I saw a post the other day from someone asking “What type of dog they should get?” The question was directed at strangers with very little information coming from the poster. Getting a dog is a serous decision to make, asking a stranger is ok if you are using it for a means of getting ideas or information. This however should not be used as a determination on what type of dog to get. First off getting a dog is a big decision and should not be taken lightly. The normal life span of a dog is 10-12 years when you are making the decision to get a dog you should be taking this into account. Getting a dog is almost the same thing as deciding on whether or not to have a child. It’s a long term commitment for a creature that will rely on you for everything. Consider what will you be doing in the next 10 years, will your job allow the time for it, do you travel often, will you be having children or get married, can you afford a dog and do you rent or own your home. I realize many of these you may not be able to answer at this time but they should be considered.
- If your working long hours you many not have time for a dog, Dogs are social animals by nature they need time with their owner and they need exercise you need to be realistic if your away from home 10+ hours a day that would be unfair to the dog.
- If you travel quite a bit who will look out for the dog? Vacations 1 or 2 times a year should not be a problem but if you travel for work frequently then who is taking care of the dog?
- Having children is always a big decision but getting a dog to see if you would be a good parent is not the right thing to do. The top 2 reasons why people give up their dog is they are having a baby or moving. If your getting a dog prior to having children that’s great but you should plan to keep the dog after you have the baby. Make sure you socialize your dog with young children and babies as a puppy and continue to do so as an adult this way when you have a baby your dog will be acclimated to children. Your first born will also be grateful since he will have a great buddy to grow up with.
- The cost of owning must be considered can you afford to feed the dog, cover Vet visits the planed ones and the unexpected ones. Grooming, training and supplies can add up.
- If you rent your landlord controls whether or not you can have a dog, even if they say ok today, tomorrow they could tell you to get rid of the dog. Even if you own your home check with your local ordnances on owning a dog, many towns require you to license them and have leash laws.
Owing a dog is fun, rewarding and even healthy for you but you do need to think it through, it’s not the same as buying a pair of shoes that you might only wear once.
