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Are You Ready for a Dog?
What do you think about when you picture your
life with a dog? Games of fetch in the backyard, long walks in the country,
lazy afternoons snuggled together on the couch? Maybe you want a friend for
your children, a guardian for your home, or an athlete to train for and
compete. Or maybe you just like the idea of sharing your life with a devoted
companion animal. A dog can be all those things, and more.
But before you bring a dog home, you also
need to picture this: Veterinarian bills for routine vaccinations, checkups,
illnesses and injuries. Housetraining, and the accidents that happen before
training is complete. Losing your best shoes to chewing and your best
rosebush to digging. Barking when you’re trying to sleep, begging when
you’re trying to eat. Dogs do all these things too, and unless you’re
prepared for that reality, you’re not ready for a dog.
Remember that owning a dog is a lifelong
commitment with a variety of responsibilities; if you cannot meet those
responsibilities, neither you or your dog will be happy. Consider the
following list carefully, and honestly evaluate your lifestyle, your home,
and your pocketbook before you decide that you really want a dog.
| Food |
In addition to your dog's
meals, you'll want to supply occasional healthy treats. You may need to
feed a special diet for puppies, allergies, weight management,
illnesses, older dogs. You'll need to train your dog not to beg for
people food, and your family not to give in to those pleading puppy
eyes. |
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| Shelter |
You'll need a crate or
other confined area to protect the dog and your belongings at night or
when you're away. You'll want to keep a supply of carpet cleaner on
hand, and provide a bed or mat. Gates to keep the dog out of certain
rooms can also be helpful.
You may want to fence in your backyard to
provide a safe play area. They will need a sheltered spot so they can
stay out of the heat in summer, the cold in winter, and the rain. You'll
need to install creative fencing to protect your garden, and to protect
your dog from toxic plants. You'll need a pooper-scooper to keep your
yard clean. |
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| Water |
Fresh water must be
available at all times. |
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Exercise |
Your dog will need a couple
of daily walks or romps in the yard. You'll have to provide a leash, a
pooper-scooper, and balls or flying discs to play with. You'll need an
umbrella, and dog sweaters or booties for small or delicate dogs in
inclement weather. |
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Training |
Housetraining is first. A
crate is useful, but stock up on carpet cleaner and deodorizer and some
puppy training pads. Teaching basic
good manners requires time and dedication. You may want to join a Puppy
class. Advanced classes or behavioral training may be required for more
difficult or spirited dogs.
You must be prepared to control your
dog's behavior at home, with guests, in the park, around the
neighborhood, at the vet's office--at all times. |
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| Health
Care |
Your dog will need regular
checkups, vaccinations and dental care. You must also be prepared to
care for your dog during illnesses or after accidents--such as a sprain,
a torn paw pad, consumption of a stuffed animal, or poisoning. Some dogs
develop chronic diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, or hip dysplasia;
older dogs also require additional care. You may want to look into
buying health insurance for your pet. |
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Grooming |
You'll need equipment such
as a tub, brush, comb, shaver or nail clippers. Dogs with profuse or
sculpted coats may require professional grooming. |
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| Play |
You can give your dog safe
stuffed and rubber toys, bones, balls and other chewies. You'll need to
train the dog to distinguish its toys from your possessions. |
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Companionship |
Your dog needs your
attention when you're home, and a secure place to stay when you're away.
Some dogs require training to alleviate
separation anxiety in their owner's absence.
You'll need a pet-sitter or a good
boarding kennel if you go away for an extended period of time. |
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Forgiveness |
Your dog won't apologize
for having housetraining accidents, for digging, for barking, for
chewing--for being a dog. You'll have to forgive him his "mistakes"
anyway. |
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Devotion |
Don't worry. You'll get it
all back. |
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