Puppies are adorable and when you are seeing their big ol eyes and playful selves, they are wagging their tails, and licking your face eagerly for you to accept them openly into your arms, it is hard to say no. But if you are not ready for the full responsibilities of taking care of a dog, you need to say just that – NO!
Dog ownership takes responsibility, time, money, and an active participation from you. Being a responsible dog owner doesn’t mean just setting a bowl of dog food out with a bowl of water. Responsible dog ownership means taking on a lifelong commitment to that dog, the good, the bad, and the ugly. It is like having a child. You have to be willing to work through any problems.
Dogs by no means come free. There is an expense that comes with dog ownership beyond the food. Basic dog expenses can run anywhere from $700.00 to $3,000.00 a year. If you choose a breed that with age has higher health risk such as narrowing of the hips, you can be spending far more than that in its later age. It is wise with high breed dogs to get pet insurance to offset some of these cost. Can you afford to take the necessary steps to keep your dog healthy not only while it is young and vital but when it is aging?
Do you have the proper place to raise a dog? Is your home safe for a dog? Will your dog have ample area to run and play safely? Do you have small children and is the dog you are considering good with children? Do you rent your home or apartment and are pets allowed? These are all things you need to think about before becoming a dog owner.
Do you have time? A dog requires time from you. If you work long hours or travel frequently where you are not able to take your dog with you, being a dog owner may not be a good idea for you. If your social life is hopping, do you have adequate time to fit your dog into that schedule? As a new member to your family and lifestyle, your dog will require a lot of time for training, grooming, exercise, and veterinary care and you have to be willing to give your dog this time. Never get a dog and think it is okay just to chain it up in the back yard. This is not fair to that dog. No one, not even a dog, deserves to be treated in that fashion.
How is your health? If you are not able to get out with your dog so it can get adequate exercise, a dog is not a good option for you as a pet. If anyone in your home has allergies, you will want to check with the doctor if adding a dog to the household is a wise choice.
Owning a dog is a privilege and one that should not be taken lightly. Thoroughly educate yourself about the breed of dog you are considering adding to your life and make sure you have what that dog needs to thrive.
The main purpose of Doggie-Corral.com is to provide dog owners with an entire line of dog supplies needed to care for their beloved pets. We ship to the entire United States and provide a one stop shopping experience. We offer dog-training aids, dog insurance, health care essentials, dog apparel (e.g. dog shirts, Dog Pro sports apparel, dog boots, dog coats, dog College Sports apparel, dog blankets, dog sweaters, dog pajamas),dog beds, plastic and wood doghouses, dog crates and kennels, dog toys, dog chews, dog treats, dog and puppy foods, dog grooming products and more. Feel free to check us out at Doggie-Corral.com.
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I work at an abandoned animal shelter in my hometown. It's sad to see how many animals are discarded like the garbage. They are ususall 6 months to a year old. The newness has worn off and the owners are tired of the responsibility. It's a shame really. People should do their homework before accepting an animal and then only take it if they are in for the long haul.
ReplyDeleteI'm not much of an animal person myself but I don't see how anyone could be cruel to one. My kids always had pets and they were well taken care of. Their kids have pets too and they shop regularly at Doggie-Corral. It makes the family happy, particularly the pets.
ReplyDeleteI've been living in an apartment for several years and didn't feel it was the right place for an animal. Now, I've just moved into a house with a nice yard and I'm so ready for a pet. I know I want a dog that won't get too big because I want to keep him inside. I know just where to come for all of his supplies and all the information I need to care for him.
ReplyDeleteI am very ready for a dog! After reading this I know I am. We are going to the animal shelter to choose the dog that is best for our situation.
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