Is A Dog The Right Pet For You?

Americans sure do love to own pets! Choosing what kind of pet you will have in your home is an important one, since it will affect not only your life but the one of a defenseless animal as well. Many well-intentioned people think that a dog is right for them without giving it much thought. Is a dog right for you?

Millions of dogs are dropped off at shelters and humane societies throughout the world each year. Why? There are legitimate reasons for not being able to keep a dog, of course, but the main reason most animals are given up is that their owners didn't consider all of the angles and all of the responsibilities of dog ownership before taking that cute little puppy home.

If you are considering adopting a dog for your household, please do it with your eyes wide open and educate yourself about the upbringing of and ongoing care of this potential new member of the family so that your dog owning experience doesn't end in frustration and heartbreak for everyone. Here's what to expect.

-- Dogs live a long time! Small breeds will live between 15 and 20 years, while the largest breeds top off at 8 years. Whatever type of dog you choose, you will be looking at a long term commitment. If you don't think you can handle that kind of a commitment for the long haul, how about choosing a hamster or parakeet instead?

-- Dogs need a lot of daily care. Besides the basics of food and water, dogs have specific needs which must be met each and every day. Unlike cats that use a litter box and require very little human interaction, dogs need to go out and crave the company of their people. Dogs need to be exercised in order to stay healthy: this means being walked at least three times a day. They also need to be outside to relieve themselves. Dogs must be played with and talked to and allowed to be a part of the family. -- Dogs may be left outdoors in a fenced yard during the day when you are at work, but as social creatures, they should be brought in at night. Dogs that are left outside continuously are often neglected and become bored and destructive.

-- Dogs are not a good way to teach kids responsibility. Children are great at taking care of a new puppy, but when the novelty wears off after a few weeks, the onus usually falls back on a parent to take care of the dog. Are you prepared to deal with this eventuality?

-- Dogs shed. Beagles and Dalmatians are the most prolific shedders despite having short hair. There are breeds that don't shed at all, but most do. Those that don't shed require frequent and costly grooming. There are no self-cleaning dogs. Unlike cats, dogs must be regularly bathed by their adoring humans.

A dog should be a welcome and loved addition to any home: please think twice about adopting one if you don't think your lifestyle suits the needs of these sweet and adoring animals. by Art Gib