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:

Bread Machine Dog Biscuits

Bread Machine Dog Biscuits 3/4 cup Beef stock — *see Note 1 egg 3 tablespoons oil 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup whole wheat flour 1/3 cup Bulgur — *see Note 1/3 cup Bran 1/4 cup nonfat dry milk 1/4 teaspoon Garlic powder 1 1/2 teaspoons yeast Place... [Read more]

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]

Chow Chow Chicken

Ingredients: 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]

Dog Biscuits #4

Dog 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]

Chicken Garlic Birthday Cake

Chicken Garlic Birthday Cake 1 chicken bouillon cube 1 cup Whole-wheat flour 2 cups Wheat germ 1/2 cup Cornmeal 2 Eggs 1/2 cup Vegetable oil 1 tablespoon Minced garlic 2 cups water vegetable oil spray — Garlic Flavor Preheat oven to 375 degrees.... [Read more]

Cheesy Dog Biscuits

Cheesy 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]

Birthday Cake for Pups

Birthday Cake for Pups 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 cup soft butter 1/2 cup corn oil 1 jar baby food, meat, beef, strained 4 eggs 2 strips beef jerky — (2 to 3) Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour an 8x5x3... [Read more]

Cheese N Garlic Bites

Cheese N Garlic Bites 1 cup wheat flour 1 cup cheddar cheese — grated 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon butter — softened 1/2 cup milk Mix flour and cheese together. Add garlic powder and softened butter. Slowly add milk till you form... [Read more]

Cheese And Garlic Dog Cookies

Cheese And Garlic Dog Cookies 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour 1 1/4 cups cheddar cheese — grated 1/4 pound margarine — corn oil 1 clove garlic — crushed 1 Pinch salt Cream the cheese with the softened margarine, garlic, salt, and flour.... [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]