Whenever I got to the mall, I never let an opportunity slide without having to pass the pet shop. Coming from a family of dog lovers, the sight of canines actually pleases me. And as I stare at those furry creatures caged up inside a marble floor, I couldn't help but wish that I had all the money in the world to purchase each and every one of them.

It has always been a mystery though how dogs can survive around human beings and vice-versa. Training and raising a dog is never an easy process. It takes more than just the best dog schools, or expensive canine food to understand them. With a little patience and time, your hound is on it's way to being the best friend you might ever have in this lifetime. I can't count on my fingers anynore how many dogs I've already had for a pet, but each one has been special.

If you're a first time owner of a pup, it's inevitable that you may not be aware of the basic do's and don'ts. Not to mention the doubts inside your head if you are truly ready to have one. Let me give you a rundown on how to give your doggy the awesome years of his existence.

1. When choosing a dog, choose one that fits your lifestyle. If you're the typical prissy rich girl, there are a lot of Poodles and Chihuahuas out there that can very much groove to your way of living. If you're the sporty type, why not find a Golden Retriever or Labrador who can jog with you every morning? Most of the time though dogs are given out as gifts, so whatever breed you get, treat them the same way as any other canine. Breed or not.

3. Just like humans, dogs require sustenance. Dog food varies among the ages, so you better get advice from your vet on what's the best for his nourishment. On my experience, we sometimes feed the dog rice or bread. This doesn't really do much harm to your pet, as long as you don't keep it as a habit. It's only to give your dog a little variety in his eating lifestyle. (and of course when you've run out on dog food and too lazy to go out to buy some) But provide his daily diet by feeding him the usual Alpo or Pedigree brands, not only to ensure his health but also to maintain the shiny coat of his hair. To top it all, always keep a clean basin of water for him to drink. People can handle the temperature but not when you're covered in paddings of fur. Point taken I hope.

4. Bathing time should not be considered a chore. Not only if you keep your dog inside the house, but dogs who are kept outside also need to be bathe at least every week. With the temperature of course, your dog literally needs to let his hair down once and awhile to provide coolness from the heat. There are dogs who enjoy the water, but others tend to whine and fight back as you struggle with the shampoo and hose. Again, the DO NOT HIT HIM AND SHOUT AT HIM rule. Reprimanding will lead you nowhere, only in shambles and a wet tush. Enjoy the bath, if you get wet, then do so. Have fun and make him feel comfortable about cleaning time. Bath tools, shampoos, soaps, and flea powders are prescribed by your vet, so feel free to consult them. Plus don't forget to gently dry him off with an old towel and smooth out the snarls on his hair with an old brush or comb.

5. The vet plays a vital role in the growth of your canine. Have time to visit your local Veterinary clinic and ask for injections and booster shots to ensure the health of your dog. Again this shouldn't be a chore. If there's anybody out there who understands the needs of your dogs best, then it's the vet. You may assume that a mere cold or flu can be alleviated by over the counter paracetamols, but to be 100% sure, consult your vet to know how a sickness affects him, and ways to prevent all sorts of diseases. Don't attempt to play Doctor Doolittle.

6. Similarly to children, dogs have a need to be given time. If they have hours set for eating and sleeping, he also demands a breather. Meaning these animals deserve their own allotted space for playtime. I know this sounds redundant, but again have the time to spare in a day to take him out of his cage, or release him from his leash for a little horsing around. Play with him, have fun with him, as much as possible spend time with him. You didn't get a dog just to guard your house or to chase the mailman, these creatures want attention too. Talk to him if you can, he is man's best friend after all. He may not respond to your complaints about your snotty boss, or if the car loan you applied for that got denied. All that's important is make him feel that he is a part of your life, no matter how busy it is.

7. Last is the best advice that I can share to all you wannabe dog owners. All the stuff to help you nourish your dog can be purchased at any pet store or from your resident vet. But the best way of making your dog feel alive is by giving him the love he needs. Most of us presume that they are only animals. But they too have feelings of their own. They may not say it out loud in verbal words but they crave for attention and care the same way as most of us would. Understanding goes as far as trying to be patient and listening to their barks and to their whines. Try to see what he means when he looks at you with his ears down, or when he ecstatically jumps on you with his tail wagging like crazy.

Having a dog is just like having children. There's always a first time for it, and once you partake in such an obligation, you will begin to enjoy the wonders of owning one. After a tiring day at work, he will be happy to see you and you will feel the stress ebbing away. When you are alone he will sit by you, not saying anything but being there and being the friend you need. The rewards are limitless and they usually do not ask much in return. They are truly man's best friend. Try owning one, and you'll know exactly what I mean.

Photos from Google Image Bank