101 Things to Know Before Getting a Dog. Susan Ewing M.

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      Copyright © 2017 Lumina Media, LLC™

      All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Lumina Media, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in an acknowledged review.

      Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

      Names: Ewing, Susan M.

      Title: 101 things to know before getting a dog : essential considerations to

      prepare your family and home for a canine companion / Susan M. Ewing.

      Other titles: One hundred and one things to know before getting a dog

      Description: Irvine, CA : Lumina Media, 2016. | Includes index.

      Identifiers: LCCN 2016042858 (print) | LCCN 2016043012 (ebook) | ISBN

      9781621871231 (softcover) | ISBN 9781621871248 (ebook)

      Subjects: LCSH: Dogs. | Dog adoption.

      Classification: LCC SF427 .E947 2016 (print) | LCC SF427 (ebook) | DDC

      636.7/0887--dc23

      LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2016042858

      This book has been published with the intent to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter within. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the author and publisher expressly disclaim any responsibility for any errors, omissions, or adverse effects arising from the use or application of the information contained herein. The techniques and suggestions are used at the reader’s discretion and are not to be considered a substitute for veterinary care. If you suspect a medical problem, consult your veterinarian.

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      Introduction

      First Things First…

      In this book, I use the masculine pronoun when talking about dogs, unless I’m speaking about a specific dog whose sex I know. When I speak of breeders, I use the feminine pronoun because female breeders seem to be in the majority.

      I try to write to a specific person, but because a first-time dog owner could be anyone, I’ve tried to cover all the bases, whether the reader is a twelve-year-old getting a puppy, a parent trying to select the right family pet, or the senior who wants a canine companion. Also, because the new dog could be a puppy or an adult, I’ve tried to cover both possibilities. Generally, advice for a puppy can be translated into advice for an adult dog, but an adult dog may learn certain things faster from past experience.

      Why 101 things? Years ago, there was a list making the rounds that went something like this:

      • All you need to show a dog is a dog and a leash and a collar.

      • All you need to show a dog is a dog and a leash and a collar and a tack box full of grooming supplies.

      …and a grooming table.

      …and an ex-pen.

      …and so on.

      The list continues with all of the extras, culminating in a motor home. It was a humorous look at all of the items you can accumulate because of your dog—many useful but not strictly necessary.

      This book is like that list. You might not need to buy or think about all 101 things, but they’re good to know about anyway, and they’ll help give you the best beginning to a lifelong friendship with a dog.

      1

      Thinking It Through

      Do you really want a dog? This is the very first question you should ask yourself. You may think you want a dog for many reasons: you had a dog as a child, you think your children should have a dog, you like your friend’s dog, and so on. Try to go beyond these thoughts. If you’re the couch-potato type or are rarely ever home, maybe some other pet would suit you better. All animals need attention, but some need more than others.

      Cats don’t need daily walks around the block, and they can munch some dry food and visit the litter box if you’re going to be home later than expected. When you’re ready to relax on the couch and watch television, a cat isn’t in going to get in your face, pleading for a game of fetch or a brisk hike in the rain. A cat will be more willing to just curl up in your lap and let you get your fur fix. And, while cats can certainly enjoy the company of other cats, they’re more likely to be content on their own, especially if they have a window seat and can watch the wildlife in your backyard.

      Maybe a hamster or a gerbil would be more your style. They’re both furry and cute, but with a full water bottle and some food, they can be left on their own much of the time. Gerbils don’t even need their cages cleaned that often.

      How about some fish? An aquarium requires an initial investment in a tank, filters, and heaters, and you do need to clean it occasionally, but, for the most part, once you’ve established your fish, you just need to remember to add food once or twice a day. Beauty, variety, and limited care.

      If you want something cuddly but don’t really want to do much work to take care of that something cuddly, maybe a stuffed animal would fit the bill. There are some terrific stuffed animals out there, and they don’t shed, make noise, or eat. Years ago, pet rocks were a fad. Maybe a lovely piece of granite on a shelf would meet your need for something decorative, and it would require only dusting now and then.

      Why a Dog?

      Unconditional love is one of the things that make dogs so popular. No matter what happens at work, no matter how dysfunctional your family, your dog will love you. Burst into tears, and there’s that faithful friend, trying to lick your face and make it all better. A dog will never criticize your taste in clothes or suggest that you lose a few pounds.

      Don’t forget, though, that even unconditional love requires work. A dog doesn’t take care of himself. He needs food, medical care, shelter, and playtime. If you don’t have the time and money to provide what he needs, you’re back to a stuffed toy.

      Does Everyone Want a Dog?

      “Please, can