We have seen this image too often. A pup is brought home to a giggling child too happy to have a cuddly little puppy with furiously wagging tail while kissing the child all over the face, a happy contagiously funny scene.

The excitement though wears off easily. Soon the dog will be peeing on the carpet, needing to be fed and watered, jumping on people, begging for walks, creating noise, uprooting plants, digging in the yard and messing around as all dogs do. Adopting a dog entails responsibilities such as grooming, taking it out for exercises, training and caring as well as feeding and watering. This is the bigger scene not usually imagined but just as real.

When decided to adopting a dog, plan for the following:

Supplies
The basic supplies that the dog will need are bowls for water and food, a dog ID tag with name address and phone number, a bed, a comb, a collar and a leash, and dog food.

Setting Limits
Even before the dog is brought home, the family should agree on tasks, assignments and other dog duties for the caring of the dog. Assignments should include who should feed the dog on particular days, who should take the dog for walks, and who should groom the dog. Agree on areas that are off limits to the dog and areas where the dog is allowed. If the dog is not yet trained, do not allow the dog to sit on the furniture or sleep in the bed with people.

When limits are not set and the dog is allowed to do as it wants, the dog will attempt to dominate. This is an old pattern of dog behavior that is carried over since the dogs were still in the wild. To prevent this, do not play games with the dog that will teach him to challenge you. Roughhouse and tug of war are some of the most popular examples.

When the dog starts to nip, it is a signal that the dog have had enough, let the dog rest and do not allow another occasion to reach that point as it also teaches the dog to become dominant. Likewise, do not allow nor encourage wild behavior.

The dog also appreciates hierarchy. If it learns from the start that you play dominance or is the alpha male, it would be easier to make the dog follow your commands.

Dog Training
Dog obedience training must start as early as possible because the dog has to learn manners and to follow commands. Excessive barking, jumping on people, quarrelling with other dogs and house pets, chewing on furniture, scratching the carpet are just some of the examples untrained dogs do that often results to embarrassment to their owners.

Different dogs have a variety of temperaments. These do not only differ from one dog to another, it also differs depending on the breed and the size of the dog. While dogs are generally lovely and lively creatures, there are some negative traits that surface after a while. Negative traits, however, are reduced if not removed by training.

Check out some great recipes:

Dog Biscuits For Your Favorite Dog

Dog Biscuits For Your Favorite Dog 2 cups whole wheat flour 1 cup cornmeal 2/3 cup Brewer’s yeast 2 teaspoons garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 egg yolks 3 beef bouillon — or chicken 1/2 cup boiling water Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix well.... [Read more]

Divine Doggy Dinner

Divine Doggy Dinner 1/2 pound ground beef — or turkey, chicken, lamb 1/4 cup cooked rice1 small potato 1/4 cup green beans — about 5-8 beans 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder Brown the meat in a pan. When completely cooked, drain the fat. Add the... [Read more]

Bow Wow Burritos

Bow Wow Burritos 1 tablespoon oil 12 ounces cooked beef — *see Note 1 clove garlic — minced 3 tablespoons chunky peanut butter 1 can sweet potatoes — (23-oz.) drained 1 can black beans — (15-oz.) rinsed 1 teaspoon chili powder 1... [Read more]

Canine Carrot Cookies

Canine Carrot Cookies 2 cups carrots — boiled and pureed 2 eggs 2 tablespoons garlic — minced 2 cups unbleached flour — *see Note 1 cup rolled oats 1/4 cup wheat germ *or rice flour or rye flour. Combine carrots, eggs and garlic. Mix... [Read more]

Canine Meat and Grain Menu

Canine Meat and Grain Menu 2 cups cooked brown rice 2/3 cup Lean beef 2 teaspoons lard — or veggie oil 1/4 cup vegetables — no onion* Supplements Mix the above. You can cook the meat if you want to, use your judgment. Serve slightly warm.*For... [Read more]

Bacon Bites

Bacon Bites 3 cups whole wheat flour 1/2 cup milk 1 egg 1/4 cup bacon grease — or vegetable oil 1 teaspoon garlic powder 4 slices bacon — crumbled 1/2 cup cold water Mix ingredients together thoroughly. Roll out on a floured surface to 1/2... [Read more]

Baby Food Doggie Cookies

Baby Food Doggie Cookies 3 jars baby food, meat, beef, strained — *see Note 1/4 cup cream of wheat — *see Note 1/4 cup dry milk Combine ingredients in bowl and mix well. Roll into small balls and place on well-greased cookie sheet. Flatten... [Read more]

An Apple a Day Dog Treat

An Apple a Day Dog Treat 2 cups whole wheat flour 1/2 cup unbleached flour 1/2 cup cornmeal1 apple — chopped or grated1 egg — beaten 1/3 cup vegetable oil 1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed 3/8 cup water Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray cookie... [Read more]

Aunt Bianca’s Dog Biscuits

Aunt Bianca’s Dog Biscuits 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour 1/2 cup nonfat dry milk powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 egg — beaten Flavoring: Meat drippings, broth or water from canned tuna (enough to make a stiff dough). Combine flour, powdered... [Read more]

Bacon Bits for Dogs

Bacon Bits for Dogs 6 slices cooked bacon — crumbled 4 eggs — well beaten 1/8 cup bacon grease 1 cup water 1/2 cup powdered milk — non-fat 2 cup graham flour 2 cup wheat germ 1/2 cup cornmeal Mix ingredients with a strong spoon; drop... [Read more]