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.

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Pet Turtle Care Guide

There are many ways to give your pet turtle care it deserves. Turtles can be irresistibly cute, and it is a known fact that children find their antics fascinating to watch. The turtles most commonly kept as pets-such as Red-eared Sliders or Painted Turtles-can be comfortably housed in a 40-gallon tank, well-suited to a home that doesn't have the space for larger pets to run around in. For a responsible child, therefore, turtles often make ideal pets.

A few words of caution, however: turtles spend a great deal of time swimming or simply basking under the light of a UV lamp, and this can give the illusion that they have few needs and are a basically low-maintenance pet: "Just remember to feed them and change the water in their tank once in a while and they'll be okay." This is a mistake. While it is true that turtles do not take up much space, do not run around the house and do not eat much (at least not compared to a dog or even a cat), they do require a lot of specialized care.

The initial set-up costs are a major investment. You cannot simply keep a turtle in a fishbowl or a cardboard box. There are different types of turtles and each kind has very specific needs. While land-dwelling tortoises can be housed in a large wooden box or, better yet, a wire-fenced enclosure in your back yard, the more commonly-kept semi-aquatic turtles require a large glass tank that has both a swimming area and a basking area elevated out of the water.

Since turtles are cold-blooded reptiles, in the wild they often spend many hours soaking up the heat of the sun during the day; they cool down by seeking out shade or swimming in the water. Great care must be taken, therefore, in maintaining the proper temperature in your pet's artificial habitat. Negligence in this area is one of the main reasons turtles become sick. This is why it is important to set up your pet's tank and environment before you bring it home, and also why it is vital to find out what breed of turtle you are buying-as each breed has slightly different habitat and dietary needs.

Diet is another major factor in maintaining your turtle's good health. Not all turtles thrive on a steady diet of lettuce and packaged food sticks, for example. Even those who thoroughly enjoy lettuce will require variety in their diet if they are to get all the vitamins and nutrients they require. Many turtles are not just vegetarians but eat meat as well-which can include feeder fish (commonly goldfish), insects, worms, cooked chicken, raw lean beef, etc. In addition, some turtles are strictly carnivores when young but become omnivores as the get older, so maintaining a balanced diet entails knowing not only what breed of turtle you have, but how mature it is.

Many people-especially children-love to pick up their pet turtles, but this must be done with great care. Young children might drop their pet if it scratches them with its sharp claws, and a fall could kill or at least seriously injure your pet. You should also never turn your turtle upside down to examine its underside. And very importantly, be aware that many turtles are infected with salmonella which is transferred to your hands when you handle them, and can make you very sick. It is therefore recommended to handle turtles as little as possible and to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after each handling.

Owning a pet turtle can be a delightful experience, but as you can see, there is more to their care than first meets the eye. For this reason, it is best to not buy a turtle on impulse or to give one away as a novelty pet-particularly to very young children who may not be responsible to care for them properly. If you wish to own a pet turtle, study their needs ahead of time and be aware of the amount of ongoing care that they require.

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A Parent's Short Guide to Virtual Pets Online

Virtual pets have grown in popularity in recent years. Many people of all ages maintain one breed or species of e-pet or another. If your children are interested in adopting one of their own, or if you are looking for a way to teach your little ones about responsibility and caring for a living thing without buying a pet, then read on.

FooPets

FooPets offers a graphically advanced virtual dog or cat. This creates some limitations, such as a single coloration for each breed. Signing up for FooPets is free and will require the usual information (name and email address).

Cost

FooPets can be played without paying a cent. However, if your child wants to breed his or her pet, they will need to purchase FooDollars. These are currently offered at a rate of roughly 10 cents to the FooDollars. Occasionally, sales are offered. There are other ways to earn FooDollars through completing offers but there is no guarantee the FooDollars will be awarded and many of these request information a young child should not be giving out online.


Content

FooPets offers a relatively friendly community with a forum and a way to chat live with your top friends through a web based program called Meebo. They adhere to a strict no foul language policy. The atmosphere is very child friendly.


Realism

Your child will have to care for their FooPets every day. Each pet's health is measured through status bars. Within 24 hours, each bar will be down to nothing. Ideally, food, water and a little playtime should be given to each pet at least once or twice every day. Children can learn to care for their pets and earn FooGems and Karma by doing so.

Chicken Smoothie

Chicken Smoothie lacks the animation and fine pet detail of FooPets, but the creatures here are unique and adorable. They are drawn in a style that is akin to Anime. Unlike other virtual pets, they require no maintenance.

Cost

Chicken Smoothie also has its own currency called Chicken Dollars. These are bought with real money and are used to accessorize pets. The current rate is a little over 6 cents to the Chicken Dollar. This site also offers a "shut off" feature if members are concerned about overspending.


Content

The overall feel of Chicken Smoothie is very child friendly. The rules are very similar to FooPets, and a community exists with a forum for social interaction.


Realism

If you want to educate your children on caring for a living thing, Chicken Smoothie is not a good option. These pets require zero care and there is no consequence for not caring for your pet. On the other hand, if you want a virtual pet that you can visit at your leisure, Chicken Smoothie may be ideal for you.

Show Cattle

Show Cattle is a little different than the previous two because it does not offer a pet that you observe but rather provides tools for overseeing a cattle ranch. Livestock can be bred, sold or shown.

Cost

Show Cattle can be played for free and there is no currency to purchase. However a monthly subscription option is available. The fees are minimal, just under $5 for one month, with options that go up to one year for about $40.


Content

This virtual ranch website may be better suited for older children. Parents may be a little wary of the buying of cattle semen and embryos (although nothing explicit is shown). Also, the site setup would probably quickly grow dull for a young child. There are far less furry, cute creatures and more text and cattle maintenance charts.


Realism

Unfortunately, I have never owned a cattle ranch, so I cannot speak on how true to life Show Cattle is. I can say that from a non-cattle owner's position, it looks true to life in terms of maintaining a herd. However, if you want something that focuses on an individual pet for your child, look elsewhere.

The Elusive Female Gamer

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Good Dog Breeds For Children - A Great Guide

Picking a dog in a family with children can be quite tough. For one, the image of dogs "attacking children" can be quite scary. This means that you have to go beyond what is superficial and choose a dog with a generally good temperament. You need a pet who can be patient enough to tolerate your children's horseplay and at the same time protect them when absolutely necessary. Apart from that, an ideal house pet should be obedient and easy to train.

To give you an idea here are a few good dog breeds for children.

Bull Mastiff

Their huge bodies and massive head can make them quite formidable. But these giants can be the gentlest pet that you and your children can ever encounter. They are preferred by most of the families because of their utmost loyalty and protectiveness. Mastiff owners should incorporate the puppy as early as possible. Letting them grow side by side with your children bonds them more and enforces strong relationship with your family.

Boxers

Boxers are known for their intelligence and love for company. They can be warm to their own "family" but they can be quite tough to strangers. Thus, they can be the perfect companion and guard dog to your children. However, it is extremely important to make sure that they are trained properly. Their instinct can easily take them over if they are given much independence.

Labrador Retrievers

Labs are fun loving and are relatively easy to train. Their patience and stamina make them great with children. They love attention, outdoor fun and keeping almost anyone company.

Pugs

These toy dogs are generally friendly and are extremely loyal. They do not mind mingling with other people and other dogs as well.

Golden Retrievers

Golden Rets aims to please their owners. They are happy whenever they see your kids having fun. They are perhaps the most obedient, caring and gentle breed one can ever encounter. And the downside? They would chew almost everything during their bored or hyperactive fits.

Beagle

Their temperament is what made them a famous household name. They can be friendly to everybody and is generally good natured. Their loud and long barks can make them ideal for a watch dog. At the same time, they are known to easily co - exist with other house pets as well.

Doberman Pinscher

A Dobe needs an owner who is both caring and disciplinarian. They love their family and they love anybody who loves their family as well. They are quite particular with their own hygiene and their short coat makes them ideal for staying at home.

Agentine Dogo

The Dogo is another gentle giant. Just like Dobes, they need discipline and rigid training. When taught properly, they can be quite considerate with their kids. They love their own pack but they can easily show aggression to the people that they do not know.

Those are some of the breeds that you may want to consider. Regardless of what you pick, you have to remember that dogs are still dogs, no matter what their temperament is, if they are mistreated, they are bound to react to their defense. So to make a dog more suitable for your family, make sure that you treat them as how you would treat your own children.

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