It's a sad fact that less than 35% of all family dogs live out their lives with one family.  Each year millions of pets are brought into animal shelters and over 80% of them are euthanized!!

   Mostly this is caused by people getting a puppy on impluse and not considering if it will be the size or kind they need when it grows up.  If you're thinking about a particular breed, take time to learn his temperament, size, and his exercise and grooming requirements.  Be sure that you will have the time to devote to his needs.  Such as, don't get a dog with long wavy hair that has to be brushed every day if you only have time to groom him once a week.

   Once you decide on a dog and bring him home, never isolate him for long periods of time.  Dogs are extremely social and need to be around people or they will become withdrawn and destructive.  Get him used to being in crowds so he will not fear people and new experiences.

   Never play tug of war with a piece of clothing or let him play with OLD SHOES.  He won't be able to tell the difference between OLD CLOTHES OR SHOES  and NEW CLOTHES OR SHOES.  Always make sure he has his own toys to play with and he knows which toys are his.

  Please remember that a dog learns if his actions produce IMMEDIATE RESULTS.  If he does something bad like tipping over the garbage can, his result is that he gets food.  If you scold him when you get home, he won't understand what you mean and to him it will only mean not to tip over the can when you are there!  If he misbehaves, someone has to be there to see it and discipline RIGHT THEN! 

   Never discipline physically.  He could be injured or wind up an obedient, but fearful pet  - not a super dog.  Set up rules of conduct, then be consistent in enforcing them.   Remember, it takes time and patience to make the dog a happy, well adjusted member of the family.  But the rewards are fantastic!

IF YOU CAN - UNKOWN AUTHOR                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

• If you can start the day without caffeine
• If you can get going without pep pills
• If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it
• If you can overlook it when something goes wrong through no fault of yours and those you love take it out on you
• If you can take criticism and blame without resentment
• If you can face the world without lies and deceit
• If you can conquer tension without medical help
• If you can relax without liquor
• If you can honestly say that deep in your heart you have no prejedice against creed, color, religion or politics