Rescue groups, meanwhile, house dogs in home-like settings where the dogs are observed and taken care of. Research your prospective sources beforehand. Most of them have websites which can provide a great deal of information about their available dogs. Also, check their actual facilities. These should provide clean homes, safe environment and loving treatment for the dogs. It could take as long as 3 years before they fully mature. Before they reach their third birthday, you have already endured 3 years of constant training and 3 years' worth of test on your patience and dedication. Don t say you weren t warned. If you are insistent with adopting a puppy, the following recommendations will help you in picking the one that matches you and your needs. Excessive barking, jumping on people, quarrelling with other dogs and house pets, chewing on furniture, scratching the carpet are just some of the examples untrained dogs do that often results to embarrassment to their owners. Different dogs have a variety of temperaments. These do not only differ from one dog to another, it also differs depending on the breed and the size of the dog. Dogs unlike other animals do not have the capability to premeditate its actions to solve a problem or a situation although it learns by constant observation and repetitive instructions and examples. Whatever they lack in intelligence, they compensate with unquestioning obedience and love or at least, the semblance of it. Puppies even cost more to care than large full-grown dogs. - Too many times, a dog is claimed to relieve stress because of their loving presence and loyal nature. Dogs also appear attentive when talked to and has a calming effect to many people. This is true. However, many families are too stressed with work, often pressed for time and many other obligations that caring for another creature, adds up to the pressure. Adopting A Dog Building A Doghouse Once decided on adopting a dog, the next step to take is the type of doghouse that you will need. The doghouse depends on the dog breed that you want. Dogs grow very fast and allowances must be taken to insure that the doghouse will shelter the dog when it is full-grown.