The first thing you need to consider is, “do I want a dog?” If the answer is “yes,” then “why do I want a dog?” Both of these questions have numerous facets, and the latter has numerous possible answers. As stated in the introduction, canines can serve many purposes. Most of this guide assumes you don’t want a dog for hunting—that requires a great deal of special training, which this guide cannot offer. Whether you want a dog is tied intimately to the purpose one might serve in your life.
As a companion, dogs are loyal and loving. Small dogs can sit on your lap and just look adoringly up at you while you stroke their silky hair. Bigger ones can sit at your feet, leaning against your legs and shaking as their tails wag with joy. Libraries of books have been written about dogs’ capacity for companionship and loyalty, and many books memorialize individual dogs (such as President Clinton’s). If you’re gentle and patient with a dog, you can develop an intensely loving relationship. And dogs do smile.
All dogs provide some measure of protection, thanks to their built-in noisemakers. Most are more alert than humans, and will bark at unfamiliar sounds. Some dogs will set up watch by the door to a home, greeting (and inspecting) anyone who enters with a few authoritative barks. Others will sit quietly and make note of newcomers, while others will enthusiastically jump on anyone who comes in, whether by door or window. A good guard-dog is indispensable in the city, where just the sound of a strong dog on the other side of a door can scare many intruders away. And, as noted, even small dogs’ chirping barks can serve to alarm you when danger is around.
Dogs have been actively involved in therapy for years now, visiting patients in hospitals to cheer them up and helping people who live alone not to feel so alone. If you live alone, having a dog around can be therapeutic—taking care of another creature, who will love and protect you for it, has even been reported to ease depression.
If you’re interested in investing the time, money and energy, there are hundreds of local dog shows all over the States. If you enjoy grooming your pet; if you keep him or her in shape; if you can train your pet to prance correctly on a leash; if you do the little things like brushing his or her teeth; if you enjoy these things, you might enjoy showing your dog. Amateur dog shows offer moderate prizes, but a great deal of fun, in meeting other dog lovers and seeing the coolest new products for your pet.
AUTHOR: Matthew S. McGowan
MORE INFO: Excerpted from "CANINE COMPANIONS: Choosing and Caring for Your New Dog
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