Amanda Vink - Is a Dog a Good Pet for Me?

Published in 2020 by The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.

29 East 21st Street, New York, NY 10010

Copyright 2020 by The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer.

First Edition

Editor: Elizabeth Krajnik

Book Design: Rachel Rising

Photo Credits: Cover, pp. 1, 3 Eric Isselee/Shutterstock.com; Cover, pp. 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 24 (background) Anna_leni/Shutterstock.com; p. 4 ESB Professional/Shutterstock.com; p. 5 TAGSTOCK1/Shutterstock.com; p. 6 Csanad Kiss/Shutterstock.com; p. 7 Lyudvig Aristarhovich/Shutterstock.com; p. 8 WilleeCole Photography/Shutterstock.com; p. 9 Daxiao Productions/ Shutterstock.com; p. 10 Phase4Studios/Shutterstock.com; p. 11 David Porras/ Shutterstock.com; p. 12 Susan Schmitz/Shutterstock.com; p. 13 Suti Stock Photo/ Shutterstock.com; pp. 14, 20 Africa Studio/Shutterstock.com; p. 15 wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock.com; p. 16 Ronnachai Palas/Shutterstock.com; p. 17 otsphoto/Shutterstock.com; p. 18 Erik Lam/Shutterstock.com; p. 19 Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.com; p. 21 Goran Bogicevic/Shutterstock.com; p. 22 Kaiskynet Studio/Shutterstock.com.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Vink, Amanda, author.

Title: Is a dog a good pet for me? / Amanda Vink.

Description: New York : PowerKids Press, [2020] | Series: The best pet for me | Includes index.

Identifiers: LCCN 2018048109| ISBN 9781725301009 (paperback) | ISBN 9781725301023 (library bound) | ISBN 9781725301016 (6 pack)

Subjects: LCSH: Dogs--Juvenile literature. | Pets--Juvenile literature.

Classification: LCC SF426.5 .V56 2020 | DDC 636.7--dc23

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2018048109

Manufactured in the United States of America

CPSIA Compliance Information: Batch #CSPK19. For Further Information contact Rosen Publishing, New York, New York at 1-800-237-9932.

A New Best Friend

You probably see dogs every day. Have you ever wondered if one of these cute creatures is the best pet for you? Dogs make wonderful companions! Many people become very close with their dogs. If you get a dog, it may become your new best friend.

You can play fetch with a dog, take a dog for walks, and even teach a dog tricks. Dogs can be a lot of fun, but they require a lot of work. You must be responsible and make sure all your dogs basic needs are met. Read on to find out if youre ready to get a dog.

Pet Report

According to the 2012 U.S. Pet Ownership & Demographics Sourcebook, 36.5 percent of households in the United States own dogs.

Some public places, such as restaurants and stores, are dog friendly. If your dog likes people, gets along with other dogs, and is well behaved, you might be able to bring it with you to some of your favorite places.

Breeds and Their Needs

Not all dogs are the same! Certain dog breeds, or kinds, need more of some things than other breeds. For example, border collies, which are known for their intelligence and agility, need lots of exercise for their bodies and their brains. If theyre bored, they may get into trouble to occupy their time.

Other dog breeds are known for having certain health problems. Dogs with pushed-in snouts, such as pugs and different kinds of bulldogs, are known for having trouble breathing. Dachshunds are known for having back problems. Be sure to do your research before selecting the right breed for you.

dachshund

Pet Report

Labrador retrievers are Americas most popular dog breedand they have been for 27 years!

The American Kennel Club recognizes 190 dog breeds. German shepherds are the second most popular dogs in America.

The Importance of a Routine

Having a routine is important for dogs and their owners. You should take your dog outside to go to the bathroom as soon as it wakes up in the morning. Then you should feed your dog and give it water. Before you leave your house, you should take your dog outside one more time.

When you get home, let your dog outside to go to the bathroom, play with it or take it for a walk, and give it dinner and water. Take your dog outside to go to the bathroom before you go to bed.

Pet Report

Some foods can make dogs sick. Be sure to keep your dog away from onions, grapes, and chocolate. Ask a vet for a full list of foods that are harmful to dogs.

Walking your dog is a great way for both of you to get some exercise.

Ready to Adopt!

Animal shelters are a great place to find a dog. All the dogs in animal shelters are in need of a forever home. Most shelters have affordable adoption fees, which may include the price of spaying or neutering the dog, giving it a vet exam, and making sure its up to date with all its shots. Other things may be included too.

Certified breeders are people who breed dogs and sell their puppies. Before buying a dog from a breeder, you should meet with them to make sure theyre trustworthy, treat their dogs well, and do things the right way.

vet

Pet Report

If you adopt a dog from a shelter, you can have your vet run a test to see what breeds it might be.

Each year, about 3.3 million dogs enter animal shelters in the United States. Only about 1.6 million of these dogs are adopted.

Coming Home

When you bring your dog home, youll need to be patient. It may take a few weeks for your dog to adjust to its new life. Its likely that your dog will have accidents in the house or chew on things its not supposed to.

It might take a while for your dog to learn things. You have to be consistent, which means you have to make sure you ask the same things of your dog at all times. For example, you shouldnt let your dog on the couch on some occasions if you expect it to stay off at other times.