|
A dog is a living animal, not some object you can return to the shop at will. A wrong choice or an impulse buy can result in a decade of grief. This article helps you avoid this.
1. Lifestyle
You may have fond memories of a dog you had when you were a child, but it may not be the right fit for you current lifestyle. You may have become more physically active as an adult, in which case a retriever may be more suitable than the terrier that used to follow you around when you were 5.
Your priorities change at different stages of your life. Be sure to consider that before you make your choice.
2. Pros and Cons
Make a list of the pros and cons of each of the dog breeds you’re considering. This goes a long way toward making a balanced decision. It helps you weigh one breed against another so you can be more confident in the choice you finally make.
3. Hair Issues and Concerns
Some people like taking time out to groom their dog. It can be relaxing way to bond with your dog. On the other hand, some people don’t have the time to commit to extensive grooming. Consider the amount of time and money you’re willing to invest in your dog.
Keep in mind that shorter hair doesn’t necessarily mean less work. It could involve more vacuuming or skin care.
4. Time
Do you have such a busy schedule between your job and family that you don’t know whether you’re coming or going? If so, you might want to ask yourself whether you’ll be able to manage the responsibility that comes with owning a dog. A dog requires a significant time commitment if you’re going to do it right. And if you’re not going to do it right, you probably shouldn’t do it at all. Puppies can be particularly demanding.
Take a long hard look at your schedule to see if you can realistically work in time for a dog.
5. Safety
Can you provide a safe environment for your dog? Some breeders require you to have a fenced yard for your dog. Sometimes this is a difficult requirement to fulfill, especially if you live in an apartment.
Even the best fences are not enough to keep a dog from escape. It might also be a good idea to complete an obedience course so you can just scream “COME!” in case of escape and get the appropriate response.
6. Living Space
When choosing a dog, first decide where you’ll keep her. You may need to keep her outside in the backyard depending on your circumstances. There are a few breeds that must live inside because they’ll suffer in extreme temperatures. Others will adapt to almost any weather.
All dogs do better living inside with the family for at least part of the day though. They need time to bond with you to become one of the family.
7. Lifespan
Dogs live about 12 years on average, but some breeds tend to live longer than others. If you’re buying a dog from a breeder, ask the ages of her oldest dogs. This will give you idea of how long they’ll live.
Generally, most small breeds outlive larger ones. Giant dogs have the shortest lifespan. Old age symptoms occur as follows:
- Small. Age 13-14.
- Medium. Age 11.
- Large. Age 10.
- Giant. Age 7-8.
8. Rules and Regulations
Some municipal regions have restrictions on the kind of dogs you can have as a pet. Also, some apartment and condo homes have rules regarding the size and/ or type of dog you can keep, or the type of fencing allowed. Some places even ban dogs from the premises.
Be sure to check the local dog ordinances as well as the rules of your strata before buying a dog. Also, check the restrictions that may affect you and your dog if you plan to travel.
9. Allergies
If you aren’t quite sure that your allergies will be affected by having a dog, you might want to borrow one for a day, a weekend, or longer. Try dog-sitting for a friend or family member. You’ll be doing yourself and them a favor.
You may discover that your allergies are overwhelmingly affected by the presence of a dog. Or else you may discover that you can’t handle the commitment involved in caring for a dog. Either way, it’s better to find out beforehand.
Be Ready
A dog is a lifelong commitment. Not yours, his. So be sure to consider all the factors involved before you buy a dog. Find out everything you can about the breed (and yourself!), check out the breeders, spend time with dogs of the breed you’re interested in. Do anything and everything you can to prepare. Nothing is harder than returning a puppy that you’ve already come to love, for you and the dog.
|
