Five Reasons You Should Not Get a New Dog or Puppy
Are You Ready to Be a Dog Owner?
Some people get dogs with the best of intentions, but often times those dogs end up at a shelter because the owner cannot or will not properly care for it. Owning a dog is a big responsibility, and not something to be done without real forethought. Do the right thing, if any of the five reasons below apply to you; wait until you're ready before becoming a dog owner.
They Are Expensive
Can you afford the dog? Unless you have the money to take care of your dogs vet care needs, shots, flea and heartworm pills, spaying or neutering, buying dog food and treats and shampoo to wash it; you should not own a dog. You are responsible for making sure your dog gets what it needs to be healthy and happy.
If you have other dogs that are aggressive and may injure or kill the newest puppy in your family, you should not have the puppy. Is it fair to your newest addition to be afraid to go outside because a bigger dog may make puppy chow out of it? On the flip side, if you have small children, you need to be careful about what type of dog you add to your family, as some may not do well around kids.
If you don't have the time to properly potty train and exercise your dog, you don't need to have a dog. Dogs need attention, interaction and regular exercise. A dog needs a leader who can love it and train it. It takes patience to properly train a dog.
A dog will usually live 10-15 years. Are you prepared to care for a dog for that long? As a dog gets older, they need more vet care and often times will need meds. Where will you be in 10 years? Remember the long term commitment and consider it before adopting or purchasing a dog.
A dog/puppy is not a toy. If you know you are not truly prepared to own a dog or puppy, don't get one. To get a puppy because it's small and cute is not a good reason. Puppies turn into dogs and they still need love and attention. Too many people end up taking their dogs back to a shelter or simply abandoning them because they got too big to handle.
Related article by Sherri Thornhill:
When To Wash Your Dog
Published by Sherri Thornhill
I am a retired Police Officer and a professional freelance writer. I enjoy writing about a variety of topics. In addition to Yahoo Voices, I write for Examiner.com as the National Generation X Examiner, the... View profile
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11 Comments
Post a CommentBack for a reread as a family member just adopted a dog from a rescue center. The terrier mix is approximately four years old - so far so good in fitting him into the family. We wonder about his history, as the rescue center had needed to remove a bullet from one of his legs, and he seems quite afraid of being left alone. rcj
Good reasoning, Sherri. Sometimes I think it would be nice to have a dog again, but have ruled it out for a number of reasons. rcj
awhhhhh
I agree that dogs should go to people who can take care of them..:) Of course, I know that everyone can love a dog..Thanks, Sherri!
Hmmm..the comment box is having issues. Anyway Bob, I appreciate your thoughts but I stand by my article..if you cannot afford to properly care for a dog, you have no business getting one. How long is the life of a dog who does not get proper shots, does not get fed properly, etc because the owner cannot afford those things?
In response to Bob Wilson's comments: Are you sure you read this article? I can't disagree with you more. If you can't afford to care for a child, you should NOT have one. Yet another liberal with their hand out. Repeat after me, "Personal Responsibility"!
To Bob Wilson- What does being able to afford a "pet" have to do with having or not having children? And in response to your comment "poorer people shouldn't have kids", I agree. If you can't afford to take care of a child you should NOT have one. Yet another liberal with their hand out. Geez.
Nice work Sherri!
Great article! Thanks for sharing :)
Great job Sherri! I wish more people would understand just what goes into being a dog owner. It is a lot of work, responsibility and yes, cost. Not everyone should be a dog parent and it's so sad when people think a dog is just a disposable toy they can get rid of when the dog becomes too much of a hassle. I really wish more people would think before they get a pet. The shelters and rescue groups are full for a reason: ignorance. Sadly more and more dogs are put down each year because of humans' mistakes. Spay and neuter your pets!!! And when the time is right for you to add a furry family member, make sure you do your research and get the right dog for your lifestyle.