Whether you're thinking about buying a puppy or an adult dog of any breed, there are lots of things to think about beforehand. Please consider the following:
PLANNING IS ESSENTIAL
Dog ownership requires responsibility. Dogs are not something to decorate your home or yard, they are living, feeling creatures who should be treated as members of your family. You should think of them as a new addition to your family and plan for them as you would a new child.
They will make a big demand on your time. It takes time to properly feed, train and play with a new puppy. Just like babies, young puppies are not able to make it through the night and you will have to get up and take them out. If you work, a new pup might require that you come home at lunch time to let them out or hire a noon time helper to assist you.
Dogs need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. You'll need to set aside playtime and time for training. Young puppies need a lot of socialization! A weekly obedience training class and daily practice is a must for your dog to become a welcome member of the community!
If this seems like too much for you and your family's schedule, then perhaps this is not the right time to get a dog.
Dogs need protection.
A fenced yard is important for your dog's safety. Dogs allowed to roam are in danger from becoming lost, to being hit by a car or being poisoned.Your cetainly don't want your dog to run away or get lost. It's a good idea to get an identification tag or have your dog permanently identified with a tattoo or microchip just in case he manages to get loose despite your efforts. And, of course, when he leaves the yard he'll need a leash.
The dog must have adequate shelter if he is outdoors while you are away.
Shelters must be cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Dogs grow.
Puppies don't stay little for long! You'll need to pick a breed that suits your environment.Take the time to research the breed you are interested in....visit in the homes of breeders or individuals who own that breed. If you see a breed that is appealing to you in a physical sense, it may not have the temperament suitable to your lifestyle.For example: Larger energetic breeds need lots of space and may not be suited to apartment or city dwellings. A toy breed might be better if your space is limited. It's those people who buy on impulse who most often find they can't live with the breed and decide the dog has to go.....this is not fair to the dog!
Take the time to read up on the breed...or several.., talk with knowledgeable
owners, check the internet and try to visit in the home of several breeders.
Try to go to some shows and talk with exhibitors, but most of all observe,
observe, observe!
Dogs may need a license.
In some communities, dogs need a license. Failure to comply with local laws may result in fines or penalties and may endanger your right to keep your dog!
Dogs influence the family budget.
In addition to the purchase price of your dog, plan for food, grooming, collars, a leash and perhaps some toys and a special bed. Add in vet care and those training lessons! Ask yourself if you can afford a dog. Some larger breeds require lots of feed, some coated breeds require grooming at least daily or a professional's care once a month.
Dogs need health care.
All dogs need annual vaccination, heartworm medication, and ...just like humans...regular checkups. Sometimes, dogs require flea and tick treatments or expensive treatments for unexpected ailments or illnessess.
Dogs need companionship.
Friendship is a two-way street. Your dog deserves plenty of attention; he'll be less inclined to bark or chew your belongings if he gets your love and devotion. Dogs are emotional beings and to neglect them by banishing them to a lonely life in the yard, on a chain or in a run is cruel and abusive. Just like children, you have to love and instruct them on proper behavior to have a well adjusted pet that is a pleasure to be around.
Dogs need all of the above for their lifetime.
The average life span of most dogs is twelve years, but some dogs may
live for over twenty years! So, your dog will depend on you for love and
care for a long time. Being a responsible dog owner is an important job
and requires your serious commitment.
Have you considered adoption of an older dog? Here's a link on what to expect. (Use your back button to get back to this page.) Adopting the Older Dog
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