Michael’s Pack Encourages You to Consider These Tips before Adopting a Pet This Holiday Season

Dec. 5, 2013 - PRLog -- (Mineola, NY) — The holidays are a joyful time of year when many families surprise loved ones with adorable dogs and puppies as gifts. Before you consider adopting a lovable, furry friend this holiday season, Michael’s Pack (http://www.michaels-pack.com/) suggests these helpful tips:

Refrain from impulse adopting: Just because a dog is cute and playful does not mean it’s the right dog for you. After meeting a certain dog, head home and do your homework — make sure the dog’s personality will fit in with your family. Get an idea about what breeds make up the dog you are considering by researching its common needs and habits.

Plan ahead: Before going to pick up your dog, ensure your house is dog-ready. Make sure you put up gates where you do not want the dog entering so he/she will not harm themselves. Also, make sure you put away sharp objects and/or anything that your pet could choke on, so they will remain safe and accident-free.

If you own a dog already, make sure he/she will get along with your new furry friend. Take them to a neutral area where they can meet before the new dog is welcomed into your home — your previous dog may become extremely territorial.

Adopt an older dog: Many people are reluctant to adopt an older dog due to their eagerness to want to adopt a puppy and fear that an older dog may not be able to adapt as well. However, an older dog can be beneficial for countless owners. For example, many are housebroken and already trained. Some older couples do not have the energy or time to go through the training process for a puppy; therefore, adopting an older dog would be their best option.

Choose a dog that suits your lifestyle: Consider all of the aspects of your life and think about what type of dog would be best in your household. Get to know your potential dog’s personality. Instead of picking a dog that runs up to you and becomes overly excited, consider choosing one that has a more cautious personality. The ones that are initially more guarded and then open up are usually better adjusted and easier to train than the ones leaping into everyone’s arms.

Also, consider adopting a mixed- breed dog. Many mutts are in shelters and are not adopted due to the popular demand of purebred puppies and “designer” dogs. Unbeknownst to many, mutts are just as lovable and are known to be great companions with excellent health.

“If you consider these helpful and simple tips, you will be sure to find your ideal dog that will be perfect for your home,” says Michael Schaier, Owner and Head Trainer, Michael’s Pack. “Extensive research and planning will ensure that you made the right decision in adopting a specific dog. The training and adaptive process will be less stressful and make everyone in your household content as well as your new pet.”

For more information, please call (516) DOG.PACK (364-7225) or visit www.michaels-pack.com.

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About Michael’s Pack

Michael’s Pack (http://www.michaels-pack.com/) provides private and group dog-training sessions that are based on positive reinforcement, coupled with holistic methods. Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced sessions are offered, both at the Mineola training facility and in private residences. The author of Wag That Tail: A Trainer's Guide to a Happy Dog, Michael Schaier holds the following certifications: AKC-C.G.C: American Kennel Cub — Canine Good Companion Evaluator; ABC-D.T: Animal Behavior College Dog Trainer; and CPDT-K.A.: Certified Professional Dog Trainer — Knowledge Assessed. For more information, please call (516) 364-7225 or visit www.michaels-pack.com.