A New Family Pet?

Most people know not to give pets as gifts, but might be considering a new pet for their own household. Perhaps the children have been pleading for a dog, or you finally feel ready after losing a pet. Whatever the reason, it’s important to make sure you’re truly ready. A dog is a big responsibility and should not be acquired impulsively.

To make the decision sensibly, you’ll need input from all family members. Is everyone in agreement? What hours do you work, and who will care for the pet all day? Do you have the time, money and energy to devote to all the pet care tasks, training, and veterinary care? Is your yard fenced? If not, how will you feel about walking the dog in the rain, freezing or hot weather?

Other factors to contemplate include additional vacuuming, patience for dog training, and arrangements when vacationing. Keep in mind, a wise old dog once said "A mother whose children get a dog, gets a dog to take care of"!

If you have made a rational decision to get a dog, consider adopting from a shelter or breed rescue. Contact a pet professional for suitable suggestions. A rescue dog or pup is no more likely to require training than a puppy from a breeder. For breed-specific rescues, visit www.akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm. 

When choosing your actual dog, consider all aspects. For example, if you receive lots of visiting children, don’t select a breed that’s likely to be territorial. When adding a second dog into your home, it’s best to pick a pooch of opposite gender. Last but not least, keep in mind that if you’ve recently "gotten rid of" a dog, a new one is not going to be magically better.

Whether you decide to get a dog now, or determine it would be better to wait, a responsible decision will be the best choice for your family!