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:

Chicken Flavored Dog Biscuits

Chicken Flavored Dog Biscuits 2 1/2 teaspoons dry yeast 1/4 cup warm water 1 teaspoon salt — optional 1 egg 1 cup chicken broth — slightly warmed 1 cup whole wheat flour 1/2 cup rye flour — optional 1/2 cup cornmeal 1 cup cracked wheat 1... [Read more]

Dog Powder Mix

Dog Powder Mix 1 cup brewer’s yeast 1 cup bone meal 1/2 cup kelp powder 1/2 cup alfalfa powder Mix well add to air-tight container. Keep in freezer if desired add one tablespoon to dogs food each day.  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]

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]

Cheesy Carrot Muffins

Cheesy Carrot Muffins 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup whole wheat flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 cup cheddar cheese — Shredded 1 cup carrot — grated 2 large eggs 1 cup milk Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a muffin tin or line it with... [Read more]

Canine Cookies #2

Canine Cookies #2 1/2 cup nonfat dry milk 1 egg — well beaten 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/4 cups wheat flour 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon onion salt 1 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar 1/2 cup water 6 tablespoons gravy 2 jars baby food,... [Read more]

Canine Cookies #1

Canine Cookies #1 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup powdered milk — non-fat 1/3 cup bacon grease — *see Note 1 egg — lightly beaten 1 cup cold water In a bowl, combine flour and milk powder. Drizzle with melted... [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]

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]

Bone Bonanza

Bone Bonanza 1/2 pound ground beef — uncooked 1/4 cup chicken broth 1/3 cup black beans, cooked — mashed 1/3 cup cottage cheese 1 teaspoon soy sauce Combine ground meat and chicken broth in a bowl. Add the black beans and cottage cheese. Add... [Read more]