Veterinary Professionals - Vet Pro - Choosing the Right Dog.

jenvetnurse writes "A member recently posted a question into the forums about getting a new dog. They currently are living in a motor home. Whilst having a dog would be a nice idea – it would have to be the correct choice. It’s common for people to acquire animals but they often are not suited to their environment. This article will outline what is involved in having a dog as a pet and some ideas about which breed is right for you. Also dogs are a big commitment. Have you considered holidays, cost, if you circumstances were to change etc. Read on to help with the right choice.

Size
Obviously a big dog would not suit a small space i.e. a small flat/motor home. Elderly/frail owners would not manage a large dog. Large dogs are often gentle giants they respond to firm handling but do need lots of exercise and will cost a lot to feed. Larger breed tend to only live 8-9 years or so compared with small breeds.

Did you know that as many as 112,000 dogs are found abandoned every year?

Coat type
Long-coated and short-coated dogs will moult. I suggest grooming every few days for long hair and at least once a week for short haired dogs. Some special coats need attention everyday though. Brushing will remove the dead hair from short curly coats such as poodles, professional grooming will be needed to maintain texture and color in certain breeds. Dogs with oily outer coats can have a doggy odor that can be unpleasant. Regular bathing with a gentle doggy shampoo and Pet Fresh spray can help with this.
Potential health problems
Large and medium breeds are pre-disposed to joint problems, including hip and elbow dysplasia and loose kneecaps. Some breeds are more prone to ear or ear or skin problems. For examples Westie notoriously have bad skin, aYorkshire Terriers have dental problems due to their over crowded mouths etc. Some brachycephalic (short-nosed breeds) tend to have breathing problems especially Pugs. Dalmatians can be prone to kidney problems, flat coated retrievers often get tumors etc. Research the breed thoroughly if you decided you want a pedigree so that you know what to expect. Insurance is a must for pedigree dogs and advisable for all dogs. Vet bills can mount up very quickly.
Behaviour.
Some breeds are very intelligent and easy to train, and some are quite difficult. Certain breeds ie Border Collies are very intelligent – they are easy to train but also need lots of stimulation and can be destructive if they get bored.
Older dogs will be easier in a way to cope with and puppies can be hard work!
The easiest to train dogs are the working dogs such as Border Collies, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Shetland Sheepdogs.
Some breeds are desirable because of their look ie Basset Hounds and Pekignese. These dogs do have problems because of their shape and often owners are disappointed as they can’t exercise them very well. These little dogs can be stubborn on exercise and refuse to walk. If you want a lively companion who will fetch balls – choose the right breed.
Certain breeds can be aggressive if they are not handled correctly, well-trained or do not have a firm and reliable owner. Rottweilers, Japanese Akitas and Doberman Pincers are the breeds that spring to mind.
Terriers can be great companions they are loyal and fun. Although rarely can they be kept with cats as they instinctively chase. Greyhounds and whippets make gentle loyal pets but obviously lots of exercise and again – no cats. Bichon Frises are apparently very good with cats. Also intelligent dogs will accept cats – but never trust them 100% and always have the dog on a lead near your cat until you are sure he/she will not chase.

Housetraining – invaluable tips.
It is easier to have a puppy or a dog from someone who has already started housetraining. Or even a house where there are other dogs. Adults and puppies will often copy by example and learn quickly if there is another dog to copy.
Having a cage or a small room with a baby gate on the door will help. This can be the dog’s main living area – where you know he or she will be safe and will avoid unwanted accidents around the home. A dog’s own territory is very important. Make sure there are plenty of toys and a radio left on so that the environment is interesting and the dog feels safe here. The floor should be easy to clean and preferably near the door to the garden for convenience. It’s important not to let your dog get protective of its area. Stand in his/her bed sometimes and ensure that you can take toys/food away from the dog at any time without aggression being shown towards you. Start with good habits and it will prevent behavioral problems at a later date.

Feed a recommend dry diet i.e. Hills science diet or Pro Plan by Purina. The diet is very important. If you change the diet from what the dog is used to change it gradually over 7-10 days – mixing the new food with the old gradually increasing the new everyday. This will avoid diarrhea. The diet must be appropriate to the dog’s weight, age and breed. For example a giant breed puppy needs to be on a puppy/growth diet specifically for giant breeds. A senior dog will need to be on a senior diet fed according to its bodyweight. The best person to advice you on diet choice would be your vet or vet nurse. When you visit for the primary vaccinations or when you take on a new dog get him/her weighed accurately in kgs. Ask which is the most appropriate diet to suit. Buying in bulk is more cost-efficient.
Dogs do need some sort of routine. Otherwise they get confused – especially when you are in a training process in the early days. Visit the garden with your dog/pip immediately before and after eating. When he/she goes to the toilet praise is needed so that the behavior is rewarded and repeated. If he/she doesn't pass anything within 10 minutes, bring him inside and place him back in his area 20 minutes, then try again.
If your dog gets to around four or five months of age and is still having regular accidents around the house, ensure there is no medical reason for this ie cystitis – take him/her to the vet with a urine sample.
If your dog does something bad – ignore him or her or say a firm ‘no’ at the time. It is no good scolding 30minutes after the event as he/she will have no idea what was wrong.
Never smack or rub your dogs nose in faeces. These are old wives tales and will produce a insecure dog and a frightened dog is an aggressive dog. You want a loyal, happy, obedient dog. Time and patience will help and also training classes will help to socialize with other dogs.
Use low fat treats to reward your dog and lots of praise.

So you have made a decision to get a dog. My advice would be to take on a rescue dog. The rehoming centre will assess your situation and give you an appropriate dog.
They will have its history and know about it in detail which will help you know how much training he/she will need. The centre will be there for advice and you will be giving a dog a second chance to find a loving home. Visit the DOGS TRUST website – which is the new name for NCDL. http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/adopt.asp?structureid=411
This is what they have to say:
We’ve been matching people with their ideal companions for decades. By getting to know you, we believe we can help you find the dog that’s right for you. All our dogs are neutered and micro-chipped and given a complete health check, including vaccinations. We also give you a collar and lead and six weeks’ free insurance. Other than a modest adoption fee that helps to offset the costs of running the centers, there is no charge. Once you’ve adopted your dog, we’re here to support you – with training or advice – throughout your dog’s life.

Finally.
Dogs can be great friends and many dog owners can’t imagine life without their dogs. My view is that people generally tend to prefer cats or dogs. All I would say is think long and hard before deciding on a dog – don’t just have one because you know of someone who can’t keep theirs for some reason or because you like the look of a breed or because it happens to be the latest craze!

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