Finding the Right Dog
Choosing to buy a dog also means deciding that you are readyto be a dog owner. Even before you think about the size or sex of your prospect pet, think about your lifestyle and its compatibility with a canine companion.
Do you have time to spend with a dog? Dogs are very sociable animals that have evoked over thousands of years as members of packs. They enjoythe company of dogs, pets and humans, and .rongly dislike being alone. If you cannot spend at least two to three hours of quality time a day with the dog (walking, playing,feeding, etc), you might consider a different kind of pet. Over the long term, dogs will live between 10 and 20 years. Be prepared for a lengthy commitment when buying a puppy.
Can you afford to own a dog? Before you commit, decide realistically how much you will be able to spend each year. Thick about the costs involved, even if you get a free pet. Start-up costs include identification tags as well as grooming, traveling and feeding tools. Annual food costs will vary depending on the size of the dog. Health care can be expensive, especially when unexpected problems arise. Even in the best circumstances, however, regular checkups and vaccines are needed. Dogs may also force you to fix or replace things in your home (stained carpet, broken vases, etc.)
Do you have the space to keep a dog? Even small breeds need exercise. Consider the mailable indoor and outdoor spaces and their accessibility to the dog. Do you need to consult with neighbors or roommates to discuss the use of common space?
Training requires patience and time. Do you have the interest, time, money and patience to complete classes, read printed material and actually work with a dog?
Areyou a neat-nik? To some extent, all dogs shed. While many extremely neat people live happily with dogs, others find the hair, dander and smell unpleasant. This issue is not a minor one. Owning a dog will contribute to the time, cost and effort needed to care for your home, an existing pet and even yourself.
Finally, why do you want a dog? If you think that puppies are cute, remember that they require tremendous care and will eventually grow up. Adult dogs have their own special charm, but are different in temperament and appearance than puppies. Are your children begging you for a dog? The responsibilities of pet ownership can be very educational for children, but you will have a greatly increased burden as well. Since kids cannot drive or go out alone at night, late walks and trips to the veterinarian (among many other responsibilities) still fall on adult shoulders. Some people hope that a dog will protect the home. Most dogs do make effective watchdogs by barking at strangers, but specialized guard dogs need considerable training and strict discipline. They often do not make friendly pets, and may be incompatible with young children. In short, if you have a specific purpose or agenda in mind when considering a dog, be certain that it can fulfill your needs.
While people own dogs for extremely varied reasons, the happiest owners have usually sought out, and found, dogs for companionship.