So... you've decided to get a dog.....

 

 

 

Congratulations on deciding to add a dog to your family. Now we need to sit down and answer some questions to find the right furry family member for you.

There are few who can make a spur of the moment decision on a pet, for most of us a bit of research and discussion is in order.

 

In this entry I will endeavor to help to ask the right questions.

 

 Take a hard look at your personal situation to ultimately answer one question: What do you expect from a dog?

 

• Small dog or large dog?..... depends on your living space. Keep in mind that a small dog may not be the only solution if you are living in an apartment. Some small breeds can be big barkers, dachshunds for example, or be very active, like most terriers, while some large breeds, great danes for one, can be more sedentary and require nothing more than a few good walks and a space on the couch.
• Are you active or a couch potato? You will want a dog that will be active with you or one that enjoys watching TV and snuggling on your couch.
• Are you single? Married? Young couple? Older couple? Children?  Your status may influence your decision on what kind of dog to get. Do you want to get a family dog for your children? Do you want a dog to just be a companion for you? Do you foresee and changes.. such as you are planning to have kids but don't yet? Assess these things to help you decide what kind of dog you want. Not all dogs are great family dogs, not all dogs are great solitary dogs. Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers make excellent family dogs. Other breeds, for example german shepherds tend to bond fiercly to one person.
• Do you have other animals in the household? Not all dogs do well with other dogs, or small animals and cats.
• Does anyone in your household have allergies? This does not rule out getting a dog but will influence the type of dog you get. You will want a dog that does not shed a lot or is more hypoallergenic such as a poodle.
• Who will be the primary caretaker? If you get a puppy to grow up with your children you are the one making the 10 to 15 year commitment to taking care of the dog. You will also be taking on the responsible of teaching your children the best way to care and interact with a dog.
• Time.... Dogs take up a lot of time. Time to walk them, feed them, time to give them attention. Taking on a dog will require you to assess whether or not you have enough time to give to a dog. Puppies may require more time devoted to their training and housebreaking.  Adult dogs most likely will be housebroken and may require less training time but may come with their own issues and require time to adjust to a new living environment.  If you are at a point in your life where you do not spend time at home either due to personal life or career than maybe the timing is not right to add a furry family member to your life.
• Exercise... Dogs require exercise. Dogs also love to spend time with their owners. So it stands to reason that it is best to combine these. Walking, brushing, playing fetch going to parks and trips to the local pet store are great ways to exercise your dog, both his body and his mind. A bored dog with nothing to do will most likely look for an alternative thing to do such as knocking over and ripping into your garbage. If your exercise space is small look into different things in your local area, dog parks and hiking/walking trails are great ways to spend time exercising your dog or puppy.
• Cost..... Are you ready for the cost of owning and caring for a dog or puppy? Costs will include supplies, bedding, collars, leashes, toys, dishes, grooming supplies, training classes. Medical costs will vary depending on the breed and age of dog. But vaccinations, yearly exams, flea and tick prevention and heartworm prevention will add up as well as any other miscellaneous medical expenses.  Know the breed that you are planning to get, such as dachshunds and corgis are prone to back problems, larger breeds are prone to hip dysplasia, some small breeds are prone to teeth and gum problems and dogs with a pushed in nose may be more prone to respiratory issues.

The best thing you can do is research, research, research. Ask Veterinarians, owners, and rescue groups about different breeds as you try to make your decision. They are always happy to help.

 

Next time we will discuss where to get your new furry family member.

 

Thank you for reading.

Terilyn