Am I ready for a dog?

Are you ready for a dog? Please take the time and consider the following:

Want:

Why do I want a dog? Do I want a companion to share my life with or do I want a status symbol to show off to my friends and impress them? Do I want a dog I can hunt with or do sports with? Or do I want a lawn ornament so I can be just like everyone else? Do I need something to make me look good? Or do I want a devoted companion and want to put the effort into making this relationship happen?

Time Commitment:

Can I devote the time to properly raising and training a puppy? Can I commit to the next 10 – 15 or more years to this animal? Will I take the time every day to properly exercise the dog, train and socialize or find someone to help me out of needed during the day if I am not home? If I cannot devote almost as much time to raising a human child, I am not ready for a puppy. I will also be willing to take the time to wait for the right dog to show up. If I am impatient, I am not ready.

Cost:

Can I afford not only the cost of a puppy from a reputable source but can I afford all the things a pup needs from a crate to training classes, food, toys, vaccines? Will I pay for a dog walker or day care if I work fulltime? Can I afford at least $600 - $1,000 per year in general upkeep? Can I afford medical emergencies or the care for chronic health problems? Do I realize the there is no such thing as a cheap dog? Can I remember that one goes to a shelter to save a life, NOT to get a cheaper pet? Will I accept all the costs financial and emotional that go along with dog ownership?

Lifestyle:

Am I active or sedentary? Will a breed that can go jogging and hiking with me or a breed that is a couch potato best suit me? Just because I like the looks of a dog does not mean it is the right match for my lifestyle. Am I willing to adapt my lifestyle to fit the dog even if it means not going out after work or partying all weekend? Will I take the dog to various activities such as Agility classes instead of hanging out with my buddies all the time? Will I do what is needed to see the dog gets what he needs even if it impacts my lifestyle? Or am I going to be selfish and keep my life status quo even if the dog is miserable?

Research:

Will I take the time to seek out all the information possible about the dog I am looking for? Will I take the time to research breeders and rescues and find the best one to work with?

Experience:

How much dog experience do I have? Do I realize that many breeds seen in movies or on television are not the best choices for a new dog owner? Do I realize that these dogs have high-energy needs and may be more than I am willing or able to handle? If I do not think I have the experience to own the dog I like, will I find someone to help me learn?

Human Medical Issues:

Does anyone in my family have allergies to dogs? Or is there anyone in my family who has a medical condition that could affect the amount of time I am capable of spending with the dog?

Housing:

Am I willing to let my dog live in my house and be part of a family as every pack animal needs to be? Or am I going to leave him outside all the time where he can be at risk of theft, pranks, developing nuisance barking or even biting a child who comes to the fence to say “Hi” when no one is home to stop it? Am I willing to take the time to teach the dog how to live harmoniously in the house?

Grooming:

Am I willing to brush a dog at least weekly? Am I willing to bathe when needed? Am I willing to take care to trim nails and clean teeth or find someone to do all the grooming needs for me? How much fur can I handle? Am I willing to put up with shedding?

Long Term:

What will happen to the dog should I marry? Am I willing to find a spouse who shares the same animal values I do and who will welcome my dog and me as a unit? What if we have children? Will I be able to take the time to properly prepare my dog for the new addition? What if my job requires moving and travel? Can I fairly keep a dog and am I willing to do what is necessary to keep the dog happy while I am away or make arrangements to bring the dog along?

Golden Years:

Am I willing to make the dog’s senior years comfortable? Carry him up and downs stairs if needed? Put up with senior issues like a leaky bladder? Am I willing to take short walks with him so he feels as if he is still useful even if he can no longer be my jogging partner? I can always jog after our walk while the dog sleeps can’t I? Am I willing not to be selfish? When it is time to say goodbye will send him painlessly and with my arms to comfort him to the Rainbow Bridge? Do I realize it is not fair to ask him to hold on just to hold off on my pain of saying goodbye? Can I be selfless when the time comes?

Am I ready for a dog? And if I am not, am I willing to listen to my brain and NOT my heart? Am I willing to do the right thing and not take on the responsibility of a new life if I am not fully prepared to accept all the work and heartache as well as the fun we can have?

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