I'd like to adopt a dog. What do I have to know about choosing a dog andowning a dog on a day to day basis.

Answer 1

First you need to decide what size and breed of dog you would like. Then you need to decide if you want a puppy or a full grown dog. Then contact your local pound or start checking your local classifieds for dogs.
If you get a puppy, you should check into some instructional books or videos, because pups should only eat at certain times of the day to keep them from over-eating. However, self feeders are great for full grown dogs, so are the self-waterers.
Retractable leashes are best, especially for when you are woken up in the night for a walk.
Get some kind of treat to use to reward the dog. Avoid using human food.
Also, get a chew bone. They make one kind that lasts a long time, but is still ok for the dog to eat. It's called "nurabone" or something like that.
Good luck with your dog!

Answer 2

Pick a dog depending on your lifestyle. If you are very active, consider getting a large dog that will need lots of walks and playtime. If you are more sedentary, get a dog that likes to laze around or a small dog that gets it's exercise from running around the house.

If you have lots of time to housetrain a puppy and teach it not to chew on your shoes, then go for it! Otherwise, it might be best to get an older dog. That way you know exactly what the dog's personality is and how big it will get. Adult dogs are usually housetrained, and are calmer and tend to be quieter.

There are lots of adult dogs and puppies at your local animal sheter just waiting for new homes. The adoption fee is usually minimal and normally they have all their shots, have already been spayed or neutered, and have had passed behavioral testing.

Dogs usually require 3 walks a day (puppies need a lot more) to use the bathroom. A fenced yard makes this a lot easier (all you have to do is let them out into the yard) but even if you have a yard, they still need walks for exercise. They do best on a high quality dog food. They need training (come, sit, stay, etc), which you can do yourself, hire a dog trainer, or go to classes with your dog. They needs chew toys (all dogs have an inherent desire to chew), and lots of love and affection.

I love owning a dog. I work as a paramedic, so I am gone from home for 24 hours at a time, and my dog lives in the yard when I'm gone. When I'm home, she comes inside and hangs out with me. She curls up at my feet when I'm watching TV, and she follows me from room to room in the hopes of getting a treat. When I first brought her home, it was hard getting used to constantly taking care of her, but after a month or two, we got into a routine, and it was easy.

Dogs are wonderful! I wouldn't trade mine for anything!

Answer 3

adopt a stray dog!!!
you have to take your dogs for walks everyday!!!
if you are away from home for long periods of time i suggest you get two dogs so they have company!!!
feed them once a day
take them to the vet to get vaccinated and ask your vet for further info!!!