Advantages of Dogs
There is no pet which will love you with all its heart and reward you for looking after it quite like a dog. A dog will be your companion for the whole of its life. It will trust you, and protect you.
For an older child it is ideal. Most will happily play fetch for hours, or tug of war, and will accept being petted at almost any time.
With lolling tongues and big goofy grins there is nothing quite like a dog.
Although some dogs may pretend to be fussy eaters, most will eat almost any food when they are hungry. Major brands of dog foods are sold in most supermarkets and convenience stores.
Dogs are especially good companions for an only child, being a willing playmate. It is hard to neglect a dog - it will certainly let you know when it wants feeding, so is an excellent way to teach your child to take responsiblity.
There is no pet which will love you with all its heart and reward you for looking after it quite like a dog. A dog will be your companion for the whole of its life. It will trust you, and protect you.
For an older child it is ideal. Most will happily play fetch for hours, or tug of war, and will accept being petted at almost any time.
With lolling tongues and big goofy grins there is nothing quite like a dog.
Although some dogs may pretend to be fussy eaters, most will eat almost any food when they are hungry. Major brands of dog foods are sold in most supermarkets and convenience stores.
Dogs are especially good companions for an only child, being a willing playmate. It is hard to neglect a dog - it will certainly let you know when it wants feeding, so is an excellent way to teach your child to take responsiblity.
Disadvantages of Dogs
Most dogs bark. This can be useful to let you know when someone is at the door, or can be intensely annoying to both you and your neighbours.
Most dogs shed hair, though some breeds don't. If you or anyone in your family has an allergy to pet hair make sure you get a breed which doesn't - a poodle or cocker spaniel for example.
Dogs bite - especially as pups when they don't know any better. No dog can be totally trusted, and young children find it hard to understand that when a dog growls it is a warning sign. If a child hurts a dog it will defend itself, and sometimes can cause serious damage.
As puppies dogs like to chew, and the larger the breed the more damage they will do!
Dogs get dirty. Very dirty, and track the dirt in the house. After walks on wet days they may well need a bath before being allowed inside! And wet dogs smell.
Dogs need to have human attention. Although it is possible to leave a dog alone for a few hours it is not recommended, and if your lifestyle means you like to have a lot of evenings out or weekends away then a dog is not the pet for you.
When you go away for a night you will need someone to 'dog sit', or will have to put your dog in kennels. Unlike cats, dogs do not like to put up with their own company for long, and can become destructive if left alone.
Most dogs bark. This can be useful to let you know when someone is at the door, or can be intensely annoying to both you and your neighbours.
Most dogs shed hair, though some breeds don't. If you or anyone in your family has an allergy to pet hair make sure you get a breed which doesn't - a poodle or cocker spaniel for example.
Dogs bite - especially as pups when they don't know any better. No dog can be totally trusted, and young children find it hard to understand that when a dog growls it is a warning sign. If a child hurts a dog it will defend itself, and sometimes can cause serious damage.
As puppies dogs like to chew, and the larger the breed the more damage they will do!
Dogs get dirty. Very dirty, and track the dirt in the house. After walks on wet days they may well need a bath before being allowed inside! And wet dogs smell.
Dogs need to have human attention. Although it is possible to leave a dog alone for a few hours it is not recommended, and if your lifestyle means you like to have a lot of evenings out or weekends away then a dog is not the pet for you.
When you go away for a night you will need someone to 'dog sit', or will have to put your dog in kennels. Unlike cats, dogs do not like to put up with their own company for long, and can become destructive if left alone.
"Our Great Dane ruined a washing machine as a pup - big dog, very big damage!"
Like all warm blooded animals dogs have fleas. You will need to ensure that your pet is regularly treated, especially in the summer months, to stop these pests which not only cause the dog discomfort, but also can bite humans. Simple remedies are on the market which only need a few drops applied to the skin each month.
Dogs have worms, and must be wormed regularly to protect your children and others. Certain worms can cause serious harm to young children, and can cause damage to their eyesight. Even if you don't have children yourself you must worm your pet regularly, and never let it soil in children's playgrounds!
Dogs have worms, and must be wormed regularly to protect your children and others. Certain worms can cause serious harm to young children, and can cause damage to their eyesight. Even if you don't have children yourself you must worm your pet regularly, and never let it soil in children's playgrounds!
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Dogs - the good and the bad!
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Quick links to info about dogs....
Dogs main page
Dogs - the good and the bad
Commitment to owning a dog
Dog or Puppy?
Pedigree or Not?
Quiz - are you ready for a dog?
Dogs main page
Dogs - the good and the bad
Commitment to owning a dog
Dog or Puppy?
Pedigree or Not?
Quiz - are you ready for a dog?