Considering getting a dog. Any advice?

Hi Merry343,
I'd like to give you one piece of advice...do not take the caring of an animal lightly...My daughters and I have two Pitt Bulls and 4 cats...they are family members and are treated as such. Having an animal is exactly like having children, either you'll be a good parent or you won't...In your case you sound very sincere about your choices and I hope you will take good care of, enjoy, and most of all love your new pet.
There are way too many people out there that don't and it's a seriously sad situation for the doggies, kiddies or whatever kind of pet one gets.
Good luck and please remember that the new addition to your family will be just that, an addition to your family.
Good luck:-)
~G~

Small dogs arnt all there cracked up to be sometimes. They are much needer than a big dog. They tend to have seperation issues. Other than that I dont see why you shouldnt get a dog. Just ask your self a few questions first.
~Do you have enough time during the day to walk the dog for at least half hour a day?
~Do you have the money to get it all its shots and to get it spayed or neutered? (This is very importiant)
~Are you ok with accedents in the house? (Puppys have alot!)
~Are you ok with the pup chewing on things? (Untill you have trained them)
~Small dogs like to bark ALOT..Can you deal with that??
~Do you have the time to spend with them to train them?
~Do you have time to groom them? (long haired dogs need more grooming so they wont get matted)

Just a few things to concider before you get a dog. Whatever you decide I hope it all works out and you get a great companion!!! I have three dogs who Ive had since they were 8 weeks old. Im a stay at home mom so I have plenty of time for them. Ill tell you what its very rewarding to have a companion who loves you no matter what!!!



~May The Kisses Of An Angel Cover And Protect You Always!~ Copper

Getting a dag has been a wonderful dream for quite a long time since i left school and lived with my girl,nearly there years.We both like animals,but as what Merry just said,we dont have any time to share with it.Living with us,the dog will feel lonely and terrilble,in addition,we dont have enough money to buy the expensive food for it,we even cant suuport ourselives.So,getting a dog?two yeas later maybe.

Well it sounds like you have discussed what would happen in case the relationship does not work out, so that is good. It sounds like you are home enough that you can be there for the dog and let it out during the day, and be there enough to train it and spend time with it. So that is good.

Do take in to account that puppies tend to chew a lot the first year, and you will find some things chewed that will make you very upset, but they do grow out of that. But that first year can be rough.

Also be aware that the firt year of a puppies life they will need to go to the vet for vaccinations and such the first year is an expensive one, after that is no big deal, once a year is usually enough unless there is a problem but that first year can be costly. The last years can be very costly too, but that is not something you need to think about or should think about right now.

Personally I found that first year of stress and expense to be very worth it. We had a wonderful dog for 14 years. The first year was rough but we got through it and could not have asked for a better blessing that we had with our dog.

Hi,

It's okay to get a dog or any pet as long as you have the time and money for food or medicines in case they get sick. Just remember they are part of the family and not just a pet;)

Good luck!:)

br,

jamzy

I would say go ahead and get the dog. I have had dogs all of my life and can't imagine not having one. Yes sometimes they can cost a lot. Right now I have a Pit Bull mix and she has had two surgerys but even if I knew that before I had her it wouldn't change a thing. Bandit is the best dog I ever had. I rescued her off of the street when she was six months old and was abused. She is now going on 10 and is spoiled rotten. I see you already know the breed you want are you getting her from a breeder or a pet shop. Just a little fyi on Pet shops their puppies tend to come from Puppy Mills. I saw a episode on Dogtown about Puppy Mills and they confirmed that Pet Stores do get them from Puppy mills and do make a lot of money. The sad truth is these puppies do not get the medical attention they need and end up having more medical problems than a healthy puppy. Unless you are going through PetSmart or PetCo who work with lots of dog rescue groups I would advise not getting this puppy at a pet store. Also after you get it please put a lot of thought into getting it fixed. There are a lot of homeless animals out there and if you don't have the time or want to deal with puppies in the future take care of that right away. I hope things work out with you and your boyfriend and enjoy your new baby to the family.

Dogs are very special pets and they can considered part of the family and we have two chihuahuas who are named Cracker and Peanut and they are like part of our family and my parents treat them like their children and I treat them like my b

You seem like a good person and I am relatively sure your boyfriend is as well. If you get this dog are you sure you will have time for it. Walking, training, playing with this animal. It is really much like having a child. I think you should wait until you are both a bit older and not so caught up in your own worlds. I recall I had a very good german sheperd when I was in my early thirties. I had a full time job and went out alot. I didn't have time my child much less an animal.

its always nice to have a pet dog in our home.it will be sometimes give you the feel of having your own child........nice decision to have dog with you merry

I used to have a pet dog but now, for some resons, I have given up at last.

Getting a dog is really an amazing thing indeed if you really like a pet dog. But before you have been ready to get one, it is wise to think twice before you act. At first, you can enjoy a better life with a lovely dog, at least you won't feel lonely any more. But on the other hand, sometimes, you may have to meet some unexpected troubles that caused by your dog.

Have a nice day! Enjoy a better time with your pet.