You know what it's like. You see a cute curly haired puppy in the pet store, with big brown eyes begging for your attention. Next thing you know, you're walking down the pet food aisle at the supermarket buying dinner for your new puppy. It's not hard to get sucked in by a puppy. However, sharing your home with a four-legged friend can be one of life's greatest pleasures.
Adopting a dog is a big decision. Dogs require lots of time, money, and commitment, as they can live from 9 to 15 years, depending on the breed. Owning a dog can be very rewarding, but you must think it through before adopting one.
Things to consider when looking at puppies for adoption
Adopting a dog or puppy from an animal shelter shows that you're a responsible and caring person. But first take a moment to think over these important questions:
Why do you want a dog?
... not many people ask themselves this question. Don't forget that your new dog may be with you for up to 15 years.
Do you have time for a dog?
... you can't ignore your dog just because you're tired or busy. You have to provide food, water, exercise, care, and companionship every day of every year. You can't just "take a day off" if you feel like it. A lot of the dogs in the shelter or rescue are there because their owners didn't realize how much time it took to care for them.
Can you afford a dog?
... the costs of dog ownership can be quite high. Licenses, training classes, spaying and neutering, veterinary care, grooming, toys, food,and other expenses add up quickly.
Are you prepared to deal with special problems that a dog can cause? ... flea infestations, scratched-up furniture, and unexpected medical emergencies are all unfortunate aspects of dog ownership.
Can you have a pet where you live?
... if you rent you may not be allowed to have a puppy or a dog. Find out before you consider looking at puppy's for adoption.
Do you have young children?
... if you have kids under six years old, you might consider waiting a few years before you adopt a dog. Dog ownership requires children who are mature enough to be responsible.
How much room do you have at home?
... the size of the dog is not the only thing to think about here. Some small dogs, such as terriers are very active, and require a great deal of exercise to slow them down, and they often bark at any noise. On the other hand, quite a few big dogs are laid back and just couch potatoes. Before you adopt a dog, do your research. That way, you can be sure you choose a dog who will fit into your particular lifestyle and your living arrangements.
What will you do when you go on vacation?
... you'll either have to rely on your friends and neighbors or have the money to pay for a boarding kennel or pet-sitting service.
Are you prepared to keep and care for the pet for his or her entire lifetime? ... when you adopt a puppy dog, you are making a commitment to care for the animal for his or her lifetime.
Well, that was a long list of questions, however if you take a look through an animal shelter, they will help you understand why you need to answer each of them honestly.
Most of the dog shelter's and dog rescue's homeless animals are puppies and dogs that are the result of irresponsible breedings, or owners who simply could not manage their pet.
Please, please, don't make the same mistake! Think it through before you consider puppies for adoption. Sharing your life with a dog can bring incredible rewards, but only if you're willing to make the necessary commitments of time, money, responsibility, and love, for the life of the dog.
Russell Savige has been breeding and rearing dogs for 18 years. He is the owner of training dog breeds, a website dedicated to the breeding, training and rearing of dogs and puppies. Training dog breeds includes a massive training dog breeds of over 16,750 dog related websites.
executive chauffeured services Bradford .. Madison to Airport carMy dog has fleas. That one statement is enough to... Read More
What is Canine Distemper?Canine distemper is a highly contagios disease... Read More
Choosing a dog is a fun adventure. The search for... Read More
Have you ever held any Westie puppies? These tiny creatures... Read More
Sure, you may be a master of human First Aid.... Read More
Which parrot is right for me? This is a question... Read More
Many people ask the question: "Should we get a purebreed... Read More
Dog obedience training starts even before you get your puppy... Read More
The first thing to do when searching for a lost... Read More
Dogs are descendent of wolves. To study the psychology of... Read More
Whether you are searching for something to say "Happy Birthday"... Read More
Is your dog or cat tormented by ear infections? Do... Read More
Puppies can be so exasperating! They know what we want,... Read More
While excitement and anticipation will be at the top of... Read More
The real apistogramma's come from southern America, they all have... Read More
Carl Icahn, the hostile takeover master who was THE original... Read More
Training Tips for a Happy and Healthy Relationship with Your... Read More
When it comes to the art of giving, a gift... Read More
The West Highland Terrier is a friendly dog, and is... Read More
We all know that good food, a loving home and... Read More
Cryptorchidism is peculiar to male dogs and a condition present... Read More
Mum, dad, can we get a puppy? Its a plea... Read More
It goes without saying that your dog needs suitable nutrition... Read More
It happens all too often. A family or cat friend... Read More
Did you know that there are key health benefits that... Read More
O'Hare Chicago prom limo ..Almost all communities in the U.S. require at least one... Read More
Your dog's health is a very important part of overall... Read More
Find a vet, if possible, who specializes in small animals... Read More
Proper training of your dog should begin when he is... Read More
The main ways a puppy will play with another dog... Read More
For those pet owners who do not know what a... Read More
Moving is about as stressful a time as any in... Read More
With all the companionship and love that our dogs give... Read More
When I had a Toy Poodle, I used a small... Read More
According to the American Humane Society, just 15% of dogs... Read More
The days are getting longer, and if you have a... Read More
Dog training is not rocket science and is not as... Read More
Attempting to train your dog to walk on a leash... Read More
Oscar is kind of a funny name and it fit... Read More
Let's say you've made up your mind on the breed... Read More
Taurine, a water-soluble amino acid, has recently become the topic... Read More
Congratulations on your choice to bring home a West Highland... Read More
Internet Fraud, Classifieds Scams, Abuse and Suspicious Replies are world... Read More
After years of practicing both conventional and holistic medicine for... Read More
Just like children, westie puppies learn through play. Playing games... Read More
Believe it or not boutiques for dogs are everywhere. Nowadays,... Read More
Dog owners, who recognize the early signs and symptoms of... Read More
The 10 Greatest Puppy Training Tips of All Time According... Read More
Even the most dedicated cat lover has little patience with... Read More
Domesticated rabbits are one of the most popular pets, apart... Read More
Pet |