Before purchasing a dog for a pet you must make a sincere, thoughtful commitment. Try to match your desires to the needs of the dog.

Before you start your search for a new dog there are the following 18 things to consider.

1. Obligation and Dedication:

Owning a dog requires a long-term commitment. Adopting a dog on impulse often ends in disaster. Dogs don't make very good birthday or Christmas presents. The decision to acquire a dog should be discussed with all family members.

2. Time:

Do you have the time to spend with a pet Unfortunately, this is not thought out and frequently overlooked, especially when there are young children in the family. Puppies and dogs need adult supervision and a five or six year old child is too young to responsibly care for them. Do you have time to train a dog? Taking time to train your dog is an obligation that must fit into your daily schedule. If you can't spare the time in training, playing, and exercising a dog maybe, you should re-consider acquiring a dog.

3. Facilities:

Do you have a large enough space for a dog? An outdoor dog needs at least a fenced in yard and a warm, dry doghouse. Do you have the space needed for keeping a dog inside?

4. Cost:

Can you financially bear the cost of a dog? Not only the cost of purchasing a dog should be considered but the cost of routine health care, veterinary fees for annual vaccinations, food, dishes, leashes, collars, beds, toys, etc.

5. Patience:

Owning a dog is a labor of love, but it takes ample patience and persistence in raising one. Having a hot, quick temper that flares up repeatedly isn't compatible with owning a dog.

6. Training:

You must give your dog at least some basic training (either by you or a professional trainer) on behavior and manner or he will be a liability rather than an asset. House-breaking, collar and leash control, obedience is necessary training. Without proper training your dog will be a nuisance and an embarrassment to you.

7. Puppy or Adult Dog?

Depending on your financial situation, the age of children in the home, and the amount of time you can dedicate to training a dog.

Adult: Adult dogs have reached their full size, coloration, and coat so usually what you see is what you get. Their personalities are already established, however many of their learned behavioral manners can be changed. Adjusting to a new family and environment can be traumatic to older dogs.

6 things to consider when acquiring and adult dog.

I: Adult dogs most likely have had their vaccination shots, although they may need boosters.

II: Spaying or neutering probably has been done, which will cut down on your expenses.

III: With an outdoor dog thats fully grown, you have a good idea what type of fencing and the size of the doghouse you will need.

IV: Inside adult dogs are likely to be housebroken with adequate manners.

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