Before I get to the bad things to consider before buying a dog, there is one thing I absolutely have to say and that is that I wouldn't swop my dog for anything and he outweighs every single one of the 'downsides' I will go on to list. (Incidentally what better day to write it than on his (2nd) ... Read review
...go on to list. (Incidentally what better day to write it than on his (2nd) birthday! he got a pheasant and a bag of bones in case you wondered ;) )
It goes without saying of course that these are using the example of me and my dog and bigger/smaller dogs would have different requirements.
Firstly and arguably most importantly - Cost
Don't underestimate the amount it will cost to own a dog. Aside from the ... ...pedigree Cocker Spaniel), there are the accessories that he will need ie bowls, leads, collars, toys, blankets, towels, cage for when hes a puppy or travelling, car safety (bars or as I prefer a dog-harness-seatbelt arrangement). On top of these starter items there are the 'running costs' - food (I spend around £7 a week on dog food), vets bills (immunisation, illness, injury *see insurance*), treats, new toys for when the old ones are chewed. more
Before I get to the bad things to consider before buying a dog, there is one thing I absolutely have to say and that is that I wouldn't swop my dog for anything and he outweighs every single one of the 'downsides' I will go on to list. (Incidentally what better day to write it than on his (2nd) birthday! he got a pheasant and a bag of bones in case you wondered ;) )
It goes without saying of course that these are using the example of me and my dog and bigger/smaller dogs would have different requirements.
Firstly and arguably most importantly - Cost
Don't underestimate the amount it will cost to own a dog. Aside from the initial outlay in purchasing a dog (aroung £500 for a pedigree Cocker Spaniel), there are the accessories that he will need ie bowls, leads, collars, toys, blankets, towels, cage for when hes a puppy or travelling, car safety (bars or as I prefer a dog-harness-seatbelt arrangement). On top of these starter items there are the 'running costs' - food (I spend around £7 a week on dog food), vets bills (immunisation, illness, injury *see insurance*), treats, new toys for when the old ones are chewed.
Insurance -------------
This is something I would recommend without hesitation to anyone considering buying a dog, when my dog contracted pneumonia and had to go to hospital it saved us over £400 so our premiums (£12.99) will be paid for for around 4yrs. Some puppies come with 6wks free cover at petplan but we chose to go with morethan.
Finding a house if renting ----------------------------------
Whilst on the subject of costs one thing we have found whilst moving to a new rented house was that the options are very very limited if you have a pet particularly a dog. If you have a big dog I would imagine it would be even harder to find somewhere that would have you. As it is if you wanted to live in rented accommodation and they did accept pets, they will expect you to pay an extra deposit, obviously in case dog eats furniture/floors/walls!
Moving away from costs...
Being Tied Down ------------------------
When you have a dog you can't (or shouldn't) just walk out without thinking of them. You need to consider the fact that it just isn't fair to leave them for long stretches by themselves, firstly they will be sad and secondly boredom leads to destructive habits in some dogs. You will also probably need a good enclosed area to leave them in without things they can chew/damage/hurt themselves. The same applies to holidays, you either have to think of the costs of putting them in kennels (not something I could do without a heavy heart) or the extra research to find 'dog friendly' establishments - though there are guides listing these to make it easier.
Responsibility --------------------
Carrying on from above, it sounds so cliched but ownership of a dog comes with resposibilities. At the end of the day you bought the dog now you are responsible for its happiness and general wellbeing. Responsibility also comes in responsible dog ownership such as; poop scooping so as to not leave parks etc unpleasant for other people; keeping control of your dog, teaching them to come when called for example and keeping them on a lead when instructed or when around cattle. It is your responsibility to train your dog and this takes time and patience, it breaks my heart to say dogs in a nice open field on a tight lead because they either would run off and not come back or because they would attack other dogs.
Cleaning! -------------
My advice - buy a dyson! I have had to invest in one as somehow dog hair will get everywhere and anywhere. There are also the muddy footprints over newly mopped floors, any 'accidents' or sick from puppyhood or ill dogs and just general doggy dirt they like to cover your house in.
Children/Other pets ----------------------------
An important consideration is whether you have any other pets or young children that might be offended by the presence of a dog. Too boisterous a dog might frighten your children and too boisterous children might frighten your dog! Many dogs that are taken into dog homes are there because they didn't get on with the existing family setup and this is a very real consideration both for the type of dog and indeed getting one at all*.
Coping with illness/loss ---------------------------------
As well as the practical there are the emotional considerations when thinking of getting a dog. You should prepare yourself for the fact that unless some miracle of science happens you will have to let them go at some point. As I write this I feel rather a hypocrite as I have made my dog swear that he will never die. He has promised.
Splitting from your partner -----------------------------------
Chances are that you and your partner have both bonded well with your dog so how do you decide who gets the dog if you were to split up. I obviously don't want this to happen to anyone but it does happen and happened to a friend of mine. He was devestated as he was devoted to the girl and the dog and lost them both in one go. I also couldn't help feeling that the dog might've been better with the boy. Tough call.
I can't let you finish there with this negative stance on considering owning a dog. There are many many positives for example:
-The undoubted companionship, loyalty and love a dog will give you. Look after them well and show them love and they will reward you with their unconditional love. From experience they are very capable of getting you through difficult times as they make good listeners and won't interrupt unless they can't help themselves and lick you of course.
-Exercise, I always felt a little bit odd walking about for no reason but have a dog and you have a purpose, a reason to be out and about. A couple of walks a day can't be bad for your health (although if you don't like cold and wet - tough!).
-Meeting people, I have found it very strange but people who would normally look away or down to the ground will come over to you and chat if you have a dog with you. You will find yourself discussing dog training tips in the park with other dog owners, comparing stories etc. It also helps if you have a really cute puppy - they won't be able to resist coming to say hello (to the dog, then you).
-Health - research says that pet owners have better health, partly due to the exercise and partly due to lower blood pressure from relaxing stroking your dog. So after a hard days work would you like to come home to a dog?
As I said at the beginning, the small sacrifices you might have to make to own a dog and by far and away outwieghed by the positives and personally I would not swop my dog for anything. At the end of the day though it is down to you and whether a dog is right for you, in your circumstances.
If you are considering buying a dog, and you wanted to ask anything please feel free, im no expert but will try my best :)
*Although I mentioned above that many dogs are rehomed for the fact that they don't get on with existing family, this doesn't mean you shouldn't consider getting a dog from there if you wished. After all some are just unfortunate ones who were abandoned and just need love. Or you might not have children and could cope with a boisterous dog, who knows. Definitely an option when thinking of getting a dog
Advantages: a great addition to the family, lots of fun years Disadvantages: if you dont know what you are doing, things can go wrong
...training class? BREED
What type of breed of dog are you looking for? Perhaps a crossbreed (a dog that is of more that one breed of dog) A good understanding of the breed of dog you are thinking of getting will help you work out the expected temperament and disposition of the dog.
EG: What was the dog actually bred to do? Herding, guarding etc The dog needs to happily fit into your home and lifestyle.
SIZE GIANT BREEDS (Newfoundland, Burnese Mountain ... ...rescue centre.
COAT TYPE
What type of coat should your dog have? Long or short coat, does it have to be professionally clipped?
COSTS
The financial implications of owning a dog are huge!
First there's the cost of purchasing the dog itself which can be anything from £100 to £1000's.
- Vaccinations, once a year around £40.
- Then there's pet insurance around £10 a month.
- Dog training classes around £5 a session.
- Future cost of neutering ...
rosehall 16.02.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of What You Need To Consider Before Buying A Dog
Advantages: company & friendship, exercise, fun..almost everything Disadvantages: vet bills..
...you need to deciede on what breed you would like. Look at books and websites and ask other dog owners about different breeds before you choose one yourself, that way you can get to know as much information as possible on your chosen breed before you get it! Far too many dogs end up in rescue shelters after owners make the wrong decision and cannot cope with the dog.
If you get a puppy you will then have to pay for its two primary vaccatinations ... ...Below is a list of what they need and roughly how much it costs:
Bed: £30
Blanket: £5
Collar: £5
Lead: £5
I.D Tag: £7
Car Safety (Bars, Crate or Harness): £10+
Stainless Steel Food & Water Bowls: £3 each
Grooming Equipment: £10
That is the VERY BASICS, you also need to take into consideration the costs of feeding (it costs me around £8 a week to feed one large and one small dog on a high quality dry food), flea treatments (£7monthly), worming ...
Star92 11.07.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of What You Need To Consider Before Buying A Dog
Quick review of What You Need To Consider Before Buying A Dog
Dogs are excellent company. expensive to keep and require a lot of time. You spend lots of time moaning at them and they break your heart when they die! That I suppose is why after losing two, we are having another one.. ...
gothmum 14.06.2007
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of What You Need To Consider Before Buying A Dog
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