Should You Get A Dog
The kids have been begging for one. Your neighbors just brought home an adorable puppy, reminding you of what you are missing. You had one growing up, and have fond memories of him. Is it time? Should you consider getting a dog?
The decision to bring a dog into your life is an primary one. Each year, millions of dogs are euthanized in animal shelters across the United States. According to the National Council on Pet Population, common reasons owners give for surrendering dogs to shelters include landlord issues, lack of time, cost of maintaining the pet, and moving. A dog requires an enormous commitment of time and money on the part of its owners. Below are some factors you should consider before bringing a dog into your home.
Do you have the time? Many of us affectionately remember our childhood dogs, and wish to recreate that experience for our own children. However, we must hold in mind that dog ownership has changed quite a bit over the last 20 to 30 years. With two income families now the norm, many dogs spend the majority of their days alone. While my childhood dog spent his days with my cease at home mother, and was often off leash in the neighborhood, this is neither legal nor possible in most communities today. All dogs need spend and mental stimulation. Many people make the mistake of assuming that a dog will exhaust himself if he has access to a large fenced in back yard. Dogs expected to entertain themselves alone in the backyard will usually do so by digging, chewing, and nuisance barking.
You will need to spend time each day walking your dog, to teach and reinforce good leash manners, and to exercise him. You will also need to spend time playing with your dog, both in the house and outside. Dogs are social animals, and playing catch or with a tug toy can be an opportunity for you to bond with your dog, as well as provide him with exercise and stimulation.
All dogs need some degree of grooming. Even non-shedding breeds will require trips to the groomer. Most vets recommend occasional brushing of your dogs teeth with or without a pet-safe toothpaste, in order to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease. Some breeds are prone to ear infections, and require daily cleaning of the ears. Nail trimming will be necessary, if a dogs nails are not worn down naturally through long walks.
A dog will require regular vet visits, for immunizations and checkups. Most towns require proof of rabies vaccine in order to register your dog. You will also need to consider emergency visits when your dog appears ill, or has injured himself.
All dogs require training. Depending on the age and amount of training your dog has had when you acquire him, training a dog to be an enjoyable family pet can select a considerable amount of time. If you plan to get a puppy, you will need to spend time on housebreaking, and showing your puppy what is OK to chew, (his toys), and what is not OK to chew ( the furniture). Even if you adopt an older dog who is already housebroken, you will most likely need to spend time training him to walk politely on a leash, not jump on visitors, and obey a few simple commands. Many reputable breeders and rescue groups strongly recommend that all new dog owners sign up for a beginners obedience or puppy class taught by a certified dog trainer.
Can you afford it? While most people anticipate the initial cost of purchasing or adopting a dog, few realize how posthaste the cost of owning a dog adds up. Initial equipment for your new dog will include food, collars, identification tags, leashes, training treats, brushes and grooming supplies, a dog bed, and toys to chew and play with. Most experts recommend a crate for keeping your puppy or young dog safe and out of trouble when you are unable to supervise him.
Do you have a fenced in yard for your dog to play in? You may find yourself paying to have your yard fenced in once you accumulate a dog. Chains and cable tie-outs do not allow a dog to exercise freely, and most experts advise against chaining a dog as a primary earn of confinement, as it can lead to aggressive, territorial behavior.
Do you work full-time? If you and other members of your family are gone for most of the day, you may not be able to convince a reputable breeder or rescue group to place a puppy with you. You will undoubtedly need to hire a dog-walker, or remove your dog to a "doggy daycare". Costs for dog walkers can range from $10.00 to $18.00 per 20 to 30 minute walk. Doggy daycare costs can run from $10.00 to $35.00 dollars per day.
If your dog is a non-shedding breed, he may require regular trips to the groomer. If you anticipate getting a dog that will need professional grooming, check with local groomers to find out how grand they charge to groom that breed; this will give you an idea of your monthly/bi-monthly grooming costs. Even if your dog does not require professional grooming, you will want to maintain him clean, and will need to purchase grooming supplies, such as brushes, shampoos, pet wipes, and ear cleaning solution.
Most new dog owners want their dog to become a well-behaved, well-mannered pet; this will require training. Many breeders and shelters advise that new owners enroll in a puppy kindergarten or beginners obedience class. If you elect not to attend a formal training class, you will no doubt want to grasp books or DVDs on dog training.
The cost of veterinary visits should also be included in your budget. All dogs require regular vet visits for vaccinations and checkups. Your vet and breeder will recommend spaying or neutering your dog to prevent behavioral and health problems. Prospective owners should also factor in the cost of regular flea and tick treatment, such as Frontline, and the cost of preventative heartworm treatment. Should your dog injure himself and require emergency medical attention, you should be prepared to pay the costs.
Do you enjoy an annual vacation, or frequent out of town trips? Unless you have a close friend or relative who is willing to care for your dog, you will need to board him at a kennel. Boarding costs can range from $15.00 to $45.00 per day.
Will your living position change in the near future? Do you own your own home? If you are renting right now, do you anticipate moving in a few years? Finding rental accommodations that accept dogs can be difficult. Are you planning on changing jobs or starting a family? Stressful life changes often mean you will have less time available to care for your dog. Be realistic about your lifestyle, and how future living and employment situations will impact your ability to care for a dog. You may find it better to wait a few more years before welcoming a dog into your family.
The benefits of owning a dog are numerous; studies show that the mere act of petting a dog can lower blood pressure and reduce stress. Walking a dog can be a titanic procedure to gain exercise and meet people in your community. Likewise, having to surrender a dog to a shelter because you lack the time or money to care for him, can be devastating. Taking some time to assess your living situation before you commit to a dog could place you untold heartache. It could also spare a dog from becoming another statistic...one of the millions of unwanted pets euthanized in shelters each year.
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