How many times have you seen this situation where a child comes through the door with a dog in tow? It looks skinny and skittish and is in need of a good meal and a bath. The child is looking with big eyes imploring, pleading, and desperately wanting a yes.
Well you may look at the animal and feel sympathy with its plight. But before you say yes to your child, consider this. When you take on an animal (of whatever kind) you are taking on a new family member and all the responsibility that go with it. A pet is not another thing in the house. It has a personality, a sense of loyalty to family members (if you treat them right) and has needs just like any person would.
Dog's ancestors were able to take care of themselves in the wild, but modern day dogs have been so domesticated that it is not an option for them in this day and age. Have you ever seen a perfectly healthy stray dog? I think that would be rare unless he wandered into your yard only a few days after being lost.
In this situation your first responsibility is to take care of the dogs immediate needs. You also want to take the dog to the vet to have him checked out. You should then do whatever it takes to find the dogs owners. After all, this is someone's pet and they may be mourning the loss and are desperately looking for it.
Look for posters that have been put up and consider making your own to let people know that a dog has been found. Do everything possible until all efforts have been exhausted.
If the owner has not been found then start looking at your options. If you are entertaining the idea of keeping the dog, then decide who is going to be the main caregiver. Is that you, or the child? If it is the child then realize that the child knows nothing about taking care of a pet. Don't assume that the child will know what to do. Although, one thing you can be sure of in most cases, is that a child will give unconditional love for the dog. As a matter of fact, children won't look at them as pets but as a close personal friend.
If the child is going to take care of the dog then you will have to teach them how to do this.
1) They need food and water daily, obviously. If it is a large dog that eats a lot it can certainly dip into your budget.
2) Dogs need to be exercised daily for good health. A good run in the back yard or a throwing of the Frisbee or stick can be very therapeutic for the dog. Dogs do not respond well if they are not shown affection and are exercised every day.
3) They need regular veterinary shots and flea protection and heartworm medication. Regular baths are a must, and don't forget you need to take care of their teeth. There are simple solutions to that like a tooth biscuit.
4) Dogs will respond to training if you make it a fun and rewarding experience for them. They will look forward to it because it's a game for them. They will follow the rules of your home if you are consistent.
If you are willing to do all this then not only will you enjoy the relationship you build with your dog but you will also earn their loyalty and trust. Don't be surprised just how much of a family member your pet can be. Your child will also learn some important lessons in responsibility for others. It can be a beautiful thing!
All the best!
About the Author
Willie Jones http://www.petshopdepot.com
Willie is a freelance writer and researcher who loves to share her views with others and enjoys other peoples views. After all, is this not how we share and learn from each other? If you would like to send me an email please send it to http://www.petshopdepot.com. I will receive it and answer. http://www.petshopdepot.com
Wood Dale Chicago prom limo .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareReading a pet food label, how difficult can it be?... Read More
Chihuahua Training is Easy! You may be wondering if Chihuahua... Read More
Many dog owners are bewildered when they hear their dog... Read More
The proper selection of a training collar can have a... Read More
Why The Food You Give Your Dog Matters!If you're like... Read More
Many chronic diseases commonly seen in pets result from immune... Read More
Dog careAccepting responsibility of your new pet friend is truly... Read More
Your dog's health is a very important part of overall... Read More
Did you know that pets outnumber people in the United... Read More
Most people who have horses would like to develop a... Read More
Believe it or not boutiques for dogs are everywhere. Nowadays,... Read More
Get to know your beloved dog better with these insightful... Read More
The act of offering Christmas gifts is always enhanced if... Read More
The city I live in just increased its fees for... Read More
Anyone wanting a new kitten should be a cat lover.... Read More
If you are keen on breeding Goldfish, you should know... Read More
The West Highland Terrier is a friendly dog, and is... Read More
Whoever coined the phrase, "It's a Dog's Life" wasn't familiar... Read More
I would like to address some of the statements I... Read More
Training your dog can be time consuming and frustrating at... Read More
The greatest fear of most pet owners is that there... Read More
Pregnant cats have to eat for two, three, four, five,... Read More
Buying a new dog is more than simply finding the... Read More
Every day we are looking for ways to make our... Read More
Lots of folks are picky about their vet, and for... Read More
Antigo wedding limo ..All dogs bark, it's their way to communicate a message.... Read More
Did you know that more than one million north americans... Read More
In a world of computer games, the Internet and shopping... Read More
As you likely know already, horses have at least 10... Read More
"Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil... Read More
As we find ourselves in the middle of winter, it's... Read More
You've made up your mind, it's the American Pit Bull... Read More
Can Your Dog Stomach This?There's an old adage that says... Read More
Buying dog doors onlineIf you need to buy a dog... Read More
Potty Training Your Puppy:Make sure you feed your dog at... Read More
Even if you have the perfect first aid kit for... Read More
Dog food is very important for the health of dogs.... Read More
There are thousands of local and online Pet Stores but... Read More
June is Disaster Preparedness for Pets month ? but if... Read More
Lemon TetraGlassily transparent, the lemon tetra (hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis) could appear... Read More
A new puppy is a joyous addition to any home.... Read More
If you are keeping tetras, chances are you are breeding... Read More
Just say the word cancer and any of a host... Read More
There are many of us who consider our pets as... Read More
She is the protector of cats, women and children. The... Read More
Dog Travel SuppliesThe shopping part along for dog travel supplies... Read More
Stroking your cat can be good for your health! It... Read More
Incredible advances in veterinary medicine are making it possible for... Read More
A couple of years ago a Japanese electronics company came... Read More
Would you put together a model plane without looking at... Read More
Pet |