Choosing a dog for company is always an exciting choice to make especially for children and their families, but sometimes, when the choice of dogs is concerning the elderly, there are some things that must be taken into consideration. These things may include the difficulty of training the dog, the size and temperament of the little furry four-legged friend that one may opt to have as a companion.

Since everyone has their own preference as to what dog is fit for their lifestyle, it is best to choose one that can be a lovable pet as well as a loyal companion. Dogs have always proven themselves to be worth keeping in the homes of many people and studies have shown that with the elderly, dogs play an important role in the improvement of the overall wellbeing of seniors. Dogs good for the elderly provide an outlet to for these seniors to share their love with.

Smaller dogs are dogs good for the elderly because they are of less maintenance and are easier to handle than the larger dogs. Apart from which, they also make great lap dogs that can be stroked by the seniors to provide a comforting feel. Here are some of the great breeds of dogs good for the elderly.

Getting a pug is a good choice because these creatures are little. But even in their small size, they have very big hearts and are very playful. The little ones are very outgoing and they love all the attention and affection that is given by their owner. Though these dogs may demand a bit of attention, they also give out a lot to compensate for this need. Pugs are perfect for anyone who has a lot of time to spend with the creature.

A Pomeranian is also another good choice for company since because the breed boasts of being perky and good-natured. The appearance of most Pomeranians resemble to that of a little fuzzy bear which can surely bring smiles to everyone around it. Pomeranians are also known to be very energetic, but they also have their downtime and love to be stroked a lot.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a popular pick even for most dog lovers as they are gentle creatures that need minimal exercise only. This breed is known for their patience and relaxed personality which makes them good companions for seniors. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is very loyal to its owner. Maintenance is only limited to regular grooming of the dog’s curly hair.

Another dog that loves the company of other people is the Toy Poodle. This breed will prefer people over other dogs and they love being given special attention, even to a point of being treated like a king. This is a perfect pick for seniors if they want something to dote over.

For seniors who want to have security when with their dogs, they can choose to have a Boston terrier because these dogs are very protective of their owners, despite their size. Yet even with their protective nature, these dogs are very mellow and friendly.

These are just some of the dogs good for the elderly and the choice of which one to get will depend on the familiarity of one to the dog’s breed and the health restrictions of the senior.

One last thing that the elderly person needs to consider prior to getting a dog, is to decide if they will have the time and will be able to make the effort to train their dogs. If the elder able to do some type of dog+training? At least, some basic dog training needs to be apply to these dogs, and we are talking here about housebreaking their dogs and some basic dog commands like come, sit, wait and leave it.

Increase the happy years of your dog by checking out my free e-book. In it I reveal all the secrets I’ve used to develop a happy, healthier dog. Visit Dr. Alfonso’s dog training blog [http://www.cooldoghalloffame.com/dog-training/dog-training-choosing-the-right-dog-for-the-elderly/2692] right now…

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This article provides several questions most people are will ask about the organization as well as its endeavors.

What exactly is Boston Terrier Rescue?

This is an association devoted to housing neglected or abandoned Boston terriers. They are emergency rescues and adopt these terriers to their permanent homes.

However, the network does not give shelter to Boston terriers that are already in weak health, domineering, old, as well as/or are disease-carriers as they will not have any chance of being adopted afterwards. The least the BTR will do is to give notice to the owners of such terriers on better options.

Why do they rescue these dogs?

Nearly all dogs that are saved by the network were basically abandoned. Remarkably owners would concur that they were not capable to offer their pets with the attention, and time that are suitable for this lovely little dog to be active and healthy. There were always exceptions where life situations or jobs made it difficult for the owners to bring along their pets. They considered the desertion of the terriers as the straightforward or even only option.

Can the adopted dog breed in the future?

The association will definitely frown upon of the idea!

Actually, they strongly inform every new owner to have the dog strictly as pets. The Bostons are actually being spayed or neutered to prevent reproduction. Furthermore, topmost of the rescued terriers are average strains of the breed standard. Commonly, they do not have a historical record of lineage or family background that can be check with before the breeding process.

Does a female terrier matters when adopting?

Most Boston terriers that are being forsaken are males aging between two and six as nearly all owners believe that the females are more loving. Unexpectedly, the males are actually more receptive as well as a sweet companion given appropriate attention as well as care. However, as all rescued Bostons are spared as breeders, the gender should not be of importance at all during adoption. Suitable placement shall be performed by BTR.

Is there a cost if an owner gives up a Boston?

There are owners who willingly pay their dogs’ medical requirements, which also comprise of spaying or neutering. Similarly, donations help out in the expenditures for the dogs’ preparations for placement with a new owner. If I adopt a dog, will I be charged for it?

In reality, to own a dog call for the owner to be financially sound for health care expenses and even for the registry of Bostons.

What is the whole adoption process?

The procedure can be sum up as follows:

1. Screening

a. BT Rescue sort out possible owners by filling out vast application papers. b. Potential owners’ financial capacity and way of life are being investigated by the network. c. Application forms are weeded out between 7 and 10 days.

2. Approval/Disapproval

a. When approval is given, a dog that is untaken at that time shall be adopted to its new owner. b. If not, the application shall be on a waiting list. If conditions make the application possible, the new owner is informed soon after.

What help can be rendered?

The answer depends on the clients.

1. For Breeders

Breeders are informed not to put up their Boston Terrier for sale to anyone if the new home is unsuitable. As an alternative, have good homes reserved and plan litters.

Moreover, if breeders do not have a capable as well as appropriate breeding plan, reproduction ought to be avoided.

2. For everyone else

Be updated of the unique temperament as well as several mental as well as physical requirements of Boston Terrier. Then teach others with regard to these things.

It ought to be understood to everyone that Bostons is not appropriate for the way of life of just anyone and everyone. If probable, seek for breeds that may call for a new shelter.

Furthermore, donations are deeply appreciated for they generally help in the placement procedure of the dogs. BTR runs wholly on the commitment of volunteers.

To get your free ecourse on boston terrier training information and tips, head over to http://www.bostonterriercenter.com a web site especially for terrier lovers. It focuses on terrier breeds, terrier care and health, and terrier training. Also discover about hidden boston terrier secrets now.

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Every time I see a shopping mall pet store, I wish I could stand in front of it and show the passersby an elderly Chihuahua named Sophia. Sophia is the reason no one should ever buy an animal from a pet store. Like most dogs for sale in stores, she came from a puppy mill.

When I first met Sophia, I didn’t think she would ever get over her intense fear of humans. The first month I had her, she huddled in the corner of my bedroom and shook with convulsions whenever I looked at her, her large eyes bulging with fear.

Sophia was one of a hundred neglected dogs seized by authorities 14 months ago from a puppy mill in North Carolina. Instead of frolicking in a home with loving guardians, Sophia and her fellow inmates were relegated to dilapidated wood and wire outdoor hutches, denied proper nutrition and veterinary care, given algae-coated water and forced to sit in their own waste. Like Sophia, most of the dogs were small breeds: Chihuahuas, Boston terriers, Shih Tzus and others. They were being exploited for the sole purpose of making money for their owner.

Puppy mills are a thinly veiled “secret” in the pet store industry. The little bundles of joy in pet stores come from puppy mill mothers like Sophia, who are forced to bear litter after litter, with dire consequences to their health. Male breeders are stuck in cages, treated like assembly-line objects, and both males and females are thrown away when they can no longer reproduce. The puppies they give birth to are usually sick–infested with parasites and infected with viruses and diseases on top of the genetic problems they’ve inherited from their worn-out parents.

Puppy mill dogs are never touched with a loving hand, fed treats, given soft beds or chew toys or taken for walks. Their basic physical needs are unmet and they are emotionally ignored. And they carry their wounds with them. When People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) gained temporary custody of 20 of the North Carolina puppy mill breeding dogs, I agreed to foster six of them. I was totally unprepared.

Most of them were so scared of people that even if gently touched, they would lose control of their bowels. They had infections, parasites and untreated broken legs that had calcified and healed improperly. When I lifted a camera to snap a picture, they scrambled against the wall, their bodies trembling so hard I thought they would collapse. They would do anything to get away from me, which made giving them their medicine for all their ailments next to impossible. It soon became clear that I had a lot of making up to do for the human race.

Now, I’m proud to say, a lot of that fear is gone.

Sarah, a Chihuahua mix who spent the first year or more of her life in a cage, enjoys playing tricks on my son, stealing his socks and toys and running away with them when he isn’t looking. Chandler, one of the youngest of the bunch, no longer cowers in fear but rolls onto his back to have his belly scratched when he’s done playing with his new friends–three large shepherd mixes. Theresa, another little Chihuahua mix, is slowly learning to trust me and recently started touching my legs affectionately when she thinks I’m not looking. And Sophia, the one I thought would never trust humans, sleeps curled up in a queen-sized bed, snoring like a contented freight train as her new foster mom desperately tries to get some sleep.

The best way to help dogs like Sophia is to refuse to buy animals from pet stores. There are millions of dogs and cats in animal shelters across the nation waiting for homes. All of them are special and all have something to offer. If you have the time and resources to share your home with one–or better, two–of them, go to your local animal shelter and adopt. It’s time to put the puppy mills out of business.

Christina Matthies is a proud foster mom and writer for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), 501 Front St., Norfolk, VA 23510; http://www.HelpingAnimals.com

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Choosing the right breed of dog is not an easy task considering that there are hundreds of dog breeds. It is possible to follow a few obvious rules and narrow down your choice while selecting dog breeds. It is not advisable to go only for looks or aesthetically pleasing breeds because these considerations tend to overshadow the more practical considerations, some of which are detailed further on.

First and foremost, is your dwelling place suitable for the breed you want to consider? Apartment dwellers should avoid large breeds. Obviously, Toy Group dogs like Yorkshire Terriers are a good choice.

The presence of children in the house is another factor. Toy Group dogs are delicate and can easily suffer injuries at the hands of innocent children whose instinct is to grasp and squeeze.

Large dogs are too strong and might accidentally push or topple very small children without intending to.

Medium sized breeds are best if there are children in the family.

Dog breeds in the Sporting, Hound, and Herding groups need plenty of exercise. An enclosed yard is a big help. If there is a park close by, that would also do as long as you are regular in going there. These breeds were bred to work hard and they always have excess energy that needs to be let out in some way.

Study grooming and see how much time can be devoted to it. Some breeds need no more than ½ hour per week. Others might need a full hour a day. Don’t buy a Standard Poodle if you are busy.

People short on time should go for Boston Terriers or Whippets.

Once the selecting of dog breeds is complete, decide on the age. Puppies might not have developed any bad habits but they need to be properly trained. Grown up dogs are already housebroken and have some obedience training but they could possibly have health or behavior problems that is causing their owner to sell them in the first place.

If the decision is to buy a puppy, then a reputable dog breeder must be located who has a litter of the breed that has been selected. Good breeders usually have a waiting list for puppies of all breeds. Impatient people are likely to be put off by this and rush off to a pet store to buy a puppy immediately. Beware, pet store puppies are normally bred in puppy farms and could have health problems, bad temperaments, etc. The safest thing to do is to buy a puppy directly from a reputable breeder and from nowhere else.

The best places to inquire for grown up dogs are the local animal shelter or the breed rescue. These groups are responsible for evaluating a dog’s health and temperament before putting them up for adoption and are safe options.

Get all of your dog information at [http://yougodog.com]

Copyright 2006 @ Ann Born [http://yougodog.com] No part of this article may be reproduced in any manner without including the author’s bio.

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All kids want a dog! However, it is important to think about the age of your children as to when they get that dog. Small children (especially under six) you need to consider the size of your child and their unpredictable behavior. Also, the dog’s behavior, for example, if you get a large, high-energy dog who could knock your child down easily. You could get a small dog that could easily be hurt unintentionally by your child.

If you have small children do you have time to take on a puppy and train him?

Parents should always supervise interaction between a dog and their children. Children need to be taught how to respectably treat a puppy.

Usually after seven years of age children are ready to have a dog to love and play with.

There are many breeds that are good with children. Learn the different characteristics of different breeds and decide what suits your child.

If you’re not looking for a puppy consider finding a dog that has been raised with young children. Another option could be a young dog (a year or under) who is gently, not afraid of children, and look for his tail wagging when a child approaches him.

SOME BREEDS THAT ARE BELIEVED TO BE GOOD WITH CHILDREN ARE THE FOLLOWING:

LABRADOR RETRIEVER

Gentle breed with outgoing nature, very friendly, good for active families, needs lots of exercise,

loyal and devoted family member.

GOLDEN RETRIEVER

Highly intelligent, friendly, good-natured, even-temperament, good choice for families who

enjoy outdoors and needs lots of exercise.

STANDARD POODLE

Intelligent, makes excellent pets, playful, active, low shedding, love to play, faithful. Does come in

three sizes.

IRISH SETTER

Eager to please and a good companion.

BOSTON TERRIER

Loyal family pet for less active families, obedient and loyal.

COLLIES

Intelligent, patient, docile with children and has lots of energy.

BEAGLE

Great tracker and hunter, good for active families, cheerful, friendly and like to play games.

BICHON FRISE

Faithful, obedient, happy, needs regular grooming.

PUGS

Clown at heart, great family dog, playful, loyal and even-tempered.

BASSET HOUND

Calm, good companion, stubborn, loyal, sweet, friendly, gladly play with children.

SPRINGER SPANIEL

Playful, friendly, cheerful, intelligent, quick learner, obedient and good-natured.

JACK RUSSELL TERRIER

Intelligent, loyal, high-energy, good watchdog and friendly.

BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG

Patient, loving with family, loyal and intelligent.

STANDARD SCHNAUZER

Playful, active, loving and intelligent. Does come in three sizes. Requires regular grooming.

NEWFOUNDLAND

Called the “Gentle Giant”, sweet temperament, protective of children, smart, loyal and calm.

BULLDOG

Affectionate, dependable, gentle with children and a good guard dog.

BOXER

Friendly, sweet, playful, good for busy active families and patient with children.

Even if a breed is suppose to be good with children there are always exceptions.

Remember dogs need to be trained and socializated.

This is a site basically about small dog breeds but I have listed bigger dogs for children if that is what you want.
Good luck in finding the perfect dog for you.

Sandy has a web site on small dog breeds with information on small dog breeds, choosing a dog, choosing a breeder, bringing puppy home, dogs good with children and seniors and much more. http://www.small-dogbreeds.com

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With hundreds of breeds to choose from, how do you decide which one is right? Narrow down the choices in a few simple steps.

Size Matters

First, consider your available space. If you live in an apartment, you can rule out large dogs. Look for dogs in the Toy group, such as Yorkshire Terriers, or some of the smaller dogs in the Terrier group, like the Miniature Schnauzer.

If you have children, you may want to rule out very small dogs, such as Chihuahuas or Maltese. They are delicate and can be accidentally injured by young children. On the other hand, very large dogs, such as Boxers or Saint Bernards, can be overly boisterous and can accidentally turn your child into a human bowling pin. Consider medium-sized breeds, such as Fox Terriers or Lhasa Apsos.

Exercise Essential

Next, consider how much exercise you can give your dog. If you have a home with a fenced yard, your dog will be able to get some exercise on his own.

However, dog breeds in the Sporting, Hound, and Herding groups are very high-energy animals, and they will need intensive daily exercise. Plan to take a lot of long walks with your dog or go for a daily romp in the park. After all, these dogs were bred to work hard, and they don’t do well unless they have a job to do or a way to burn off excess energy.

To Groom Or Not

Also, don’t forget to consider grooming needs. Some breeds need only half an hour or so of grooming a week, while others require an hour a day. If you are short on time, don’t buy a Standard Poodle or a Maltese — unless you plan to take your dog to a groom. Breeds like Boston Terriers or Whippets are good choices for people who don’t have time for a lot of grooming.

Puppy Problems

Once you decide which breed you want, you will need to consider the age of the dog. Many people opt to buy a cuddly little puppy instead of an adult. While puppies have the advantage of not yet having developed any bad habits, it will be up to you to be sure your puppy is housebroken and obedience trained.

Do you want to buy a puppy? If so, you will need to find a reputable dog breeder who has a litter of the appropriate breed. Often, a good breeder will have a waiting list for puppies.

If you aren’t the patient sort, you may be tempted to buy a puppy from a pet store. A word of caution — many pet store puppies come from puppy mills and have genetic health defects, bad temperaments, and other problems. It is usually safest to buy a puppy directly from the breeder.

Older dogs are usually housebroken and frequently have some obedience training. They are also less likely to be hyperactive and destructive. However, they can have behavioral problems or health problems that prompted the former owner to find them a new home.

If you are interested in an older dog, you may want to visit your local animal shelter or call a breed rescue. These groups evaluate the dogs’ health and temperament before adopting them out.

Once you’ve picked the breed and the dog, you have one more important decision to make — what to name your new best friend!

Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer. Visit new-pup.com to learn more about this subject.

Copyright 2005 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact.

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This list is not complete, but it can be with your help. If we have missed a Boston Terrier Rescue please submit via the contact form.

Boston Terrier Rescues

• The Boston Terrier Rescue Network
  The Boston Terrier Rescue Net is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to fundraising to assist national Boston Terrier Rescue efforts.
• Boston Terrier Rescue of North Carolina
  BTRNC is an all volunteer, 501(c)3 non-profit organization serving North Carolina and assisting in South Carolina, Georgia and Virginia.
• Boston Terrier Club of Canada Rescue
  Boston Terrier Club of Canada Rescue (BTRC) is a not-for-profit organization made up entirely of volunteers who are dedicated to the safety and welfare of single breed and mixed breed Boston Terriers.

Don’t think that Boston Terriers from rescues are second-hand dogs, coming with some kind of fault or defect that made it necessary for the former owners to surrender their dog. This is simply not true.

Why are Boston Terriers in rescues?

Boston Terrier at play

Some people surrender their Boston Terrier because they no longer have the financial means to care for them or because of health reasons of their own. However, the vast majority of dogs found in shelters and rescues stem from careless breeding and people that get tired of their Bostons once they reach adulthood or show signs of illness. With the proper care most health problems can be overcome, and these dogs will be just as happy as any other dog.

Again some owners do not know how to communicate with their Boston Terriers. These people send their Bostons the wrong signals, resulting in dominant dogs that think they are running the show. Some Boston Terriers may show behavioral problems due to neglect or abuse. Most of these Boston Terriers make excellent companions, they just need an owner that has a knowledge of how to handle dominant or timid dogs.

Breeders can’t guarantee health

Now you might ask, is a Boston Terrier from a breeder not healthier than those found at rescues?

The short answer is, No.

A breeder cannot guarantee the life long health of a dog. A breed like the Boston Terrier simply has too many potential inherited health issues, even though it is one of the healthier bully breeds. What all reputable breeders do (and you should pay them properly for that) is minimize the risks of potential health issues. But it is impossible to guarantee the life long health of a dog. Where do you think many of the purebred dogs found at rescues come from, whether they are sick or not?

The value of adoption fees

Don’t be turned off by having to pay a fee for adopting a Boston Terrier from a rescue. Many pets that end up in rescues or shelters have not had the most caring owners. These dogs often incur vet costs that are not covered by the adoption fee, so these organizations rely heavily on donations besides charging adoption fees.

By adopting from a reputable rescue you can be sure that they will tell you all you need to know about the dog’s health record and what to expect in the future. They will micro-chip, vaccinate and dewormed your prospective pet and have them spayed or neutered.

Now I have told you so much about adopting dogs from rescues. There is just one thing that is hard to find at rescues, and that is…

Puppies. Now and then you may find a puppy at a specialized Boston Terrier rescue, sometimes surrendered because they are missing an eye or because of other injuries or birth defects. Most dogs that are missing an eye or a leg will do fine and require no further medical attention once the injury has been treated and allowed to heal completely.

Boston Terrier Puppy

Getting a puppy from a Boston Terrier breeder should never be seen as a guarantee for the life-long good health of a dog. Boston Terriers are generally a healthy breed, but they too have some common hereditary health issues that can never be completely ruled out. You need to be sure to have the will, the time and the financial means to bear with any potential health issues the dog might incur.

First and foremost get your Boston Terrier puppy from a reputable breeder. Never buy from puppy mills. Not sure what those are? Read our article on puppy mills.

If you are looking at buying from a Boston Terrier breeder you are going to pay a minimum of $600-800 for a purebred Boston Terrier. It greatly depends on your area and the availability. That sounds like a lot, but look at it like this: You are spending this on a companion that will want to stick to you like glue during the next 13-15 years. Start out right by adopting the fitting dog from a rescue or buying from a reputable breeder rather than saving on the wrong end.

You may be asking why you should pay that much for buying a dog from a breeder rather than buying from a pet store. Breeding Boston Terriers is not as straight forward as it seems, and it comes with a load of responsibilities and costs.

Boston Terrier Puppy Sleeping

What you are paying a Boston Terrier breeder for is their professional breeding line, which should try to eliminate as many potential health issues as possible. Artificial insemination may be necessary, which adds up to the breeding costs. Cesarean section is also common (and expensive, too), as giving birth is in some cases impossible for Boston Terriers without human intervention due to their anatomy.

Individuals with severe hereditary health issues should never be used for breeding. Reputable Boston Terrier breeders will have their puppies thoroughly checked by the vet, as well as vaccinated and micro-chipped or tattooed, before offering them for sale.

Equally important, you are paying the breeder for the dog’s proper socialization. For a healthy development the Boston Terrier puppy should be exposed to as many things as possible and should get to know children and other dogs and pets. Puppies should never be taken from their mother before they are about 10-12 weeks of age.

All of these aspects can not be checked by you via the phone or email, so it is necessary for you to visit the Boston breeder.

By the way, reputable breeders will want to check out the puppy’s future living conditions, too. Don’t be shocked if they ask to visit your home and meet your family.

In any case you should always check which conditions the Boston Terrier puppy grew up under, if the parents are healthy and of happy disposition.

Don’t trust breeders that simply want to ship you puppies or that come up with excuses if you want to come for a visit. A reputable Boston Terrier breeder won’t have a problem with you coming by to pick out your Boston puppy and meet its family.