Choosing The Right Dog for Your Lifestyle

Before even considering choosing a particular type of dog, it is important to ask yourself "Why do you want a dog?".

If you are cetain that you still want a dog in your life, then it is of utmost importance that you choose the right dog for you, your lifestyle, your family and more importantly for the dog that is going to be part of your life in the future.

Do you choose a puppy or an adult? 
Pedigree or Mixed Breed? 

A dog may well be a part of your life for ten years or more, so it's best to do your homework and consider the options carefully.
 
Pedigree or mixed breed?
There are more than 200 breeds recognised in the UK alone, plus all those adorable crossbreeds and mixed breeds in infinite variety. The development of dog breeds for specific purposes has led to more variations than most other species - just look at the gigantic Great Dane beside the tiny Chihuahua.

 A purebred Beagle

The major advantage of choosing a pedigree (pure bred) is predictability. You can be fairly certain that you will get predetermined size, coat length and texture, character, energy level and susceptibility to illness. So think carefully before choosing a pedigree.

For example, many people choose to have Labrador Retrievers because they seem to be very calm and docile. However, Labrador Retrievers are working dogs (gundogs), and so need an incredible amount of exercise as they have endless amounts of energy. Are you prepared to take your Labrador for 2 or 3 long walks/runs a day?

 A Dalmation-Doberman Cross Breed?

To a lesser extent, cross-breeds (parents from two different pure breeds) are predictable too, but you can't be sure which breed will be dominate. For example, a Border Collie-Labrador cross could be either laid back or brimming with energy. A Dalmation-Doberman cross could either be very playful and dopey or intimidating and fearless.

A Mixed Breed Puppy

Mixed breeds (otherwise known as mongrels) come from an entirely non-pedigree background. Sometimes you can see a few hints as to the parentage, with others it's impossible to guess. Some people consider this an advantage as they want to own a dog that is a one of a kind. Genetically mixed breeds are healthier, since they have a larger gene pool and fewer hereditary problems.

Puppy or adult?
Most people find puppies irresistible, but they may not be the ideal choice for everyone. Adopting a homeless 'teenage' or adult dog may be a good alternative.

Puppies are adorable and you can ensure your puppy is raised in a loving and kind home. You can also train them to focus on what is important to you. But they can be very time consuming in the early days, with frequent trips outside for toilet training and constant vigilance to ensure your favourite possessions don't end up as chew toys.

Homeless adult dogs can make exceptional pets and will often come with a good deal of training and socialisation. However, it is important to consider that adult dogs can often come with 'emotional baggage' and time and patience may be required to overcome timidity, mild aggression or other difficulties.

Dog or bitch?
There's a lot of difference of opinion when it comes to the battle of the sexes. Some swear that bitches are easier to train and tend to be more loving. Others argue that females are more independent and aloof. Males are said to be more aggressive, but neutering can dramatically change their nature.

Un-neutered dogs of both sexes can always present problems, which is why it is very important to spay/neuter your dog to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Males can wander off in search of females in season. Females may have phantom pregnancies and can be difficult to manage during their season. The cost of neutering a female is much greater than for neutering a male, and greater still if she is already pregnant. It's best to be guided by the breeder or other sources of expertise, such as a vet, behaviourist or trainer as to whether a male or female is best for you and your lifestyle.

Breeder or re-homing organisations?
If your heart is set on a pedigree or cross-bred puppy then a reputable breeder is your best bet. Contact the Malaysian Kennel Association, or other reputable canine societies such as Puppy.Com or Pet-N-You etc, who may have a list of litters available, or can put you in contact with breeders in your area.

Taking on a dog from an animal shelter or larger welfare organization can be incredibly rewarding. There are thousands and thousands of dogs waiting for a second chance in life as a pet, often having lost a home with their first owners through no fault of their own. Remember, reputable centres or rescue groups assess the dogs they take in carefully and will help match the best canine personality to you, your family and your lifestyle. 

Not surprisingly, puppies for re-homing tend to be in short supply. You may have to take your time contacting several shelters and might have to travel further a field. You may want to contact your local SPCA or independent rescue groups to see if they might have a dog suitable for you and your lifestyle.

Local Shelters
SPCA Ampang	03-4256 5312/03-4253 5179
SPCA Penang	04-281 6559
SPCA Seberang Prai	012-552 3447
SPCA Melaka	019-6631407/016 2714873
PAWS	03-78461087
Lassie	04-955 6787/04-955 3643,
Other Animal Welfare/Rescue Organisations
Independent Pet Rescuers	012 202 6384
PAWS Mission	012-205 2906/012-395 7217
MDDB	019-357 6477/012-373 9007

Adoption Drives 30 & 31 October 2010

Paws Mission Adoption Drive
Date: 30 & 31 October 2010
Time: 9am - 6pm
Venue: 43, Lorong Nikmat 2, Happy Garden, Jalan Kuchai Lama in Kuala Lumpur
Contacts: 
Fan 012-205 2906,
Ivy 012-395 7217,
Vivienne 012-252 1562,
April 012-327 8060,
Kim 012-919 2263 and
Ho at 012-290 0215.

Note: Paws Mission would welcome donations in kind especially dry and canned dog food, cages and playpens, dog treats, shampoo, towels, disinfectants and newspapers.



Malaysian Dogs Deserve Better Adoption Drive
Date: 31 October 2010
Time: 11am - 7pm
Venue: No 7A, Persiaran Raja Muda Musa (between the Klang traffic police contingent headquarters and Hin Hua High School)
Contacts: 019-3576477, 012-3739007

Note: Donations such as dry and canned dog and puppy food, dry and canned cat and kitten food, old newspapers, dog and cat shampoo, old towels, rice, cages, detergent and bleach will be appreciated.

SPAY/NEUTER CAMPAIGN BY SPCA

BEFORE YOU GET A DOG

Before You Get A Dog by Sandi Dremel, Copyright© 1997-2002, The DogInfomat

PREFACE The decision to get a dog is not something to be taken lightly. An adorable puppy can tug at our heartstrings but, in the end, will require a significant investment of your time and money for a significant number of years. Socializing and training a new puppy is time consuming and, occasionally, frustrating. It can increase the amount of stress on the family, and the dog, working to provide the constant supervision, socialization, and training that is necessary to successfully integrate a dog into a family environment. This is especially true if the primary caregiver(s) are working outside of the home and/or have young children, an elderly parent, or other persons and/or pets to care for. This does not mean that it cannot be done. But, prospective dog owners often underestimate the investment of time, energy, and money, required. Additionally, depending upon what breed or mixed breed you ultimately select it may take some time to find the right breeder and/or the right puppy/dog. Reputable, ethical breeders do not breed frequently. And, they only breed when they have found a pair who has been proven to possess the health and temperaments required to insure, to the extent possible, healthy, well tempered, offspring. Making this decision impulsively, can lead to frustration, disappointment, and eventually, may result in the surrender of the dog to a shelter or rescue. In the US, the tragic fact is that, millions of the dogs are prematurely euthanized, annually. And, most often, it is the owners, not the dogs, who are responsible for their premature deaths. Impulsive or poorly thought out decisions; the selection of a difficult or headstrong breed because it is 'popular' or you like how it looks; or, for that matter, any dog selected for looks rather than temperament, 'match' to your lifestyle, and your ability to provide proper care and environment; the lack of consideration of the lifestyle changes you may experience over the next 12 to 14 years; as well as the lack of proper socialization, training, physical activity, and attention -- these are all major contributors to the need for so many shelters and rescues. And, results, all too frequently, in premature euthanasia. WHY DO YOU WANT A DOG? The first question you should ask yourself, honestly is . . . Why do I (we) want a dog? If your answer is: For my son/daughter/children . . . Trust me, this will be YOUR dog! After the 'honeymoon period', the kids may only play with the dog, occasionally. They may groan and grumble about any dog-related responsibilities, doing them, begrudgingly, only after significant prodding from you. As children's interests and activities change, over the years, their level of involvement with the dog will most likely be, inconsistent, at best. Additionally, your children, especially, young children, will need to be 'trained' in how to behave with the dog and will need to be supervised when with the dog. For protection . . . I know some may disagree but, it is my opinion, that the only time is it a good idea to get a dog for the purpose of protection is in professional or agricultural situations and only when the owner/trainer is humane and knowledgeable of dog behavior and dominant dog training/handling. In all other situations - probably 99.9% - an alarm system, security fence, or other measures are much more appropriate and effective. To breed puppies . . . If you've read the third paragraph of this piece and still feel this way, there is probably little I can offer to change your mind. But, just in case, let me restate the case a little more thoroughly. The breeding of dogs is a responsibility not to be taken lightly. If it is not your intention to remain responsible for all of your puppies for their entire lives, including being willing to take back and care for those who may find themselves homeless, do not enter into this endeavor. If you are planning on breeding for profit, understand that there are much easier, more profitable and ethical ways to make a buck. Dogs are living beings and dog breeding requires a significant investment of time, money, labor, knowledge, both academic and practical, patience, and emotional fortitude, to be done responsibly and humanely. Please visit a few of the shelter and rescue websites, or your local shelter, and witness the problem yourself. View the faces of the homeless dogs and talk to the volunteers and staff who, all too often, must take that 'final walk' with them. Because BreedX is 'Cool', was in a movie you saw, is unique and exotic, is free/cheap, or other such nonsense . . . One of the WORSE reasons to get a dog, or any other animal, for that matter, is because of their physical appearance or popularity due to a movie, TV show, or other publicity. Often, these venues feature exotic, rare or unique breeds that are, in the overwhelming majority of pet situations, unsuitable as companions. This visibility may also draw out those 'breeders' whose primary motivation is profit versus health, temperament, structural soundness and the welfare of their dogs. And, remember to incorporate the same thoughtful consideration on whether or not to get a dog, and which breed or mix, when your friend, coworker or relative offers you one of Fluffy's puppies. Dogs are never really 'free' or 'cheap' and, in reality, require significant financial, physical, time, and environmental resources. At a minimum, none of these, or other such reasons, are sound selection factors for getting a dog and selecting a particular breed or mix. And, remember, if it is difficult for you to find information on a particular breed, or a breeder of the breed, it follows that you will most likely also have difficulty finding local support services that are familiar with the training, health care, and maintenance needs of that breed. THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF DOG OWNERSHIP However, if you are interested in getting a dog for the RIGHT reasons, please ask yourself the following 10 questions, prior to selecting a breed and breeder or visiting your local shelter or rescue facility: 1) Are you, and all those who live with you, committed to spend 12+ years providing health care, food, grooming, training and attention to a dog? Do the people who live with you also want a dog? 2) Do you have the time and/or resources available . . . To take your dog for walks and to the vet? To bath, brush, clip, and, otherwise, groom your dog as often as necessary? Will you want to play and, perhaps, work on training daily, with your dog? Are you willing to take your dog to puppy socialization, kindergarten, and basic obedience classes? 3) Are there lifestyle-altering events that could occur in your foreseeable future? - A baby, caring for an elderly family member, a divorce, job uncertainty, etc. And, how would you deal with these changes as they impacted your ability to care for a dog? 4) Is your personality conducive to dog ownership? Do you often feel 'stressed out'? Do you like to have total control over your environment or 'space'? Are you a 'neat freak'? Are you flexible? Patient? Answer honesty - nobody but you will know AND, more importantly, nobody but you will have to live with the results of your trying to 'fit' your personality to a dog. 5) Are you physically able to care for a dog? Are you economically able to provide care for a dog? 6) Is your environment prepared for a dog and/or are you willing to make the investment of time and money necessary to insure that it does? Is there a yard or park-like area for your dog to walk and relieve him- or her- self? Is your yard, or a portion of it, fenced? If your dog will be outside for any period of time, will you provide a secure and comfortable shelter for your dog? Although you may have a secure and comfortable location for your dog while it is outdoors, dog should not be left outdoors, unattended, for extended periods of time. They can be taunted, released, stolen, or worse. Tethering can cause serious physical harm or death in the event of an entanglement or other such accident. Further, prolonged tethering can cause undesirable behavioral and personality traits to surface. Additionally, garages may contain chemicals, tools and other items that can be dangerous and/or harmful to your dog. 7) Will your dog be alone for long periods of time, daily? Can you arrange for the dog to be let out for a romp, given water, medication, and playtime, as necessary, during the day? Or, will you become angered and frustrated by behavioral issues that may arise due to the fact that your dog is alone for long periods of time? (i.e., relieves him or herself indoors; chews up a blanket, your shoes, your favorite chair cushion; barks incessantly, causing your neighbors to become angry or, perhaps, even call animal control on you; etc. Do not plan to leave your dog outdoors or in a garage all day while you are away! If this is in your plans, I suggest you revisit the question "Why do I/We want a dog?" 8) Are you willing to spay/neuter your dog, as soon as possible, to reduce the chance of an accidental breeding? 9) Do you travel frequently? Will it be difficult for you to find quality care for your dog when you are away? 10) Do you really LOVE dogs? If you are truly motivated by your love of dogs, or a particular dog, you most likely don't need this page. You've done your homework and are ready for a lifelong commitment. You will train and play with your dog, provide appropriate veterinary care and nutrition, you will bath and groom him or her, happily, and the occasional behavioral problem won't throw you for a loop. If this is the case, please visit the other related sections of the library for helpful articles on breed or mix selection, puppy or adult?, adoption or breeder, finding a breeder, preparation for your dog, training care, and more.