Pet Question and Answer - Which Is The Best Pet For You?
Paige Harbold
* Question: How do I choose the pet that is right for my family?
In the first place, never buy a pet on a whim. Bringing a cute kitten or puppy home just because it was too cute to pass up can be a mistake.
Discuss the matter of pets together as a family before making the purchase. Remember to consider the following important issues: personal attention, grooming, playtime, daily feeding, vet care and house and potty training (if pet will be indoors). Consider asking each person in the household why they want a pet. Be sure your children understand that a pet is an important member of the family, not a toy, and that the pet's needs must be considered just as much as the humans' needs.
Then, review your lifestyle. Say, for instance, you live in a city apartment or work long hours. Then a cat, fish or bird may be considered. If you have a daily routine of jogging or running, then a dog might be appropriate for you.
If you'd like to understand the needs of a potential pet, make a point of seeking out and talking to breeders and other pet owners. Find local pet shows and talk to the judges. Use Google to search for specific breeds to learn more about the pet you are thinking of purchasing. It goes without saying that you should consider the ages of your children when planning to add a new pet to your household. An often overlooked issue is to consider the life expectancy of the pet and how this will affect your children.
* Question: Should I get a pet from a shelter or a pet store?
This is really a matter of personal preference. My personal preference is that it is best to find your new pet at a local shelter. Animals at a shelter are well-cared for by the staff and have had plenty of interaction with people. The shelter's staff will tell you about the animals' temperament so that you can find the pet that is best for you. The staff can give you a good idea of which animal loves children and which dog enjoys long walks. Furthermore, animals from a shelter have already been treated with the necessary immunizations, and have been spayed and neutered.
If you plan on getting a pet from a pet store, be sure to get a briefing from the store owner regarding that animal's behavior, especially with dogs, cats and other animals having a good amount of interactions with people.
* Question: What is the best way to decide which dog is best for me?
You should follow basic steps in choosing the right type of dog for you:
- Look for pet guides to learn about a particular dog breed's personality, background and temperament. Surf the internet for online guides that tell you about those kinds of dogs.
- Find a vet to discuss details about the characteristics of the breed you are looking for. Ask questions to understand more about the dog's breed.
- If you decide to purchase your puppy from the pet store, be sure to ask for the dog's status -- for example, the dog's history, physical or behavioral problems as well as anomalies of the breed. If you do not want to use a pet store, you can also find dogs and other animals at your county's animal shelter or through a private breeder.
- Of course, one of the very best methods (though not very scientific) is to find out from your friends' and associates about their own experiences with various types of dogs they have owned in the past.
About the Author:
Paige Harbold, a pet expert, gives her tips and tricks on themes such as how to Adopt a Pet and where to find the best Large Dog Cages. As editor of Pet-HQ.com, she offers expert pet advice.
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