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So, you have decided on a purebred dog. Now what? Probably the most important decision you will have is finding a reputable breeder. Let's not even get into the puppy mills!

When we were looking we found one of the best ways to make contact with breeders was by attending dog shows. Those participating there are usually very serious about their breeding and want good physical as well as mental qualities in their animals. Once we decided on the breed we wanted we went to a large show and was delighted with the contacts we made. One person led us to another who led us to another and we finally ended up going to Kansas City for our baby.

Good breeders will have their dogs screened for heriditary problems such as hip dysplasia and other joint diseases and for hereditary eye diseases. Poor temperment can be a big issue, so it is important to know the animal and his parents' history. Breeders that don't care and only want to make a buck can spread these problems rather than working to bring healthy well-balanced pets into the world. Temperment can be quite a problem with German Shepherds or Cocker Spaniels for, for example. While they can be delightful if well -bred, if poorly bred then can be overly aggressive, overly shy, hypersensitive of difficult to socialize.

Cost with a purebred will probably be much greater than with an adopted mixed breed. It will also make a difference if you want a pet, show dog or breeding dog. Show and breeding dogs come with  a higher cost, possibly into the thousands!

So, be sure of what you want, what you can care for and what you can afford. Above all, be ready to love unconditionally for that is how your pet will love you in return.

Please share your thoughts and experiences on this topic.

Face it, our beautiful Great Dane gets a lot of attention when we are out and about. He is well trained and handles it very well, but it really surprises me how some people approach a strange dog.

You really need to start early and teach your children as well as educate yourselves as to how to behave around a dog that is nor familiar. This is for the safety of people as well as for the animal. By following a vew guidelines you lessen the chance of being bitten and ease any fear there may be of dogs.

 For children especially it is important for them not to have a false confidence around strange dogs. Way too often I have kids that just run right up to my dog grabbing at him and wanting to hug him. He may be fine with it but that isn't known ahead of time and may not be so with other dogs.

First, always approach a new dog calmly and quietly, always ask permission of the owner! Hold out your hand palm down to let the dog smell you. speak softly and stroke the dog in the direction of the hair growth rather than ruffling them roughly. Most dogs like their necks stroked, under their  chins scratched and for my dog the ear scratch just can't be beat!

Don't grab the dog in a restricting hug unless you are very familiay with it and know the dog is ok with it.

Never tease a dog, especially one chained or behind a fence. This can make a dog agressive and when it is loose it will remember!

Don't bother a dog while it is eating, chewing on a toy or napping. They need their space too, and you  don't want them to feel they need to be protective of their food or toys.

Teach your children well. Their manners and respect will be greatly appreciated by dog owners and dogs alike.

I hope you will feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in this area with me and other readers as well.

When I was ready for a dog I knew I wanted a large one! And with getting a large breed I knew I would want to know it's background. I didn't want excessive aggression. And with very large dogs come some serious health issues.

With a qualified breeder you have the animals history. You can see the parents and have a good idea what your pet will be like as an adult. We are totally thrilled with our 175 Lb. Great Dane! But we did a ton of research before making a choice for the purebred.

But there are thousands of wonderful healthy, intellegent mixed breeds waiting to share their love and devotion. The cost is greatly less than with a purebred. There may be a requirement for spaying or neutering when you adopt but that is a good thing!

So, before buying from a breeder, do some more homework. Let's not support the puppy mills! Check the shelters. You may be able to save a wonderful pet from being euthanized and have a wonderful companion for many years to come.

Bringing home a new pet to your family can be a delightful experience. But with that comes a huge responsibility. Dogs especially are very dependent creatures. So don't enter into the relationship lightly.

Dogs require daily attention, time for exercise, walks and play. In turn they will be devoted companions and protectors. Hopefully when you decide to bring that new family member home they will get to grow old with you. Sadly, so many don't get that chance and end up abandoned or sent to shelters often being euthanized. So, seriously consider all areas in your life that your new pet will effect and be sure you are ready to adapt your life to them.

Don't bring home a new pet just because you feel sorry for it in the pet story, or just because it is such a cute cuddly baby. Babies grow up... are you ready? Getting a pet because you are lonely is fine but be sure you are prepared and capable of a long term committment to that pet.

Be aware that guardian dogs require extensive training and greater socialization and exercise. The may not make suitable family pets, especially with little kids around. Think it through...maybe an alarm system would be a good choice.

Finally, don't give someone a surprise pet as a gift. There is way too much to be considered . Pet ownership takes such responsibility and that person needs to be in on the decision and be ready to accept the responsibilities that comes with the animal, otherwise the animal will pay the price.

Do your homework, think it through, they aren't just pets, they are family!

Some of the symptoms may be non-productive vomiting producing just foam, panting, restlessness, gums may be pale. The stomach will enlarge and feel tight, sounding like a drum. This is caused by gasses building up. The dog may seem unable to find a comfortable position even on his favorite dog bed, may pace, dig or show anxiety.

When the stomach begins to turn, torsion, the blood supplies and nerve function are cut off. The dog will go into shock and must be taken to a vet immediately! If the pressure can’t be relieved by inserting a tube into the stomach to allow the gasses to be released then surgery is the only option. Timing is everything.

X-rays will confirm if the dog is in torsion. Vital signs need to be stabilized and surgery preformed and even then many dogs can die from cardiac problems afterward.

It is believed that torsion could possibly be an inherited tendency so it is important to know your dog’s history. Some people may choose to have a preventive surgery dome such as intercostal gastropexy where the stomach is attached to the abdominal wall so it can’t twist.

Some of the things we did to prepare for this possibly deadly problem are, starting with our puppy early to get him to eat slowly. We would let him eat a few bites, make him stop, then a few more. Even to this day he is a very slow eater and is also not protective of his food…an added benefit. We watch his rowdy play particularly around feeding time and limit it. His food and water are in elevated dishes. And probably most important, we are aware that it could happen and have a reliable and competent vet!

Remember, time is vital, there is none to waste if you suspect this deadly problem. Awareness and quick action may save the life of your beloved pet.