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:

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]

Dog Cookies

Dog Cookies 1 c Beef, chicken, or vegetable stock 1 c Bread or all-purpose flour 1 c Whole wheat or rye (or other-dark) flour 1 c Bulgar wheat 1/4 c Non-fat dry milk powder 1/2 ts Salt 1 1/2 ts Yeast Use dough cycle. Roll dough to 1/4″ thickness.... [Read more]

Classic Canine Cookies

Classic Canine Cookies 4 cups whole wheat flour 1/4 cup cornmeal 1/4 cup cooked rice 1 egg 2 tablespoons vegetable oil Juice from a small orange 1 2/3 cups water Mix all ingredients together well. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead. Roll... [Read more]

Apple Cinnamon Doggie Biscuits

Apple Cinnamon Doggie Biscuits 1 package apple, dried 1 teaspoon Cinnamon — (I usually just shake some in) 1 Tablespoon parsley, freeze-dried 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder 1 cup ice water 1/2 cup Corn Oil 5 cups flour 1/2 cup powdered milk 2 large... [Read more]

Champion Cheese & Veggies Chews

Champion Cheese & Veggies Chews 1/2 cup grated cheese — room temp. 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 3 teaspoons applesauce 1/2 cup vegetables — what ever you like 1 clove garlic — crushed 1 cup whole wheat flour nonfat milk Mix cheese,... [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]

Bulldog Banana Bites

Bulldog Banana Bites 2 1/4 cups whole wheat flour 1/2 cup powdered milk — nonfat 1 egg 1/3 cup banana — ripe, mashed 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1 beef bouillon cube 1/2 cup water — hot 1 tablespoon brown sugar Mix all ingredients until will... [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]

Bulldog Brownies

Bulldog Brownies 1/2 cup shortening 3 tablespoons honey 4 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup whole wheat flour 1/4 cup carob flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder Frosting 12 ounces nonfat cream cheese 2 teaspoons honey Cream shortening and honey together thoroughly.... [Read more]

Bone A Fidos

Bone A Fidos 2 1/4 teaspoons Dry yeast 1/4 cup warm water 1 Pinch sugar 3 1/2 cups All-purpose flour 2 cups Whole wheat flour 2 cups Cracked wheat 1 cup Rye flour 1/2 cup Nonfat dry milk 4 teaspoons Kelp powder 4 cups Beef broth — or chicken GLAZE:1... [Read more]