Doggie Business
Is a Dog Right for You
Their is much consideration you much take in before you get a dog or puppy. You need to be prepared. This is a life time commitment.
Are you in a position to provide all the food, shelter, attention and veterinary care this animal will need over his or her entire life? Before you jump to any answers, please consider the many aspects of pet ownership
So lets see if your ready!
Take the challange and see.
Your Life Style
Think about your lifestyle for a moment. Are you away from home a great deal of the time? Do you work long hours or travel frequently? A dog should be a companion, who will have ample time to spend with you. Like humans, dogs are social creatures who love to interact with people and other animals. If you will have very little time to spend with your dog, perhaps a goldfish would be a better pet to consider.
Your Home
Is your home large enough to share with a dog? How will your neighbors feel about this new addition? Will anyone (besides yourself) be disturbed if your dog barks a lot? If you live in an apartment, are there any restrictions on having a dog? Do you have ample areas around your home for your dog to exercise and relieve himself?
Your Finances
Buying a dog is only the first step; feeding and caring for your pet over its lifetime are where the real costs lie. Food, veterinary care, licenses, kennels, grooming and supplies can really add up.
Veterinary Care
A dog, like any member of a family, should receive quality medical care. When you first pick up your dog, you will be expected to have him immunized against several diseases, and perhaps be neutered as well. You will also need to revisit your vet at least once each year for regular follow-up care. Again, these needs can be time consuming and costly, especially if an illness ever occurs. Also if your dog gets sick and needs a check up to see what is wrong that can be costly, medication, X-rays, blood work.
Messes
If you plan to keep your dog inside your home, you can count on a variety of challenges, such as: housebreaking accidents, muddy paws tracked across carpeting, pet odors, puppy teething damage on clothing and furnishings, knickknacks being broken, flea and tick infestations, shedding, scratching, etc, etc. How will you feel when these virtually inevitable events occur?
If you have doubts about any of these issues, perhaps you should wait and give this important decision more thought. Postponing your decision is far more preferable than jumping into pet ownership before you think you are really ready. On the other hand, if none of these areas come as a surprise to you, and you consider all these aspects of owning a dog as simply "second nature" and part of the joy, you are probably ready for the big step. Your biggest challenge (and a great deal of the fun) will be in finding the right dog for you!
Are you in a position to provide all the food, shelter, attention and veterinary care this animal will need over his or her entire life? Before you jump to any answers, please consider the many aspects of pet ownership
So lets see if your ready!
Take the challange and see.
Your Life Style
Think about your lifestyle for a moment. Are you away from home a great deal of the time? Do you work long hours or travel frequently? A dog should be a companion, who will have ample time to spend with you. Like humans, dogs are social creatures who love to interact with people and other animals. If you will have very little time to spend with your dog, perhaps a goldfish would be a better pet to consider.
Your Home
Is your home large enough to share with a dog? How will your neighbors feel about this new addition? Will anyone (besides yourself) be disturbed if your dog barks a lot? If you live in an apartment, are there any restrictions on having a dog? Do you have ample areas around your home for your dog to exercise and relieve himself?
Your Finances
Buying a dog is only the first step; feeding and caring for your pet over its lifetime are where the real costs lie. Food, veterinary care, licenses, kennels, grooming and supplies can really add up.
Veterinary Care
A dog, like any member of a family, should receive quality medical care. When you first pick up your dog, you will be expected to have him immunized against several diseases, and perhaps be neutered as well. You will also need to revisit your vet at least once each year for regular follow-up care. Again, these needs can be time consuming and costly, especially if an illness ever occurs. Also if your dog gets sick and needs a check up to see what is wrong that can be costly, medication, X-rays, blood work.
Messes
If you plan to keep your dog inside your home, you can count on a variety of challenges, such as: housebreaking accidents, muddy paws tracked across carpeting, pet odors, puppy teething damage on clothing and furnishings, knickknacks being broken, flea and tick infestations, shedding, scratching, etc, etc. How will you feel when these virtually inevitable events occur?
If you have doubts about any of these issues, perhaps you should wait and give this important decision more thought. Postponing your decision is far more preferable than jumping into pet ownership before you think you are really ready. On the other hand, if none of these areas come as a surprise to you, and you consider all these aspects of owning a dog as simply "second nature" and part of the joy, you are probably ready for the big step. Your biggest challenge (and a great deal of the fun) will be in finding the right dog for you!
