Ask twenty different people which is the best breed of dog for a family pet and you’re likely to get fifteen different answers. Of course, some dog breeds are more common so they’re often chosen as a family pet. Does that mean it’s the best choice? Not necessarily, at least not necessarily for your family.

Before you choose which type of dog to get, you may want to ask yourself if you and your family are truly ready to add a puppy or dog to the family dynamics. Dogs require a good bit of attention and can live quite a long time if cared for properly. It is also helpful to know who will be responsible for various aspects of the dog’s upkeep. Will everyone chip in with walking, grooming, and feeding the dog?

More than 21 million homes already have at least one dog as a pet. With so many people choosing to add dogs to their family, it’s easy to see how they’re so popular. And, when you invite a dog into your family, you can expect more than protection; you get a life-long friend who can grow up with your children and be a major part of their lives.

One breed of dog which is very common for families is the Border Collie. They are very intelligent, active, and will keep a close watch on your children. Bred to help shepherds keep the flock together, don’t be surprised if a Border Collie appears to herd your children and keep them close by. They are friendly, loving, obedient, and easy to train.

Labrador Retrievers are another common family pet. They are especially good with children and love to play. They have a lot of love to give a family. They are gentle and trustworthy with children even though they grow to be quite large. They need plenty of room to run.

Golden Retrievers also make great family pets. They are eager to please their masters and are very loving. They are excellent guard dogs and excellent swimmers. They love to spend time with their family and will gladly show them how much by being obedient.

For families with limited space, you may want to consider getting a toy or miniature poodle. They are smart and sensitive. They respond well to obedience training and make a great friend for children.

Miniature Australian Shepherds are another breed of dog to consider. They are loving, loyal, protective, and eager to please. They are intelligent and like having a particular job to do in the family. They can be nippy while trying to herd the family together, but generally they don’t bite.

There are so many breeds to choose from. It’s not easy knowing which breeds would make great family pets. In many cases it’s not the breed which determines how they would react to a family dynamic, it’s the training and treatment they received before coming into your family. Learn as much as you can about the breeder and lineage of any dog you may choose to ensure there is no abuse in their background. Then choose the pet dog which best suits your family.

The carrier comes with adjustable shoulder and waist straps. It also features padded shoulder straps that allow the weight to be distributed evenly over your back thus reducing back pain. An added safety feature is a safety leash collar attachment. There is a large zippered pocket at the front that can hold various items such as keys and a mesh pocket for your pet’s toys.

The Front Pack Carrier is a great and safe way to transport your pet while keeping your hands free and providing your pet with the human contact he or she loves.

For more information on this carrier, go to www.doggiedesigner.net.

Every year when the temperatures dip below freezing, you may hear local weather forecasters encourage pet owners to ensure their pets are safe. This is particularly important if your pet spends an extended time outdoors. Since your pet depends on you to keep them comfortable and safe, you’ll want to remember how vulnerable they can be to cold and wet.

* Take your pet to visit the veterinarian before the weather changes too drastically. The vet will be able to tell you if your pet needs special care for colder temperatures. Take this opportunity to ensure they aren’t infested with fleas which could weaken them.

* Wipe up any antifreeze for your car, or ice and chemicals used to melt snow. Antifreeze is a poison which can kill your dog or cat; they are attracted to it because it tastes sweet. It is possible to find antifreeze made of propylene glycol which is much safer. Salt or de-icing chemicals can irritate your pet’s feet. They will also lick their feet if they are irritated which could irritate their mouth.

* If it’s very cold, don’t leave your animals outdoors. Your pets are safer if they remain indoors except for walking or relieving themselves. If your pet has short hair, you may want to purchase a sweater for them to use while being walked.

* Pay particular attention to the wind chill, or feels-like temperature. Wind chill can be detrimental, even life threatening. Provide a draft-free dog house for dogs which must remain outdoors. The house should be large enough for the dog to move around and small enough to retain body heat. Place it in the yard in such a way that it will face away from the wind; you’ll also want to have a layer of cedar shavings and a piece of burlap, heavy plastic, or carpeting to cover the doorway.

* Be prepared to feed more food to any dog or cat which remains outdoors during the winter. Why would they need to eat more when it’s cold? It takes a lot of energy to keep warm. You’ll also want to be sure they have plenty of unfrozen, fresh water throughout the day. Feed and water them in plastic bowls as their tongue can stick to metal dishes.

* Before you start your vehicle in the morning, check under the hood to be sure small animals haven’t been attracted by the heat of the engine from the night before. You can also bang on the hood or honk the horn to get them out.

* Some people have larger pets such as horses, ponies, or donkeys. Have extra blankets or rugs on hand to keep these pets warmer. You’ll also want to ensure their enclosures are draft-free.

Pets add so much to our lives. Unconditional love, affection, companionship, and protection are some of the benefits of having cats, dogs, or other animals. It’s our responsibility as their owners and caretakers to think about taking care of pets in wintertime. You know how to keep your pets healthy so you can enjoy their company for some time to come.