A new dog may not be right for you
Everyone thinks that getting a new dog or puppy is nothing but fun, however owning a dog is a big committment of both time and resources. Dogs need a lot of attention and care, espcially when they are puppies. They can’t be left alone for long periods of time, and they require regular walks, playtime, exercise, training, and, depending on the breed, grooming. If you have a hectic schedule or live in a small living home, you might not be able to give your dog the quality of life they deserve. Listed below are some reasons to consider before introducing a new pet into your home.
You’re too busy:
If you have a hectic work schedule and hardly have any free time a new dog or puppy is not for you. A dog needs a lot of attention and care from you to form a strong bond and adjust to its new home. You can’t just get a puppy, take it home, have some fun with it and then ignore it. You need to give your new pet quality time every day. This includes plenty of playtime (especially for puppies), at least three walks outside daily and for active dogs they need their exercise. If you have a puppy, consider obedience training. If you neglect your pet, you will run into problems. Often, pets that are left alone too much will behave badly and damage things. Also, if your pet doesn’t get enough socialization, they will be very scared of strangers and other animals and may growl or even attack them.
Dogs can limit your freedom. You have to plan your life around your dog’s needs and walk schedule. You can’t go out or travel wherever you want without considering your dog. If you do go out for long periods you have to find someone to take care of your dog or take them with you. If you don’t have enough time for a pet, then wait until your work or personal life is more manageable before you get one.
You are on a tight budget and struggle to pay your bills:
Dogs can be expensive to own. You have to pay for food, visits to the vet, grooming, and other supplies. Some breeds may have specific health issues that require special care or medication and some times an unexpected issue may arise that requires medical attention. You also have to consider the cost microchipping, and licensing your dog. Depending on your situation, you may also need to pay for dog walkers, dog sitters, kennel or boarding services when you are away.
Even if someone gives you a dog for free, they require a lot of care and attention. First, you have to buy a good quality dog food. Even if you decide to make your own dog food, the price of high-quality ingredients can be expensive. If your dog is a very small breed, then feeding your pup may not be a big issue. But if your dog is a larger breed, food alone can cost a lot.
Second, you have to take your dog to the vet regularly for things like yearly shots and checkups and dental care. You also have to be ready to pay for any emergency medical needs.
Third, depending on the breed of dog, you may have to get it groomed professionally and this can be expensive. Even if you groom the dog yourself, you still have to buy the grooming tools.
Fourth, you have to afford other items like dog bowls, toys and treats. If you can’t afford to take care of your dog properly, then you should postpone your plans until you are in a better financial situation.
Your home and your neighbors:
Dogs be a problem both in your home and in your neighborhood. They can bark loudly, dig up the lawn, chew furniture, shed, and make messes. They can also bring parasites, and diseases into your home. Shedding which can wreak havoc if you have allergies. You have to train your dog to be well behaved and follow commands and you are responsible for cleaning up after your dog and respecting the people and animals in your neighborhood. You have to make sure your dog gets along with other people and pets, especially if you have young children, lots of guests, or other animals in your home.
You only want a dog for protection:
A dog, even one that has been trained to guard your house, is more than just an alarm system. It is a living being who needs to be loved by their owners. Dogs should be treated as a member of the family and with respect. Guard dogs need regular and gentle interaction with their owners. Otherwise, those same traits that make them good at protecting their home (alertness, aggressiveness and possessiveness) can make them “bad dogs” if they are left alone. If you are not willing to accept a dog as part of your family for life and socialize it properly, then you should not get one. If security is really a worry, you should get a security system for your house.
Your dog is more than just a toy:
If your kids are bored and need something to amuse them, then get them a toy. Don’t get your kids a dog unless they are responsible enough to properly care for it. And lets not forget, the adults in your household need to want the dog as well. You may say that the dog is for the kids, but the adults in the house will end up being responsible for its care, feeding and medical costs. Don’t bring a dog into your house unless both you and your kids agree that getting a dog means making him part of your family forever.
You want a dog to make lots of money:
First, successful and reputable dog breeders are in the business because they adore the dogs they work with. Often, someone starts a breeding business only after having many dogs of a specific breed as pets for years. Good breeders have a lot of experience with the breed and know everything there is to know about its features, history and physical traits. They also enjoy teaching others about the breed. Second, the costs of feeding and caring for multiple dogs and running a successful breeding business are much higher than the income from selling the puppies.