|
Should I Adopt a Dog?
Pining for a pup? Ponder
thoroughly with our pre-pooch-preparedness checklist.
Think of it: a faithful canine
companion, a playful pooch to call your own, your
new best friend. A dog in your life brings abundant rewards. Like all
rewards,
though, you can secure them only through thinking seriously about what's
right
for you. Before you rush out and bring home a dog who will share your home
for
years, we'd like to help you consider the most important aspects of canine
care
and compatibility.
What's to Consider?
How about training, walking,
allergies, poop scooping, jumping up, veterinary
exams, and intestinal blockages? This barely begins a dog lover's list of
concerns, but you get the idea. A great relationship with a canine
companion
starts with a serious commitment, and the responsibilities extend far
beyond
feeding, walking, petting, and the occasional woodland romp.
So let's see if getting a dog is
the right choice for you.
What Do You Want in a Dog?
People have lots of reasons for
wanting a pet dog. Most common is a desire
for the companionship of an animal who'll be a loyal friend for many
years.
Other people want a watchdog to guard the house or a protective running partner.
Whatever your reasons, you need
to assess your willingness and ability to care
properly for a pup. Dogs need three major things from a person: time,
commitment, and attention. If you can give these, and you want to, read
on as we take you through some important aspects of pooch-care preparedness.
Things to Consider Before
Adopting a Dog
- Is Your Lifestyle Stable? The most
common reason dogs are given up
to animal shelters is that the owner has had to move and the new
living quarters don't allow dogs. Sometimes owners get married and
the new spouse doesn't like dogs. Are you likely to move frequently?
Is your home life settled? Does your job require you to travel often
or for long periods?
- Mature Dog Versus Puppy - When
they imagine bringing home a dog,
many people automatically think of puppies. Puppies are cute and
fun, but adopting a mature dog is a better choice for many people:
Older dogs may already be house-trained, they don't need to be taken
outside nearly as frequently, and they often come out of shelters
with
some obedience basics under their collars. If you acquire a fully
grown
dog, you don't need to guess about how big he'll grow or what kind
of
temperament he'll develop.
- Exercise and Companionship - Do
You Have Time? Some dogs need
only a 10- to 15-minute walk twice a day; others are built to run
for
hours. Be realistic about how much regular exercise you'll be
comfortable
providing. Besides exercise, your dog needs time with you. If you have
a
full work schedule and a busy social life, your dog is likely to
become
lonely, bored, and destructive. A successful relationship depends on
the
time you spend together forging a bond. A dog who feels ignored will
be miserable. Some breeds require more attention than others. Learn
the needs of different dogs before you make your choice.
- Will You Be Consistent and Dedicated
About Training? If you want a
well-mannered dog who's a pleasure to be around, you'll have to
teach
him some basic commands. Training is critical to your relationship's
success.
The great majority of animals given up to shelters exhibit behavior
problems that could easily have been averted through basic behavioral
training.
- Does Anyone in Your Home Have
Allergies? If they're severe enough, a
family member's allergic reactions can force you to find a new home
for
your dog, a sad experience for everyone. Find out if anyone in your
household is allergic to dogs before you adopt. If someone is mildly
allergic, you can research various breeds before making your choice.
Some breeds are less allergenic than others.
- Can Your Children Adjust? Children
love puppies, but both children
and puppies need supervision. Babies and toddlers should never be
left unsupervised with a dog, no matter how trusted. If you've
decided
on a grown dog, do your homework: Learn about his prior interactions
with children as well as his breed's compatibility with kids. Be sure
to
consider your children's ages, activity levels, and comfort with animals.
- Can Your Other Pets Adjust?
If you already have pets, consider how
the new dog will adjust to them and they to him. If you have cats
who've never been around a dog, you may be in for a long adjustment
period. Puppies can usually learn to live with cats if the initial
meeting isn't too traumatic. Considering a mature dog? Try to
find
out how he has previously interacted with other pets.
- How Much Space Do You Have for a Dog?
A large active dog such
as a retriever or German shepherd will love running and playing in a
large, fenced-in yard. But a big dog can be happy in an apartment
so long as he gets a couple of long walks every day. If your
apartment
is small, however, a little dog who isn't especially active may be
your best bet.
- Can You Afford a Dog? Your dog
will have to be fed. He'll need
grooming, as well as toys and treats. You may need to take him
to obedience classes or even have him professionally trained. If you
travel and can't take your dog along, you'll have to arrange
boarding
or hire a dog sitter to care for him in your home. All these mean
regular debits from your checkbook. Then there's the vet….
- How About Regular - and Special -
Veterinary Care? Your dog will
need annual checkups, including vaccinations, worming, and flea and
tick prevention. A medical emergency can cost several hundred
dollars.
As your dog ages, he may develop health conditions that require more
frequent visits to the vet. The charges can add up quickly.
- Will You Take the Time or Pay for
Grooming? If you don't have time
to groom your dog or a convenient place to bathe him, or if he
requires
special grooming, you'll need to pay a professional to do these
things.
In addition to brushing and combing your dog, you'll need to follow
through on dental care, nail trimming, and ear cleaning.
Congratulations! You've made it to the
end of our pooch preparedness list.
We hope it helps you decide whether to adopt a new canine pal. Remember,
though, this brief article has barely touched upon the complexities of dog
care.
Before making your final decision, we urge you to dig deeper. Visit your
local
library. Talk to dog owners. A healthy combination of your heart's desires
and
your head's best judgment will lead you to a wise decision.
|