You've probably heard it a million times before: Dogs are our best friends. Dogs are our family. They're our security blanket. They're our protector. But there are also some downsides to having a dog as a pet. Just like humans, dogs require love and attention from their owners.

Dogs make great companions for walks, whether on a leash or off leash. Because of their keen sense of smell, dogs can alert their owners to danger on a walk and catch a scent long before a passing cat could. And they can be great for daycare, making your child's days in a daycare center less fraught with worry-free accidents. If your dog stays indoors all day, you'll be doing him a favor too if he can alert you to potential dangers before they happen. He may even save your life!

Dogs are good for traveling. There are some airlines that allow dogs to be put in bags on board as lap dogs. This is a perk for those who don't have a lot of space in their carry-on luggage. In the same vein, some dogs are simply easier to transport than others. Great for those who love to camp and hike, dogs can easily be carried in car boot tops or totes.

If you have multiple pets, a dog carrier is a must-have item. There are so many different styles available that you can match your dog's personality and activity level with ease. Dog carriers come in a variety of colors and can be customized with your pup's name or other embellishments. Dogs are great companions for the elderly. Not only will your pooch entertain you and help with chores around the house, but he'll also keep you company. They're fun to play with and make great company for the elderly.

Some dogs need more than food and water to survive. There are many dogs that need the assistance of a veterinarian. Veterinarians have a wide range of services to offer, including vaccinations. Many vets offer programs that will allow dogs to stay at their facilities until they're full grown. This is an excellent option for pets that are still growing and still need all the love and care they can get.

You should consider taking your dog to obedience school. Obedience school can teach your dog how to behave well within the home and in the neighborhood. Many times, older pets need some extra training to cope with the challenges of old age. If you're planning a trip or have an upcoming special event, consider sending your dog to obedience school before you leave.

Finally, your dog's physical health is important. Your dog's size will determine how active he can be. Large dogs can chase after small pets and have great stamina, but they also suffer from joint problems. Smaller dogs are very agile but don't have the agility of large dogs and often have musculoskeletal problems. Knowing the entire health history of your dog is critical in deciding which pet would be best for you and your family.

Dogs need proper nutrition. While they may seem cute when little, large breed dogs tend to be less tolerant of dog foods that are not high in quality and can easily lead to health problems down the road. Small dogs can actually be the healthiest pets on the block, if given the right diet and exercise. Knowing why you have a dog can help you to choose the best pet for your family and how to properly care for it.

Owning a dog requires a commitment. Often, we can become so attached to our dog that we become unable to let go. When you decide that you want to become a dog owner, you must make sure that you are ready to commit to it. The time, money, and energy you will invest to bring up a dog are completely up to you. You must be prepared to be committed to caring for your dog long after you bring him home.

Dogs are our friends and when treated well they can be our best friends. When you choose which type of dog you want as your pet, you must make sure that you are ready to commit to maintaining his or her quality of life. You can research dog breeds to find the type of dog that is right for you and your family and get why dogs are the best pet for you and your family. A dog can be one of the best investments in your life if you are prepared to properly care for him or her.