Why?
Why should you get a dog? How many things I could say. For starters when you hear people say there "mans best friend" I feel that this is very true. Dogs are always there for you (sometimes more than your real best friend). Dogs are company through hard times and good. They almost guaranty you a laugh a day. You may be reading this thinking that you could never truly love a dog and I can promise you now even how much you don't want to you'll learn to like and love your dog.
What Characteristics Does it Need?
Unless you're after a guard dog, make sure it's friendly. That is one thing you MUST make sure. Next thing after that is that (say your in a dog home) it comes up to greet you. If it doesn't come up to see you then when it's older and comes home with you it won't be very attentive. Although, some, dogs bark when they get excited (which is not a bad thing) make sure that, when you go up to see the dog, that it isn't barking excessively as this could mean in will become one of those dogs the neighbors hate.
What Breed?
I'm not going to say what breed to get but what you should do is before you get any breed (unless of course you getting a cross breed) that you research and make sure you know exactly what your getting into as every breed has it's different quirks and characteristics. I at the moment have a collie-cross (which is very intelligent) and a lurcher (which is extremely friendly perfect for living with other dogs and children).
Equipment
Just a few things that you might need for a new dog:
- Dog collar (possible a chock collar as well)
- Dog whistle (really helps call-backs)
- Muzzle (just in case)
- Dog food
- Dog treats (very important or they will never learn)
- Beanbags and beds
