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- Don't get a dog as a status symbol or because of the way it looks
- Dogs bark. They bark more when they're bored, scared or lonesome.
- Dogs have medical emergencies, normally when your vet is closed.
- Dogs are not solitary animals.
- Dogs need training.
- Dogs need socialization along with training in different locations so they are used to new people (loud, quiet, short, tall, with and without hats, all colors, kids, etc) sights, smells, sounds and other things like other dogs, bikes, shopping carts, wheelchairs etc.
- Dogs need exercise
- Dogs are not supposed to be aggressive/protective with their food, toys or any other thing.
- The best dog food does not come from the vet or the grocery store.
- Dogs nails must be clipped on a regular basis.
- Consider a dogs to be a 15 year commitment - don't acquire one on impulse.
- Dogs will not come to their name unless you take the time and patience to train them to do so.
- Spayed and Neutered dogs are better behaved and have less problems with behavior and health.
- Shoving a dog's nose into its mess is NOT the right way to potty train a puppy.
- There is no such thing as a stupid question
- Dogs need to be brushed, groomed and combed, depending on their coat. Just like humans they need to be clean and cared for... would you go 8 weeks without running a comb through your long hair?
- Some breeds are less accepted by society than others. This does not mean they make bad pets.
- Just because you have heard something about a particular breed does not make it true.
- Dogs have instincts.
- Dogs have a long life span, so don't get one then decide your new job or new babies prevent you from looking after it.
- Puppies are ALOT of work
- Most dogs in shelters/rescues are not "screwed up"
- A higher price tag on a dog does NOT mean that dog is a good example of their breed (or mix).
- A bored dog is a destructive dog.
- Aggressive behavior is NOT cute or tough and should never be encouraged.
- A dog is not a toy to keep your child busy.
- Two of the most important things you can give your dog are your time and your patience.
- Dogs go thru stages of life comparable to people, only in a shorter life span. They age & develop all the aches & pains that go along with aging. It can be heart breaking to watch - they need to be treated with the same patience & kindness you would show to an aging human beloved one & provided as much comfort as possible.
Barring tragedy or illness, you will some day be faced with a tough decision your dog can't make for himself. It's never easy. - Dogs are living breathing, feeling beings. If you chose to take one as a pet you owe that pet loving care for the entirety of it's life. You do not give up on this puppy when it gets old, or inconvenient. You do not give it away because you no longer enjoy it. You need to think about that before getting a dog.
- Dogs are a lifetime commitment.
- If you don't want your adult dog behaving a certain way, don't let it get by with it as a puppy! A five pound puppy might be cute when it tugs at your shoelaces and jumps on your legs, but an 80lb dog isn't going to be cute anymore. Have rules laid out from the start and stick to them.
- Dogs like routines and patterns. They seem to help them make sense of the world. Use it to your advantage in training. Show the dog what you would like, and then do that everytime. Like if you want the dog to sit before going out the door or up and downstairs, make her do it every time. She/He will catch on.
- Before assuming that a dog is not preforming a command out of defiance, think to make sure the dog actually knows what you're talking about.
- Training a dog doesn't need to be harsh, confrontational, boring, or violent. It SHOULD be fun, positive, free-thought, learning methods that you reward when the dog stumbles on the right behavior.
- Your dog's teeth need brushing as peridontal disease can lead to organ damage. Consistently brush them. Get them used to it at an early age. Make it fun by using good flavors.
- Some dogs chew. They'll chew anything they can get their mouths on unless you do something about it & teach them what they are allowed to chew on.
- Don't buy a dog to replace a previous dog. Just because the last dog you had, or dog you had as a child was perfect in your eyes doesn't mean your next dog will be exactly the same. All dogs are different. This especially applies to breeds; just because your last lab wasn't extremely energetic doesn't mean your next one won't be bouncing off the walls.
- Understand that most breeds were bred for a specific job in mind (ie: border collie for herding). This means that a working breed dog needs some type of job to do (even if it's just doing obedience every day).
- Most vets do not specialize in behavior or know anything about training. Do not go to your vet for training advice unless they are specifically skilled in that area. Same thing goes for a trainer; not all are trained in the medical field and you shouldn't go to them for medical advice.
- Dogs need exercise! For the most part, a dog (especially a young one and some breeds in paticular) is not content to sleep the day away while you're out or too lazy to go for a walk. If you want an animal that does this; get a cat.
- Socialization is EXTREMELY important! If you do not get your dog out of the house and introduce him to as many situations and people as possible he may become antisocial and aggressive; which is a huge liability and heartache.
- Dogs should not be "outdoor only". They are social animals that need to be with their family.
- Dogs cost money. Not many people have unlimited funds but you need to be prepared for unexpected things.Start a Fido Fund in a savings account for unexpected illness or injury.
- Most puppies will enjoy being around other dogs/puppies. This does not mean it is a good idea, nor does it mean your life will become easier, if you get a second puppy to be a "companion" to your first dog. The costs will double, and they will get in to twice the trouble. By all means, multiple dog households are great, but don't get a dog for your dog, get a second dog for you and your life.
- Dogs need consistency. Don't expect them to know the rules of your house if they are always changing.
- Learn to manage your expectations. Puppies don't get housetrained in a day -- it takes time, and that's OK. There will be setbacks -- those are OK, too, just deal with them. Chances are, your dog is going to be within the "normal" range for learning things, so learn what is to be expected, and don't expect things to be any easier, no matter how "different" or "perfect" you think your puppy is.
- Dogs become mean from lack of training, fear, lack of socialization, etc.
- Mutts are just as good as purebreds.
- A dog will become what you train it to become. The same goes for lack of training, A dog will become what lack of training allows it to become.
- A dog is a puppy for at least 2 years.
- "Everyone who owns a puppy can expect to loose something they love."
- People should know that puppies are not necessarily better or worse than adult dogs. I've seen too many people say that they, "need a puppy" and have no interest in an adult dog. All puppies turn into adults (if they are cared for so they can live long enough). Not all adults have behavioral issues and adults can and will bond with you the same way a puppy will. Plus, you generally know a lot more about an adult as far as size, temperment, etc... There is certainly nothing wrong with puppies, but don't write off an adult dog just because it's an adult dog.
- Not only do puppies LIKE to chew, they really NEED to chew. Chewing is more than entertainment for puppies. It helps them teeth, and it relaxes them. They are able to relieve themselves of frustration and anxiety by chewing.
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