If you are thinking about getting a dog, why not consider adopting one? There are many organisations in the UK that provide new homes for crossbred and purebred dogs. These adoption centres would have assessed available dogs based on breed, background and temperament. Their aim, then, is to find the right owner for the right dog. Many centres are open every day of the week while others may require an appointment. Whatever the case, visit the relevant website for more information.

Time and money considerations

When adopting a dog, it is important to consider how much time you will be able to spend with your companion. Although an older dog may be comfortable being left on its own for a few hours a day, a younger dog will need more attention. A puppy will need almost constant attention for the first few months.

A dog can live for 15 years or more and shouldn’t be brought into the home for the children’s sake only. Children may quickly lose interest in their new pet so it’s important to be able to commit for the long term. Behavioural problems may come from not providing a dog with enough exercise and mental stimulation, too, so the provision of that is critical, too.

While all breeds need regular grooming, some dogs may need professional attention on a regular basis. Some dogs may require a special diet or regular trips to the vet, even. As such, a new pet’s potential impact on the budget should be considered beforehand, as well.

Adoption centre’s requirements

The aim of a rehoming centre is to find a kind home environment where a dog will be well taken care of for the remainder of its life. The process normally involves a short interview or questionnaire with prospective pet owners. The centre may also want to check your home environment and will advise on fencing and other practical details to ensure the adopted dog’s safety and well-being.

A good adoption centre will want to make sure that your children and other pets will be compatible with the new dog, too. Should there be a good fit, the rehoming centre may require a contribution for the adoption of your new companion. The cost may include inoculation and an ID chip.

Small dogs, frequently called ‘handbag dogs’, recently took the world by stomr, fast becoming a popular fashion accessory for celebrities worldwide. However there is so much more to these little guys than being a cute addition to your outfit. Recently the UK has had a serious problem with the dumping of ‘handbag’ dogs after their owners became bored with their new toys. If you are serious about getting a small doggie make sure you are prepared to look after it and treat it with care and respect.

The reality of a ‘handbag’ dog

Small dogs are great for people in townhouses or who travel a lot, but keeping a dog in a handbag can do serious damage to the animal. Handbag dogs don’t know how to socialise with other animals. Moreover, due to the lack of regular exercise their joints and muscles become stiff, which can result in deformities, disease and difficulty with walking. Even little dogs love to run around, play and interact with other dogs and if you need to transport your animal invest in a proper doggie carrier that will support your dog properly.

Your perfect little friend

There are many little dogs to choose from but make sure you are prepared for everything that comes with caring for an animal. Small dogs are great for people with allergies as they have a smaller amount of dander and hair to shed. You can also get small breeds that don’t shed at all like Maltese’s, poodles and schnauzers. These types of dogs come highly recommended for dog lovers with asthma and bad allergies. If, however, you are looking for a small dog due to space constraints make sure you stay away from breeds with high energy like a Jack Russell.

Not just a fashion accessory

When buying a small, or ‘handbag’ dog, as they have come to be known, make sure you are buying it for the right reason. Handbag dogs were made popular by celebrities like Paris Hilton and are slowly falling out of fashion. But these are not just inanimate garments one can simply discard. If you want to make a difference, consider adopting one of the small, abandoned dogs at your local shelter.

Finding the perfect name for your new puppy can be difficult. Your dog’s name should be a reflection of their personality as well as your own. You will need to be comfortable calling your dog’s name with friends, bosses and strangers around so make sure you are happy with what you choose. Also make sure your dog’s name is appropriate to its breed, gender and function (be it a pet, guide dog or working dog).

Appearance

A lot of people choose a puppy’s name based on the appearance or breed of the dog. Spot works for Dalmatians, while fluffy is perfect for poodles. Rusty is a great name for a brown dog and Jet great for a black one. You can also be ironic with your names, calling a Great Dane Tiny and a sausage dog Giant.

Something you love

Your pet needs to make you happy and naming them after something you love is a great idea. Action hero names like Rocky or your favourite brands like Louis, or Gucci make great pet names. Alcohol names also work great for dogs and can be linked to appearance i.e. Brandy for a brown dog and Guinness for a black puppy. If your children are naming their puppy, consider helping them along by suggesting their favourite cartoon character like Barbie or Barney.

Things to remember

Your puppy’s name needs to be something that is easy to call. While naming your dog after royalty may sound regal, complicated names are not so easy to call. Also stay away from naming your pet something that sounds too similar to a command. Jay can sound too similar to stay while Neil can sound like heel.

There are many advantages to growing up with animals but buying a pet to teach a child about responsibility shouldn’t be the main reason for buying one. For example, children forget to feed their hamsters every day unless they are reminded by their parents. On the other hand, parents aren’t too keen on their toddlers picking up messes off the lawn. When choosing a pet, it’s important to consider the child’s age and temperament. Responsibility should be the main aim.

Children and responsibility

Teaching table manners is relatively easy if you keep an eye on a child at the dinner table. Teahing children to share may be more difficult but teaching responsibility may be harder still. Using a living, breathing and feeling animal to teach the basics of responsibility may not be the best starting point.

Responsibility comes with consequences and in the case of owning a pet, an animal is either negatively or positively affected. Children should be taught how to love and respect animals. They will learn kindness and empathy as a result. They should also be taught about the animals themselves.

But giving a puppy to a four year old, for example, isn’t going to help in terms of instilling a sense of responsibility. A child of that age doesn’t understand consequences and is therefore too young to take on the job.

What’s the best time to get a pet?

Having a cat or a puppy as part of the household can add to the richness of a child’s life. Err on the side of safety and get an age appropriate pet. Will your seven year old remember to change the dog’s water every day? Will your three year old possibly be bitten by the new puppy?

Perhaps the best age appropriate dividing line is this: when a child is able to sit down to do his or her homework on his or her own accord, he or she is ready to be taught about the responsibilities and consequences of owning a pet.

A pet should be seen as a member of the family. Learning responsibility should be seen as a side effect of owning a pet.

Labrador retrievers were originally bred in Newfoundland where they were used as working dogs. They emerged from the St John’s water dog and from there two further breeds came about. The larger breed evolved into the Newfoundland dog, with its gentle nature. The smaller breed was used to pull fishing nets and retrieve. These short-haired retrievers were the forebears of the labrador retriever. Labrador retrievers later became hunting dogs in England. The breed is now one of the most popular in the world.

Caring for a labrador

Labrador retrievers are oriented towards action and people. They are affectionate and patient and can be trained to do many useful jobs: from bomb and narcotic sniffing to guiding, therapy, searching and rescue work. As pets, they are mellow but they do need lots of attention and love, besides the obvious need for a good balanced diet and exercise.

Because labradors are somewhat gluttonous, one has to be careful to control food intake. If a lab has his way, he won’t stop eating. To avoid obesity and related health problems, be strict about what your lab eats. Ask your vet for advice and use a breed-specific diet that caters for your lab’s specific needs.

It’s important to note that labs only mature when they are about three years old. A ‘grown-up puppy’ can be a handful without firm but kind handling which is why training is recommended. Socialising classes can help to build a well-balanced dog. Labradors’ coats should be groomed with a ‘slicker’ brush every week or so.

Health concerns

Although labs are generally healthy dogs, they may be faced with some health issues including hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and ear infections. For this reason, you should visit reputable breeders before you choose your puppy. Examine the breeder’s dogs and ask lots of questions.

Aside from health issues, be sure to check that your lab is able to get out of a pool before you leave him unattended. Labrador retrievers were bred to work in water so they can’t resist diving into pools and swimming.

Cats make wonderful companions and they’re easy to keep, whether you live in a small apartment or a mansion. Besides being a friend for life, a cat is also good for you because it helps you to relax and can even have an effect on your blood pressure. Cats are also always full of surprises and very adaptable to new situations. What they need in return is a good diet, clean water and shelter, as well as plenty of play time.

The calming effect of cats

Think of how calm you feel when your cat is sitting on your lap purring away. Or how good you feel when you stroke it or play with it. These interactions are good for you because endorphins are released from your brain in the process. These feel-good chemicals can calm your nervous system without any side-effects.

Animals and blood pressure

Living with a cat is good for your overall health. Researchers have found that one’s blood pressure can drop when touching an animal. Some studies show that people who live with pets have lower cholesterol levels than people without pets. Cardiovascular disease can also be positively affected by living with pets.

Because animals have such a positive effect on people’s health, it is now a common sight to see therapy cats and dogs in hospital wards.

Cats make wonderful friends for life

Cats can make you feel wanted. They will never hesitate to come and find you when they are in need of your company. They’re also always full of surprises which can fill your life with unexpected joy. Because they’re so adaptable, they can be taught to interact well with children and other pets.

Your cat will love you all the more if you’re keen to play.

When your pet enters their golden years, they aren’t as inspired by hard runs on the beach as they are by a more comfortable and relaxed lifestyle. Elderly dogs require lots of love, sleep and good food but to keep them happy, it’s also important to regularly take him to the vet for examinations. A vet will be aware of potential problems like arthritis, bleeding gums, hair loss, itchy skin, toilet problems, diet issues, hearing loss and the onset of blindness.

If your dog is acting out of character, this may be a sign that something is wrong. Be aware of any changes in behaviour or temperament so that you can get treatment in time.

Arthritis

Many elderly dogs develop arthritis but the good news is that the inflammation of joints is treatable. One of the recommended treatments is to control your dog’s weight as extra weight puts pressure on joints, which can be painful. Arthritic pain can be treated by medications and by alternative means like acupuncture.

Dental problems

If your dog has bad breath or bleeding gums, take him to the vet as gums and teeth are good indicators of health in a dog. If you dog has a sudden loss of hearing or sudden blindness, this might no be related to old age but could be due to something else.

Kidney troubles

Keep track of your dog’s weight as any change in appetite or weight could indicate that something is wrong. If your dog is drinking more water than usual, this could be due to kidney problems. Toilet problems are also an indicator that something is the matter.

Tips

Moderate exercise is as important as ever for good muscle tone but in this case, it helps to keep your elderly dog’s joints lubricated while helping to prevent a condition called periarticular fibrosis. Also remember that older dogs have different nutrition requirements to younger dogs, so find out from your vet what is best for your dog at this stage of his life.

Note: Signs of arthritis are stiff legs, limping or preferring a particular leg over another, lots of sleeping and a general slowing down.

Once you’ve decided that you want a dog, the next question to consider is what kind of dog will work for you and your family. The type of dog to consider will depend on where you live, how much exercise you’ll be able to give to your new pet and how much grooming you’re prepared to do. Pugs and Chihuahuas do well in townhouses, basset hounds and bulldogs don’t require a huge amount of exercise and Jack Russels don’t need much grooming.

Size – and exercise

If you’ve fallen in love with a puppy, find out how big the dog will be once it is a fully grown adult. The size of your living space will determine how large a dog you can accommodate. Small dogs suit smaller apartments but if you’ve got a large garden and home then size won’t matter.

Breeds that are well suited to townhouses are Chihuahuas, Yorkshire terriers, toy and miniature poodles, Cavalier King Charles spaniels and pugs.

Some highly intelligent breeds like border collies require lots of mental and physical stimulation. Siberian huskies will also not be happy it they’re left on their own all day. If you have the time and inclination to train a responsive dog, then the choice is wide but if you don’t then consider the following breeds: pekinese, basset hound, pomeranian, papillon and bulldog.

Grooming

Some dogs, like Afghans and Yorkshire terriers, require daily brushing and grooming due to the nature of their coats. Other dogs, like poodles, require frequent visits to the dog parlour. So before you decide on a particular breed, consider if you will be able to attend to a breed’s particular needs.

It’s not all about coats as dogs that have long ears, lots of wrinkles or problems with their eyes also require a fair amount of attention. Dogs that don’t require much grooming include whippets, bull terriers, Jack Russel terriers and Staffordshire terriers.

Before buying a puppy, consider the option of adopting an adult dog. Not only will you save yourself a lot of potty training but you will also have a good idea of its temperament.

The docking of a dog is the cosmetic process in which the tail is cut off made smaller and is common practice among pure bred breeds such as the poodle. The docking of dogs has been a practice that breeders and shows have condoned for years but the times are changing – there are many views and arguments for and against this practice and so the question remains – should you dock your dog?

Why it’s done

Dogs’ tails are commonly docked as puppies to comply with breed standards and even if you don’t plan to show your dog the choice is not necessarily yours as breeders do the docking at such a young age. Some breeds are docked to prevent injury and chaos that can be caused by a long tail that wags all the time – these tails can not only harm those around them but dogs can actually break their tails if they hit them into something hard while wagging. If a dog breaks its tail it needs to have it docked as an adult which is a much more painful process than if performed when your dog is a puppy. Working dogs like sheep dogs also get their tails docked to prevent it getting caught in fences and bushes.

Why it should be avoided

Most puppies squeal through the process of tail docking, showing that they are undergoing pain and people argue that this is inhumane for pure cosmetic purposes. If tail docking is not done correctly infection can set in or the puppy can bleed to death. The tail of a dog serves as a form of communication and if a dog wags their tail or tucks it between their legs you can get a clear sign or their emotional state – a dog with a docked tail is harder to read and thus it may be harder to tell when your dog is sick. Your dog’s tail also helps other dogs to understand their moods and a docked tail could give the wrong impression resulting in fights between your dog and others.

The decision

In many countries the decision of tail docking lies with the owner or the vet. However, in the UK it is illegal to dock your dog’s tail unless they are a legitimate working dog. The docking of a dog’s tail may also be done in the UK if it is necessary to prevent illness/disease to your animal.

Before you get a new puppy you need to make sure he (or she) has everything they need to have a happy and fulfilled life. The accessories you buy your dog not only ensure that they are happier and well-looked after, but they can also help to make your life easier. With dog fashions taking over the world and pet accessory stores popping up on every corner, shopping for your best friend has never been easier.

A leash

Leashes now come in a multitude of colours and can even be adorned with glittery rhinestones. Your leash helps to maintain control of your dog and keeps them safe, so make sure your leash is not too long so that you can maintain control but also that it gives your dog some room to breathe. Retractable leashesare the perfect dog accessory as they are easy to store and are great for pets that like to roam.

Identification

Your dog’s collar is not merely an accessory. Every dog should have some form of identification so that they can be traced back to you should they go missing. Most veterinarians and pounds install tacking chips in dogs so that they can be reunited with owners if lost. Alternatively just get a simple name tag for the collar so that if someone finds your animal they know who to call.

A bed

Beds for dogs range from the very simple to the extremely lavish. But either way, make sure your dog has one. Dogs need somewhere to sleep that they can call their own and this will stop your dog from sleeping on your expensive furniture. Soft beds are great for dogs, especially large breeds, as they help to prevent callouses and sores on knees and elbows. Many dog beds are heated or have extra cushions for dogs with arthritis and sore joints.

Toys

Every dog loves to play and to prevent the object of their desire being your new shoes, do yourself a favour and buy them some doggie toys. Playing games with our dog allows you to build up that special relationship and it lets your dog mimic his animal instincts like hunting, chewing, herding and guarding.