Selecting a Pet
Seeking guidance before obtaining a new pet can prevent many behavior and health problems in pets. Selection topics to be discussed with your family are species, breed, age and the sex of the pet and where to obtain the pet. You will want to consider preparing your home. Also consider feeding, training, exercise, and health care requirements of the animal.
The primary reason that pet owners might surrender their pet is because of the unrealistic expectations that they had when they entered the world of owning a pet. It is important to understand the time, commitment, and expense that you will be undertaking over the next 15 – 20 years. While pet ownership has numerous benefits, it also comes with tremendous responsibility. The first decision is whether a pet is right for you, and if so what type of pet. Dogs, on one hand, require a level of training, and exercise that are not required by cats.
Puppies and kittens are usually adopted at about 7 – 8 weeks old. At this age they are full of energy and are developing their social skills. Try to make sure when selecting the right pet, that it has been socialized.
Once you decide on the kind of pet you are getting, the next decision is whether to obtain a purebred or a mixed breed. What ever type of pet you choose, it should be a breed whose physical and behavioral characteristics best suit the family. In selecting your pet keep in mind the physical appearance, including coat type, size and shape. Also consider the life span, since giant breeds of dogs live considerably shorter lives than smaller breeds.
There are hundreds of breeds to choose from with a wide variety of behavioral types. Kittens or puppies that are timid, fearful, noise sensitive and excessive biters will need additional socialization and some training and may not be suitable for your family. Some may want to look into adopting an older pet, one advantage of the older pet is the “potty training” stage has already been taught and the temperament can be seen directly.
Your local humane society and animal shelters have hundreds of pets, young and old that are awaiting a loving family. Ask your local veterinarian on how to prepare your home for the arrival of your new pet and answer any questions you may have.
The primary reason that pet owners might surrender their pet is because of the unrealistic expectations that they had when they entered the world of owning a pet. It is important to understand the time, commitment, and expense that you will be undertaking over the next 15 – 20 years. While pet ownership has numerous benefits, it also comes with tremendous responsibility. The first decision is whether a pet is right for you, and if so what type of pet. Dogs, on one hand, require a level of training, and exercise that are not required by cats.
Puppies and kittens are usually adopted at about 7 – 8 weeks old. At this age they are full of energy and are developing their social skills. Try to make sure when selecting the right pet, that it has been socialized.
Once you decide on the kind of pet you are getting, the next decision is whether to obtain a purebred or a mixed breed. What ever type of pet you choose, it should be a breed whose physical and behavioral characteristics best suit the family. In selecting your pet keep in mind the physical appearance, including coat type, size and shape. Also consider the life span, since giant breeds of dogs live considerably shorter lives than smaller breeds.
There are hundreds of breeds to choose from with a wide variety of behavioral types. Kittens or puppies that are timid, fearful, noise sensitive and excessive biters will need additional socialization and some training and may not be suitable for your family. Some may want to look into adopting an older pet, one advantage of the older pet is the “potty training” stage has already been taught and the temperament can be seen directly.
Your local humane society and animal shelters have hundreds of pets, young and old that are awaiting a loving family. Ask your local veterinarian on how to prepare your home for the arrival of your new pet and answer any questions you may have.