We were talking about getting or giving away a puppy or dog and the things one should consider before doing so. After all, we don’t want this pup to end up in the kennel or a shelter and possibly going from house to house, do we? And now that?

So what about dog training classes? What about the housing and care of the new dog when you have to travel and the dog must stay at home? This can be expensive if you don’t have someone willing to take care of your pet for you. Would this be an issue you would need to consider?

Is this a time when you or the person receiving a puppy as a gift says, “This dog is such a pain. I can’t go anywhere whenever I want because of this damn dog.” Or, “I can’t stay out late or all day because of this dog. I miss having fun with my friends when I want because this dog needs to go out or be taken care of.” Don’t be too surprised that this happens and this is why so many dogs end up in kennels or dog shelters.

Now, what kind of activity do you or the person who can receive this beautiful gift participate in? Are we active, the type that likes to go outside, or are we addicted to television or avid readers?

You may want to research the different breeds first to see which one best suits your needs. This will also help if you decide to get a mixed breed, as at least you will have the characteristics of the different breeds fresh in your mind. Also keep in mind that each puppy or dog is unique and will vary from one another. Breed characteristics will be a guide, but not necessarily set in stone. This is where the puppy or dog test comes in handy, more on that later.

If you are very active, you will not want a less active dog like an English Bulldog or Pug. You may find that a sporting breed like a Labrador Retriever, or German Shorthaired Pointer, or a working or herding dog like a Border Collie may be more suitable for you.

The same is true if you are laid back and less active, you certainly don’t want a Labrador or Border Collie, they are likely to drive you crazy with all their energy. If you don’t allow them to vent that energy, you may run into all sorts of behavioral problems.

If you’re really laid back and lack authority, you don’t want a more dominant breed like Dobermans, Chow Chows, Miniature Pinschers, Pulis, Rottweilers, and the like. There’s not much to think about, but wait, there’s more.

Pet owners must properly care for, train, and handle their dogs. Get them used to having their ears cleaned, paws touched, and brushed. It is also important to teach children how to behave around dogs. Do not tease or pull ears or tails or pinch or hit the dog. Teaching both takes time and energy.

Dogs, for example, have a multitude of talents. Puppies learn quickly and repeated behavior becomes learned behavior, good or bad. I suggest you determine what your puppy can and cannot do as an adult dog, and then you would not let him do that as a puppy. It is easier not to even let a behavior start than it is to stop it later.

Some things to think about and what you are really teaching the dog are: allowing the puppy on furniture or the bed, socializing the puppy with other people, places and animals, including other dogs, feeding the puppy in the table, respond to the puppy when he cries, barks, wants to play or be petted. Remember whatever your puppy is doing when you pay attention to him, that is the behavior you are reinforcing. Even if you think you’re giving the pup something negative, because from the dog’s perspective it’s generally taken as attention.

Next, we’ll talk about testing and naming your puppy. Testing that pup can save you a lot of heartache and heartache. Names are very important. Enjoy!