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Owning A Dog, Is It Right For You?
One of the largest expenses facing new dog owners are the houses for dogs. Sure he will be with you inside your house a majority of the time in most cases but for an alternate safe place a dedicated house is just plain wise to plan for. The main purpose for dogs houses is to protect your new friend from the elements, so having a covering over the site you choose would give the houses dogs love some added protection. I have seen instances when a poor location for the dogs house, such as a hidden spot behind the house caused the dog to bark excessively.
You also want to use Cedar Dog Houses if possible, they smell good, resist bugs and rot, and also add some insulating from the climate. They should be elevated to stay dry underneath and on a stone base that doesn't accumulate water.
Ideally you should get a dense, moisture-proof, washable foam pad for your pets comfort as well as to retain body heat. Remember that moisture, and darkness will attract harmful fungus, mold and insects.
One often overlooked consideration in buying pet dog houses is how will you clean it out? A removable or easy to open roof makes this task much simpler so it can be done as often as needed. Also consider the expected size of your dog after he is full-grown and make sure you purchase the correct sized dog house.
Make sure you can give your dog the adequate amount of time. Plan on at least a few long walks with 1 or 2 play sessions each week. This is also one of the biggest positives for owning a dog, it adds to your health both mental and physical. Many programs i.e.; Pets on Wheels and Therapy Dogs International have sprung up that find it's very helpful to have interaction between seniors and pets. Studies have shown that when people pet animals, their heart rate, blood pressure, and even temperature decrease. The effect: weight loss, lower blood pressure, heart rate, and anxiety for pet owners. We enjoy returning love and attention, especially the dogs houses, special food treats and even holiday gifts such as pet-clothing. Even trips to a dog park are becoming quite common.
Considerations for the traveling pet owner are;
1-Fewer accommodations are available (dogfriendly.com) and often a pet crate helps if traveling with your pet.
2-Responsibility or oversight of your dog while you are doing activities that must exclude your pet such as dining out or a work meeting.
3-Cost and tasks involved with care of the pet if left at home or boarded.
Dogs have been used for home security for as long as there have been domesticated dogs. Dogs often work together in alerting an entire neighborhood to the presence of a stranger. A dog can be a deterrent and a source of defense as well. Just seeing a big dog house in the yard could even deter thieves. Having a dog in the home can make a family feel like they have their own personal source of protection. In addition, a dog is not simply an impersonal alarm system.
Dogs can be used in amazing ways if properly trained such as sniffing out drugs or weapons, certain cancers, missing people or even other pets. I once helped locate an Alaskan Malemute that was lost in a several thousand acre park by bringing my Malemute there and just walking her, amazingly they found each other within an hour. They are a great way to boost someone's outlook even relieving depression or speeding recovery after a stroke. A well-mannered dog can even help make you more popular, attracting many people who wouldn't usually bother into a conversation.
Pets and people have a lot to give to each other. Research and experience has shown that animals and people can share their time and affection, living full and happy lives. Even though pets aren't a replacement for human relationships, for most people, they can certainly enhance them, and they can fill a person's life with years of rewarding, unconditional love. It is obvious that dog ownership is definitely worth the costs and every process involved can and should be enjoyed, including purchasing that first quality dog house.
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