When to Get a Dog?
I waited almost fifty years for my first dog, and it was well worth the wait. Like many other children, I longed for a dog. But we had a lovely Siamese cat that had been our pet since I was a baby and a dog was out of the question. Both my parents had dogs growing up and they knew the amount of work that was required to care for them. That responsibility wasn’t something they were prepared for.
Responsibilities of Dog Ownership
It’s not just feeding and walking. There are the vet bills, dental cleanings, figuring out where to board or care for your dog when you travel, or have long days at work. Dogs, just like the rest of us, get old and start to have health issues. Not all pet insurance policies are alike. If your dog has health issues like thyroid, kidney or Addisons disease, you will spend money monthly to ensure your furry friend is doing okay.
Don’t forget that if you rent your home it must be pet friendly, and anywhere you live in the future needs to be pet friendly too. The issue of renting and having a pet is a very difficult equation for many people. Sadly, it is not uncommon for dogs and cats to be left at the shelter, in the empty home or even turned outside to fend for themselves when people move. Pets, especially dogs, are a very big responsibility!
What Kind Should I Get?
Once you decide that it is the right time to get a furry friend, you have the next task to consider. What type of dog do you want? A purebred pedigreed dog like a Poodle, Labrador, or Cocker Spaniel? A designer dog like a Labradoodle, Golden Doodle, or Maltipoo? Or a wonderful dog from the shelter with no pedigree or price tag but with a lot of love and a need for a home?
All these options are fine depending on what you want. If it were up to me, I would encourage everyone to adopt a shelter dog. There are too many unwanted animals in the shelter, and there is no need to bring more dogs into the world if there are ones here already needing homes. However, if you have severe allergies, really want that crazy (and time-consuming) puppy phase, or just feel you have to have a particular kind of dog, a breeder is a good option.
Next Steps
I will not recommend any particular type of dog or breeder here. However, I will make some observations on what a new dog owner should look for before making a deposit on a dog that is coming from a breeder. First, make sure that the breeder is not a puppy mill. One easy way to eliminate the puppies for money breeders is to pick up the dog directly from the breeder and ask to see the mother of the puppies. Any breeder that refuses that request, in my opinion, is suspect.
For additional help, locate the breed-specific groups on the internet. Look also at breed- specific rehoming organizations as well since they will have dogs looking for a new home that may be a bit older. They can also steer your towards reputable breeders too. Please be wary of anyone selling puppies on Craigslist or Nextdoor. Puppyfinder also has had dogs from disreputable breeders show up too.
Ask the breeders if they do genetic testing of the parents and what traits they try to breed for. You ideally want a dog that is bred for a good temperament and that is free from any genetic health abnormalities. The breeder should also ask you questions too. Someone who takes the time to bring loving animals into this world does not want them going to people who are not capable of caring for them. Lastly, a good breeder should be willing to take their puppies back if the dog does not work with your family or develops a health issue that is not pointed out when purchased.
With all this information, you should be ready to make the decision on getting a dog. When you are ready, a dog will give you a lifetime supply of love, adventure, exercise, and happiness. Getting my two dogs in the second half of my life gave me new friends, new interests and a better understand for why my parents did not want a dog with the lifestyle that they led.
Remember to let me know if you get a dog and what kind of dog you end up getting.
Comments