frame size and weight of the puppy when it becomes an adult. Also think about the grooming needs of a long-haired dog versus a short-haired one.

VETERINARY CARE:

The dog will also need regular veterinary care. All these costs can add up, especially if you're on a limited budget. What type of dog do you want? Purebred or mixed breed? Research the traits of the breed that interests you. Be aware that some breeds have specific benefits or problems. In addition, some purebreds can be very expensive. Perhaps adopting from your local animal shelter is an option.

TIME:

Another important factor is your family's lifestyle. Do you work all day? How much free time do you have? Remember, a new puppy will require four or more feedings a day and will need to go out just as often. Do you spend a lot of time traveling or entertaining? Do you have small children or other animals at home? Are you physically able to handle a dog? What about your location? Do you own a home or rent an apartment? Will your landlord allow pets? Do you live in the city or in a rural area? Is there enough fenced-in yard space for the dog to properly exercise?

DOG ROLE IN YOUR FAMILY:

Think about the role your new dog will play in your family. Will it be used as for:

a) My son/daughter/children

Trust me; this will be YOUR dog! After the 'honeymoon period', the kids may only play with the dog, occasionally. They may groan and grumble about any dog-related responsibilities, doing them, begrudgingly, only after significant prodding from you. As children's interests and activities change, over the years, their level of involvement with the dog will most likely be, inconsistent, at best. Additionally, your children, especially, young children, will need to be 'trained' in how to behave with the dog and will need to be supervised when with the dog.

b) Protection

I know some may disagree but, it is my opinion, that the only time is it a good idea to get a dog for the purpose of protection is in professional or agricultural situations and only when the owner/trainer is humane and knowledgeable of dog behavior and dominant dog training/handling. In all other situations - probably 99.9% - an alarm system, security fence, or other measures are much more appropriate and effective.

c) To breed puppies

If you've read the third paragraph of this piece and still feel this way, there is probably little I can offer to change your mind. But, just in case, let me restate the case a little more thoroughly. The breeding of dogs is a responsibility not to be taken lightly. If it is not your intention to remain responsible for all of your puppies for their entire lives, including being willing to take back and care for those who may find themselves homeless, do not enter into this endeavor. If you are planning on breeding for profit, understand that there are much easier, more profitable and ethical ways to make a buck. Dogs are living beings and dog breeding requires a significant investment of time, money, labor, knowledge, both academic and practical, patience, and emotional fortitude, to be done responsibly and humanely. Please visit a few of the shelter and rescue websites, or your local shelter, and witness the problem yourself. View the faces of the homeless dogs and talk to the volunteers and staff who, all too often, must take that 'final walk' with them.

BUYING STRATEGY:

Once you've decided on the type of dog you want and where you will purchase it, do not buy a puppy on the first visit. Instead, potential owners leave, think about the decision, and then go back. Avoid the temptation of buying two or more puppies. A single puppy will bond to its owner better and will be easier to train.

Depending on the breed, the best time to purchase a puppy is between 7-9 weeks of age. As soon as possible have the puppy examined by a veterinarian. If possible, ask the seller if you can have the puppy checked by a veterinarian before you purchase it.

Visit Our Pets Health Guide Specialists on our Dogs Forum [http://www.petshophome.com] and discuss with our growing members about your pet on our Pets Forum [http://www.petshophome.com] to learn more about your pet.

Pre Order Zhu Zhu Pets Before They're Gone!

Zhu Zhu Pets or GoGo Pets as they're also known are set to become the must have toy for young children this Christmas. Already stores across the globe are selling out and demand is forecast to overwhelm the supply line. Pre ordering them may be the best option to guarantee that your children won't be disappointed this Christmas.

Toys with this popularity are usually swallowed up by consumers in the immediate weeks before Christmas and parents are left floundering, running around stores, desperately trying to find the item that their child wants.

What are Zhu Zhu Pets?

They are toy hamsters, with each having their own unique personalities and sounds. Battery operated; they are intended to provide your children with the characteristics of normal hamsters, stimulating the child by dealing with differing characters and without the mess.

Up to forty different commands can be carried out by touching certain parts of the hamster's anatomy due to the microchip hidden within.

Zhu Zhu Pets are lovable, cute toys, that young children will simply love.

The four main hamsters are: Mr. Squiggles, Chunk, Num Nums and Pipsqueak.

There are also accessories for the Zhu Zhu Pets ranging from a funhouse to a hamster car and garage, these are also proving popular and should be pre-ordered too if possible.

The manufacturer's recommendation is that they are for 4 year olds and upwards and once your child is hooked they'll probably want other items like the bed and blanket and the skateboard. Don't forget the hamster babies either!

Individual hamsters are priced around the $35 mark and if you throw in some accessories, then for around $100 you should be able to provide your child with a good basic starting point. This won't break the bank, while providing endless hours of fun for your children.

For more information on Zhu Zhu Pets, including links to order and pre-order please visit:

[http://www.preorderzhuzhupets.com]

Remember: The early bird always catches the hamster!!

5 Questions to Ask Before Bringing Home an Exotic Pet

Are you considering purchasing an exotic pet? If so, you aren't alone. A growing number of people are deciding to adopt exotic pets for a wide variety of reasons. But, are you really prepared to bring home an adopted pet? Before you go out and make a purchase, be sure to provide yourself honest answers to a few important questions.

Why Do I Want an Exotic Pet?

The first question you should ask yourself is why you want to purchase an exotic pet in the first place. Is it an impulse purchase because you fell in love with the little critter while stopping in at the pet shop? Do you want the pet because you think it seems cool to own one? Are you trying to be part of the latest fad? If your answer is yes to any of these questions, you should really reconsider making the purchase. Remember, taking home a pet requires making a long-term commitment and, once the novelty wears off, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the time and effort required to keep many exotic pets healthy and happy.

Am I Able to Care for the Exotic Pet?

In addition to requiring a time commitment, many exotic pets also require making a substantial monetary commitment as well. In fact, you will likely need to purchase special housing and supplies for your pet. Depending on the availability of specialists you may need to travel an extended distance or pay a premium price for veterinary care.

Is it Legal?

Many exotic pets are illegal to own in certain areas or, even if a pet is legal to own, certain jurisdictions may restrict the ownership of certain pets. Even if a pet store is selling the pet, don't automatically assume it is legal for you to own one. In some cases, you may have to complete certain paperwork in order to be legally permitted to own a pet. So, make certain you are aware of the proper procedures and that you follow them. Otherwise, you may find yourself in legal trouble and you may lose a pet that you have become attached to.

Does the Pet Suit My Household?

When deciding whether or not a pet is right for you, you should also consider your current household situation. Do you already have pets at home? If so, how well will your current pet or pets get along with your new pet? Are the types of pets compatible?

If you have children, you should also consider whether or not the pet is a good fit with your children. Consider the safety and welfare of both your children and your pet before bringing it home.

Do I Know How to Properly Care for the Pet?

Many exotic pet owners make the mistake of bringing home a pet before they really learn how to care for it. Make certain you are aware of the feeding and housing requirements for your pet before you bring it home. You also need to know how long your pet is likely to live and how large it can become. That way, you are prepared to accommodate your pet as it grows larger and its needs change.

Owning an exotic pet can be very exciting and fun. At the same time, exotic pets can be time consuming and expensive to care for. Therefore, you should be certain to do your research and to make sure you are prepared for the commitment before you bring one home.

CS Swarens is the CEO of Find a Pet Online. 800 998-7065

For additional information on dogs, cats, birds, horses, and exotic pets visit the internet's resource for pets for sale.

Research pet information with detailed profiles of over 430 pet breeds.

Pet Adoption - 12 Critical Categories You Must Consider Before Adopting a Pet

Pet adoption is an exciting time in every pet owner's life. As every pet owner knows, nothing is more satisfying than the unconditional love and affection that having a pet can bring. Unfortunately many people do not do the necessary research before they adopt a pet. This leads to more and more animals being abused and abandoned every year.

Below I have listed 12 critical categories one must consider before making the life changing decision to adopt a pet. They are in no particular order but are all equally important. These categories are extensive, going over the "good", the "bad" and the "ugly" when it comes to a specific type of pet that you want. This prevents the future pet owner from looking at pet adoption through rose colored glasses.

1. Personality: Here is where the attitude and temperament are discussed. Does this pet have a tendency towards being destructive? If so could you as the pet owner handle it? Is it laid back or wound up and hyper? Also discussed are various other qualities and traits specific to the pet.

2. Family/Child Friendly: When you are looking for a pet, this is a must have before you go about making your decision. Many people don't take into account whether or not the pet they choose is child friendly because they may not have children at the moment. However, pets these days can live up to 20 years or longer, so if you don't have children now, you may have children in the future within that 20 year lifespan of the pet.

3. Lifespan: As I mentioned above, pets these days can live up to 20 years and even longer, thanks to the advancement of veterinary medicine. Should something happen to you things must be taken care of in the matter of your pet.

4. Weight: The weight category is critical because many people who live in apartments that have weight restrictions on the pets they have, not to mention on what the owner wants. For example, not everyone wants a 250 pound dog! This must be researched carefully so you don't make a mistake of taking the wrong pet home.

5. Common Diseases: Here I go over the good, the bad, and the ugly about what diseases each pet is prone to getting. Not very many people think about the diseases and medical conditions that their new pet can get and how soon they can get them. Some pets have veterinary bills that are extremely expensive. This is a very important category that you must prepare for by having a veterinary expenses budget plan.

6. Housebreaking Factor: Here is where I go over whether or not your pet is easily housebroken. The housebreaking factor mainly applies to dogs, as cats are usually trained by their mother on how to use the litter box. Some dogs housebreak easily, others are more difficult to housebreak. Still other breeds of dog, housebreaking is out of the question.

7. Shedding Factor: The shedding factor however, is another story. If you suffer from allergies, or just don't like the idea of a pet that sheds a lot, then this category can provide you with much needed information in regards to your decision. For example, if you don't want that much shedding, then you don't want to get an Alaskan Husky, whose fur comes out in clumps around once or twice per year. Nothing to be alarmed about, it just happens as a normal part of the breed.

8. Best Owner Compatibility: There are many things to consider when adopting a pet. None of these is more important than you. Yes, that's right. You. What lifestyle do you live? Do you have a job where you work long hours and are hardly ever home? Do you have a job that requires you to travel constantly? Some animals can adapt to the city and suburbs. However, other animals specifically thrive in a rural setting. Animals need lots and lots of attention and this must be taken into consideration. Nothing is more sad than a pet left alone for hours on end because the owner is "too busy" to care for it.

9. Where To Buy: Just where do you plan on getting your pet? Do you want a young pet or would you be satisfied with an older pet? Do you prefer breeders or do you want a pet from a rescue group or animal shelter? Research where you want to get your pet, as its very important!

10. Average Cost: Just how much money do you plan to use to buy your pet? Do you have a modest budget or is the sky the limit? Some pets cost thousands of dollars, so be prepared.

11. Aggression Factor: Does the pet you want to adopt have tendencies towards aggression? This goes beyond just family and child friendliness. Some breeds of pet are better suited for being guard dogs. Others are good watch dogs. Still others don't have a mean bone in their body.

12. Noise Factor: This category is specifically important if you live in the apartment or condo environment. You must be respectful of your neighbors in this type of environment. If one of your neighbors works the graveyard shift and has to sleep all day, the last thing they want to hear is the noise making of a rambunctious pet. You want to have good relations with your neighbors.

Jessica Golden is a Veterinary Technician Student, has been a Pet Identification Specialist since September 2007, and is the owner operator of the website http://www.pet-adoption-guide.com/

Train Your Children Before You Get a Dog

Often, a dog bite could have been avoided. This is not to say that dogs who attack people and children are always right, and there are some dogs who just shouldn't be around other dogs or humans. But the occasional nip or bite, especially when there are children involved, are often a dog's reaction to something the child has done. Usually a reaction to being hurt, teased or pestered, your children need to realise that dogs cannot speak, shout or otherwise make their pain or misery known. Teach your children to respect their pets.

Puppies may be cute, fluffy and playful, but they are not stuffed toys. They should not be smothered, hugged tightly, pinched, pulled or tugged on. Explain to your children that they feel pain just the same way we do. If being pinched hurts us, it will hurt the dog too.

Young children should not be allowed to pick dogs up and carry them around. Firstly, they tend to pick pets up by their front legs, which can injure the dog. They don't carry them properly, and tend to drop them rather quickly too. A dog that is being hurt is going to react in the only way they can - with a nip. Teach your children not to pull dogs round their neck either - choking the dog is not likely to make him a friend.

Teach your children how to pet the dog, where not to touch or poke fingers - eyes, ears, in between pads etc. Buy a book about the breed of dog you are getting, and learn with your children how to read the dog's body language. The position of a dog's ears and tail can tell you a lot about how the dog is feeling and is likely to react. Make sure your children know that a growl is a warning - and if they don't stop what they're doing, they're likely to get bitten.

Teasing is a big problem. It makes for irritable, frustrated dogs, and is likely to end in tears when the dog tries to grab whatever it is being teased with and accidentally grabs a little hand at the same time. I found the best cure for this was to take one of the toys my daughter was playing with, and tease her with it - and then explain that the frustration and anger she was feeling, was exactly how the dogs would feel if she did the same thing to them. Often using examples with their toys helps to illustrate the dog's feelings in the same situation.

You will also need to teach your children to leave the dog alone when it is eating and sleeping. Both my children got nipped approaching a sleeping dog too quickly - the dog gets a fright and most often reacts with an open mouth - they don't even have to be biting to inflict damage with their teeth, especially puppies. Not all dogs are protective of their food or toys, but it will take time to teach the dogs to drop a toy or bone when told to, and until that time, it is best not to let small children try to take anything out of a dog's mouth.

Explain to your children that too much screaming and high-pitched laughter is likely to scare a new puppy, especially when you first bring it home - dogs interpret sounds differently to the way we do, so ask them to try and keep the volume down for a little while until the new puppy gets used to them.

Involve your children in caring for the dog, feeding it, grooming it and cleaning up after it. Just be careful when training the dog - my daughter tried her level best to ruin all our efforts with different commands that made more sense to her, until eventually we had to ban her from training sessions. Don't let children smack, hit or kick dogs - the dogs may retaliate one day and the consequences could be awful. Disciplining the dogs, just like disciplining the children, must be up to the adults in the house. You wouldn't let your eldest child discipline a younger sibling, so don't do it with the dogs either.

Having pets gives children companionship, hours of play and pleasure, but perhaps more importantly, a sense of responsibility and of how to care for another living creature with respect and understanding.

I have had dogs in my family since I was five years old, and added cats to the menagerie when I was in my twenties. We now have two cats, two dogs and two children. For more help caring for your pets and some training and grooming tips visit http://petzdelite.weebly.com

Things You Should Consider Before Adopting a Pet

You're thinking about adopting a pet and you are excited about it. You don't know many things about pets, only that they are cute and loving companions. So you go and get Flippy or Daisy and you bring them home. Then you realize that you don't know much about pets and start asking questions. Too late! Questions should be asked before bringing a pet at home. Pet ownership is for a lifetime!

Many people don't have a clue about the responsibilities related with pet ownership. They may have good intentions but they soon realize that having a pet at home is not as easy as they thought it would be and this revelation can often lead to tragedy.

Most people, either children or adults want a pet because they find it "cute" They watch movies, TV shows with adorable baby animals, which by the way are already trained and their desire for a pet is getting bigger. Usually their desire is directed to a puppy or a kitten, (often a specific breed) and finally they bring it at home. Everyone is happy and wants to take the furry little thing in their lap, cuddle it and play with it.

When the issue comes to who's going to take care of it, then the excitement wears off since nobody wants to do it.

People who never had a pet don't have the slightest idea of how it is to take care of one. They think it's easy, put some food and water in their bowls twice a day and that's it. Their new furry friend will be playful and happy whenever they want. After all, how much trouble can a loving little thing cause?

Surprise, surprise!

A pet in your house is like a child in your house. In fact at some point your child grows up and doesn't need your care any more, they become independent and leave your house to live on their own. The same thing won't happen with your pet. Your pet will always be a child that will require your attention and care as long as it is with you. So, there are a lot of things to consider before taking the serious decision of adopting a pet.

Getting a pet is not like buying a car. It's a living creature so if you don't get along it is not easy to get rid of it of change it for something else. When you adopt a pet you become the animal's "parent" as long as it lives. You must keep in mind that, a dog for example has an average life expectancy of 14-15 years. So, for the next 14-15 years or so, it will be your responsibility!

It's like having a baby at home. You can't send it back because it doesn't meet your expectations or because it's different than what you thought it would be. Or can you? I hope not. The same kind of responsibility must be in your minds when you are thinking of getting a pet.

A pet is not a video game. You don't just shut it down when you're finished playing with it and expect it to just sit waiting for you until you decide to come back. Puppies are like young children. They need a lot of sleep but when they are not asleep they are wondering around the house looking for fun! A puppy who's just started growing teeth will find a lot of fun and pleasure in chewing your favourite shoes or slippers. At this point many people start losing their patience and instead of finding a way to divert the puppy's attention to something else, they get rid of it in an animal shelter, or worse they abandon it in the streets. The only crime of the puppy was in fact that it was a puppy! Puppies are not destructive and naughty just because they want to make you furious. It's just what they do. If you are considering of getting one you must rearrange your home first, so the puppy will not have access to things you don't want to be destroyed. Another good idea is buying a lot of chew toys. You can be sure that the puppy will choose them instead of your shoes.

Another important issue to consider is which breed you are fond of and would like to obtain. Every breed has special characteristics and even though you'd love to get a puppy of a certain breed, this may not be the right one for you. There are certain things to consider, for instance will it be easy to train, will it be a shy dog or a hyperactive that will require many walks during the day, will there be any health problems with the breed you chose, etc. You may adore a Labrador or a German Shepherd but if you live in a small apartment, maybe you should reconsider. Large dogs require space to run and play and they'll feel depressed in a confined space. Also some large breeds develop back or hip problems that will require extra health care especially when they are getting older.

Pets also cost money to raise and maintain, just like children do. You must buy pet food, pay several bills to the vet when your beloved friend needs vaccines or medical care, monthly expenses such as heartworm and flea control and maybe grooming bills. You must also remember that you'll have extra costs when you leave for vacation and leave the animal in a pet hotel. My point is, if you're not fully aware of the cost of having an animal, maybe you should reconsider. Of course they worth every penny you'll spend for them and they'll pay you back with their unconditioned love, but still you should know all about it.

Another thing you must consider is neutering-spaying your pet. If you don't plan on breeding it, you must go to a vet and have it neutered-spayed. There are a lot of people who don't like depriving sex from their pet. Don't think like them! It is a fact that if you don't get your pet neutered while being young there will be many problems in the future and most important, health problems. If you don't spay your female dog, it's quite possible to develop cancer in its uterus in later life.

Many male or female dogs become short-tempered and anxious because they are not allowed to mate and this is against their nature.

Some people think that they can solve this problem if they allow their dog to mate at least once. Some others like the idea of having a puppy of their dog before being spayed. I strongly disagree with these tactics. First it is very irresponsible to allow pets to reproduce without control. Overpopulation in pets is a very serious problem. Every year 10-12 million pets are euthanized by shelters because they can't find homes for them. Why would anyone of you want to add to this number? Second, dogs should be neutered-spayed before they sexually mature in order to avoid health problems in the future. If you think I'm lying, just ask a vet..

To make a long story short, if you plan to obtain a pet, be responsible and have it neutered-spayed. You may think that you'll earn money by selling the puppies, if you have a purebred. You must know though that there are no guarantees that you'll sell all the puppies and even if you do, you must consider that, for every puppy you sell, there's one waiting in a shelter somewhere and may die without being adopted.

The dog breeding business, has its responsible professionals but also its lousy ones. There are several puppy mills where the poor animals live in awful, unsanitary and crowded conditions. Many breeders just don't care even a little bit about their health. These breeders mate males and females from the same litter and this can cause several health problems later in the life of the dog. For example many Dalmatians suffer from deafness due to inbreeding.

So, why are you looking so badly for a purebred and you doing not consider getting a mixed breed? They are also very cute and much healthier but still, they are not people's first choice.

Why not adopt a pet from the Humane Society or your local SPCA? At least you can give them a chance even if what you really want is a specific breed. There are several advantages if you adopt an adult dog from a shelter or from one of the many breed-specific rescue operations. You can be sure that you've done a good deed by adopting a pet this way and you've saved it from being euthanized.

Some more useful thoughts...

-Don't ever consider giving a pet as a gift to someone, especially not a child. (Unless the child is yours and you clearly know that you'll be the pet's caregiver) Whoever is going to obtain a pet must do it on his own will and he must have considered everything about raising it.

-Don't bring live chicks or bunnies to your children as Easter gifts. It's cruel, they are small breathing creatures. Chicks grow into chicken, so unless you have a farm you shouldn't even think about buying one.

-Do learn what pet ownership is all about. You must have an idea about the cost, in terms of time and money. Also, a good thing to know is how getting a pet is going to change your style of life.

With all that I've mentioned above you must think that I'm not encouraging pet ownership. On the contrary, I LOVE animals, I have six dogs and two cats and I'm in a position to know what is this all about and speak about the responsibilities that pet owners should face. After all, I'm a pet owner myself. Having a pet is happiness but also means a lot of responsibilities and compromises in your private life. All I'm saying is that you should know all about it before making your decision. Pets may be very cute and sweet but trust me, they hide a lot of surprises, surprises you must be ready to deal with!

Choosing a Pet? Things to Consider Before Choosing a Pet

First, lets think about why we are thinking about choosing a pet. Is it because the children have been bugging your forever to get a new puppy or kitten? This is something most know but I feel I have to say it again just for the few that have not had the experience. Your children begging you to choose a pet is not, in itself, a good reason for getting one. Children need to be old enough and mature enough to care for the pet puppy as an example.

Consider whether you have time for a pet. They look to you for their food, water, veterinary treatments and love. If your children cannot or will not care for the pet, do you have time to do it. Did you know that in over half of households the female spouse or family member ends up taking care of the family dog or pet.

Now this is pretty much common sense but you should think about whether you are allowed to have a pet where you currently reside. Check the regulations if your are a tenant. If pets are allowed are you prepared for the extra amount of deposit money that will be required. Are you prepared for the carpet cleaning necessary when you move? These an other questions should be considered if you are a renter.

How many years are you willing to commit to this new pet? A pet can be a lifelong commitment depending on how old you are when you choose a puppy or other young pet. Personally I had a Dachshund that was with us for 17 years. Cats can live from 10 to 20 years subject to certain medical issues. Other pets like horses, turtles, parrots and other types of birds can live quite a bit longer even 30 to 40 years.

None of us have a crystal ball so we do not really know when we will get married, get divorced, relocate sometimes to another country, have children or maybe have grandma move in with us, you know, the one that hates animals. Do your best to look into the future to where a pet will fit in. Once adopted your pet becomes part of the family or to him, the pack. Later separation is hard on everyone.

If you should decide to choose a puppy or any type of young pet please know that younger animals require a lot more time to learn the ropes than adult dogs do. Plus, younger animals, especially dogs, do not appreciate being left alone. This is one way separation anxiety develops.

Younger animals need to be taught how to behave in the family or the pack. This cannot completely be done if the house is empty all day. Just as with children, traits developed at the younger ages are traits that stay with them most if not all of their lives. Proper training and interaction at the younger age will pay great dividends immediately and in later years.

Believe it or not there are many more considerations when choosing a pet. Those I will touch on in a different article. For now let me leave you by strongly suggesting that you make the decision about choosing a new pet a family decision.

Bill Beavers is with http://www.CarryMyDog.com and looks forward to your visit to this informative website. We know you will benefit from the information you will find there. You will find top quality dog crates, pet carriers, pet strollers, dog harnesses, pet playpens and much more. Deep discounts on many products. http://www.carrymydog.com is a valid starting place for improving your pet's quality of life and simplifying yours. All the best...