Dogs are like that. They're friendly, faithful and fun, and that's why they're called man's best friend. I'm sure you've had a pet dog before or at least know someone who has a pet dog. I've had lots of dogs as pets over the years. Dazzle, a dachshund, Bonzo, a cairn terrier, Ringo, a mongrel, and Shadow, a fox terrier, were all my bow-wow buddies as I was growing up. My mum practically wrote the lyrics to the song, "Who let the dogs out!"
If you have a large apartment or villa, and are allowed to keep dogs as pets, then bringing home a pup from a pet store or a rescued pooch from a dog shelter might be a good idea. The second option is what I'd recommend if you're familiar with dogs and have a heart big enough to care for an abandoned doggie.
Some interesting names for male dogs:
Some interesting names for female dogs:
Like I said earlier, you need to have a large-enough apartment or villa for your dog to frolic about in, and anything less than a one-bedroom apartment is probably too small for your dog (unless, of course, you get a tiny Chihuahua!). Your tyke will also need a fair amount of training, routine veterinary treatment, grooming, and daily care and exercise, so make sure you can make that sort of commitment.
Talk to your mum and dad about getting a dog, and see if they like the idea. If they do, you can buy your pet from a pet shop or reputable breeder, or select one from that rescue home or dog shelter, but whatever you do, make sure you bring home the kind of dog that you will be able to care for, for a long time to come.
At the very least, your new dog or puppy will require a feed bowl, water bowl, collar and lead, dog food, a dog bed and some suitable toys. You will need to make some home adjustments before your pooch wags his way in, like keeping electric cables and wires out of the way, removing small objects he might be able to swallow, and putting up fencing around your garden if you have one. A kennel is not really necessary, unless you plan to keep your dog outside, but don't do so in the summer.
Before you begin the ride home with your dog, remember to purchase a dog guard or travel harness for the car, or even a travel box.
Some information that will help you choose wisely:
Pups can be kept in a cardboard box with one side cut down, and this can be easily replaced as the pup grows and the box becomes soiled and damaged. Newspaper with an old blanket on top will provide the puppy with comfort and warmth. Whatever the size or age of your dog, its bed should have a little space around it once lined with soft bedding.
Use separate bowls for food and water, and make sure that the water bowl is full at all times, especially if you don't want Fido drinking out of the toilet!
To keep your doggie looking healthy and happy, use a grooming mitt to prevent its hair from matting, and to remove loose hairs. Remember, wiry-haired and long-haired dogs will require a stiff brush, while short haired dogs will need a soft brush. You can also get a rubber mitt that fits over the hand to let you groom the dog while firmly stroking it. You should check with your vet about grooming - he or she will be able to guide you with the same.
Also pick up a pair of nail clippers to clip the dog's claws every once-in-a-while to keep them from over-growing. Let your vet tell you what, how much and how often to feed your dog. Dog food usually includes canned meat food, dog biscuits, complete dry diets and semi-moist diets. Puppies generally need 5 small meals a day in the beginning, and you can bring this down to four meals a day at the age of 3 months, then 3 meals a day at 8 months. Dogs of 12 months or older only require to be fed once a day, usually in the evening. Still, there are dogs, mostly the small breeds, who may only eat a small amount at mealtime, and so it may be necessary to feed them twice a day.
You should give your dog enough exercise every day, and most dogs are willing to play for as long as you'll let them! Treat your pooch to a few toys, which should keep it entertained for hours on end.