Owning a dog is a large responsibility. Consider the time it takes to research and choose the breed, train it properly, the vaccination and veterinary costs, exercise and bonding time, and it can be overwhelming--especially for first-time owners.
The nation waited anxiously while the Obamas researched breeds. On Sunday, they revealed their choice--a Portuguese water dog given to them by Sen. Edward Kennedy. The Obamas likely have a team ready to help make "Bo" a presidential pooch. To help other first-time dog owners (or "pet parents") make a smooth transition, we searched for tips on choosing breeds, training and veterinary care.
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When selecting a breed, consider its size, exercise needs, intelligence and your lifestyle. Consider pure breeds versus mixed breeds. Also consider its temperament, especially if children are in the home.
"The most important thing to keep in mind is the safety of both the children and the dog," said Adam Goldfarb, director of the Pets at Risk Program at the Humane Society of the United States.
He says a common misconception is that certain breeds are more prone to biting people than others. Instead, the dog's temperament is a good indicator of the risk of a bite or attack. When considering a dog, spend as much time as possible with it before taking it home so you can look for the signs:
- Is the dog snarling or growling when a person or another animal approaches?
- Is the dog's body relaxed (a sign that the dog is content) or is it very stiff (a sign of stress)?
- Look for signs that the dog is a "resource guarder." They may be more protective of food, toys, areas of the home, or even people.
With the proper attention and care, dogs can be trained to fit any family, whether it's the first family or your own.
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Training a puppy--or even an older dog--is time consuming and requires consistent behavior from its owners.
"Dogs learn from habit, from the first day in the home," said Mychelle Blake of the Association of Professional DogTrainers. The keys to successful training are immediacy, consistency and praise, Blake said.
"Begin the training right away," she said. "Learn to praise the dog for the right behavior and redirect it for the wrong behavior."
She offered other useful tips: "The entire household should employ the same commands, hand signals and praise, or the dog could get confused." While the ultimate responsibility for training falls with the parents, Blake recommends documenting commands in a chart and putting it on the refrigerator, so children can help.
"You have to be very vigilant, but training is really helpful for the dog, as it can help build confidence," added Goldfarb. If you're concerned about housebreaking, he recommends adopting a dog who's already housebroken.
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Pet owners, especially new pet owners, may want to consider purchasing pet insurance.
"Traditionally, people who acquire new pets don't always consider the cost and responsibilities completely," said Loran Hickton, executive director of the North American Pet Health Insurance Association.
"They can sometimes be overwhelmed by costs, and relying on credit cards as a means for protection for the unexpected is not as feasible as it once was."
But Hickton says that people who have owned pet before are in a better position to anticipate veterinary costs. For example, spaying and neutering procedures can cost several hundred dollars.
"That kind of cost may put some owners into a financially excruciating position. The pet insurance is a safety net," Hickton said.
Pet insurance is increasing in popularity. More than 1 million pets in the United States are insured, up from about 700,000 about five years ago, Hickton said.
Taking care of a dog requires research, proper training and consistent veterinary care. Before adopting or purchasing a dog, be sure to research the breed, make a training plan and ensure that it receives the proper medical care.
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Also see MSN Votes for First Dog.
