Whether you want a lab, terrier, Australian shepherd, or a poodle, you will discover that you need to figure out if you are ready for the responsibility! A dog requires a great deal of time, care and investment, and you should only get one if you can provide all three. Consider some of the following and decide if you are ready for a dog.
Time
Dogs require time, and though some require less than others, they all need it to some degree. Make sure to do some research on breeds and their character traits. Some are more high maintenance and attention needing than others. Don't get a puppy just for the novelty of having puppy. Dogs grow up and from the time they are puppies to old age, they need and deserve the same amount of attention regardless of whether or not they are a puppy.
Regular Schedule
A regular schedule is something that is ideal for most dogs. If you are on a regular schedule, your doggy will know what is going on, and in turn, that will make them a great deal calmer about what is going on in their lives. Do you have a schedule that suits the breed that you are considering? If you are out of town all the time, you may not want to get one until you can be home more often.
Costs
Most vets say that dog owners or future dog owners need to consider the cost for caring for your furry four legged friends. Vet costs are by far the most expensive, but in addition to that, remember there is still food, leashes, toys, grooming etc.. Are you ready to shoulder the cost? There are several places on line you can look for average monthly or even yearly costs for the dog breed you're considering.
Children
Do you have children in the home, and if so, how will that affect your ability to have a dog? There are some breeds that do really well with kids and others that don't. Some dogs just don't adjust well to newborns but are fine with older kids. It just depends, so make sure you look into it before you go out and get a dog.
Home
Is your home ready for a dog? For example, if you live in a tiny city apartment, you may find that you are not suited for having an Australian cattle dog, which is known for its bright spirits and boundless energy. If your home is full of delicate things, you may want to think about how you are going to deal with a bouncy high-spirited puppy!
Consider all these things and you can be assured that both you and man’s best friend will be much happier!
