If you are getting a dog, make sure this is what you want. A dog is a LIFETIME commitment, that could last in the upwards of 15 years.
Also, a pet is meant to live inside, not tied out to a tree it's whole life. Buy a crate suitable for the size of your dog. It should be large enough to be comfortable for the animal, but not so large that it can do it's business at one end, and lie at the other end.
You can also buy pet beds at most department and pet stores. The prices vary from 10 dollars to 100 dollars, depending on the size you get.
Good Luck and Enjoy your New Pet.
2007-06-01 02:54:50
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answer #1
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answered by ? 3
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It's a lifetime commitment; know what you are getting into. Volunteer at a shelter to get some experience with dogs. (you never know, you may be allergic). You will learn a lot about the needs of a dog if you volunteer to help care for rescues. You will be picking up poop, so if you can't stomach it - reconsider. Your dog needs a sanitary environment just like you.
I don't recommend a puppy for first time dog owners - they are almost like having an infant: huge time investment and care REQUIRED to raise a well balanced and stable dog. Adopt a Rescue dog. An older dog is perfectly happy to spend a lot of time sleeping; the down side is older dogs can have some pretty good vet bills.
I've raised indoor & outdoor dogs. It depends on the breed and personality of the dog as to which is best. Small dogs *should* be indoors, but need their daily outside exercise. For an outside dog, FENCED YARD. A chain is cruel; how would you feel being tied to one place all day and all night? You'll have to check the fence line fairly often if you have a "digger". The last thing you want is doggie loose in the neighborhood (some places that could get you in big trouble).
The Working breeds (and ones breed to hunt) tend to need a lot of outside time and get bored if they don't have something to do. If they don't have enough stimuli they can develop some neurotic obsessions (a Lab with tennis ball comes to mind, or a Springer with shadows).
There is a lot of information out there, read it. Volunteer at a Shelter. Remember that most "bad dogs" are developed by bad owners. Please get your dog fixed; there are too many irresponsible owners and WAY too many shelter dogs.
2007-06-01 03:31:15
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answer #2
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answered by beth 4
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Sounds like you have no experience with dogs. Don't get a puppy! It would be a nightmare for you. Get an older dog from the shelter. Most will sleep through the night, and come potty trained, or learn a lot faster than young puppies. Young guys need to go out every few hours etc. Supplies you will need before bringing the dog home - you can get all of this at any pet supply store
1. crate - make sure it is the right size for the dog you want (size info is on the box)
2. leash and collar - make sure they are the right size as well - ask for help or take in a measurement of the dog's neck
3. food and water bowl - make sure they are large enough for the breed of dog - again you can ask in the store
4. bed - a soft fluffy place for naps - maybe one for the crate and one for the living room
5. High quality food - you buy cheap food you get more poop because they have to eat more. The cost will be the same in the long run - only you will have more cleanup
6. poop bags - any bags will do, but some people like the special ones you can get at the store
7. sturdy toys - if it looks like it can be ripped to shreads in minutes then don't get it - just more cleanup for you!
8. and most important - a book on dogs. Or stop by the library and check a few out.
9. Sign up for a training class - many pet store offer them or check the yellow pages. You want to begin in the first week or two of having the dog - for your sanity and to help will all the questions you will have.
10. Find the vet you will use - you can ask for recommendations while at the pet store, ask friends and neighbors, etc. Make an appointment for the first week you have the dog.
The books will help with what you need to know - make sure you do you research before bringing the dog home!
Also, make sure you get a dog whose energy matches yours. If you are a couch potato or don't have a ton of extra free time get an even older dog or one known to be lazy. Most young dogs need about 2 hours of excercise every day - they will have poor behavior and you will go insane if they don't! Plan for jogs, meet up with other dogs for play etc. Even lazier dogs need 2-3 15 minute walks a day minimum!
2007-06-01 03:06:37
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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I advise keeping dogs inside because it helps the dog bond to you and leads to a happier, better behaved dog in most cases. The amount the dog barks has nothing to do with inside versus outside. The best way to control barking is to teach the dog to bark on command, then teach it when to stop. You can then use the quiet command when you want to dog not to bark. Just be careful not to punish the dog for alerting you to things like someone at the door or in the backyard, because you want the dog to protect to the house. You just don't want it to bark at every falling leaf and passing car!
Every night when you put the dog in its crate use a command such as "go to bed" or "good night" so that it associates the command with getting in the crate. Provide a bone or toy in the crate so that it is fun and not punishment.You can purchase supplies at any pet store such as Petsmart or Petco or even at most Walmarts and Targets.
2007-06-01 03:04:07
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answer #4
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answered by Luv big dogs 4
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For the first few nights the puppy is going to be scared, its a new enviroment and its the first time he is away from his momma and litter mates! It doesnt matter what kinda bed you buy but make sure it is comfy, usually the people at the store can suggest a really good one for you. If you have a fenced yard i would let it in and out as it pleases, but it is your decision now it also depends on the breed because a chihuahua likes indoors while say a german shepherd loves to run around the yard! If the dog is barking, it is ok to baby him. Always let water be avialable and offer a little food though he probably wont eat it at first. Make sure the day you get your pup is one where you dont have to go anywhere for the first week you constantly need to be with the pup! dont be harsh to him because you have to relize this is the first time he has been with your family! Now as for the bed situation, put the bed in a enclosed room with just the floor (if possible wooden or tile say the bathroom) take everything out and just put the bed and a water bowl. Also put a stuffed animal, a hot water bottle, and a tick-tock clock. (with no alarm settings lol!) this will help him be comforted and hopefully go to sleep faster (naturally he will want to sleep there) If i can promise you one thing its this: he will whine untill you come and love on him, but you do have to be presistent.......ok so thats what all the books say but i found it easier just to let my dogs cudly with me i have no problem with it its your preferance!
2007-06-01 02:57:53
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answer #5
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answered by ? 3
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The comment on Labs, not true. You can keep a Lab in the house AS long as it has plenty of outside time and plenty of exercise. Our two labs stay in the house during hot days, storms. Then go out during the cool nights or stay in during winter nights. The smaller the dog, the yappier it will be. (Most of them)
My suggestion is to go to your local pet store and get all info on raising a new dog.
Depending on the size that you are getting, there is a variety of pet beds, and accessories.
Build a dog house outside or a pre-made one if you keep the dog outside for any length of time. This is shelter for them.
You can't make a dog go to sleep.
About a 1/2hr before you go to bed, seize all playing and keep activities to a minimum. Repeat a saying every night, like, "ok, time for bed", and settle down so that your dog will understand that this is rest time, not play time. He will catch on in a short period of time.
2007-06-01 02:55:17
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answer #6
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answered by Mom of 2 great boys 7
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I think you better rethink your idea of getting a dog. They are alot of work. Training can sometimes really be hard and deter you from not even keeping the dog. But stick in there when all the puppy crap is over you will have a life long friend.
2007-06-01 02:50:50
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answer #7
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answered by heather_lesko 2
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ok congrads on that, anyway first of all u should build a dog house for him, if he seams trained then u can take a chance and bring him into the house. If he behaves unpleasent in the house u should try teaching him yourself on things he should do and should not do. For him to last the whole nite u should stock up on dog food.
2007-06-01 02:55:24
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answer #8
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answered by KANDY 1
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get a more quiet type breed that isn't known to bark excessively. and yes, by all means make a doghouse~a BIG one for the poochy baby
ebay has good dog beds, they have everything
2007-06-01 02:59:00
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answer #9
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answered by deirdrefaith 4
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Maybe you should get an older dog that's already housebroken and trained. Rescue a dog and that dog would be ever so grateful.
2007-06-01 02:55:14
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answer #10
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answered by Anonymous
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