Points to Think About Before Getting a Dog

If you've been thinking about getting a dog first
of all make sure you can answer all the points
below. Owning a cat is a very different kind of
commitment to becoming a dog owner. On average a
dog can live up to 12 years plus, so you have to
be sure that this is the right move for you.
First of all why do you want a dog? Is it for
company, for your child, for protection or
perhaps to breed from? Be honest as to the real
reason as it will help you to answer the next
set of questions.

Can You Afford a dog?

Sit down and list everything you will need to
provide for your new pet on a daily and weekly
basis. Be realistic about the price of dog food.
If you're going to buy a big dog obviously you
will be spending more on food. Also the better
quality food will be more expensive, but cost
effective as your pets health will be better for
it in the long run. Think about vet bills and
whether you can afford those trips to the vet
that you didn't plan for. If you're starting
with a puppy then you will have all of the start
up fees to contend with. Neutering, worming and
vaccinations all come with follow up
consultations, which are not cheap. Then you
have the other accidents and illnesses to think
about that you didn't see coming. Who knows when
any of us will fall ill? Then think about how
much pet supplies cost. From dog bowls, leads
and collars to their favourite toys and grooming
equipment.

Is Your Home Big Enough?

If you are living in a one bedroom flat with no
garden then obviously a Doberman will be out of
the question. If you have a house with a garden
then think about how safe is your garden? Will
you need to spend a lot of money on fencing and
gates? Then think about where your local dog
parks are and if you will have the time and
energy to give your dog a daily walk.

Your Time.

Walking, grooming and play time are all time
consuming activities. A dog may also suffer from
separation anxiety if they are left alone for too
long, so think about whether anyone will be
around during the day. Will your dog get a
proper walk? Will they get enough attention and
interaction with you? Don't be cruel be honest.
If you know that you work long hours, travel a
lot and have a hectic social life then a dog is
not the pet for you. Get a fish.

Do Your Homework

Research the type of dog you want to have. Find
out about their personality and temperament,
their feeding habits etc. Find out exactly what
you'll be bringing home. For instance don't get
a small snappy type of dog when you have young
children or a German Shepherd when you can't
give it adequate, daily, exercise.

Dog Training

This is a particularly important question to
think about, especially if you're bringing home
a puppy. Dog training and socialisation takes
time and patience. There is no way you can leave
a puppy on their own for long periods of time.
Will you be able to commit to a proper programme
of training? You may need to invest in puppy
training classes as well, so bear that in mind
before you bring a puppy home.

All of these questions have to be thought about
and truthfully answered. Of course the rewards
of owning a dog are that you will receive LOVE,
LOVE, and LOVE. However you must be able to
return that love and care 100% of the time.

----------------------------------------------------
Alex Kelly

As a pet owner, my articles are based on issues
I feel are important for fellow animal lovers.
Pet Promenade has everything you will need for
the furry member of the family. From pet food,
dog leads, grooming equipment and bird cages.
With over 5000 pet products, at competetive
prices, it's worth paying us a visit at
http://www.petpromenade.co.uk/

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