How To Be A Good Dog Owner

How To Be A Good Dog Owner 

Before making the decision about buying a new dog, here are some points you should consider :-

1. Is someone at home for most of the day ?

A dog, especially a puppy, should not be left on its own for more than a few hours at a time. If you are out at work from 9-5 don't get a dog unless you can make satisfactory arrangements with a friend to let the dog out. Dogs will require some of your time. And when your house training a dog someone does need to be around most of the time.

2. What about holidays ?

It is sad to say that more dogs are destroyed at holiday time than any other. Unless you have a helpful family to look after your dog, be prepared for the expense of boarding kennels. Because of the increase in running costs, reputable kennels now have to make a higher charge - don't forget to book well ahead. Ask your friends what kennel they use for their dog. I like word of mouth when it comes to my dog much better than the yellow pages. And I always ask for a tour of the facilities before I will leave my dog there. If they refuse to show me around my dog doesn't stay there. Its always better to be safe than sorry.

3. Are you prepared for the cost of keeping a dog ?

This includes not only the cost of food, and kennels at holiday time, but also the cost of vaccinations and also possible veterinary fees in case of illness. A dog, like a child, can fall ill quite suddenly and unexpectedly, so be prepared for any eventuality. Take out pet insurance for peace of mind. And always pick out a veterinarian in advance. Again ask other dog owners where they take their dog. I always listen to other people when they talk about their veterinarian. You wouldn't want to go to a doctor with a bad reputation and you shouldn't take your dog to a veterinarian that people say to stay away from.

4. Exercise

To keep healthy and happy, dogs need daily exercise, and this means a good run in a field or park, or a game with a ball, not just a stroll round to the shops on a leash. If you love your dog, be prepared to sacrifice some of your leisure time each day, whatever the weather. If you can't provide this kind of exercise to a dog, consider giving a home to an older dog. Your local shelter  may have just the right one for you. If you want a older dog always consider getting one from your local animal shelter. You may save a dogs life and you just may find a great friend.

5. Family circumstances

Dogs and children usually love each other and get on well, but don't make the mistake of buying a young puppy for a small child. Young children can be very cruel and a puppy may be badly thrown about. Worse still a young pup's bones may easily broken if a child treats it like a toy. Wait until the children are older and a little more responsible. Or consider getting a older dog from a local shelter that is great with children. A older dog may be exactly what you and your children need. In no time at all you may find yourself with a older dog that loves your children as much as you do. And you just may be saving a older dogs life.

6. Grooming.

If you don't have much time to spare, choose a dog with a smooth or wire coat which needs little attention to keep it tidy. Long and curly coated dogs look beautiful, but they need daily grooming to keep them this way. Poodles need regular trimming, as well as grooming, so unless you are able to do this yourself be prepared for extra expense. You should keep in mind that a dog is going to be an extra expense but you just may get a great new friend in return.



Having a dog for a pet and a friend can be a great life changing experience but know that a dog is going to be around a lot longer than that goldfish you flushed down the toilet. So think carefully about the commitment you are thinking about making.