When we're considering buying a new dog it's important to take into account both what sort of dog would be right for us, and what kind of dog we as owners would suit. This can be difficult, especially when we're faced with a very cute puppy or dog, but the wrong decision now could cause lots of problems later on.
The first major consideration is how much we can afford to spend. This is especially true if we're buying a purebred dog, the prices for which will vary wildly.
The second factor that we must consider is the amount of exercise that our dog will require. While you may have always liked the look of Huskies, are you able to give them the level of regular exercise that they need. When considering such factors, an understanding of the history of the breed concerned will be helpful.
The majority of what we'd normally consider working dogs were bred so that they could carry out their duties for a long period of time. It's therefore no surprise that breeds such as Collies require a lot of physical exercise. They also benefit from being given mental stimulation to match the level that would be required to herd livestock for long periods of the day. Here it pays to be honest with yourself. Are you prepared to commit to exercising your dog the amount it needs, throughout the year, come rain or shine?
Is your house, garden or yard big enough for the dog of your dreams?
Again, this may seem obvious, but you only have to see the news reports on city apartment owners who think its fine to live with six foot crocodiles to realise that everyone doesn't always think things through. Be realistic with your own situation, and adapt your choice of dog accordingly.
Daily Care Of Your Dog
All dogs require an investment of your time and effort. Some dog breeds will however be more demanding than others. If for instance you've always dreamed of owning an Afghan Hound or a similarly long haired breed, are you prepared to spend the hours per week grooming your dog that will be required?
Running Costs
The first obvious running cost for your dog will be its food. I'm sure you'll realise that the weekly cost of feeding a small breed dog such as a Chihuahua will be a lot less than say a German Shepherd dog. Make sure however that you budget for other costs such as vet bills, equipment such as collars, toys, dog crates etc when buying a new dog. No-one wants to have to give up their loved family pet because they can no longer afford to keep it.
To summarise, before choosing your dog make sure that you take into account:
1) The cost of your new dog, especially if you're determined to buy a purebred dog.
2) Is your home, garden or yard fit for your dog?
3) How much exercise will your dog need 365 days of the year?
4) Are you prepared to spend time and effort each day looking after and training your dog?
5) Check your bank balance - can you afford the weekly costs in keeping your dog in the manner that he or she deserves?
As long as you understand and consider these factors you'll be able to approach buying your new dog with a more realistic understanding of the costs in terms of money, time and effort that looking after your new family member will involve.
After that you can get on with the fun of building a great relationship with your dog and enjoying all the benefits that come from responsible dog ownership.
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