A lot of people get caught up in the cuteness of a puppy and find themselves home with one before they’ve thought about the commitment they’re making. Asking yourself (and your family) a few questions before taking the plunge could result in a decision that now is NOT the time to get a dog. Or it may help you decide what kind or breed of dog will suit your lifestyle. Even if you’re ready for a dog, getting the wrong one could leave you with the conclusion that you should never have gotten a dog at all.
Now, I promised you a list of questions to ask before committing to a dog. Here is question #1:
- How much does it cost?
Responsible dog ownership requires good quality food, toys, leash, collar, I.D. tags, bowls, crate or kennel, and the cost to dog proof your home. Talk to your veterinarian about foods s/he recommends for the health of your new pup. Then research foods on the internet and compare your results. A good quality food may help your dog live a longer, healthier life and may prevent some behavior problems. Cheap toys may cause choking hazards or may have dangerous chemicals. Good quality collars and leashes will last the entire life of your dog. In addition to an I.D. tag on the collar you should talk to your veterinarian about micro-chipping your pet so if it gets lost or stolen you have a better chance of finding it. Remember that you MUST register the microchip with a registry company and many experts recommend that you register your dog’s microchip with at least two companies.
Tomorrow: Question #2: How much time does it take?
