| So you've decided it's time your family had a | | | | Very Expensive. And I'm not talking about how |
| dog. Your kids have bugged you for months and | | | | much the breeder charges for the sweet little |
| after seeing how happy your neighbors seem | | | | bundle of slobber either. You'll need to |
| with their wonderful pet you've given in and | | | | budget for puppy vaccinations, licensing, |
| you're ready to go dog shopping. Perhaps you | | | | food, toys, bedding, kennels, flea and tick |
| had a dog as a child, so you know how much | | | | meds, heartworm meds and then if you have to |
| fun dogs can be - right? Well most likely | | | | leave for vacation and haven't a pet sitter, |
| what you've forgotten though is that your mom | | | | then kennel boarding fees. The list goes on |
| or dad were the ones actually caring for the | | | | of course because there's always something. |
| dog. You have lovely warm fuzzy memories of | | | | Long story short, you'll need to add the cost |
| romps in the front yard on sunny afternoons | | | | of caring for your new dog into your family |
| with the Rover of your childhood. Ask your | | | | budget for at least 10-15 years if not |
| parents to go down memory lane with you and | | | | longer, depending on the breed you choose. |
| what you may find out is how much trouble old | | | | |
| Rover really was and that mom had to | | | | Dog Owner Reality #4 - Your Little Puppy |
| continually clean the dog doo off your feet | | | | Could Grow into a Huge DOG. Well, duh, but |
| during those afternoon romps in the yard. | | | | you'd be surprised at how many eager puppy |
| | | | owners fall madly in love with their new |
| As an adult with a family now, you should | | | | adorable little chubby cherub and then 6 |
| take a few minutes to learn some of the | | | | months later wonder what in the world is this |
| important aspects of real dog ownership | | | | 100 lb.monster tracking mud into their |
| before you commit to your first puppy. | | | | kitchen and eating them out of house and |
| | | | home. Where'd the cherub go? He grew into a |
| Dog Owner Reality #1 - Puppies are like human | | | | DOG that's where, and with a little planning |
| babies who poop on the floor. A puppy is like | | | | ahead, you'll know pretty much exactly what |
| a toddler and until you've properly trained | | | | to expect when your dog is grown up. |
| them they require constant looking after and | | | | |
| follow-up. Even after you've housebroken your | | | | Dog Owner Reality #5 - Dogs Love to Run and |
| puppy he'll still need to be supervised | | | | Play - A lot. This could be a bonus or a big |
| unless you want everything in your home to | | | | pain in the hiney depending on your |
| have a nice 'chewed-upon' look to it. | | | | lifestyle. If you're into walking for |
| | | | exercise, then you'll have a ready-made |
| Dog Owner Reality #2 - Without Training a | | | | walking companion in your new dog. If you |
| Puppy Goes Nuts. I remember the dogs of my | | | | have kids, then they too will have built-in |
| childhood. My father would bring home a stray | | | | romping partners. One of the health benefits |
| or a stray would sit on the front porch until | | | | of dog ownership is the increased |
| my Mother gave in and started feeding it; | | | | cardiovascular exercise they can bring to a |
| enough said. These dogs were never trained. | | | | family. Keep in mind however, that you can |
| They barked at everything, dug up the yard | | | | always choose a dog breed that doesn't |
| and chewed up their own dog houses. One dog | | | | require quite as much extra activity if |
| would dig out of the fenced in yard and run | | | | you're not in the position to get out of the |
| in traffic like a wild dog. So, in order to | | | | house daily. Select a dog breed to fit your |
| keep your dog safe from oncoming semi-trucks | | | | activity level and you'll be pleasantly |
| and your yard safe from doggie destruction, | | | | rewarded. |
| you'll need to find puppy classes or at least | | | | |
| purchase a good self-help dog obedience | | | | Now that you've made the decision to bring a |
| training book. Dogs need to be taught what's | | | | dog into your family, you'll find that with |
| expected of them just like your kids do. Oh, | | | | the proper training and planning your new |
| and while you're at it, teach your kids how | | | | companion will bring much joy and happiness |
| to socialize correctly with your new pet. | | | | to your family and create lasting memories |
| | | | for all. |
| Dog Owner Reality #3 - Dogs Are Expensive. | | | | |