To Have or Not to Have A Dog

Oh no, that cute little puppy is looking at you with those sad eyes. Your heart melts. Your head takes over "You know how much work you are going to have to do don't you." "You can't do this right now." Thinking to yourself.

The pup is still looking at you with longing in its eyes. You can almost hear it saying, "I want to go home with you, please take me home." Your head and your heart battle for a bit, you look again at the pup and your heart wins.

Driving home with the little bundle, you are trying to think of a name as he is curled up in your lap asleep. He is just so cute you want the most perfect name. You start calling different names out to see if he will respond.

You arrive at home with your new friend. You stand outside for a bit to see if he needs to go potty. He doesn't. So you proceed into your home and the first thing he does is squat on the carpet. "Okay, a little piddle. I can deal with this." You think to yourself. So you go and grab up some newspaper, set them by the door. And so the task of housebreaking begins.

The first week is a little trying. Puppy poo and piddle around the house. But your persistence is winning and he is starting to get the concept of housebreaking. Until, you come home one day and he managed to break into your closet and find your shoes. Now what.

Acquiring a canine companion the way I described above happens more often than not. It is not necessarily a bad thing. People that understand what the consequences are to owning a dog usually do not have a problem. Patients and a good understanding to training is a must.

There are some, however, do not look at the big picture. This is where people through up there hands. They feel that this battle can not be won. They either don't have the time or the patients to deal with this behavior.

So, here you are faced with a heartbreaking decision. That cute little puppy is now an adolescent dog. The pup that you thought would be perfect, finds himself in one of the already over crowded shelters.

It is very important to listen to your head and evaluate your living situation first. Do you live in a house or an apartment? Do you rent or do you own? If you rent, is it in your lease that you can have a pet? If you can, is there a pet deposit required? Which will be an added monthly expense. Do you have a yard? Is it fenced? These questions are the ones that you need to ask yourself.

Another important factor is. Do you have children? Your children as well as the new addition will need to be taught to respect each other. Many times a dog will find himself in a shelter due to the fact that the child pulled the dogs tail or just would not leave the dog alone. The dog ends up defending itself by either biting or growling. Just, as it is important to teach your dog to respect your family. It is also important to teach your young children to respect the dog as well.

There is vet care that will also need to be considered. Just as you need to see the doctor for your physicals, your new canine companion will need a regular evaluation of their health and yearly immunizations.

You will need to have your friend spayed or neutered. This is extremely important. It also can be an expense. With so many animals in shelters why would you want to add more. Having this procedure done, will make your pet a more loving and compatible member of the family.

There are so many different types of dog breeds. They range in size from small to large. Each breed of dog has different needs and temperaments. If you live in a one bedroom studio apartment. Why would you want a St. Bernard?

Research the breeds you like. Are they good with children? Do they require a lot of exercise? Are they smart and train quickly or are you going to need a bit more patients? Do you want protection? All important questions to ask yourself before you make your decision.

When you have completed your homework, and have made your decision to find a canine companion. Where do you go?

Animal shelters are the first place to look. There are so many dogs that need loving and caring homes. For a donation you can find the friend you are looking for. Shelters usually evaluate the dogs before they are placed for adoption. They will be able to answer any questions you might have. They are generally spayed or neutered before being placed for adoption.

If you are looking for a specific breed of dog. Dog rescue groups are excellent. They have an over abundance of dogs in need of homes. Their dogs are evaluated before adoption. They are understanding of the dogs unique personality, and can fit you to the dog you are looking for. They are a good source for information on the breed you are interested in.

Reputable breeders of different breeds are an option. Although some breeds can be expensive. A good reputable breeder stand behind the dogs that they raise.

Be sure you understand that a dog is not a thing. They are members of our families. A dog can be your best friend, your confidant. They will always love you no matter what. They have the ability to hold our hearts.

With proper training, love and patients they can be the most fulfilling relationship you will ever have in your life.