|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 willie@petshopdepot.com. I will receive it and answer. Pet Shop Depot
Teaching your puppy crate training is the first and best... Read More
So you're getting a Rottweiler puppy? Here are some general... Read More
For heat dissipation and body cooling, a horse trotting at... Read More
Good filtration is the prime priority in the discus tank.... Read More
As much as you may love your cute, new puppy,... Read More
Dog's come in all shapes and sizes ? out of... Read More
What Is ParvoParvo is a serious viral disease that can... Read More
German Shepherds were among the first dogs trained for police... Read More
One of the best parts of the day for any... Read More
It was November and I had spent 3 months searching... Read More
Occasionally, some of us get to do work that is... Read More
Dogs make great loyal pets and are always pleased to... Read More
When it comes to the art of giving, a gift... Read More
For most cat owners, training their cat to use the... Read More
What is Canine Infectious Hepatitis?The word hepatitis refers to an... Read More
Do I Need A Quarantine Tank?Ah, yes, the often dismissed... Read More
Training your dog can be time consuming and frustrating at... Read More
"Dogs have owners; cats have staff," and I have worked... Read More
So what does it mean to float a horse's teeth?... Read More
Ozzie, my four-month old Rottweiler peered up at me with... Read More
Pets provide an unconditional love that requires very little on... Read More
One of the most common causes of Feline Urinary Tract... Read More
Vitamins Can Increase Your Dog's Life Span!There is evidence to... Read More
Vitamins for Pets - How Essential Are They?A vitamin supplement... Read More
If you are keen on breeding Goldfish, you should know... Read More
Many people consider their dog to be part of their... Read More
This is general information on Discus, a member of the... Read More
One of the greatest thrills for a little boy or... Read More
What is Canine Hip Dysplasia?Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is a... Read More
Mistake #1:"Here, Kitty Kitty..."Unless they have been educated, new horse... Read More
Dog Travel SuppliesThe shopping part along for dog travel supplies... Read More
Peeing on the carpet, knocking you down, or stealing dinner... Read More
BackgroundSilkworms are the larva of a moth (Bombyx mori) native... Read More
They say the eyes are are the gateway to the... Read More
Until a very recent period, dog worms were thought to... Read More
The performing of dog tricks, while not a necessary part... Read More
Behavior can be a huge iisue with our pets. If... Read More
With all the companionship and love that our dogs give... Read More
Still remember that very moment when you first laid your... Read More
Pug puppies make wonderful pets. Pugs are very affectionate and... Read More
Training Tips for a Happy and Healthy Relationship with Your... Read More
I have encountered folks who have complained to me about... Read More
Losing a family pet can be a traumatic experience, especially... Read More
1) Why should I crate train my dog? ... Read More
Just like humans, dogs are subject to diseases and illnesses.... Read More
For realistic tips for humans who are moving with cats,... Read More
At some time or another even the sweetest cat "misbehaves."... Read More
It's important to understand your dog's sleeping habits and how... Read More
Advice!!!-Pet products that are useful, fun and enjoyable will make... Read More
Aggression behavior in a dog is a normal form of... Read More
Pet |