
A dog is irresistible for dog lovers, a puppy much more. There are times, however, when adopting a dog is not recommended. The following guidelines will be of help.
– A dog is never a good gift. This is not only true for the dog but also for the recipient of the gift. To many people, even with dog lovers, dogs take too much time and too much work to have around especially so because a dog as a gift is an unplanned responsibility.
– Often, the worst time to give a dog is to a person that has just suffered the loss of a loved one, in order to cheer the person up. This is a well-meant gesture but always the person who has suffered a loss will need human companionship.
– Adopting a dog is never good for people who are having financial concerns. The maintenance that is required by a dog is very much like the expenses incurred by having another toddler around the house. Like people, dogs need grooming, training, exercising, caring aside from food and shelter. Other expenses are also incurred when the dog is ill. Puppies even cost more to care than large full-grown dogs.
– Too many times, a dog is claimed to relieve stress because of their loving presence and loyal nature. Dogs also appear attentive when talked to and has a calming effect to many people. This is true. However, many families are too stressed with work, often pressed for time and many other obligations that caring for another creature, adds up to the pressure. When this happens, the dog becomes an added issue.
– People who constantly travel should not adopt a dog. Dogs are very social creatures and love interacting with people.
– It is not always wise to give dogs to people who have just lost a pet. Dogs by large are treated much like members of the family. The person may not welcome or is not yet ready to replace a well-loved pet.
– Never adopt a dog when there are foreseeable changes in your life. A change in job, moving to a new location, getting married, major health concerns and limited time due to more responsibilities will only add up to the pressure where the dog is likely to suffer.
– Older pets do not always welcome new pets in the house; on the contrary, older pets tend to be wary with new, younger ones. Dogs are also basically predators. This has not been shed off even through centuries of domestication. As such dogs practice hierarchy. Larger dogs often occupy and have the alpha male attitude and will bully any new pet that is added to their group. When decided to adding a new puppy, be sure to watch out that this does not happen.
– Do not adopt a new dog without the agreement of all members of the family.
There are different dog breeds with different attitudes and temperaments. Dog sizes also matter. Larger dogs are best when there are children in the house as they are generally more placid. Small dogs on the other hand are high energy and fast rambunctious creatures that the children may not be safe to be around with.
Check out some great recipes:
Dog Mini CakesDog Mini Cakes 2 cups whole wheat flour 1/2 cup soybean flour 1 cup skim milk — or water 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon canola oil — or sunflower 1 teaspoon sea salt Mix dry ingredients. Add liquid and honey. Mix and let the dough rest in... [Read more]
Baker’s BagelsBaker’s Bagels 1 cup whole wheat flour 1 cup unbleached flour 1 package yeast — 1/4 ounce 1 cup chicken broth — warmed 1 tablespoon honey 1. Preheat oven to 375°. 2. In large bowl combine the whole wheat flour with the yeast. Add 2/3... [Read more]
Dog Biscuits #3Dog Biscuits #3 3 1/2 cups flour 4 teaspoons salt 2 cups whole wheat flour 1/2 cup dry milk 1 cup rye flour 1 egg 1 cup cornmeal 1 package dry yeast (1 T.) 2 cups cracked wheat 1 pint chicken stock (Ingredients not generally available at grocery stores... [Read more]
Dog Pooch MunchiesDog Pooch Munchies 3 cups Whole wheat flour 1 teaspoon Garlic salt 1/2 cup Soft bacon fat 1 cup Shredded cheese 1 Egg — beaten slightly 1 cup Milk 1. Preheat oven to 400 F. degrees. 2. Place flour and garlic salt in a large bowl. Stir in bacon fat.... [Read more]
Flea Hater’s Dog BiscuitsIngredients: 1 cup flour 1/4 cup wheat germ 1/4 cup brewer’s yeast (available at health-food stores) 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil 1 clove garlic, chopped medium, or 1 teaspoon powdered garlic (optional**) 1/2 cup chicken... [Read more]
Dixie’s DelightsDixie’s Delights 1 ripe banana 1/2 cup peanut butter 1/4 cup wheat germ 1/4 cup unsalted peanuts — chopped In a small bowl, mash banana and peanut butter together using a fork. Mix in wheat germ. Place in refrigerator for about an hour until,... [Read more]
Chow Chow ChickenIngredients: 2 chicken pieces (breats, thighs, whatever’s preferable) 3 carrots, peeled and cut in half 1 stick celery, sliced into chunks 2 small potaotes, peeled & cubed 2 cups rice, uncooked Directions: Place chicken pieces in large pot. Cover... [Read more]
Cheesy Dog BiscuitsCheesy Dog Biscuits 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour 1 1/4 cups grated cheddar cheese 1/4 pound margarine — corn oil 1 clove garlic — crushed 1 pinch salt 1/4 cup Milk — or as needed Grate the cheese into a bowl and let stand until it reaches... [Read more]
Bacon Bits for DogsBacon 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]
Dog Biscuits #4Dog Biscuits #4 2 3/4 cups whole wheat flour 1/2 cup powdered milk 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1 egg 6 tablespoons vegetable oil 8 tablespoons water — (8 to 10) 2 jars Babyfood, Meat, Beef, Strained — *see Note Mix all ingredients... [Read more]