Benefits and Downsides of Owning a Dog
Owning a dog has many benefits, but it is also very important to remember
that it is long-term commitment and responsibility. Dogs are not toys that
can be put away in a cupboard when you are bored with them. If you are
considering taking on a puppy, perhaps you should ask yourself these
questions first:
COST:
Owning a dog can be very expensive and this should be taken into account
before buying a puppy. Costs to consider are the weekly food bill, bedding,
toys and other equipment, veterinary care, boarding kennel fees, enrollment
fees for training classes, grooming/clipping fees.
TIME:
Dogs demand a lot of time and attention, particularly as puppies. You will
need to take your puppy outside hourly. Puppies have very weak bladder
control and will need to relieve themselves at least twelve times
throughout the day. There is a fairly set pattern.
YOUR LIFESTYLE:
Choose a breed that will suit you and your lifestyle. The lifespan of a dog
is thirteen years. Are your current circumstances likely to change? If so,
will owning a dog be a problem, such as starting a family or going to
another country?
Will you be able to devote a lot of time to your puppy for the first few
weeks when he arrives home? Are you going to be away from home for long
hours during the day? If so, it may be unwise to buy a puppy. Do you go
away frequently? If so, will you be able to take the dog with you? Will you
have time to attend training classes? Will you be able to take him for at
least one good walk a day?
BREED:
The next step is to consider what type of breed will suit you, think about
your lifestyle, size of home, facilities for exercise and time available.
Does your tenancy or leasehold agreement allow pets? Ask about different
breeds at your local vet or dog training club. As other owners of the breed
that you are considering, for their advice and opinions. Meet dogs of all
ages and both sexes of your chosen breed. This will give you an idea of
what to expect. Research the breed by reading books and gain as much
information as possible. When you have made your choice of breed, contact
the breed club secretary through your local Kennel Club. Insist on seeing
the mother and if possible the father with the puppies. You should have
easy access to the puppies and be able to handle them. Request a written
agreement that the purchase is subject to a satisfactory examination by
your veterinary surgeon within 48 hours of purchase. If you are unsure
about buying the right puppy, make enquires with the local vet to see if he
is willing to attend the viewing to check the puppy for visible health –
problems this could save money and heartache in the long-term.
As quoted by the RSPCA and National Canine Defence League ” Never buy a dog
from a pet shop or any retail outlet . Never take one from street markets,
or from any place where you cannot see the mother.” Visit your local Animal
Rescue Society for advice and to discuss the options of adopting a rescue
dog or puppy. All Animal Rescue Shelters are obligated to furnish you with
a signed Veterinary Health Certificate.
Like humans, dogs need company, so do not leave him alone all day. Dogs
that become lonely and bored are more likely to bark and become
destructive. If you really care for your dog you will train him properly
and learn that play is one of the most essential ingredients in a good owner.
In an ideal world every puppy would have a suitable home to go to and a
caring owner. Sadly this is not the case. Many thousands of unwanted and
abandoned puppies and dogs are destroyed each year. Neutering in the only
guaranteed way of preventing unplanned puppies being born, if you consider
the horrific alternative methods of population control for dogs, it really
is the kindest cut.
David the Dogman
Author of David the Dogman’s A-Z Guide to Dogs ISBN 8489954089 also
available via http://www.thedogman.net.