Ever purchased a car that turned out to be a lemon? Facing problem after problem robs you of the pleasure of enjoying your new car. Unfortunately, some dogs are “lemons,” too — a sad and preventable state usually caused by poor breeding practices.

To be a dog breeder, all you need to do is own an un-neutered female dog or two. In most states, you do not need to even register your kennel if you only have two or three adult dogs. But being a good dog breeder is more complicated.

Unfortunately, spaying and neutering only works if people use it — and too many people have the wrong idea about spaying and neutering pets, basing their feelings about it on myths. Here are the some of the most common misconceptions.

They may seem to be bold explorers — sniffing at and mouthing just about anything — but the fact is, all dogs have an instinctive fear of anything unfamiliar to them. And fear causes stress on the body, which can affect their long-term health. To help your dog avoid the negative health effects of stress, it’s important to socialize her from the start.

Raising a dog from puppy to mature adult is rewarding experience, but also pretty exhausting. Much like human babies, puppies tug at our heartstrings and we sometimes give into their whims. But, just as with humans, it’s very easy to spoil a puppy and end up with an annoying pet instead of the sweet companion you wanted.

While we know digging is instinctive in our pets, we often wish they wouldn’t. Compulsive diggers and dogs that dig excessively are frustrating. Owners don’t want to punish their pets for doing what comes naturally, but they also don’t want their yards to be covered by craters. Luckily, there are ways to reduce and even stop dogs from digging.

Despite all appearances (and the looks of agony your dog excels at when your vet starts in at the office), clipping your dog’s nails isn’t nearly as hard or frightening as it seems.

Consider yourself warned — purchasing a puppy from any old breeder can be fraught with risks. Taking any shortcuts can cost you dearly — though sometimes, not until years down the road.

If you’re thinking of adding a dog to your family, consider adopting your new best friend from an animal shelter or humane society. You’ll not only get a great feeling from rescuing a homeless pet, you’ll also get an outstanding companion.

Just because you live in a small home or apartment doesn’t mean you can’t have a dog! Urbanites looking for a four-footed companion are one of the main reasons why the small and toy dog breeds exist in the first place.