Should You Get a Dog?

Dog ownership includes significant responsibility, and also the choice to present a puppy –if adult or puppy –into your house shouldn’t be dismissed. The way you live is necessarily changed by Possessing a puppy. The choice to bring a puppy house can (and hopefully will) signify a 10 or 15 year devotion or longer. Advancements in veterinary nutrition and care have led to longer life spans for many breeds of puppies.

Dogs require a time commitment from their owners. They’re pack animals and do not like to be left alone for extended periods of time. You and your family members become your dog’s pack. The one who leaves for the office in 6AM and comes at 10PM is not the perfect dog owner. Frequent travelers have to make arrangements for boarding their puppy when they are gone, which may be costly. Even if suitable arrangements can be created, no dog wants to spend half its life in a dressing table –he wants to be with his pack.

Time must be spent training and socializing your dog so that he can be part of the community. Your dog needs to be under control when he meets people or dogs on a walk, or when guests come to your property. Successful training requires patience, consistency–and time. A poorly trained dog could be redirected to a family. And a dog that is poorly socialized could be a hazard for children and other dogs that he may encounter. In many cases, it is beneficial for the dog and owner to attend organized obedience training classes.

Dogs change in the amount of maintenance they need, but most dogs need to have their coats brushed or groomed (in some instances like the Old English Sheepdog this might require a few hours of grooming per week). They want their teeth brushed regularly. Most strains require some type of daily exercise; some need long walks or runs daily or twice per day to keep them contented. They require the stimulation of play too, while it’s a simple game of fetch a ball or even more formal activities like entering agility training applications. Some breeds need to have their ears cleaned regularly. And don’t forget bathrooms!

The bottom line question is: Does your lifestyle allow you enough time to properly care for your dog, well beyond just feeding him or talking him for a quick walk around the block when you get home from work?