If you are considering getting a dog what sorts of things ought you to be thinking about before taking the plunge? One thing is for sure, the saying “A Dog is for Life, Not Just for Christmas” remains as true today as it ever has. Too many people are behaving irresponsibly by not giving enough thought in to what effort goes in to looking after a dog.
With the economic slump around the world during 2008 and 2009 a lot of animals have been thrown out of their homes, their owners unable to care for them. Many dogs are turning up to rescue centers in a sick condition, or without being properly vaccinated against disease, again because the owners did not have the money to care for them properly.
So, let us consider some of the basics before going out and choosing any kind of dog.
Bear in mind that puppies and older dogs require different types of care and attention. Do you have the patience necessary to train a puppy?
Are you prepared for giving a dog a home for possibly 15 years or even longer? A dog`s average life span is 12 years. That is how long you have to commit to your dog, giving of your time, energy, and attention. Not just feeding it, but providing it with veterinary care if it gets ill, (and just like humans, dogs DO get health problems). Veterinary care can cost a lot of money, hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on the treatment, and how long the treatment will take before the animal is better. Taking out insurance is a wise move, but you still must allow for the cost of this in your budget.
And, remember that your standard home insurance is unlikely to cover your property for any damage caused by your dog, nor if it bites someone. You need to add the costs of any additional insurance to your expenses.
Vaccinations are essential at an early age, usually after around 8 to 10 weeks and every year after that against such diseases as Canine Distemper, Canine Viral Hepatitis, Canine Leptospirosis, Canine Parvovirus etc. Worming your dog once or twice a year will also add to your costs.
Apart from the financial costs, you will also have to give up some of your time. Time spent in training the dog, in grooming it, and in exercising it. Exercise is essential to the well-being of a dog, taking into account the breed, and its age. Too little and it will get fat, lazy and bored, just like us humans. And, unlike most cats, dogs do not like to be alone, they like company. Will someone be at home with it for at least parts of the day? Do you like to take frequent trips away, will the dog need putting in kennels while you are gone?
Is your home big enough for the dog you plan on getting? Do you have a garden it can play in? If so, you must make sure your garden is escape proof, otherwise your dog could get out and cause injury to itself, car drivers, or pedestrians.
Just like with a young child within the home, you need to make sure the dog can not get to stuff like medicines, cleaning products or any chemicals. And, outside, things like rat poison, weed killers, or insecticides can pose a danger to dogs if ingested.
What else will you have to do with a dog? A lot depends on its breed and size. But, in general terms consider these points, which are by no means an exhaustive list:-
You will need to put a collar on your dog and attach an ID to it, with the dog’s name, your name, address, and telephone number written on it.
There is usually little difference in temperament between male and female dogs. One thing you will need to have done though if you are looking for a dog as a pet getting a dog for a pet is to have it spayed or neutered.
On occasions you will need to bathe your dog, though not too frequently, say once a month.
Grooming its coat is another task, possibly on a daily basis, depending on the breed of dog.
Checking it is in good health, by looking at the pad of its feet to see if has sustained any injuries is important. Examine its mouth, particularly its teeth. And, do not forget its ears.
Humans like a varied and balanced diet, and so do dogs. And remember you will need to have fresh water available for it to drink. Dogs can not tell us they are thirsty, so we have to do the thinking for them.
If you intend taking your dog out in your car, never leave it alone, especially on a hot day. There was a very sad case in the UK in Nottingham, where a police dog handler left two alsatians in a car during a heatwave. Even sadder is that these two German Shepherds were left in a vehicle outside Nottinghamshire police headquarters, just yards from new kennels where the force’s dog unit was located.
Without doubt dogs are mans` best friend when it comes to helping partially sighted and the blind. Labradors have a terrific temperament for such work. And to aid the police there are the different breeds of spaniels whih are ideal for sniffing out narcotics, money, and weapons. Attack dogs such as German Shepherds have proved invaluable in the fight against crime, and are used by many police forces and security firms around the world.
But, these dogs are normally very well looked after, well trained and cared for. A lot of time and attention is given by their handlers as they both perform their duties.
If you have read through this article and come to the conclusion you do not have what it takes, perhaps due to your finances, your lack of time, or other commitments, then please do not get a dog.
Finally, if you are convinced a dog is for you, why not consider contacting one of the animal rescue organizations, such as The AnimalShelter. The AnimalShelter.org web site was created in an effort to place homeless animals throughout the United States. These animals are often located in one of thousands of animal shelters and rescues throughout the Country which offer a temporary placement while a loving family is found.
