The Humane Society of the United States reports there are approximately 77.5 million owned dogs in the United States. Thirty-nine percent of U.S. households own at least one dog, and most dog owners have two dogs.
It's sad when we hear of people giving up their pets for financial reasons. It's also sad and disturbing to note how many animals are left behind in the wake of disasters like hurricanes or floods.
I'm not merely thinking of a dog as a pet, though that certainly has its merits. For example, there are service dogs of various kinds? And what about watchdogs or guard dogs to protect you, your family and your property?
Dogs have been important to mankind since the beginning of time. There are countless breeds, and they serve a number of diverse purposes. Have you considered dogs as part of your preparedness and survival strategy?
A yapping terrier or Chihuahua can serve as a watchdog and warn you of intruders in your apartment building. A German Shepherd may keep you safe while you stroll through the park.
Sometimes just the appearance of a dog can be helpful. A dog, such as the miniature collie our family had as I was growing up, can make unsolicited visitors wary. Our dog never bit anyone, but he was quick to approach strangers while barking loudly.
A trained guard dog can protect by physically harming an assailant.
Some dogs will pull a cart or wagon for you, which can be handy if you're on a long hike or have to evacuate your home for a while.
As you may know, different breeds exhibit different characteristics. Whether you want a Rottweiller or a Poodle, there's a dog to meet the needs of your situation.
Dogs may be loyal, obedient, courageous, territorial or aggressive. Even shyness in a dog can be helpful because that dog won't be attracted to strangers.
Incidentally, dog attacks aren't usually common occurrences. Often dogs are aggressive because of abuse or improper training.
And that brings up a very important point. It should go without saying, but dogs are living creatures. They need proper care, including feeding, grooming, and visits to the vet. They have feelings, too, and need love and companionship. Also, puppies need different care than grown dogs.
Don't take these considerations lightly when choosing a dog, whether for a pet, personal security or other service.
While dogs don't come with instruction manuals, there are numerous books and videos on care and training. Three highly recommended books on Amazon.com are:
* The Power of Positive Dog Training, by Pat Miller.
* The Culture Clash: A Revolutionary New Way to Understanding the Relationship Between Humans and Domestic Dogs, by Jean Donaldson.
* The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs, by Patricia B. McConnell.
Together these books will help you understand your dog's behavior and give him proper training.
Giving your dog positive reinforcement, rather than creating fear, is widely recognized more and more as the best approach to dog training. Knowing how to relate to your dog and how he relates to you is instrumental in giving your dog proper training.
But training your own dog to behave well might be just a beginning for you. Have you considered the possibility of training dogs for others? This could be a valuable service in these economically down times and in the future. If you love dogs, give it some thought.
Only you can decide what role a dog should play in your survival strategy. Get all the information you can for making the best decision.
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