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“I want a dog!”
Before following up on these four words, a number of factors must be considered when choosing a canine friend.
First Consideration: The size of the dog. Since large dogs do take up more of their environment, and if the dog’s new home is to be an apartment or condo, then say a Lab, or a Golden Retriever, or a Sheepdog may not be a wise consideration. A medium size dog, such as a Beagle, or a Cocker Spaniel, or even better a smaller sized dog such as a toy poodle, or a Chihuahua, will probably be happier in an apartment/condo environment.
Second Consideration: The breed of dog. This is an important consideration, as it pretty much will reveal the temperament of that particular dog. Working dogs such as German Shepherds, Dobermans, even Dalmatians may not be the most suitable for a family with young children. Nor dogs known to for a high strung behavior, such as can be found among the Toy classification, i.e. Pekinese, Chihuahua’s, again Toy Poodles. On the other hand, Labradors and Golden Retrievers are best among the breeds known for a relatively lay back temperament and consequently a far better selection when deciding to bring a dog into a family environment.
Third Consideration: Time factor. How much time do you really have to take care of your pet? If someone is home during the day, this probably won’t present too much of a problem. But dogs do get lonely. Some suffer from separation anxiety, requiring someone be with them most of the time. If an owner is gone most of the day, his/her absence may cause some psychological problems in the dog. Also, if it’s an apartment/condo, a dog confined all day with no distraction may bark a lot, and disturb the neighbors.
Fourth Consideration: When the owner is away-- Again, if an owner is going to be away for any length of time, i.e. from one day to several or more, a qualified pet sitter or boarding kennel will be an important consideration. Having a pet sitter come to the house is less stressful for the animal, but at the same time a good qualified boarding kennel may help the animal avoid a sense of loneliness that may be incurred during an owner’s absence.
Fifth Consideration: Since dogs need daily exercise, will this activity fit into an owner’s daily schedule? New owners may need to adjust their schedules, i.e. by getting up extra early allowing enough time to walk the dog, and then foregoing perhaps other things usually done after work in order to incorporate this new activity of “dogwalking” into an evening time slot
Sixth Consideration: Will this be an inside or outside dog? If outside will the yard be big enough and provide a comfortable area for the dog to move around? If the yard is near a busy intersection, fencing either by regular fencing material or electronic means (invisible fencing) will be required. In colder areas, proper protection from the elements in the form of a shelter (doghouse) will also be necessary.
Seventh Consideration: Expenses. Veterinarian bills will be incurred as the dog will require the appropriate vaccinations and medications, i.e. rabies shots, distemper, heart worm medications. Also the family food budget will increase as it incorporates food for the dog. Then there are other items such as dog license, and miscellaneous items such as leashes, chew toys, flea products, shampoos, etc. These are all additional expenses that should be taking into account as these will affect the family’s budget.
So before following up on those four words, “I want a dog,” much thought and consideration should be done before embarking on this new and often rewarding endeavor.
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