Choose a Right Dog

List of Issues to consider in order to Choose the Perfect Dog Breed for You.

Things to Consider before Choosing & Buying a Puppy.

A lot of consideration and thought is required before you select a dog for yourself or the family, such as:

1. Are You Ready for a Life-long Commitment?

Animals are a full time responsibility, just like children. You must be in a stable environment ie. Not renting - because it is rare that rental property owners and body corporates allow pets to live on the premises. Further, should you have to move with work or a relationship split, consider who the primary care giver will become. Moving house is the most common reason for owners to abandon their pets.

2. Can You Afford the Ongoing Costs of Owning a Dog?

The cost to buy a dog ranges from free to a friendly home � up to $10,000. It should be noted, that you will often pay an inflated prices at a pet shop, as compared to a quality dog breeder or rescue center.

As determined by a 1991 survey of costs, the Humane Society of the United States determined the average cost of properly caring for a dog:

Adopting a dog from a shelter $55
First Year vaccinations $200
Each year thereafter $65
Initial Training $50-$100
Each year thereafter $50-$200
Other annual veterinary care $135
Annual feeding $155-$400
Annual toys, grooming supplies $160
Grooming per visit $50
Annual flea and tick care $80
Daily boarding $21-$30

Hence, assuming your pet will live for 10 years, it could cost anywhere between $4,000 - $7,000 for the basics detailed above. The most important point to distinguish here is that the initial cost of the puppy purchase is only a fraction of the total amount the dog will cost over its lifetime.

And don't forget the vet emergency visits which are common over the lifespan of your pet. Everything from broken bones to arthritis � each surprise can cost $400 or more and pet insurance is another cost to consider if you want to cover such surprises.

3. Can You Afford the Time Associated with Owning a Dog.

It can take no time at all in choosing a dog for your family � but how mush time can you afford to spend with your new puppy once you've made the purchase? Depending on the dog breed � there will be different requirements to spend your spare time with you pet. If you don't have any spare time and you intend being the primary care giver, then a new addition to the family may not be the best idea.

Obviously a puppy will need more training, exercise, and general supervision than a trained adult dog will. The first year with any new dog, regardless of age or breed type, will put more demands on the owner than any other time. In general, the Sporting, Herding, Hounds and Terrier breeds will require more time to train and provide daily exercise than will the Working or Toy breeds.

4. Are Your Children Mature / Responsible Enough to Take Care of the Dog?

Often adults will be forced into choosing a dog for their pining child(ren). But, if a child does not understand the responsibility of looking after a dog ( and often they don't), then the adult will end up being the primary care giver. Parents should get child to verbally commit to taking care of the pet. If you know this will be a useless endeavor, the ask yourself whether you are ready to be the dogs primary caregiver, because in all likelihood, your deal with your kids will fail and you will be left holding the can.

5. Is Your Lifestyle Compatible with Owning a Pet?

You need to assess if your living environment is appropriate for and can accommodate a canine companion. For example � if you live alone and work long hours, and enjoy going out for a drink after work. Whose going to let the dog out to pee and take it for a walk. Dog ownership will require sacrifice, often resulting in a lesser amount of spontaneity. Failing to provide sufficient companionship can result in behavior problems brought on by boredom and craving of attention and human contact. If your lifestyle doesn't suit dog ownership, the best solution is to wait awhile � until you settle down and then you can consider adopting a pet. Unless of course you are prepared to change now.

6. Who Will Care for Your Dog while You Are Away on Vacation?

If you own a pet and you are going on vacation, there are 2 simple solutions:
(a) get a friend to care for the animal while you are away, or
(b) pay for a Kennel to feed, groom and exercise your canine.

There are a number of animal friendly accommodation providers to consider as well, but at the end of the day, the care of your pet will require effort and planning in advance.

7. What's Required of a Responsible Dog Owner?

Owning a dog requires a proactive attitude
(a) spayed or neutered
(b) provide good diet
(c) provide medical care when required
(d) annual inoculation
(e) grooming and training
(f) obey leash and licensing laws
(g) use a poop scoop to clean up after your dog

If you can do all this and you think can afford it � then go ahead and choose your dog.

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