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Ready for the Responsibility?
Article By: Glenn Redmond
Eleven years ago I enthusiastically walked into an SPCA
in Richmond, BC and walked out with the biggest project
of my life. I didn't know at the time that the calm and
gentle 63 lb, 7 month old Husky-Shepherd cross, would
eventually push me to the limits of frustration and test
my patience as a trainer.
Oh, let me see… Was it the completely shredded
car seat and seatbelts all in the time it takes to purchase
a pop at the store? Could it have been the rearranged
dining room complete with a watery mess just for taking
the garbage to the curb? Or maybe it was the dazzling
new couch that Dakota, as he was now known, demolished
through a crate door, after he moved he moved it 15 feet
across the living room floor. Believe me, I could go on,
but 2 years of hard work dealing with separation anxiety
brought me a faithful, enjoyable companion like no other.
I never regretted adopting Dakota, but unfortunately
many owners do. After acting on impulse, owners often
realize after the fact that dog ownership should be a
carefully weighted decision.
If you are considering getting a dog then the first
question you should ask yourself is should you be getting
a dog at all? Dogs are social animals that require time
and attention. Every decision you make from now on must
have the welfare of the dog in mind.
Gone are the days when a cocktail after a hard day's
work was top priority. You now have a dependant at home
awaiting your arrival. It's a lifestyle choice and a lot
of your free time will be spent walking, training, grooming
and cleaning doggy-do from the sidewalk. You must consider
costs such as feeding, veterinary care and boarding. And,
maybe a contingency plan for that plastic mess that used
to be your cell phone.
So, you have accepted the above. Now it's time to be
more specific as to what type of dog will fit your lifestyle.
The most important factor when choosing a canine is
not looks or even size; it is the compatibility of energy
levels and temperament. You may love the size of a Corgi,
thinking that its small stature equates to less exercise.
Think again. I know many small breeds that are far busier
than dogs 5 times their size.
Many self-proclaimed couch potatoes fall in love with
the look of a Belgian Malinois, without realizing that
the dog rarely tires and that a quick walk to the store
to restock the Lay's, is not going to cut it. High energy
dogs do not get more passive with neutering or less exercise.
Dogs will often put their pent-up energy into unwelcomed
home renos or landscaping.
Dogs are extremely instinctual animals and the breed's
original purpose should not be overlooked. If you just
won an award for your prized gardens, then a terrier that
was bred for centuries to dig, may not be the choice for
you.
Herding breeds, such as Border Collies, will herd anything
that moves, including children or anything on wheels.
And, if you dream of playing retrieval games with your
new companion, you may be disappointed with a Husky.
Mixed breed's instincts tend to be toned down, but you
should still take into account the characteristics of
all breeds that make up the dog.
Where to get a dog?
Responsible Breeders
All responsible breeders will give you the true
facts - both good and bad about their chosen breed. They
are less concerned with making money than they are with
finding suitable homes for their puppies. They will be
registered with a governing body such as the Canadian
Kennel Club and will offer both contracts and guarantees
on their health tested puppies. Their premises will be
clean and they will offer references upon request.
In contrast, Backyard Breeders and Puppy Mills are only
concerned with the money that each pup represents. They
are not registered with any governing body and offer no
health guarantees, pedigrees or contracts. The dogs are
often kept in appalling conditions, rampant with disease
and health issues. Pet shops get their puppies from these
places, even if they say they don't. No reputable breeder
would ever let their puppies be sold in a pet store.
Shelters and Rescue Groups
Dogs end up in shelters for a variety of reasons. Often
the reality of dog ownership sets in and owners become
overwhelmed with the responsibility. Sometimes it's neglect
or abuse. Many of the dogs are adults, ideal for anyone
looking to escape the trials of puppyhood. Don't expect
to adopt a dog and not have a period of adjustment. As
with any dog, expect to spend time training and patterning
before you end up with your ideal companion.
There is nothing like the bond you have with a dog. You
don't have to worry about looking your best or being mindful
of what you say. You will be honored without question.
With such acceptance and dedication on their part, we
owe it to them to be deserving of their devotion.
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