4 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Get a Dog or Puppy

So, you want a dog. But that's like saying you want a marriage partner. You wouldn't just pick up any person to marry on impulse, would you? (Well, not if you want the marriage to last). Unlike a divorced partner, your canine partner is in big trouble if he or she can't get along with you. The Humane Society of the United States estimates that 50% of all dogs that enter shelters are euthanized. If you ask yourself these four questions before you get a dog or puppy, then chances are high that your canine will not wind up in a shelter because the two of you could not get along.

Do You Have Any Experience With Dogs?

Dogs are great but they are unlike any other creature on the planet. They are not people in dog suits. They are also not really big guinea pigs, small horses or another type of cat. You can't expect a dog to behave, smell or think like anything else other than a dog. This is why having past experience with a dog is really important. Otherwise, expect a big learning curve and to look like an idiot for a couple of years.

For your first dog, consider an adult dog rather than the crazy bundle of energy that is a puppy. Don't shy away from senior dogs or those with grey muzzles. They can be full of controlled feistiness, but are mature enough not to cause a lot of destruction. Senior dogs can be great teachers. This writer's first dog, Rusty, was estimated to be 16 at the time I adopted him. He only lived another six months, but what quality six months they were for both Rusty and me.

How Often Are You At Home?

This is a really important question. Take all of the time you need in order to answer this question truthfully. Although a dog sleeps an average of 12 hours a day, they need contact with others during the other 12 hours. Unlike fish, hamsters or even reptiles, dogs have to have some sort of companionship for a good chunk of the day.

This is because dogs evolved as pack animals. In the mind of a dog, there is always safety in numbers. To be alone is to be exposed to all of the horrors of the world. Being alone for long stretches at a time can shatter a dog's nerves and make them do really annoying behaviors like howling for hours, digging hole in your flooring and chewing up the house.

What Do You Want From A Dog?

Sit down right now and write a list of all of the qualities your ideal dog has. Include how big you want the dog to be, how often you want to brush the dog, if you want the dog to guard the house, if you want the dog to play fetch with in the yard anything that comes to mind, except color. A good dog is never a bad color.

And then go to your local animal shelter or, if you are sure of what type or breed of dog you want, contact the appropriate breed rescue. There are also dog rescues for certain sizes of dogs, special needs dogs or older dogs. Also check with your veterinarian, who would best know about any unwanted dogs or puppies in his or her practice. Never get a puppy from a pet store or an Internet site as usually these are just fronts for inhumane puppy mills.

Do You Need a Specific Breed?

But perhaps you want a specific breed that meets certain needs, such as Bo the Portuguese water dog for President Barak Obama's family. If you do decide to go with a breeder, see if the breeder spays the females after a few litters and will let you meet his or her dogs. Don't be afraid to ask for references or to snoop at the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been recently lodged with that breeder. Please research about your chosen breed BEFORE laying any money down.

Getting a dog is a big decision. Dogs take time, money and commitment. They need proper food, shelter, health care, regular exercise and, depending on where you live, a license. If you can't commit to that, please do not get a dog. But if you are willing, the dog will wind up paying you back in ways that can't be put in a bank. You'll discover really quickly that a dog is much better than a person when it comes to being a true friend.

References



"ASPCA Complete Guide to Dogs." Sheldon L. Gerstenfeld, VMD. Chronicle Books; 1999.



"KISS Guide to Raising a Puppy." Liz Palika. Dorling-Kindersley Ltd; 2002.



Humane Society of the United States: "HSUS Pet Overpopulation Estimates." November 23, 2009. http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/pet_overpopulation/facts/overpopulation_estimates.html



"In Praise of Senior Dogs." Tom Cushing. The Bark. Feb/March 2011. http://www.thebark.com/content/praise-senior-dogs



Author's personal experience.