Before buying or ‘adopting’ a dog, consider the following points :

·        The Ideal age of a dog for younger children is between three months and

         a year-and-a half.

·        Dogs over two years are more of a risk – unless an honest history was

         obtained or very careful temperament testing was done.

·        All dogs are capable of aggression.

.        All children will eventually do something to the dog, relentlessly, invasively

        and beyond what is fair or tolerable.

·        The new dog should not be left alone with a child.

·        Owners with small gardens will have to walk the dog/s.

·        Most dogs will not exercise alone, so the owner will still have to spend time

        with the dog even if the garden is large.

·        Dogs left unattended in yards often teach themselves bad habits.

·        Exhausted owners will want to relax after work and should consider a large,

         mature dog with a calm nature and that does not need a lot of attention and

         exercise.

·        Young puppies need frequent potty breaks and can’t deal with long periods

         of isolation.

·        Dogs cannot distinguish between “bearded Uncle Bob” and an ax murderer.

·        Congenial dogs respond lovingly to all people, aggressive dogs respond

         aggressively to all people.

·        Rather look for a large dog with a deep bark and good heart.

·        An active owner who hikes, rides bikes etc could adopt an older puppy or

         adolescent dog.

·         An owner who prefers sedentary interests should opt for mature, low

          energy dogs.

For more information, contact Julia on 082 725 4213