Picking a dog for your dog.
http://www.articlepaw.com/Picking-a-dog-for-your-dog/a11115_1
Pat
By Pat
Published on 05/8/2009
You think your dog is tired of being alone, and needs a friend to keep it company when you can't be around. All you have to do is get another dog, and the problem will be solved. Or will it?
Picking a dog for your dog.
You are gone so much, you just know your dog is lonely. Getting a second dog will solve that problem, and you will feel better about leaving the dog home. This is such a great idea, you wonder why you didn't think of it sooner.
Is getting a second dog really the best idea? Think about having twice as much work, and twice as much expense as you have now. If you think all of these concerns are small ones, and you can cope with the extra work, and expense, begin your dog search.
What type of dog are you looking for? Do you want the same type you have now, or is that not the best choice? If your current dog has a hyper personality, you may want to check for a breed that is less excitable. Maybe an older dog from a pet rescue rather than a puppy would be a good choice. If the dog you have now is older, and you think would be energized by a younger dog, look for one that is peppy.
Think about checking with local pet rescues first. People who own a pet rescue not only have personal information about the dogs they tend to and their personalities, they might be able to help you learn which breed of dog gets along well with other dogs.
If you are not happy with what is available at the local pet rescue, think about the animal shelter in your town. With the sad state of the economy, families often have to give up their pets. There may be a wonderful second dog waiting for you. Usually these dogs are current on shots, and have been spayed or neutered. Think about having your dog micro chipped while you are there, just in case the dog is ever lost. In most towns the micro chip can be done at the shelter, and takes just a few minutes.
Once you have taken the step to add the second dog, you will wonder how you ever lived with only one dog.
Is getting a second dog really the best idea? Think about having twice as much work, and twice as much expense as you have now. If you think all of these concerns are small ones, and you can cope with the extra work, and expense, begin your dog search.
What type of dog are you looking for? Do you want the same type you have now, or is that not the best choice? If your current dog has a hyper personality, you may want to check for a breed that is less excitable. Maybe an older dog from a pet rescue rather than a puppy would be a good choice. If the dog you have now is older, and you think would be energized by a younger dog, look for one that is peppy.
Think about checking with local pet rescues first. People who own a pet rescue not only have personal information about the dogs they tend to and their personalities, they might be able to help you learn which breed of dog gets along well with other dogs.
If you are not happy with what is available at the local pet rescue, think about the animal shelter in your town. With the sad state of the economy, families often have to give up their pets. There may be a wonderful second dog waiting for you. Usually these dogs are current on shots, and have been spayed or neutered. Think about having your dog micro chipped while you are there, just in case the dog is ever lost. In most towns the micro chip can be done at the shelter, and takes just a few minutes.
Once you have taken the step to add the second dog, you will wonder how you ever lived with only one dog.