Choosing a Dog for Your Family Dog

Here is a book authored by a Mom who researched the topic. She had heard too many stories about families getting rid of their dog within the first year of ownership, and wanted to avoid that hassle and heartbreak for her own family.

The result: her book covers all aspects of choosing a family dog. She addresses topics such as:

· Is Your Family Ready for a Dog?
Can you risk causing your children sadness and disappointment by finding out too late that a dog does not fit into your life right now?
Learn what's involved in dog care and assess whether a dog is a good fit for your family right now.

· Should You Get a Puppy or a Grown Dog?
Have you considered all your options? Find out if your family will work better with a puppy or an older dog before making the commitment.

· Do You Want a Purebred or a Mutt?
Learn the benefits and risks associated with purchasing a purebred vs. a mixed breed. Avoid surprises and understand the costs.

· What do the Breed Groups Mean?
Make informed decisions by learning the basic traits of each breed group.
Learn how these traits affect dog behavior, and how you can choose the behavior traits that best suit your family life.

· What are the Best Breeds for Families?
Make your selection process easier by using the list of the top ten breeds for families based on trainer and AKC descriptions and recommendations.

· Which Breeds Should Families Avoid?
Find out some surprising breeds that may not be a good choice for your family>

· Which Breed Suits YOUR Family?
Choose a breed that will best suit your family by understanding grooming, exercise and health requirements of various breeds.

· How to Select a Puppy
Learn how to test temperament and have a better chance of knowing how your dog will likely react to training etc.

· EASY Worksheet to Help You Choose!
Take the information a step further with this EASY worksheet to keep track of what you want (and don't want) in a family pet

When you're choosing the right kind of dog to bring into your home, you want to think of what their temperament is. Will the dog training be a huge hurdle to overcome?

If you have the space in your home and a big yard, you might want to consider getting a Great Dane. They can be intimidating by their sheer size and body weight, but I grew up with Great Danes as housedogs and they certainly do live up to their handle of 'gentle giants.' They're mild mannered dogs that are loving and good with children as well as adults and other dogs.

The downside to bringing a Great Dane into your home is their size, when they're excited and wag their tail around, it can whack against you like whip or knock things off tables or shelves. Because of their size, it does cost a lot more to feed them than a medium or smaller dog.

Regardless of what size or type dog you choose, when you pick out a dog to bring into your life, understand that there are some financial aspects to keep in mind. Besides the usual food and bedding, there is the cost of routine veterinarian care and any shots or medications your pet will need.

You should also plan for any health care emergencies that may arise for your pet. You may never need an emergency pet care plan, such as a veterinarian hospital stay, but it's better to be prepared just in case.

Consider purchasing pet insurance. Pet insurance works much like health insurance for people. Some plans offer coverage for routine care for your pet as well as for any unforeseen events that can happen such as accidents or surgeries.

Once you pick out a dog, look for online dog training resources that will help you get off on the right foot with your new pet.

Cocker Spaniels have been around for centuries (originally hunters of woodcock) and are one of the world's best-loved family pets. With friendly demeanors and loyal attitudes, it's easy to see why cocker spaniels are so loved. But you may have questions, such as - how easy would it be to potty train your dog?

Average cocker spaniels only grow to be around fifteen inches and weigh approximately fifteen to thirty pounds. They are sturdy dogs and easily excited, often delighted in exploring the world around them.

Gentle creatures, they get along well with children and the elderly. Due to their excitable nature, Cocker Spaniels do not respond well to yelling or loud noises. It is best to respond in a gentle, quiet manner. Yet it is the cocker spaniel's excitable manner and loyal personality that often makes this breed a good choice for a guard dog.

Oftentimes, Cocker Spaniels do not need obedience class, as they are intelligent animals and eager to please. Spaniels are willing to learn simple commands from their master and respond well to a gentle leader.

Cocker Spaniel's gorgeous coats come in black, parti (often times two colors with one color being white) or ASCOB (any solid color other than black).

They need moderate exercise with frequent grooming. Most experts recommend brushing a spaniel's fur thoroughly daily or whenever exposed to wooded areas. The beautiful coats these dogs sport need daily grooming with visits to a professional groomer every four to six weeks.

Ear care is also important for this breed of dog. Without regular cleaning, their long, drooping ears can be breeding grounds for many different type of bacteria. You can get lots of great dog grooming tips online for any breed of dog that you choose!