Getting a Dog

[FizzGiggs_Mommy]

What Cincy'sMom was saying is that certin breeds of dogs need to go to a groomer on a regular basis.
The gromer bathes, cuts nails, expreses anal glands and cuts there hair.
Breeds that do not shed grow there hair like humans. There fur does not shed out and if it is not cut and washed on a regular basis it will mat and matting and cause skin problems and is very uncomfortable for the dog as is a ugly site also. I am a mommy to a Bichon Frise and I HAVE to take him to the groomers every six weeks. Depending on the groomer and the style of cut you get depends on the price I usually pay around $40.00 per grooming session.

Breeds that do shed there hair such as boxers, Pugs and Goldens can make due with a good brushing once a day and a bath once every 12 weeks to help control shedding.

You also must remember that to have a well behaved dog you must go through some sort of training. Eiter through a trainer or throught home training either way it takes time and patience. I have three dogs which all have received there good canine citizen award.

I also noticed that in one of your post that you do not seem to be home to much. You must remember to have a well socilized dog you must spend lots of time with them and lots of outside the home time such as dog parks and pet stores and regular parks if not you may have aggression problems and other issues.

I hope this help and the help everyone has given you here in PT will help you on your way to becoming a responcible pet owner

[MariaM]

Ahhh I see now what you were talking about, thanks for explaining! I really could not afford $40 every six weeks and my mom definately wouldn't want to take the dog, I don't blame her though.
And IF I ever get a dog, I would LOVE to train it! I was having fun with Oscar, my aunt and uncles dog. I tried to teach him a trick while I was there but I spose he might have been to old to learn quick since I was only there for a week. I probably could have taught him if I was there longer. Oscar is so loveable!! =D I don't know what you mean by not being home much. Maybe I'm not?? I go to school every weekday but I'm home after school. The only day I'm not is in Thursday but that should stop in May, and I probably won't have a dog by then =( My mom is home 24/7 though. Too bad she doesn't actually *want* a dog, but she might warm up to one like she did Oscar =) [We had to take care of him for a week in St. Louis last August] I did mostly everything but my mom fed him in the morning and let him out because she was always up earlier, I think she started to like him but she'll never admit it There aren't any dog parks in this town of 380 people, I don't think there are in Yorkton (25 minutes away) either... We do have the schoolground and another park though.

[MariaM]

Oh another question I had! I wondered, what do you guys feed your dogs/puppies? I know my mom would probably buy predisent's choice dog food (or I would buy it, not sure, haven't even gotten the 'ok' yet lol) but should I pay the extra money for Iams, or Pedigree or Purina food? Opinions wanted

[MariaM]

anyone?

[wolfie]

Originally posted by MariaM
Oh another question I had! I wondered, what do you guys feed your dogs/puppies? I know my mom would probably buy predisent's choice dog food (or I would buy it, not sure, haven't even gotten the 'ok' yet lol) but should I pay the extra money for Iams, or Pedigree or Purina food? Opinions wanted

There was a thread about this a little while ago. Different people think different things about what is the best food. Some people say dog foods with meat as the #1 ingredent (like Iams and Purina One) are better, some people only look for a food with no bad preservatives (Kibble and Bits has some kind of bad preservative in it). Some people only buy people grade dog food (like Chicken Soup Dog Food), or food not tested on animals (Iams does, or did do, animal testing).

You also want a brand your dog likes! ^_^ Generally the cheap store brands are not a good choice, but some dogs live long healthy lives being fed these foods. So, it's up to you!

[MariaM]

Yay! Someone replied! Thank you! I'll wait for a few more opinions though, just to see you know? Well anywho, thanks!