by C. L. Jarm

Created on: February 12, 2009   Last Updated: April 09, 2009

When choosing your breed of dog, make sure you check into the background of the breed. Knowing whether the dog will be compatabile with children would be one thing to look for. For example, Rottweilers and Pitbulls caused sixty seven percent of dog related fatalities between 1979 and 1998 according to a VetMed Special Report printed nine years ago.Those two breeds would be ones you would want to be careful of not getting.If you have small children you may not want to choose a small breed like a chihauhau or a miniature pinscher as they are easier to injure, even with careful handeling. They also have high strung temperments and tend to nip first and think later.

Make sure you know how large a dog you do want to get for your family. As puppies they all look so cute, but a sweet golden retriever puppy can turn into an one hundred pound dog. If you are purchasing your dog as a puppy look up the size the breed normally grows to. This will give you some idea how large, large really is. Most websites. Like AnimalPlanet.com, will also show the temperment of the breed of dog plus pictures. It is a good way to start research into your new family member.

Introducing your pet to the family slowly is a must, especially if it is a larger dog that may want to play. Make sure you keep him on a leash when you introduce the dog to the family. Keeping him in a crate at night helps to housebreak him so there are not any mishaps. This also gives him a sense of security and a place of his own. The crate should be large enough for the canine to lay on his side stretched out and tall enough so he can stand with his head up and still have at least six inches above his head.Keep in mind as your dog grows you will have to change crate sizes. Make sure that if you have children they know when the dog is in the crate, it is the dogs area and not to intrude, like putting fingers through the holes. This will keep everyone safe, happy and secure.

Make sure your dog has all his vaccinations up to date. Do some checking into the background of the breeder or the stores breeder where you purchase your puppy or dog. There have been so many pet breeders that have abused the dogs and they have come into the pet stores ill. You can avoid that by taking the aniumal to a vetenarian right away. It is your right to check up on them. You might want to look into shelters for a full grown dog as many have lost their familys to Katrina and other disasters.

Take your dog to Obedience Training. It helps when

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