To-Dos Before Getting a Dog
To-Dos Before Getting a Dog
People get dogs for a variety of reasons: companionship, guarding purposes, hunting, service purposes and all over the world people are becoming dog owners for the first time in their lives. Humane shelters and adoption agencies are overflowing with abandoned dogs and before you are tempted to take a dog home there are many things that you should consider.
Few things can tug at our hearts as much as the soft eyes of an abandoned dog or puppy and the thought of all the unconditional love canine companions have to offer can often make us make spontaneous decisions without allowing us to think realistically. Many people who take dogs home without thinking it through properly may find themselves unable to care for the dog and abandoning it.
Owning a dog is a life time commitment and along with the unconditional love and companionship come a wide range of responsibilities. As a dog owner you are ultimately responsible for providing all your dog's needs such as food, water, attention and medical care when he needs it. Even the most house trained of dogs can have the occasional accident at home and you will have to be prepared to clean up after your dog when he's sick or when you take him out for a walk.
Be prepared to come home after a long day's work to find your favorite shoes have been chewed to a pulp or to find the carpet in shreds. If your dog is an obsessive barker you should be prepared to spend a lot of time treating the issue or you will have a lot of unhappy neighbors on your case.
So before you draw up those adoption papers take a close look at what it really means to own a dog. Here are some things you should consider when making that final decision:
Should I Get a Dog?
If you are an athletic and energetic person or you have such a person in your household, then yes, you can consider getting a dog. If your family consists of busy people who are constantly glued to the television or computer then a dog may not be such a good idea. Dogs need regular daily walks, for a minimum of thirty minutes. You will also have to pick up after your dog on your walks. Children and teenagers eager to get a dog will bombard you with promises about how they'll do everything it takes to look after the dog should be taken with a pinch of salt. What generally tends to happen after the novelty of owning a dog wanes away is that you will be left with the task of caring for the dog.
Dogs are not cheap to keep and only consider getting one if you are financially able to do so. You will have to be able to feed your dog a good quality diet and there are many other costs associated with owning a dog: flea and tick treatments, kennel coasts if you go on vacation, toys and accessories and veterinary care should your dog get sick. Even if your dog never gets sick in his life you will still need to take him for veterinary checkups and vaccinations and these things are not cheap.
If you're a very busy person with barely any free time you should not get a dog. Dogs are social animals that need time and companionship; they don't do well if left alone for long periods of time. Dogs left to their own devices can and do develop behavioral issues such as destructive chewing and aggression.
Should I Get a Dog For the Children?
If you have a baby or a toddler in the house, you should postpone getting a dog. Young children and babies are enough of a handful without adding a dog into the mix. They may also be incapable of interacting with a dog properly which could result in problems. Not all dogs are good with children and not all children k now how to behave around dogs.
If your child knows the meaning of responsibility and is around 12 years old, this may be a good environment to bring a dog into. Dogs are great for children in the right circumstances and they can teach children a lot of things as well as providing them with companionship. Adolescents in particular can benefit from owning and caring for a dog as they are at an age when showing affection for their parents may be considered "uncool" in their age group so a dog can provide an emotional outlet for the child. Teenagers are usually going through a turbulent time in their development so they may not be consistent about caring for a dog. If you want to get a dog for your children make sure you are prepared to take on the responsibility of caring for it if or when your children lose interest. Children can be fickle so make sure you're prepared for this.
Once you've decided you can offer a dog a good home for the rest of its life it's time to visit local adoption centers to choose your new dog. Try to do as much research as you can about the place and the dogs available. Talk to staff and other dog owners and research any dog breeds you're interested in to discover any personalities traits or diseases they are predisposed to. When it comes to doing your homework before bringing a dog into your home there is no stupid question. Don't be embarrassed to ask anything you like about dog ownership.
Even if you decide you like a particular breed's traits, you should keep in mind that dogs are individuals and just because a dog belongs to a particular breed known for a particular trait, doesn't necessarily mean the dog will carry this trait. The internet is full of invaluable information about the many aspects of dog ownership so take advantage of it and read as much as you can.
Whatever you do, don't bring a dog home on impulse and only do so when you're a hundred percent sure you can provide it with all its needs for the rest of its life. Watch Kentucky Wildcats College Football Live HD Online Family Vacation Spend At Vacation Rental Accommodation Lonesome Dog PetFlow Review You Need Your Pet On Trips As A Feel Good Factor Points You Might Like To Be Aware Of Regarding The Top 5 Non-shedding Dog Breeds Self Marketing Do Good To You Care For Your Canine Friend: Learn About The Different Aspects Of Being A Good Dog Owner Foley Catheters - How To Buy Them? Online Sms To Mobile Fun & Free Communication Tool Tamerica Tashin 240 Hb Comb Opener Review The Key To A Better Relationship With Your Dog Competent Employment Lawyers In Edinburgh