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Questions To Ask Before
Getting A New Dog
A good
relationship between a dog and an owner will be one that brings lots
of joy to the person. With a loyalty that's unmatched, a desire to
please and a willingness to love unconditionally, dogs have earned
the reputation of being man's best friends for a reason. They
require very little and give very much. A person does, however, have
to offer care and love in return for the relationship to be forged
for life.
Entering into dog ownership without weighing the consequences
carefully is something that should never be done. While it can be
very hard to drive away from a cute little puppy being offered for
free on the roadside, bringing that puppy homes means a desire to
put forth the commitment dog ownership requires. Before deciding to
take the plunge into getting a new puppy or even an older dog, it's
a good idea to review a few things. Ask yourself these questions
before moving forward:
Do I have room for a dog? Small dogs won't take up much space, but
larger ones could. Medium to larger size dogs that are known as
working breeds tend to need a little space to stretch their legs and
play.
Do I have the time to commit to a dog? Dogs don't require constant
attention, but they do need some. They must be fed, watered, walked,
played with and loved. This must be done on a daily basis.
Can I afford to own a dog? While it won't be an outrageous
financial commitment, dog ownership does cost a little money. There
will be vet bills for shots and licensing, food and even some toys
to consider. If you're stretched to the limit as far as cash is
concerned, it might not be a good idea.
Am I willing to make arrangements for a dog? While a cat might be
able to survive a weekend alone, a dog cannot. Any time you go out
of town, stay out longer than 12 hours or so or plan a longer trip,
arrangements will have to be made for the dog. If you can't do that
or aren't willing to, a dog might not be in order.
Do I have the patience? Puppies require housebreaking, obedience
training and lots of love. To properly achieve this, patience must
be exercised. If you don't have the desire to give up a pair of
shoes, pooper scoop once in a while and issue the sit command
multiple times before he gets it, puppy ownership might not be a
good idea. An older dog could fit the bill here, but some patience
will still need to be exercised as you get used to each other.
People who can answer the above questions positively will find they
are very likely the ideal dog owners. Finding the right dog to fit
lifestyle and personality might take a little time, but when the
right match is made, the rewards are many. Dog ownership is a
lifetime commitment, or should be, though. So don't tread in the
water unless you're willing to get a little wet.
Article by Allison Duarte of Oh My Dog Supplies - the place to go for dog steps that stand the test of time
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