Are You Ready for a Dog?

The decision to buy or to adopt a dog is not one that should be taken lightly. It is a serious commitment and there are several factors to consider.

Are you really ready to have a dog? As fun as dogs can be, it is a serious decision. You are planning to take responsibility for a living creature that is completely dependent on you.

Dogs require food, shelter, health care, exercise, attention, love, time and money. If you’re not completely prepared to provide all of these things, you’re not yet ready to own a dog.

When I was young we had one dog and he went with us on vacations. He traveled all over the United States. Now, however, I have four dogs and have to make plans for someone to come stay at our home if I want to go away for a few days.

Your Lifestyle

Your lifestyle should be probably one of the biggest factors to consider when planning to get a dog. All dogs require attention, but some need much more than others. If left alone, these dogs will not do so well and are more likely to destroy items in your home.
The same can be said for exercise. Some dogs require much more time to run around, while others can get by with less physical activity. Our Border Collie/Sheltien mix would go crazy cooped up in an apartment all day. He needs lots and lots of exercise. On the other hand, our old Newfoundland was very happy to lay around all day, sprawled across our family room floor.

Are you gone most of the day? If you’re the type of person who is away from home more often than not, you should choose a dog that will manage well in your absence – independent breeds like Dachshunds, Mastiffs, or the Yorkshire Terrier.

Puppies Require Lots of Time

Everyone loves puppies. They’re adorable. But how adorable will you think your puppy is when you find him in the middle of a mess that used to be your favorite pair of shoes. Puppies, like babies, require an enormous amount of attention and effort – from housebreaking and socializing to teaching acceptable manners.

Maybe an Adult Dog Would be Better

If you don’t have the time to keep a steady training schedule, perhaps you should look into getting an adult dog. However, adult dogs come with their own “baggage.”

Some adult dogs have been abused or neglected. As a result, these dogs have acquired some less-than-ideal behaviors of their own.

Where to Find a Dog - A Shelter or Breeder

Once you’ve got an idea of what you want, there are generally two options you can take to get your new puppy or adult dog. You can buy a dog from a reputable breeder, or you can adopt or rescue a dog from an animal shelter or dog rescue.

This Pug was adopted from a rescue by my aunt and her husband when he was about 8 years old. Pete was a good dog for them since he was older and required special care.

Unless you’re looking for a purebred dog that you possibly plan to breed in the future, adoption from a shelter or rescue are the best ways to go. Animals from a shelter are usually screened for health and temperament, so you can be sure that while you’re giving an animal in need a home, it’s the right animal for your home. Dogs from a rescue have been checked over by a vet and usually have received any required medical attention.

If you’re looking for a specific breed, a breeder (or a specific breed rescue) might be the way to go. Ask for references from your breeder, and ask about how many times of year they breed. A good breeder generally only produces one to three litters a year and will guarantee their dogs against most major health defects.

Deciding to Adopt a Dog it is a life changing experience. Make certain you’re fully prepared for Pet Ownership and that you have all of the necessary Pet Supplies to make your home ready for a Dog or cat.

Pet Shop Puppies

Pet stores offering puppies are not good options, as they tend to purchase their puppies from “puppy mills” – breeders that produce many litters a year with no apparent concern for the health and well being of their dogs. These puppies tend to be more likely to have strong health concerns due to neglect.

In our area pet shops don’t carry puppies or kittens. They allow rescues and animal shelters to bring animals over for the day and the store assists in getting them adopted out.

When chosen for all the right reasons, the ownership of a dog can be wholly rewarding and a very satisfying experience.