Buying a Dog

Large breeds of dog require around 3 hours of hearty outdoor exercise each day – that’s right, three hours, preferably split between morning and night. That’s a lot of time! Even toy breeds, with their minimized exercise needs, still need a few walks a day and indoor playtime too in order to be healthy and happy. Make sure that your lifestyle will allow for all that extra time – without adequate exercise, unwanted behavior and health problems usually result for your dog.

The vast majority of tragic outcomes for dogs, such as being abandoned at an animal shelter, result from being left alone for too long every day. If you will be away at work for long hours or if you travel regularly, or suspect that a job like that is in your future, please consider a pet other than a dog such as a cat, rat, ferret, or fish. It would be much kinder to you, your neighbors and the dog.

Please, evaluate and recognize the limitations of your schedule before taking on the tremendous long-term responsibility of dog ownership.

Why Do You Want a Dog?

Companionship, participating in sports, protection? You must research the breed or cross-breed in regards to what you want to dog to do. If you want a dog that can be trained for duck hunting a Collie may not be the right breed.

What Length of Hair-Coat Can You Deal With?

Long-coated dogs in movies and commercials are always tangle-free and glossy – but in the real world it’s a lot of work combing and brushing! Some breeds really do require professional grooming, and that should be considered in your expense budget as well as feeding and veterinary care. Also keep in mind that even short-coated breeds shed quite a bit and that means extra housework all year. Generally, dogs require AT LEAST one hour of grooming a week, and that goes up quickly to the breeds needing 30 minutes per day or more to stay decent-looking and healthy.

Failure to groom a long-coated dog can result in hard mats in the coat which can quickly lead to painful, oozing open sores. Grooming is a serious health matter! Long-coated dogs are best suited to experienced dog owners who are well aware of the time commitment involved and who already have the grooming skills and equipment needed.

Do You Have Kids, Or Are You Planning To?

It is essential that you consider this point carefully. Medium sized and nonagressive breeds can coexist well with children – but not always – and frequently the dog is surrendered to the animal shelter because it just doesn’t work out and is too stressful for a growing family.

One adult should be the primary constant caregiver for the dog so that no details are overlooked. Children can eventually be introduced into the pet’s care activities with minor age-appropriate tasks (such as brushing with adult supervision.) Children should never be relied upon for critical pet care duties such as arriving home promptly to let the dog out to relieve himself, feeding, training, discipline, trips to the vet, etc. Those activities are for a responsible adult only – unless you are looking for ways to make your family life miserable.

If you must blend a dog with children in your household, be prepared to consult a respected professional dog behaviorist for the sake of safety and sanity. This can be expensive but it really is worth it – there is too much at stake!

Should You Give a Dog As a Gift?

No! Not clear on that? NO! Never give a dog, or any living creature, as a gift. It’s a recipe for disaster – just ask anyone who works at an animal shelter, where these problems always come home to roost. Get the dog for yourself – and only after you and all family members are educated and the house is ready.