| Choosing to have a dog for a pet is a very | | | | |
| important decision. Here are some of the pros | | | | A dog doesn't automatically know what is |
| and cons to look at carefully before making | | | | acceptable and what isn't. Just like a child |
| that decision. | | | | growing up, a dog needs to be taught. So, |
| | | | training will be an important part of your |
| A dog can be a wonderful addition to your | | | | interaction with your pet because having a |
| family and will become a loyal, affectionate, | | | | badly-behaved dog can be a nightmare. Be |
| and faithful companion. That's why it's | | | | prepared to invest both time and money in dog |
| important to choose your new pet carefully. | | | | training. |
| And you must also make the commitment to | | | | |
| conscientiously take care of him, to train | | | | Another consideration in choosing a dog is to |
| him patiently and consistently, and to | | | | decide why you are getting a dog. Is it |
| generally treating him as a cherished member | | | | primarily to have a pet, a watch-dog, a |
| of the family. If you do these things,a dog | | | | guard- dog, or a hunting-dog? If your reason |
| can bring fun and joy, as well as providing a | | | | is one of the last three, you will |
| feeling of security for you and your family. | | | | undoubtedly choose a larger breed dog. But if |
| | | | you are simply looking for a pet, you have a |
| A dog will make changes in your family life | | | | much wider choice. |
| and most likely will, at times, create | | | | |
| problems - what family member doesn't? Be | | | | Dogs range in size from tiny, like a |
| ready to accept the responsibility of caring | | | | Chihuahua, to huge like a Mastiff. Take into |
| for him, each and every day, for many years | | | | consideration, factors like, will your pet be |
| to come. Dogs love attention and need regular | | | | mainly an inside or an outside dog? Do you |
| exercise, so be prepared to spend a good | | | | want a calmer, rather than a very active dog? |
| amount of time with them each day. They also | | | | What size is your house and your yard? How |
| cost money, whether it be for food, vet | | | | old are your children? |
| bills, or other expenses. Sometimes the | | | | |
| expenses can be significant. | | | | Lastly, do you want a pure-breed or a |
| | | | mixed-breed dog? There are advantages and |
| If you have children they will no doubt | | | | disadvantages to each type. |
| pester you to get a dog. They will promise to | | | | |
| help take care of him and maybe this is a | | | | Whether in the end you choose to have a dog |
| good way to teach them responsibility. But | | | | for a pet or not, taking the time to |
| ultimately the care of your pet is going to | | | | carefully think it through will lead you and |
| rest on the shoulders of the adults in the | | | | your family to the best decision for you. |
| household. | | | | |