Are You Ready For A Dog?

So you are contemplating getting a pet. You’ve looked at all of your options- small furry animals such as hamsters or ferrets, a cat, a horse, and even a llama. And you’ve decided that your companion animal of choice will be a dog. You’ve begun to look at breed types and doing homework about what type of dog would best suit your family and lifestyle. Great- now for the harder questions: are you ready to bring a dog into your family?
When you picture your life with a dog, what comes to mind?  Games of fetch in the backyard, long walks in the park, lazy afternoons snuggled together on the couch, warm wet puppy kisses when he greets you after a long day at work? Maybe you want a friend for your children or a guardian for your home. A dog can be all these things, and more.
But a realistic picture of your life with a dog will also include seeing yourself paying for veterinarian bills for routine vaccinations, checkups, illnesses and injuries. Completing the housetraining process and the accidents that happen before training is complete. Perhaps your picture should also include losing your best shoes to chewing, your best rosebush to digging, barking when you're trying to sleep, and begging when you're trying to eat. Dogs do all these things too, and unless you're prepared for that reality, you're not ready for a dog. Many of these behaviors can be resolved with consistent training and education to encourage your dog to develop into a model canine good citizen but that also requires effort and dedication on your part.
Owning a dog is a lifelong commitment that comes with countless benefits but like anything worthwhile, it also brings a new set of responsibilities; if you cannot meet those responsibilities, neither you or your dog will be happy. An honest evaluation of your lifestyle, home and family, and your pocketbook should be considered before you make a final decision to commit to a pet. The American Kennel Club provides the following list of factors to consider carefully before you accept the responsibilities that accompany pet ownership:
Food - In addition to your dog's meals, you'll want to supply occasional healthy treats. You may need to feed a special diet for puppies, allergies, weight management, illnesses, or older dogs. You'll need to train your dog not to beg for people food; and your family not to give in to those pleading puppy eyes.
Shelter- For indoor dogs, you'll need a crate or other confined area to protect the dog and your belongings at night or when you're away. You'll want to keep a supply of carpet cleaner on hand, and provide a bed or mat. Gates to keep the dog out of certain rooms can also be helpful. 
Outdoor dogs must have a fenced yard or kennel run. They will need a sheltered spot so they can stay out of the heat in summer, the cold in winter, and the rain. You'll need to install creative fencing to protect your garden, and to protect the dog from toxic plants. You will probably have to do some obedience training to prevent nuisance barking. You'll need a pooper-scooper to keep your yard clean.
Water- Fresh water must be available at all times.
Exercise- Your dog will need a couple of daily walks or romps in the yard. You'll have to provide a leash, a pooper-scooper, and balls or flying discs to play with.
Training- Housetraining is first. A crate is useful, but also stock up on carpet cleaner and deodorizer.  Teaching basic good manners requires time and dedication. You may want to join a Puppy or Obedience class. Advanced classes or behavioral training may be required for more difficult or spirited dogs. Seek help from an experienced reputable trainer who can structure training around your dog’s particular needs. You must be prepared to control your dog's behavior at home, with guests, in the park, around the neighborhood, at the vet's office--at all times.
Health Care- Your dog will need regular checkups, vaccinations and dental care. You must also be prepared to care for your dog during illnesses or after accidents--such as a sprain, a torn paw pad, consumption of a stuffed animal, or poisoning. Some dogs develop serious illnesses such as cancer or epilepsy; older dogs also require additional care. Remember the best health care plan is one which begins with healthy food choices and regular exercise for your dog.
Grooming- You'll need equipment such as a tub, brush, comb, shaver or nail clippers. All dogs require regular grooming- either by you or a trusted pet professional. Introduce your dog to the process early and he will accept and enjoy it for his lifetime.
Play- You can give your dog safe stuffed and rubber toys, bones, balls and other chewies. You'll need to train the dog to distinguish its toys from your possessions.
Companionship- Your dog needs your attention when you're home, and a secure place to stay when you're away (a crate is a great substitute for a den and most dogs accept it with minimal effort. Some dogs require training to alleviate separation anxiety in their owner's absence. You'll need a petsitter or a good boarding kennel if you go away for an extended period of time. A Doggie Daycare is a great way to meet your dog’s social and companionship needs in a safe environment.
Forgiveness- Your dog won't apologize for having housetraining accidents, for digging, for barking, for chewing—or for being a dog. He is doing what comes naturally most times and it will be up to you to educate him otherwise. You'll have to forgive him his "mistakes" anyway.
Devotion- Don't worry about the time and energy you invest in your new pet- you'll get it all back. In fact, it will most likely return to you tenfold.
Now that you have thoroughly considered all of the aspects to owning a dog, are you ready? If the answer is yes- there is a dog out there somewhere who is waiting to be a part of your family.