The average dog lives 10 – 15 years. Are you ready to make that kind of
commitment?
Who is going to be the primary caretaker? Children under the age of ten
are not responsible enough to take care of all the dog’s needs. They
certainly can help depending on their age, but don’t expect them to do it
all. And don’t forget that as they grow, their interest in the dog will wax
and wane. It is best to have one primary caretaker.
Do you have children, and if so, how old are they? Children under the
age of 7 are usually not suited for puppies or small dogs. And any
interaction with young children should be closely monitored to ensure no
harm comes to either the dog or the child.
Are there elderly people in the house? Older people can easily be thrown
off-balance and can be easily scratched.
There are basic supplies you will need to buy like bowls, leash, color,
id tags, a bed, maybe baby gates and a crate.
The will need some training. Depending on the age and background of the
dog, you may need to take him/her to puppy training or other obedience
training.
The dog needs attention. How many hours can you give the dog on a daily
basis? Dogs do best when they are walked regularly and allowed to run. They
are social creatures who want to be with you and want your attention.
The dog is going to need veterinary care. How much can you spend on the
dog? There are annual shots, physicals, monthly heartworm preventative, and
flea and tick preventatives at the minimum. There are resources on the
internet to help figure out the cost of owning a dog.
The dog needs to eat. They also need to be brushed, bathed and trained.
How much can you spend on these items? Some breeds need to be clipped
periodically or you may want to utilize a professional groomer.
What happens in an emergency? How will you pay for them?
Information based on article by Jacque Lynn Schultz,
C.P.D.T.
