To get a dog or not to get a dog?

I have never had a dog and DH has had a dog all of his life. We can't decide if we are ready for one. Last night he bought me Adopting a Pet For Dummies. I'm thinking that means he is ready. lol Any advise?

Re: To get a dog or not to get a dog?

Yes, prepare the heck out of yourselves before you even decide to look at one dog!

Answer all the questions - why do you want a dog? What do you want to do with it? How many hours a day can you dedicate to exercise, play and grooming? How many hours will the dog be alone while you're at work? Will you do what it takes to train them correctly, socialize them? Will you keep this dog regardless if you have children or move to a new home? Do you have money set aside for adoption/purchase fees, training classes, vet bills, possibly spaying/neutering, as well as all the supplies? (for us that totaled over $2000. in the first year alone)

If all those answers are good, then you need to research breeds. Don't base your decision on looks alone. Certain breeds have habits like dominance, needing more than normal exercise, wanting to dig or chase small objects/animals, responding negatively to change, etc. You should know before you go looking for breeds. Then you have to decide age. Puppies are cute but require a LOT of work. As much as you think you know or are prepared, it's even harder than that. Consider that there are breed-specific rescues that have dogs that are coming out of puppy stage or out completely that need homes too.

We are looking to adopt a second dog right now and I have lots of thoughts about the adoption procedure and meeting new dogs, so if you decide to go ahead with it and narrow it down to a breed, let me know and I'll help out with the adoption evaluation part of it.

Message edited 1/9/2010 5:18:14 PM.

Re: To get a dog or not to get a dog?

If you are not sure, you are not ready!!!! It is a 15 year commitment!

Re: To get a dog or not to get a dog?

Thanks for the advice. We are practicing now. My BIL is staying with us and he has a very friendly Pitbull. Time will tell.

Re: To get a dog or not to get a dog?

Just something extra to think about...dogs can cost A LOT of money in vet bills. We bought a very healthy boxer in the summer of 2008 and since then he must have been to the vet at least 15 times. Something is always happening to him and I can't even imagine how much we've spent at the vet. I would imagine at least $3000 - and these weren't even major sickness visits! Once he scratched his eye, had kennel cough, had a strange bump under his chin, loss of hair, etc... There's a lot more "maintenance" involved than just the once a year trip.

With that being said, I have never thought it was possible to love an animal like I love my dog! He's worth every penny!

Re: To get a dog or not to get a dog?

considered your work hours, your plans for the future including children & who will be available to watch the dog if you go away.

DH and I did a lot of research but we love our dog to pieces. It has only made us closer.

Re: To get a dog or not to get a dog?

Posted by AngelaD1031

Just something extra to think about...dogs can cost A LOT of money in vet bills. We bought a very healthy boxer in the summer of 2008 and since then he must have been to the vet at least 15 times. Something is always happening to him and I can't even imagine how much we've spent at the vet. I would imagine at least $3000 - and these weren't even major sickness visits! Once he scratched his eye, had kennel cough, had a strange bump under his chin, loss of hair, etc... There's a lot more "maintenance" involved than just the once a year trip.

With that being said, I have never thought it was possible to love an animal like I love my dog! He's worth every penny!

Re: To get a dog or not to get a dog?

Posted by AngelaD1031

Just something extra to think about...dogs can cost A LOT of money in vet bills. We bought a very healthy boxer in the summer of 2008 and since then he must have been to the vet at least 15 times. Something is always happening to him and I can't even imagine how much we've spent at the vet. I would imagine at least $3000 - and these weren't even major sickness visits! Once he scratched his eye, had kennel cough, had a strange bump under his chin, loss of hair, etc... There's a lot more "maintenance" involved than just the once a year trip.

With that being said, I have never thought it was possible to love an animal like I love my dog! He's worth every penny!