Considerations Before Adopting a Dog
Think About Your Lifestyle, Wants and Needs Before Getting a Pet
Sep 13, 2008
Adopting a dog or puppy is a major commitment, both in time and in money.
Puppies are cute. They are small, furry, fluffy and sweet. But puppies also chew, cry and go to the bathroom indoors. Puppies do not stay puppies. They grow into dogs, which live for ten to fifteen years. Most get substantially larger.
Before Adopting a Puppy Consider the Following:
- Do I really want a dog? Or am I simply entranced by this puppy’s cuteness? Am I ready for a 10-15 year commitment? Dogs become part of the family and are devastated when they loose their human companions. Most of the dogs in shelters were once cute puppies.
- Am I ready to deal with chewed shoes, accidents on the carpet and other mishaps while the dog is young and learning? Even the best behaved puppies have accidents while they are learning. Consider adopting an older dog versus a puppy. (Of course, a poorly trained dog of any age will have issues to overcome.)
- Can I afford a puppy/dog? Regular vet visits, vaccinations, toys, training classes, food, treats and other items add up over time.
- Do I have time for a pet? Dogs need attention. They cannot be left in crates or alone in yards all day every day. Puppies need frequent care in that they are not housetrained and need to be taught appropriate locations for potty. Dogs and puppies often become destructive when they miss their human companions. All dogs need regular exercise, whether it is a quick romp in the yard, a long walk or playtime in the home. If you work all day and socialize all evening where does the dog fit in the schedule? If you only have time on weekends, consider spending time with a friend or family member’s pet or volunteering at a local shelter.
- Am I willing and able to train a dog? Those annoying habits do not go away on their own. It takes time and repetition (and maturity on the part of both the dog and the human) to foster positive behaviors and to eliminate negative ones. Again, it may be best to adopt an older dog versus a puppy.
- Consider the type of dog that suits your lifestyle. Certain breeds need lots of open space to run while others are suited for apartment living. Some are high energy and thrive on activity while others lay around most of the day. Do you want a running and hiking companion or someone to sit at your feet while you read?
Final Thoughts on Pet Adoption
A puppy or dog (or any pet for that matter) should not be an impulse buy. Pets rely on their human companions for all of their basic needs, and because most pets, besides goldfish, tend to live for some time, they are a serious commitment. Each year thousands of unwanted pets (previously cute puppies and kittens) are euthanized because their owners did not carefully consider their expectations and the requirements of owning a pet before adoption.
The copyright of the article Considerations Before Adopting a Dog in Pet Care is owned by Alaina Gonzales. Permission to republish Considerations Before Adopting a Dog in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
