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Pet Q&A -- Deciding On the Best Pet for You

By: Nigel

*Question: What is the best way to choose the pet that is right for me and my family?

First, never purchase a pet on impulse. Bringing a sweet little fur ball home just because it was too cute to pass up can be a mistake.

Sit down and discuss the matter of pets with your family first. Don't forget to consider the following important issues: grooming, daily feeding, playtime, veterinary care and house training (if applicable). Consider asking each person in the household why they want a pet. Be sure your children understand that a pet is another family member, not a toy, and the pet's individual needs should be considered as much as other family members' needs.

Next, review your lifestyle. Say, for instance, you live in a city apartment or work long hours. In this case a cat, fish or bird may be considered. If you have a daily routine of jogging or running, then a dog would be a good companion for you.

To better understand the needs of a potential pet, make a point of seeking out and talking to breeders and other pet owners. Attend local pet shows and talk to the judges. Use Google to search for specific breeds to learn more about the pet you are considering making a member of your family. Also, consider the ages of your children when planning to purchase a new pet. An often overlooked issue is to consider the life expectancy of the pet for bonding purposes.

*Question: Which is best - to get a pet from a shelter or a pet store?

This is really a matter of preference. However, personally, I would say it is best to look for a pet (especially dogs and cats) at a shelter. The animals are well-cared for by the staff and are aware of an environment involving people. The shelter's staff will tell you about the animals' temperament so that you can find the pet that will be well-suited to you and your family. The staff can tell you which dog enjoys long walks, or which cat likes to curl up on your lap. Moreover, animals from a shelter have already undergone medical treatments such as immunizations, spaying and neutering.

If, instead, you decide to look for a pet from a pet store, be sure you spend time with the store owner about that particular animal's temperament, particulary for dogs, cats and other animals that will have plenty of interacation with people.

*Question: What is the best way to decide what type of dog is best for me?

Here are some steps to follow to choose the perfect dog for you:

- Find and read pet guides to learn about a certain dog breed's background or temperament or tendencies. Use Google to search the internet for online guides that tell you about the more people-friendly types of dogs.

- Consult a veterinarian to discuss details about the characteristics and disposition of the breed you are looking for. Ask questions to understand more about the dog's breed.

- If you are planning to purchase a puppy at a pet store, remember to ask for the dog's status -- for example, its origin or breed's anomalies or physical problems. Otherwise, you can also get dogs or puppies from a local animal shelter or from a private breeder.

- Of course, one of the very best methods (though not very scientific) is to find out from your friends' and associates about their own experiences with various types of dogs they have owned.

Are you looking for a pet? Do you wonder which is the best pet for you and your family? Pet expert Paige Harbold offers pet tips and advice on finding the right pet.

Pet expert Paige Harbold gives ideas for <a href="http://www.pet-hq.com/Pet/PetCrates.php">Pet Crates</a>. As editor of Pet-HQ.com, she offers <a href="http://www.pet-hq.com/PetTips/index.php">expert pet advice</a> and writes <a href="http://www.prettygreatanswers.com/articles/PetQuestions">Answers to Pet Questions</a> for PrettyGreatAnswers.com.

Article Source: http://www.positivearticles.com. PositiveArticles.Com does not vouch for or necessarily endorse the contents of this article.


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