In choosing a dog for the family, it’s a good idea we keep the children in mind. Some dogs are not tolerant of children and can be a threat to them. There are many breeds of dogs out there to choose from. Do your homework to see which one works the best with your family and especially your children.
By far the number one best dog breed for children hands down, would have to be, you guessed it, Labrador Retriever. This dog is well accepted because of its good nature. It is not generally aggressive or hyper. It is playful, easy-going, intelligent and patient.
No wonder it is loved by the young and old. Because of its mild manner, it is first choice in working with the handicapped. It is has desire to please as if it knows its plight. The Lab is also a great pick if you have other animals. They are very accommodating.
A well taken care of Lab can live up to 13 years. In order to reduce boredom in these dogs, they should be kept active. These dogs love playing in the yard or taking walks.
Number two on the list is the Golden Retriever. They are similar to the Lab in their personality. They are also mild mannered, kind and they enjoy being around people. They too are a top pick for working with the handicapped as well as the elderly.
They too get along with other pets. These dogs are intelligent creatures to train. Playing fetch is a favorite game for them. Because of their playful nature, this breed of dog would be great for an older child who enjoys the outdoors. Regular grooming is required because of their long hair.
The next pick is the Beagle. Even though they have a baying bark, they are not aggressive dogs. What their barking does say about them is they make great watch dogs. These dogs have a friendly demeanor about them.
Their tails seem to be in an unending wagging motion. Because friendliness comes natural with them, they do not like being left alone. They become bored when left by themselves for too long. They are great picks for smaller children because of their size.
Another great pick for children is the Basset Hound. They are generally docile, yet they’re known for their stubbornness.
They are also known for their gentleness and are quite sweet by nature. They’re great with children of all ages and enjoy attention from them.
The German shepherd is another pick. Again, these are probably best for older children who enjoy playing outdoors. Because of their size and strength, they are probably not suitable for younger children.
German Shepherds are known for their loyalty. Police often use this type of dog for search and rescue missions. They are protective by nature and are quite tolerant. It’s best to start training these dogs as pups. Without training, they can be a handful.
The black and white spotted Dalmatian is associated with fire trucks. But for a family, a Dalmatian would be a trusted friend. They are very outgoing dogs with lots of energy to spare. This dog needs companionship from humans.
The Bearded Collie is another great pick. These are active dogs and would do best outdoors. They like to have open space to run, so being confined to an apartment would not suit these dogs.
Then there’s the American Cocker Spaniel. They are sensitive and sweet dogs. They are generally obedient to their master and enjoy the attention of children. They are definitely a people friendly dog.
The Bearded Collie is known for its bounce. This dog is very playful and happy. They like to be around people and will not hide their excitement of being around you. Female Collie’s tend to be calmer, while males are more rambunctious.
Cockapoos not only are good around children, but they get on with other pets as well. They do not need a lot of space. Apartment life is OK with them.
In choosing the right dog for your family, always remember that there are always exceptions to the rules. Each dog is an individual, and why for the most part certain breeds are more children friendly, you should always be cautious with your child around unknown dogs.
In a perfect world, you will be able to keep your dog inside. But sometimes that just isn’t possible. Perhaps your dog has outgrown your house, or you have a new baby or an elderly relative moving in that you are worried about your dog being around. In either case, the solution is not to simply cast your dog out into the backyard without any shelter. If your dog has to be outside most of the time, it is important to provide a dog house so your dog can continue to live safely and comfortably. Indeed, even if your dog is allowed in the house, a dog house can still be a good idea if your dog will be spending extended periods outside during the day. In such cases, a dog house will provide shade on sunny days, and warmth on cold days.
The most obvious factor to consider when choosing a dog house is the size of your dog. It should be spacious enough for your dog to stretch or to turn around. Don’t buy one that is too large for your pet. Your dog will not be comfortable in a large empty space. Think about the places in your house where your dog likes to sleep and try to match that size; these places will usually be nestled into corners, or on landings, or curled up in a dog bed. Try to find the size that will make your dog as comfortable as possible.
The next important consideration is climate. If you live in a very hot place, get a dog house that is well ventilated. Some manufactures offer raised dog houses to allow for an even greater air flow around and through the dog house. Alternatively, if the heat is really bad, you can even purchase dog houses with air conditioning. If you choose to go this route, be sure that it has a door with a good seal to help keep the electricity bills down. If you are more concerned about snow than heat waves, choose a dog house that is waterproof and well insulated. As a bonus for your pet, you can purchase a heated pet bed.
If you only need a dog house on a temporary basis, you should consider purchasing a portable dog house. Resembling a small tent, they are collapsible and, as the name indicates, light and easy to transport. While not designed to withstand a winter storm, they are usually made of very breathable materials and can provided a convenient and comfortable home away from home when travelling with your dog. If you plan to use a portable dog house while on the road, however, you should get your dog used to using it at home first before trying it in a new place where your dog may feel ill at ease.
As a final consideration, if you are particularly handy with tools, consider building the dog house yourself. A number of basic plans are available on the internet for you to choose from. Keep in mind, however, that depending how competent you are with woodwork, this may turn out to be a more expensive option. Additionally, ensure that the dog house you’ve made is stable and will withstand the elements before putting your dog in it for the night.
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Your dog, it is your best friend and you would do almost anything for it, which is why you should have a place for it outdoors where it can go and feel safe. And no, that spot under the your porch or patio does not count. So, if your dog does not have a place like, then you should purchase a dog house for it.
Sure, you are probably thinking, well I have an indoor dog that does not go outside much. Well, what about those times that it is raining and you forget about it letting it in? Yep, guilty as charged right? So, all dogs need a place that protect them from all of the outdoor elements, including rain, the hot sun, and the cold and snowy weather. A dog house provides that protection and there are many selections available that you can choose from, ranging from ones that can fit a golden retriever to ones that are just the right size for a yorkie or Chihuahua. Plus, different eye-catching models are out there as well. For example, you can get ones that are in the shape of little houses that have roof shingles. There are other one too that even look like little log homes and some are even two stories, featuring a upper deck area that comes equipped with railings to boot. Another awesome option are ones that come with miniature air conditioners so your dog can stay cool during the summer. Really, there are many awesome possibilities that are sure to please.
Along with providing your dog with a safe place outdoors with a dog house, why not pamper it with all the other lovely dog accessories that are available. For example, you can get your dog jewelry, clothes, designer colors, custom made dog dishes, not to mention a ton of toys like bones, chew ropes, and balls, and to keep your dog completely comfortable, a number of plush dog beds with some of them coming with their very own bed frame and mattress.
If you want a quick and easy way to see all of the stuff, including all the dog house options, that you can get for your dog, just jump on the Internet and browse all of the online stores. You can check out all of the selections just by the click of the mouse instead of driving down to the local pet store. You do not have to waste gas or the time it takes to get there.
So, if your dog is really your best friend, then make sure that it protected from all the outdoor elements when it is outside with a sturdy dog house. There are many selections available and it would be a great way to show your dog how much it means to you. Get one today, every time you are greeted with a hearty tail wag from your furry little friend, you will totally be glad that you did.
For people that love dogs, yet have allergic reactions to them, there is a simple alternative. If you can’t do without a four legged “friend,” choosing a hypoallergenic dog is the best alternative. For those who are scratching their heads, a hypoallergenic dog is not a special breed of dogs. They are dogs that generate less (hypo) allergens (allergenic) in the air, which has a lot to do with the dog’s physical size and length of its fur.
For allergy sufferers, finding an allergy-friendly dog is the most reasonable choice. This doesn’t mean that the dog will be completely allergy proof, but it does mean that this type of dog tends to generate less amounts of allergy causing elements.
It is impossible to find a dog that causes no degree of allergens.
Allergy reactions from dogs can consist of skin rashes, watery and itchy eyes, sneezing and a stuffy nose. More serious reactions are wheezing, asthma attacks and not being able to breathe deeply.
These can be frightening reactions and choosing not to have a pet, for these reasons, out ways the benefits of having one. For dog lovers, who suffer with allergies, this is a hard fact to accept.
The reason some people suffer from simple pet hair is because of their immune system. They are hypersensitive to the components found on the dog hair. Many people think it is the animal hair that causes the problem, but in reality it is what attaches itself to the pet hair.
The dog’s hair picks up pollen and dust attaching itself to the hair follicle. With normal movements, the elements are distracted on whatever it comes across.
Hence, larger and longer haired dogs have a tendency to generate more allergens than smaller and shorter haired dogs Therefore, the bigger the dog, the more allergy components it will distract.
If choosing a dog from a breeder, try spending at least 30 minutes playing with the dog and being in the dog’s area to see how you react to it.
If you have a severe reaction in that amount of time, then you can be assured that having it as a live-in would not be a good idea.
If you’re choosing a breeder who lives a substantial distance away, send a clothing item to the breeder and ask them to place it near the dog for a day and send it back to you in a plastic bag. Wear the clothing item or breathe in the smell and see how you react.
If no reaction, you might want to consider visiting the breeder in person. If you do get a negative reaction, it’s best not to waste your time visiting in person. The allergic reaction would probably be worse if you were around the real thing.
Another thing you might want to consider when choosing a dog is the temperament.
You want to choose a dog that will meet your needs, and you in turn, can meet its needs as well. Not only do you want to choose an allergy-friendly dog, but if you have a family, you want one that is family-friendly as well.
Here are a few breeds to consider: Bichon Frise, Irish Terrier, Poodles.
These dogs enjoy family surroundings, they’re excellent with children and they make great watch dogs. They also have low shedding levels.
If you are a single adult, you might want to consider a dog that is happy with minimal people surroundings. A couple of good choices would be Chihuahua or a Portuguese Water Dog. These dogs tend to bond with one person rather than several.
Here are a few dogs to stay away from due to their high shedding ability. They are: Cocker Spaniels, Irish Setters, Dachshunds, Basset hounds, German Shepherds and Afghan Hounds.
If you choose an indoor dog, it’s best to choose one that can be groomed regularly or that you can bath easily. It’s best to bath them at least 1-2 times per week.
This will reduce the amount of pet dander. Taking care of your dog’s hair is an important part of reducing the components that cause allergies.
You can even choose a hairless dog such as the Chinese Crested, American Hairless Terrier or the Mexican Hairless.
Some people claim that certain breeds bring out the worst in their allergies than others. In choosing a breed, be open to find the best one that fits your lifestyle.
There are a number of ways to make sure you have the dressiest dog on the block.
The dog accessories market is massive. There are jewelry pieces of all shapes and forms to make sure your pooch is the best looking when it comes time to take a walk.
If you want to add jewelry to your dog’s wardrobe, you need to know a few things about the relationships between dogs and dog jewelry.
First, not all dogs are going to like the idea of wearing dog jewelry. While you will probably be able to get away with a jewel studded collar, if your dog is used to wearing a collar, some of the other pieces, like tiaras, may not be something your pet is open to.
Second, while when it comes to many accessories it is advised to start young with the dog, the same is not true for dog jewelry. Young puppies are curious and may well chew on, and possibly swallow jewelry items. That could mean a lot of stressful times and an expensive vet visit.
Now, when you’re ready to delve into the world of dog jewelry here are some of the things to consider, and tips on how to use them.
Dog Hair Jewelry
Hair Bow – If you want your dog to be able to wear hair jewelry, you should start with a hair bow. This will get your dog accustomed to wearing something in their hair. Over time you may want to add a hair bow with a gem or piece of jewelry attached, to put a little more weight on their head.
Hair Clip – A hair clip is a little more substantial than just a hair bow. It has a little more weight and often will move around more when your dog moves its head. These can take a little getting used to for many dogs.
Tiara – Tiara wear is only for the advanced hair jewelry pup. There are a couple of things to know about tiaras. First they have more weight than any of the other hair jewelry pieces and your dog will definitely notice these are in their hair. Second, tiaras generally are restricted to long hair dogs, as the tiara has to be put into the hair with a hair comb.
Other Dog Jewelry
Collar – You can start your dog’s jewelry wearing by upgrading their collar to one with gems, crystals or other shiny finishes. This piece won’t usually cause any problems with pets, as they are accustomed to wearing collars.
Necklace – The natural progression from a collar is to move your dog into a necklace. A plain dog necklace fits much the same as a collar and should not bother your pooch.
Pendant, collar charm, or ID Tag – Once you are ready to add more to the neckline, you can add on a pendant or jeweled ID tag for your dog. Not all dogs like the idea of something dangling off the bottom of their collar or necklace, so keep an eye on them after you put this on to make sure they aren’t trying to chew it off.
A dog house is a terrific idea for your beloved canine companion. Whether your dog stays indoors or out, having his or her own house is very beneficial. It provides a private retreat and a cozy place to sleep. However, selecting the perfect dwelling for your dog takes some thought and planning. After reading this article, you will be able to choose the house that best suits your taste and your dog’s needs.
The first step is to decide on the placement of the dog house. If it is to be an addition to your indoor décor, it’s best set up in a corner or other low-traffic area of your home. This will provide your dog with a safe, quiet place to relax. If setting up outdoors, a couple of things need to be considered. First, consider the climate. Houses that are exposed to direct sunlight can reach extreme temperatures inside, causing serious and possibly fatal complications to your pet. During colder months, position the house so that the door is facing away from the wind. This will help keep your pet warm and reduce trips to the vet.
Secondly, you need to decide on the type of material you want the dog house constructed of. Plastic and metal absorbs heat and cold air causing temperature fluctuations. This provides a less-than-perfect environment for your pet. Wood is the best material for dog houses, as it tends to be more substantial than plastic and metal. Also, wood has more design add-on possibilities and provides your dog with better protection against the elements due to higher quality insulation. Regardless of the material you choose, make sure that there are no sharp edges that could be harmful to your dog.
The next matter is determining the size of your dog house. Choosing the proper size for you pet is very important. Dogs feel safer and more secure in smaller areas. However, the house should be big enough to allow your dog the ability to comfortably turn around inside the house and lie down completely stretched out inside. A house that is too large will warrant excessive cold air inside during inclement weather causing the body heat around your dog to be lost. Therefore, it is best to invest in a house that is properly sized for your pet’s comfort and well-being.
Another thing that needs to be considered is the bedding. It serves the purposes of providing a soft surface for your pet to lie on, which will protect the joints from hard surfaces. Also, it helps to insulate from the underside, helping to maintain a comfortable temperature for your dog. For inside bedding, it is best to choose something that is washable or has a washable cover. For an outside house, cedar shavings are the better choice. The oils in the cedar will help repel fleas and ticks. You can also use a dense, moisture-proof pad because it stays dry and fleas can’t penetrate it. The most important thing is to make sure that your pooch has a nice, dry, comfortable place to laze around.
Finally, make certain that your dog house comes equipped with a few added details. Some of the luxury details are more functional than indulgent, such as an elevated floor. It certainly enhances the appeal of the dog house, but it serves several purposes. Elevated flooring provides better ventilation, controls parasite infestation, and protects the house from flooding. Also, choose a house that has a vent at or near the top. This permits an exchange of air, which will reduce humidity and circulate fresh air inside the house. For cleaning purposes, look for a house with a removable rooftop and/or removable bottom panels. This will make cleaning the inside easier and you won’t have to crawl inside yourself!
Now that you have the proper information, choosing a dog house will be a cinch. When you head out on your shopping adventure, remember the five basics of finding dog house perfection. Your pet’s dog house is more than a shelter, it is a cozy place to snuggle up and escape from the world. Safety comes first, one size doesn’t fit all, and it is okay to splurge for what is important.