Dogs Are A Girl's Best Friend

The dog is not just man's best friend. A lot of women don't feel comfortable living or walking alone, and so look for companionship, usually of the furry sort. For most women, this means a cat: They're easy to maintain, don't require as much attention as other animals, and generally let you know what they need. However, dogs are a decent second choice, especially a larger dog; the bigger the dog, the more security it provides, either emotionally or otherwise. While dogs can definitely provide a much needed sense of security, there are a number of things to consider before getting a dog.

Are You Ready For A Dog?

The biggest thing to remember about dogs is that they are a responsibility, and not necessarily an easy one. Besides food and water, there are a lot of issues to consider. Some dogs come with conditions and other issues that need to be considered, such a pug's breathing issues or a dalmatian's deafness, which need to be allowed for. Other dogs may have psychological issues to overcome, such as a rescue dog's shyness or aggressiveness. While it's advised for you obtain a dog past its pup stage, if you do get a pup, then there's the issue of poddy training and housebreaking. For older dogs, you may want to deal with obedience school.

You also need to remember that a dog needs a certain amount of space, and the bigger the dog, the more space required. This is why walking and dog parks are so important to a dog's life: Walking isn't just for waste disposal purposes (but you will need to remember to invest in bags), but also a needed escape from the house. Dog parks also help to alleviate boredom and provide a social life for the dog. This need for space is also why dogs need a certain amount of living space; if you live in a tiny apartment you may want to really debate getting a dog.

The ultimate consideration is that you shouldn't be considering a dog if you're looking at them solely for their tactical advantages or having something to brag about. If that's the case, then you're creating a potentially abusive relationship based on a potentially toxic situation, at least for the dog. The key here is that dogs are social animals and thus require at least a modicum of interaction. Dogs bought solely as a showpiece usually end up suffering from a mental form of neglect, and will become sicker faster than other dogs. Not only does the same apply to dogs bought solely for defense, but some owners use physical abuse to toughen and train their dogs.

If companionship is not what you're looking for, or you're not ready for the responsibility, then don't buy a dog.

Which Dog Breed Is Best For You

First off, purse dogs are straight out. They create more problems than they're worth and they won't help in a fight; a good punt and they're history. You need to decide what kind of security you are looking for: emotional, physical, or a little of both. Some dogs are just meant for breeding or work; a greyhound, while pretty, are pretty much built for racing and older dogs still need a lot of space. Most dogs are good for emotional security, especially the fluffier the better. The range of dogs that provide physical security, that is, those that will fight for you, is surprisingly wide; pugs, for example, were bred for temple defense (however, medium and larger dogs are preferred).

You also need to look at the conditions that follow certain species. A lot of dogs have certain conditions that are a result of their anatomy or breeding, and you need to consider that when you start looking for a dog. You need to consider every aspect of a dog, even a rescue dog; how much time you're going to be spending at the veterinarian's or special dietary issues need to be part of the equation, given their costs. Dogs with more obvious special needs (such as a dog missing a leg) also need to be allowed for. Yes, this is going to complicate things, but no one ever said that caring for a dog was either cheap or easy.

Want a dog but you're allergic to dogs? There are some dogs that are bred to be hypoallergenic (they don't trigger the usual allergies). Specifically, the dogs have hair rather than fur. There are two important bits of information to keep in mind: First, no dog is completely safe for the allergic; even if you bathe the dog every couple of days, keep them out of your bedroom, and vacuum everything religiously, you're still likely to suffer every so often. Second, if you test positive for "can 5" (a specifical dog allergen), then, with a female of fixed male, you may be able to enjoy a dog-filled life. So it's not as big an issue as you would think.

Debate Guard Dog Training

If the dog is being obtained for physical security, then you should debate guard dog training. This is levels more intense than obedience school training (which should be taken, as a default), but results in an animal capable of defending you should the need arise. This requires a dog with advanced obedience training, high drive, and a stable confidence; if your dog is hyper, relaxed, or generally rebellious, then it's probably not for him. The training itself focuses on the territorial instinct, bite-and-release instruction, and differentiating between friend and foe. Also, keep in mind that most trainers prefer dogs that are medium-sized or larger; while smaller dogs can be taught, you may have a problem finding a trainer.

However, for most people, just having a dog that barks when strangers approach is more than sufficient. Yes, it can be annoying, especially when it includes the mailman and every delivery driver, but it's just a by-product of being a dog.

Basic Etiquette To Keep In Mind

Other issues to consider with dogs is that a) not everyone is a dog person, and b) some people are allergic to dogs. Obviously, you should train your dogs to not leap on people; a quick sniff is fine, maybe a little pushing, but leaping is definitely a no-no. If possible, train your dogs not to bark; some places have noise ordinances to beware of, and barking dogs is usually a highlight. Always pick up after your dog; if this is an issue for you, maybe having a dog isn't for you (also, it's a finable offense in some areas, so there's that to consider).

There's an interesting debate on whether or not the dogs should be on your inside or outside while being walked (or jogged, as the case may be). Some people argue that the dogs should be on the street side when being walked; that is, it should go sidewalk-person-dogs-street, while others say it should be sidewalk-dogs-person-street. The two basic arguments for the former are that it keeps the dog away from vehicles (thus keeping him safer) and they add a security layer by putting the dog between the person and potential attackers. For the latter, the walker is better able to control the dog, keeps the dog's leash from entangling with bikers going the other direction, and allows for extreme reactions from people with fears of allergies related to canines. Whichever way you pick, just remember to be consistent.

[If you're passing someone going slower than you, the best way to do it is with you between the dog and the person you're passing. If they're passing you, don't try to change your position and just let them do what they do; if you change your position, then you may create a collision or tangle up. This is one you shouldn't react and just go with the flow, as a reaction may cause problems.]

When it comes to debating getting a dog for any reason, there are a lot of options that need to be considered. When you're looking for a dog that will defend you, well, most will. You just need to decide how well you want to be guarded. But remember to go for companionship first: You're going to be spending a lot of time with the dog, and you so do NOT want to spend it with someone you don't like.