A dog will do his best to please you and keep you smiling. He will curl up with you when you are feeling down or need some serious relaxation. He won't hold your mistakes against you or prejudge you for your looks, faults or lack of know-how. He'll be your unconditional friend and will play ball with you as long as you wish. He'll forgive you for all your mistakes, never holding them against you later. Sleeping at your feet and loving to please you, he will enjoy just spending time with you. He'll do his best to protect you, because you will be his master.
However, a dog also relies on you for everything- from his food, water, shelter, exercise, grooming, to his companionship, training, veterinary care and protection. Know what you are getting into. Are you prepared to spend the next 10-15 years of your life taking care of your dog? That is about how long your dog will live. Can you afford the added expense of a dog? When you get a dog, it is a life long commitment, and should not be treated like a piece of furniture that you can just "get rid of" when you get tired of it. After all, this dog will be part of your family. Would you get rid of your children because you were tired of them wetting their beds? Before you bring a dog into your home, think long and hard. Are you prepared for the responsibility?
The decision to get a dog needs to be carefully thought out. Do you honestly have the time to take care of a dog? What kind of dog should you get? Some people think a dog is a dog. I hear them say they don't care what breed of dog they get. There are many different breeds with many different personalities and needs. Honestly think about it and do your homework. Think about your family as it is right now, and how it will be in the future.
Every family has its own needs, schedule, personality, medical problems, space and time limitations. If you take a good hard look at your family's situation, you can match a dog that will fit into your lives nicely and not just make things more awkward and difficult.
Is anyone in your family allergic to dog hair? Are you bothered by hair on everything from your clothes to your toast? Some breeds are heavy shedders, while others hardly shed at all. Do you have children? Are you going to have children in the next 10-15 years? Do you have friends who visit your home who have children. Some dogs are excellent with children and would be their best friend. Some are only good with children when they are raised with them from puppyhood, while others are very sensitive and may bite your child if they are pestered by him or her. Do you mind holes being dug in your yard? Some dogs like to dig, while others are less likely to dig.
Do you mind hearing a dog bark all the time? Some dogs love to bark and do it all the time, while others are more quiet, barking only when necessary. Do you mind if your dog has a tendency to wander away from home, or would you rather have a dog that would be more likely to stick close to home? Some dogs like to roam. It is in their nature, while others have a strong instinct to stick close to home. Some dogs will kill your cat, while others will be your cat's best friend. Do you have time to exercise your dog?
Some dogs need daily vigorous exercise and you would need to take them out every day for a run or a nice long walk, while others will get enough exercise just by running around the inside of your house. Some dogs need a job to do or they will become restless, bored, very destructive, and unruly. Other dogs do not mind lying around the house with nothing to do. Some can be highly obedience-trained, while others cannot. Get the point? All breeds of dog are different, and all families are different. Find a dog that fits well into your family, so you and your dog can live in harmony. Having a dog can be the most rewarding thing you have ever done, or it can be your worst nightmare. It's your choice. Do your homework. Research the different kinds of breeds and take a long hard look at your life and don't forget, that cute little puppy does grow up to be an adult dog. Never adopt a puppy, or adult dog solely on looks.
2007-02-22 18:50:37
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answer #1
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answered by Lisa P 2
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Do you have the time to let it out every 45 minutes? Is there cold and snow where your at? I know I hate taking my dog out in the snow and cold. What kind of puppy do you want? What is the house situation? Do you have a home or an apartment? The biggest thing to remember with a pup, they are like kids, give them an inch and they will take a mile. I suggest going somewhere and getting advice on training tips for your pup, and please DO NOT let anyone talk you into a gentle leader or clicker treat training! It is a waste of money. That really doesn't help you out much but it's just a few things to think about.
2007-02-22 11:51:05
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answer #2
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answered by rasfaly00 1
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You will need to have a couple months of very little activity. At least two weeks that you can do everything with your puppy. You need to be able to get him/her situated into your home. You need to be able to see yourself with a dog for the rest of its life. You should plan it will be for 15 to 20 years. You need to be in a financial place for a puppy. There is vaccinations, vet bills, spay/neutering, food, toys/bed, kennel (maybe), and maybe training classes. There is also repairs for your home which puppy's can cause damage to. You need to have time to play, walk, and train you pup. If you really feel you are ready for the commitment, get a new pet. Remember that they become a member of the family. I would also suggest going to a shelter to get a puppy or dog if you haven't already found one. They are cheaper than a breeder and need homes more. You can pick one that fits you lifestyle. Good Luck!!
2007-02-22 12:00:33
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answer #3
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answered by Dani 3
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When you can honestly tell yourself that you are ready and responsible for a LIFETIME (of the dog) commitment. This requires a consideration of your future for the next 15- 20 years, as well and being able to financially support your new friend.
2007-02-22 11:47:26
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answer #4
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answered by yarmiah 4
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verify her backside to make advantageous that is no longer caught up w. dried..... properly you understand... if so a heat soak in a bathtub will help... if she's no longer visibly stopped up... provide her some canned pumpkin... no longer the pumpkin pie combination... a hundred% pumpkin... it is going to help with constipation and diareah... and that is extreamly solid for them... initiate with a pair of table spoons... My doggies (returned while that they had the topic, enjoyed it and it did help) on the 1st availble time you're able to get your canine to the vet to make advantageous there is not any blockages from the interior... yet with my adventure some doses of a hundred% pumpkin enables... P.S. a impressive style of excersize enables lots! as properly fiber, excersize is a backsides superb pal! gets the insides shifting around... play some fetch or only run around together with her a on a similar time as.
2016-11-25 00:49:34
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answer #5
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answered by ? 4
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When:
1)You are financially able to take care of the dog,
2)Well able to handle the responsibility,
AND
3) When you can love them.
2007-02-22 11:49:14
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answer #6
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answered by Tigger 7
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when you can take care of it money wise and when you can be around the puppy all of the time
2007-02-22 11:49:00
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answer #7
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answered by acstevey1 2
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I don't really know i just went and got one and it worked out just fine
2007-02-22 12:16:00
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answer #8
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answered by Anonymous
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when you have enough money and responblity
2007-02-22 12:33:25
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answer #9
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answered by el2k3 2
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