It goes without saying that a dog is man's best and
loyal friend. Owning a dog can be a great experience. However, remember,
bringing home a puppy is a commitment. Therefore this is one decision that
needs to be taken after thinking over the pros and cons.
Things you Need to Consider before Buying a Dog
Is this breed for you? - Is there a breed you want to own or are you confused about choosing
a right dog? It is always better to do your homework before you zero in on a
dog. You have to make sure that this breed is the right one for you and your
family. For instance, if you fell in love with a bearded collie, you have to
think whether you have to brush its coat everyday. If you have a busy life
style, then it is better to go for a short coated dog. You cannot keep a Golden
Retriever or a Labrador in a flat or a studio apartment. These dogs need a lot
of space and exercising ground. Take these factors into consideration before
you choose a breed.
The financial aspects - The puppy is a member of your family. It means you should be able
to meet his expenses. You should be able to afford its food and timely
vaccination. When you are on a vacation, you should be willing to take it along
with you else's put it in a good and responsible shelter home. Evaluate your
budget before you settle in for a dog. Remember dog ownership means responsibility.
Check the cost and the expenses that you would have to incur online.
You as a dog owner and your neighbors - Be aware of your responsibilities towards your
immediate neighbors and to those who live in the local community. It is worth
mentioning that dogs can be a bundle of joy but excessive barking can be
annoying not only to you but also for your neighbor. While exercising the dog
keep her/him on the leash. This will give you a control over the dog. To keep
the environment clean, remember to pick up after your dog.
Obedience training is mandatory - Obedience training is a must to house break
your puppy. The dog has to answer your commands. There is nothing more
frustrating than a disobedient dog. As a dog owner you should be willing to
work with dog systematically if you want a well-behaved dog. You can find the
addresses of the trainers from the various online classified sites.
If you are planning to buy a pure breed, pick it up
from a responsible breeder. Ask him all the doubts and queries you have about
the breed. He would be more than willing to answer your questions. You can also
enroll in your local American Kennel Club to know more about dogs.
