Should I get a dog?!?

Question

I am still in middle school, but I fell in love with a woodland terrier at the pet store!!! I don't know how much he/she is but I can't stop thinking about the puppy!! I have over $500 bucks!Can and should I get the puppy!?

Answer 1

If you really like the dog and it is no trouble keeping him than go ahead.

Answer 2

I'm a senior in high school and when my dog died, I realized how badly I missed him and wanted another.
But, you're still in school, like me, and you can't take care of the dog while you're at school. Your mom or dad would and that's not fair to them.
Also, you shouldn't get pets from a store...they often come from puppy mills where other dogs are in terrible conditions and have AIDs or other terrible things. This puppy you love so much may have AIDs or someting like that.
If you want to get a pet, adopt an older one that you don't have to train and is healthy and just what you're looking for.
Google "adopt a woodland terrior" or "adopt ___" (fill in the blank with the type of dog you want). Have a talk with your parents about wanting to adopt an older dog, ages 2-5 would be best if you want someone to play with. Remember: Your parents may not want another dog.
Also, adopting a dog costs a lot LESS than buying a dog. Most pet stores charge anywhere from $300-$2,500+! It's insane when you can adopt a healthy, sweet dog from a shelter for anywhere from $20-50!
I hope I helped.

Answer 3

No. Not from a pet store. pet stores often source their puppies from puppy mills who engage in unethical breeding practises. Always go through the Canine Council and go through a registered breeder. You pay more, but you know that the quality of your pet will be much better and you won't be supporting unhumane breeding practises! Also, if you're just a little girl/boy it's a big huge commitment and even when you have exams etc, you're going to have to look after the doggy. It's true that terriers need exercise and they can be difficult to train as they are originally bred to work alone without alot of instruction. I would not suggest a terrier as a "first dog" they're more for experienced doggy owners. Good first dogs are labradors, cavalier king charles spaniels and the like. Easy to train, good dispositions. Terrires can also be snappy, and yappy. I say this without prejudice as I myself own and breed terriers! Cheers!

Answer 4

DON'T BUY A PUPPY FROM A PET STORE! They are known for their puppies being very sick most of the time and they are bred at puppy mills. Puppy mills don't properly care for their dogs and keep them in horrible conditions. By buying from a pet store, you will be supporting puppy mills.

If you really like this particular breed, do some research and find a good, reputable breeder in your area to get one from. You'll have a much healthier puppy that was bred with love and care. The puppy will likely cost a little more from a reputable breeder, but the pet shop/puppy mill puppy will likely have expensive vet bills later down the line that will end up costing you more than buying from a reputable breeder.

Answer 5

What do your parents say about this? Please discuss it with them before running out and buying a dog. And keep in mind, while this puppy may have been adorable as hell, it's in a pet store. You may be too young to understand this, but many pets in petstores come from puppy mills...which means you will end up with a dog with a wide variety of problems - physically and mentally. It may be sick and it may not be outwardly apparent at this time. So much inbreeding with these dogs as well. Rather than blowing a wad on a questionable puppy go to one of the local shelters or rescues and save another animal.

Answer 6

That's a question for your parent or guardian, since it's their house it will be living in. A dog is a long term commitment, usually at least ten years, and they are a lot of work and a lot of responsibility every day all day, not just once in a while. They can be a lot of fun too, but puppies chew everything and they have to be house trained and obedience trained as well. Good Luck

Answer 7

I just want to echo other comments here: Don't forget that the cost of the dog to purchase it is probably going to be the lowest cost of the overall canine ownership experience. Dogs do get sick. Dogs need regular check ups just like people do. When a dog does get sick, the cost of treatment can go into the thousands for a serious illness. Think about the financial responsibility of pet ownership before you take the plunge.

Answer 8

No i think you have to wait until you get older. You arent even in high school yet! That is the time you are very busy going out with your friends, You will not have nearly enough time for a dog, It would be unfair to the pup. On the other hand if your parent or parents would take care of it, But them i suppose it would not be yours tecnicly eaither then.! Just wait till your older.

Answer 9

Well, it depends on how the rest of the family feels about it. If you have an OK, then I say absolutely yes! Besides being wonderful companions, dogs teach responsibility and can become your "personal trainer" since you must walk and exercise them everyday-rain, snow or sun. I would advise using part of your $500 for puppy training classes.

Answer 10

I would check with your parents first, but I would suggest adopting/saving a homeless pet. I have both a cat and a dog and love them dearly - unconditional love, they are awesome to play with, you are never lonely and you can dress em up for halloween. Try petfinder.org or your local animal shelter. Save a life, not fund a puppy mill.

Answer 11

Dogs take alot of care, you should also ask your parents if it is ok, and if they will also take care of it while you are away.. because as you get older you will be gone more often. So maybe you should wait till you have a house of your own.