Pause before giving paws

While new a new dog may be on many people's Christmas list, there are things to consider before asking, "How much is that doggie in the window?"

Cheryl Dillon, director of the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri, said one of the most important things to remember is to not surprise friends and family members with a new puppy.

"Never buy a dog for someone else," Dillon said. "The person who will be having the dog needs to come in and pick out a dog and play with it. If there are other pets living in the house, the other pets should come, too."

Surprise animals are not always what a person may want and it is hard to pick out a dog for another person, she said.

If a family is purchasing a dog for itself, there are still many things keep in mind, Dillon said. Owning a dog is expensive, and potential owners should be aware of cost.

portrait of a man holding a puppy wearing a Christmas cap

"They need shots, heartworm preventative and some dogs may need a special diet," Dillon said.

She said heartworm preventative care can cost as much $350 a year, depending on the dog. Other costs typically incurred by dog owners include grooming, obedience classes, boarding, toys, bedding and licensing, depending on the owner's local ordinances.

In addition to the financial commitment that comes with owning a dog, Dillon said owners should be prepared to invest a lot of time.

"It is a responsibility," she said. "It is not just throwing food at them."

If a dog is being adopted for a child to care for, Dillon said parents need to look at the child's history with other responsibilities.

"Parents should judge by their child's behavior," she said. "A child that does not take out the trash or do their other chores is most likely not going to take care of a dog. Just because they are really excited about a new puppy doesn't mean they will always take care of it.

She said there was no magic age when a child becomes capable of taking care of a new dog, and parents need to make sure their child knows what caring for a dog entails.

"There are a lot of books that kids can read, or parents can read to them about what needs to be done," Dillon said.

For families adopting an animal into a home with an existing pet, Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary manager Alice Wybert recommended introducing the new pet slowly. Remember that you're bringing a new animal into someone else's territory, she said, adding "be considerate of jealousy."

She said to keep dogs in separate rooms and then switch the rooms the dogs are in so they can pick up and get used to the other's scent. Safe Harbor currently has four dogs, two puppies and several cats available for adoption.

Traditionally, the holiday season sees a rise in the number of dogs adopted and purchased as gifts. Unfortunately, many of these "presents" are often returned months later.

Wybert said adopters need to be aware of their own situation and "choose something that's going to go along with their lifestyle. A dog can't be left alone for 12 hours and be OK. But a cat has a litter box."

Families interested in adding a pet to their household can help ensure a smooth transition for the dog and themselves with a little training.

"I suggest at least one basic training class for the dog and the family," said Sandy Miller, manager of K-9 Training Center in Cape Girardeau. "It helps make the dog more well-mannered and sociable."

She said basic puppy training is best started when the dog is 12 to 20 weeks old. These basic classes typically address good manners, walking on a leash, wearing a collar and socialization.

Miller said despite the popular misconception, it is possible to teach an old dog new tricks, but it will take a little longer and will be a little harder.

Miller said when a family first brings a puppy into their home, crate training is essential.

"Crate training is not cruel," she said. "Dogs are den animals and their crate becomes a safe place. The crate can be moved around the house, but the dog needs that crate." She added that dogs that are not housebroken should always be kept in their crate when no one is home.

Housebreaking a dog is a major undertaking for any new owner. Miller offered tips to help ease the process.

* Consistency is key.

* Feeding should be on a set schedule.

* Food should not be left out all day. If an animal eats on a regular schedule, it will go to the bathroom on a regular schedule.

She said all dog owners can expect setbacks in the housebreaking and training process, but dogs should only be reprimanded if they are caught misbehaving.

"If you catch a dog in the act, scold them," Miller said. "If you don't catch them doing it, it does no good to discipline. The dog will not know why they are getting in trouble."

Miller emphasized the importance of researching dog breeds before buying a puppy. She said the American Kennel Club's website, www.akc.org, has links to websites for many breeds. She said potential owners should pay particular attention to the grooming needs, shedding habits and personality traits of the breeds.

"Do your homework before you buy," she said. "Certain dogs, Dobermans, Rottweilers, German shepherds, are guard dogs by nature. They will need a lot of socialization early. Some dogs, particularly smaller breeds like poodles, schnauzers and certain Jack Russells, require a lot of grooming. That costs money."