Things to Check In Getting A Dog

Are you thinking of getting a dog for yourself or your family?
Great! Here are some tips on the right ways and things to consider
when acquiring a dog.Before you even ask yourself 'What kind of dog
should I get?' or 'Where can I find a puppy?', it is essential to
carefully consider if your circumstances allow you to keep a dog and
if you are prepared for all the hard work that owning a dog entails.
Dogs don't necessarily arrive already house-trained, nor do they
necessarily respond to basic commands. Each year many thousands of
dogs end up in rescue centers as unwanted and many of these ultimately
end up being put to sleep. In the great majority of cases, the
situation could have been avoided had the owners spent more time
considering whether they were suitable as dog owners.So, first of all
ask yourself the following question:* Are you prepared to look after a
dog for all its life?
The life span of a dog is normally 12 to 15
years.* Have you got time necessary to spend with a dog?
Every dog,
regardless of breed and size, will need regular exercise and training,
as well as grooming.* Is there somebody at home during most of the
day, who is able to look after the dog?
It is never a good idea to
leave a dog alone for more than a few hours each day. Dogs are pack
animals that need companionship, but having two dogs instead of one is
no substitute for human companionship. Somebody must be able to walk
the dog at regular intervals. If you leave your dog alone all day, you
will most likely return home each day to a soiled and messy house. You
could leave your dog outside in a kennel, but it may bark and annoy
your neighbors.A puppy cannot be left alone at all until it gets
older.* Does everyone in your family want a dog?
A dog is a family
member and needs to be wanted by everyone. Even if one family member
agrees to be responsible for the dog's care, there will be times when
someone else will need to help out. And an adult, rather than a child,
should have ultimate responsibility for the dog's welfare.