Dogs are such a joy! They bring your family smiles, laughter and complete loyalty. But owning a dog is also a great responsibility. You should not go into dog ownership lightly.
The first thing to consider before bringing a dog home is your time. How much do you have? How much can you spare? Look at your own schedule and that of your family. If you work 12-hour days and your kids are in school all day you may have some re-arranging to do. Start looking for dog walkers in your area, maybe a trusted neighbor that could walk and feed your dog for you. Your dog will need to be able to get out at least a few times throughout the day. If time is short, also take into careful consideration the breed that you pick. Some breeds must have a lot of space and time to play in open areas. Others are quite content to laze around for a good part of the day. Your dogs needs must match your lifestyle.
In addition to the time needed for the dog to get out and play and go to the bathroom, don’t forget time to train your dog. Regardless of the dogs age and how well-trained they may be, you must plan for some obedience classes. Dog training is an ongoing need in a dogs life. In addition to helping you with any behavioral issues, dog training is a great physical and mental exercise for your dog and for you. You’ll find that you come home from training classes with a very satisfied and tired dog!
The second consideration when thinking about purchasing a dog is your money. Just like time, how much do you have and how much can you spare? Owning a dog is expensive. In addition to adoption fees also consider and plan for: medical expenses (shots, preventative care), food, supplies such as leashes, toys, food bowls, crate, bedding, on-going training and pet insurance. None of these expenses should be considered “optional”. They are all vital to the health and well-being of your new canine companion.
If you’ve taken a good look at these two key elements and are ready to bring a dog home, congratulations! Set up your first vet visit, your dog training classes, and get ready for many happy years with your new best friend!
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