lovedogs

Common sense
The foundation of a good relationship with a dog is the making of a few common sense decisions. Each family that has or wants a dog must determine the position that dog will have in the household and the interaction it will have with family members, neighbors, and strangers. If the people and the dog adapts well to the circumstances set up by those decisions,then  the relationship will work. If they do not adapt well, the relationship may need repair. The decisions, adaptations, and amendments in this relationship serve the same purpose as decisions, adaptations, and amendments in any other relationship needed to make it work for the benefit of all concerned.

Common sense decisions
The first and perhaps most important decision is to carefully select a breed or mix of dog that is most likely to fit into the family temperament and lifestyle. There are many breeds to choose from, and there is at least one to fit every situation. There are breeds that are predisposed to retrieve, to guard, to pull sleds or carts, to snuggle, and to lie by the hearth. There are active breeds and calm breeds. There are breeds to satisfy the desire to comb long strands of silky hair and breeds that require only an occasional rubdown to keep coats healthy. There are breeds that can withstand cold climates and breeds that can cope with hot, muggy temperatures. There are breeds that love children and can put up with a toddler’s teasing, poking, and pulling and a 10 year old’s rough housing.

Each decision should be made with the welfare of the dog and the family relationship in mind when it comes to making a common sense decision and choosing the right dog to take home.

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