Every home needs a dog as most probably they are the most adorable and enjoyable companions one could hope for. Though all dogs are loyal and lovable, some people come to a conclusion that only a thoroughbred, complete with papers would do for them and go through classified and pet shops to find a picture perfect dog.

Off they go, searching through the classifieds and pet shops for that paragon of a dog. While I like thoroughbreds too, I find that a visit to a pet shelter tugs at my heartstrings. Most often, these dogs aren't thoroughbreds, but what we commonly refer to as 'mutts', a mix of breeds. To my mind, these mutts are the best!

While a thoroughbred can be a perfect show pet, most often they are neurotic and temperamental, which are not the desirable qualities one would want in a family pet. But a shelter on the other hand houses some of the most adorable and unique characters of lovable mutts from which you are sure to find one that you love.

Another factor to consider is that, while the 'fancy' puppies in the pet shops and from dog breeders advertising in the classifieds will always find a buyer and will never end up in a shelter, shelter puppies are in danger of being put down if they don't find a home. Of course, the shelter dog is not aware of his or her impending doom, but you are! When you adopt a puppy, you're literally saving his life!

This reminds me of the Disney classic, 'Lady and the Tramp'. Tramp was the pirate, the adventurer, full of fun, daring and with personality to burn. When Tramp and his friends stole some sausages from the butcher, where did they end up? In the pound. Fortunately, he was broken out and escaped his otherwise inevitable fate. In the end, the family of thoroughbred Lady 'adopted' Tramp and they all lived happily ever after. Now how cute were their puppies? When you adopt a puppy from the shelter, you're giving a big thumbs up to the puppies borne by Lady!

Choosing between a thoroughbred and shelter puppy is like choosing between a dress with an $8000 designer tag and a retro dress form a consignment outlet. While the designer label will look stunning under limelight, you will personally love a retro dress that has charm, appeal and a character of its own.

If you are still in dilemma about adopting a shelter puppy, here are some more fact to tilt your scale in favor of a mutt: that picture perfect thoroughbred is definitely going to cost you a fortune. A shelter puppy on the other hand, is going to become the most loved member of you family for a song.

If you are still doubtful about adopting a puppy from the pound, here is something to think about: a thoroughbred can put quite a big dent in your pocket. But in addition to picking up a mutt for a pittance, you will be bringing home a friend who will become a most loved member of your family in no time at all. Whats more, he is so darn irresistible, that if you take the time to step inside a shelter, you will never leave without adopting one.

Posted under Dogs

When you first bring home your sweet little puppy you never think that one day it could be a dog that is one mistake away from being sent off. Aggressive dogs are not created overnight. Dogs are not born aggressive or menacing towards people. Abusiveness or poor ownership towards dogs usually leads to aggressive behavior. You should be extra cautious about an adult dog you obtain from someone else and ensure that you put it through a dog obedience training program.

Showing your dog right away who is the boss and who is the pet is important to make sure that housebreaking is an easy job for the both of you. Dog training is important for more things than just making sure that your dog no longer chews on your shoes. You have to make sure that you stop your pet from becoming one of the thousands of aggressive dogs out there. Many terrible things can happen when a dog is allowed to get into dog growling or dog biting. Neither one of those situations is a result from proper dog training.

Problems Experienced from Aggressive Dogs

* Neighbors, family, or friends may sustain physical injuries

* Emotional damage to youngsters

* Ruined personal possessions

* Any of the above situations that create lawsuits

* The dog being one of the many that are euthanized every year

Any pet lover can see you need to do all that is possible to prevent your pet from becoming one of those aggressive dogs. You should seek outside help from a professional if you feel that you are unable to fix and control the problem on your own. With aggressive dogs, it can be wise to find a professional dog trainer who is specially trained in this area.

It's advisable to do as much reading and research as you can on aggressive dogs. Acquaint yourself with correct techniques to punish your dog other than striking it. Violence only leads to violence, so be sure you aren't contributing to the creation of aggressive dogs. The books and the videos might offer a large amount of information that might help, but an expert will give you a better shot at being able to solve a negative situation, or prevent it from ever happening.

Acquiring Outside Help

Whether you are training your dog yourself or with a professional trainer, nothing is more critical than taking the utmost responsibility for your pet. The people who own aggressive dogs are the ones who are responsible, so ensure that you won't have to deal with these legal or moral situations.

You still have a little time if your dog hasn't shown any of the aggressive dog signs yet. It is best to start immediately, especially if your dog has aggressive or rough tendencies.

Posted under Dogs

Dog training can without a doubt be something that can test a person's patience. The key though is to remember that the hard part will only last for a little while. After a bit, your dog will be able to run about and play without you having to worry about accidents or misfortunes taking place. Once you get past the rough patch of dog obedience training, you will see that you can now relax and truly enjoy your dog and the time you have with it. But getting through the initial dog training can be somewhat stressful. This is why it is important to make sure that you get all of the help that you can.

Even though it may be frustrating and seem like a never ending process, housebreaking a dog and training it in commands is just one of those things you have to do. If you give up on the training you will find that there could be a lot of serious consequences to face such as: destroyed furniture, accidents all over the house, aggressive behavior as well as biting.

Keep control of the situation by establishing yourself in the parent role, which will lead to a better adjusted dog. Your main goal in dog training is to teach them the difference between right, and wrong. Unfortunately, many people incorrectly believe that dogs innately know how to tell right from wrong. This reasoning is flawed, because dogs only know instinct without the proper dog training. The human rules and the dogs insticts are not the same concerning being the furniture.

It is up to owners to teach dogs the way everything works and not vice versa. Your dog lives to make you happy you need only to show him how as he will be pressed to figure it out for himself. Dog training will condition your dog to do what you want it to do and teach him not to do what you do not want. It also shows your dog how to get little additional treats along with your love every once in a while.

Resources Used For Dog Training:

* Courses

* Training Book

* DVDs

* Magazines

Although there are many great dog training classes available that teach about dog biting and housebreaking, it is crucial to realize that these classes are for information. You will not get overnight success by attending any class. The tough part does not begin until you and your dog arrive at your home. Whatever you may learn or pick up at dog training school always remember to enforce this at home because this is where it all begins.

You can always look into books, magazines, DVDs or videos to help you with your dog training plan. Absorb and utilize the advice you are given. It could take from a few weeks to several months depending on what breed you are dog training. The dog training can pay off quickly with some consistent diligence from the owner.

Posted under Dogs