How to Decide on the Right Dog!

Having a dog in your life, is a big responsibility. Having a dog is very similar to having kids. They are very sociable but need lots of care and attention. If you have been thinking about adding a dog to your life, you should consider the following factors:

1. Do I have the time it requires?

You need to be able to have the time where you are at home. It's not good to leave a dog by itself. Dogs need to be taken outside once every 6 to 8 hours. Also, many dogs can get bored and lonely. When they are not kept stimulated, they may find themselves chewing things they normally shouldn't.If you live by yourself, you may want to hire a dog walker, especially if you are at the office for long hours. Some of us are lucky and work in places that are dog friendly and may be able to bring the dog in for the day, as long is he or she is well-behaved.


2. What breed type is best for my lifestyle?

A border collie is going to have a much higher activity level than a pug. Do you mind a dog that sheds or do you not want to deal with hair and get a non-shedding breed such as a poodle. How does this dog get along with children?

There are many factors in determining the right breed. On the Internet, there are many dog breed selector sites like Select Smart.


3. Can I afford him?

Nothing is harder than seeing a dog in a shelter or pet shop looking at you with those eyes and hoping to take them home. However, you have to have enough disposable income to raise the dog correctly. Food, shots, medical bills, leashes, training, and other things will factor into the cost. Many dogs don't need much, but to be a responsible dog owner, you should keep those costs in mind.


4. Is it going to be an outside dog or an inside dog?

Some owners want a dog to be outside dog. Others, want their dog inside. If you are going to do both, you want to be sure that the dog you find, is best for either.

Well, I hope this is a good start if you've been on the fence about getting a dog. What are your thoughts on having a dog? Please leave a comment and let me know what you think. Have a great day! Thanks for stopping in.