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 Biscuits #5

Dog Biscuits #5 1 cup whole wheat flour 1 cup white flour 1/2 cup powdered milk 1/2 cup wheat germ 1/2 teaspoon salt 6 tablespoons shortening 1 egg — slightly beaten 1 teaspoon brown sugar 1/2 cup cold water Stir dry ingredients well and then cut... [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]

Carob Cornered Crunchies

Carob Cornered Crunchies 2 1/4 cups whole wheat flour 1 egg 1/4 cup applesauce 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1 beef bouillon — or chicken 1/2 cup hot water1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon molasses 1 cup carob bar — about Mix all ingredients together... [Read more]

Apple Crunch Pupcakes

Apple Crunch Pupcakes 2 3/4 cups water 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce 2 tablespoons honey 1 medium egg 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract 4 cups whole wheat flour 1 cup apple, dried 1 tablespoon baking powder Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, mix... [Read more]

Baker’s Bagels

Baker’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]

BJ’S Peanutty Pupcicles

BJ’S Peanutty Pupcicles 1 ripe banana 1/2 cup peanut butter 1/4 cup wheat germ 1/4 cup chopped peanuts Mash banana’s and peanut butter, stir in wheat germ. Chill 1 hour. Place in container, store in refrigerator or freezer.  Read More →

Doggie Bone Treats

Doggie Bone Treats 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup whole wheat flour 1/2 cup wheat germ 1/2 cup nonfat dry milk 3 tablespoons vegetable shortening 1 teaspoon brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 egg 1/3 cup water Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Coat a cookie... [Read more]

Dog Biscuits

Dog Biscuits 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour 1/2 cup dry milk — powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon brown sugar 6 tablespoons beef fat1 egg — beaten 1/2 cup ice water 1. Preheat oven to 350. Lightly oil a cookie sheet.... [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]

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]