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:

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]

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 Oil Supplement

Dog Oil Supplement 1/4 cup olive oil 1/4 cup canola oil 1/4 cup cod liver oil 1/4 cup flax seed oil Place oils in brown bottle and shake well. Store in refrigerator. Add two teaspoons to the dogs food each day. Can be add to dry food as well. Safflower... [Read more]

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 Pooch Munchies

Dog 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]

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]

Dog Bones

Dog Bones 2 1/4 cups whole wheat flour 1/2 cup nonfat dry milk 1 egg 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1 beef bouillon cube 1/2 cup hot water 1 Tablespoon brown sugar Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients, stirring until... [Read more]

Chow Chow Stew

Chow Chow Stew 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 pounds beef — *see Note 2 cups cabbage — chopped 3 cloves garlic — minced, up to 4 18 ounces canned sweet potatoes — drained and chopped 14 1/2 ounces canned tomato wedges — undrained 1... [Read more]

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 #1

Dog Biscuits #1 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour 1 teaspoon brown sugar 1/2 cup powdered milk 6 tablespoons butter 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 egg — beaten 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 cup ice water Combine the flour, milk, salt, garlic powder and sugar.... [Read more]