Things to Consider Before Getting a Dog

Is a dog the right pet for you? Your dog will depend on you throughout his life, and with proper care, may live ten years or more. Are you willing and able to care properly for him and provide a stable home for that long?

Don't get a dog without considering and planning for the costs for such a responsibility. Normal veterinary care includes spaying or neutering, yearly vaccines and boosters, licenses and examinations for typical diseases. Preventive and consistent care is less expensive in the long run.

Here are some questions to help you decide if a dog is the right pet for you
and if so, what kind of dog to get:

How much time can you spend with a dog?
Dogs are social creatures; they will not be happy left out in the yard alone. You must be committed to spending several hours a day with a dog.

What kind of space can you provide for a dog?
If you live in a small apartment, you must take this into consideration. Many dogs will not do well in a small apartment unless you expend a great deal of effort to meet their needs. Dogs can be pretty adaptable as long as you help them out.

How much money can you set aside for the care and feeding of a dog?
Even if you do not purchase a pure-bred dog, you must buy food, pay for veterinary checkups, vaccinations and routine medical care, food bowls, collars, licenses, ID tags, leashes, carriers, etc. over the lifetime of the dog. It also might be necessary to replace items the dog may damage or destroy, or pay for medical emergencies. Do you have the financial resources for this?

How much exercise can you give a dog?
If you are very busy and your time is limited, you should look for small or less active dogs that can get enough exercise in your home or from short walks. Not all small dogs are less active, nor are larger dogs more active. Find out all you can about the breed of your dog, even if it is a "mixed" breed.

How much grooming can you do?
All dogs require some grooming. Longhaired dogs are more likely to need more grooming than shorthaired dogs. Grooming is a part of good health. If you get a dog that requires regular grooming, are you prepared to pay for his grooming or learn to do it yourself on a regular basis?

How much training can you do?
No matter what kind of dog you get, training will make him much more compatible with you and with what you want to do. A trained dog can go more places with you without disruption and can more easily be a part of your life.

What are you looking for in a dog?
Do you want a dog that will jog with you?
Go on long hikes in the woods with you?
Do you want a dog who is bouncy and ready to go or one who is more relaxed?
Do you want a dog that gets along with other animals?
Whatever dog you choose, you are making a long-term commitment. Your dog will need attention, love and respect from you: food and water are not enough. Consider your dog as part of your family -- that is what your dog will think about you, you are his pack.

You are responsible for your dog's health.
Choose a veterinarian before you even get your dog and take your dog there immediately. Even if you are assured the dog is healthy prior to adoption, the veterinarian confirms this information and makes sure you are aware of what health checks are required next.

You are responsible for making sure that the dog is safe, reliable and trustworthy around people. Never chain a dog up in the backyard or encourage him to snarl and bite other people. You are responsible for your dog's behavior -- this means keeping your dog under control. Do not let your dog roam. Keep your dog on a leash when out of a fenced yard and always clean up after your dog when he eliminates.

You are responsible for your dog's reproduction.
Have your dog spayed or neutered. Do not become a "backyard" breeder or contribute to the millions of dogs that are destroyed each year in this country because they do not have a good home.

You are still responsible for the dog when you "get one for your child."
Until your child reaches a certain age, he or she will not have enough maturity to take responsibility for a dog. Dogs acquired for this reason often wind up in shelters when the parents realize that they are the dog's primary caretaker. A dog can be a good way to teach children about responsibility, but the dog is still your main responsibility.

You are responsible for becoming more knowledgeable about dogs.
Don't let your dog wind up in the shelter with a note that says "couldn't be housebroken" or "couldn't be trained." Find some good books to read about dogs and dog behavior. Your local library or bookstore has many. Enroll in puppy or dog training classes and learn from an instructor. These classes can be fun for you and your dog!

You are responsible for being prepared for a new dog.
Never get a dog as a "surprise gift." All family members must agree on having a dog. Have food, water and food dishes, collars, leashes, chew toys and a veterinarian lined up before you even pick up your dog.

Keep in mind that while you have several options as to where to get a dog, animal shelters are a great place to start. You will be saving a new best friend that really needs you.