There are many questions to ask yourself if you are thinking about adding a dog to your household. You will be making a commitment of many years and the decision should not be taken lightly. Shelters are full of abandoned dogs that were acquired without much thought given to the household’s lifestyle and the dog’s suitability to the situation. Just because it is cute (aren’t all puppies?) or you had one as a child does not mean that dog is the right match for you.

WHY DO YOU WANT A DOG?
Are you looking for a dog to hike and jog and enjoy the great outdoors with you? Or are you looking for a pet that will be content to curl up in your lap or at your feet? Are you ready to share your home with an inside pet? Keep in mind that dogs are social animals and they like to be with their families. Keeping a dog isolated in the yard will inevitably lead to behavioral problems due to boredom, frustration or the dog escaping to fulfill the need for interaction with other people or dogs.

IF YOU GET A PUPPY, DO YOU HAVE THE TIME NEEDED TO SOCIALIZE, HOUSETRAIN, AND TEACH BASIC MANNERS?
Puppies are great fun, but they are a lot of work. Good dogs do not just happen. What a dog considers appropriate behavior and what you consider appropriate behavior will usually be quite different. The main reason most dogs are abandoned to shelters is behavior problems. With patient, gentle guidance, your puppy can learn the rules of the household. Puppy classes are a great way for your puppy to socialize with other puppies and people. And they are a great place for you and your family to learn how to train your puppy to be your lifelong companion. It is important to remember that some behaviors may be cute in a little puppy, but they will not be so cute in a mature dog so start training early.

DO YOU WANT TO GET AN ADULT DOG?
There are many wonderful adult dogs looking for a good home. Find out as much information as you can about why they are needing a new home. Remember that there will be an adjustment period for your new dog. There are sometimes behavior issues that need to be worked on and obedience classes can be very helpful. Some of the sweetest, best-mannered dogs we see have been rescues. Some of them are even working as therapy dogs.

HOW MUCH ROOM DO YOU HAVE IN YOUR HOME?
The size and energy level of the dog are important considerations. A small, high-energy dog may need more room than a large, easy-going dog.

DO YOU HAVE ACCESS TO EXERCISE AREAS? TIME TO WALK YOUR DOG?
All dogs need to be exercised regularly. For some, going for walks will suffice. For most, however, it is best if they have access to a secure, enclosed area with a chance to run now and then.

HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU HAVE TO PLAY AND INTERACT WITH A DOG?
Dogs are social animals – they need your attention. If you do not spend time fulfilling the dog’s need for time with you and others, your dog will look for ways to get your attention. Destructive behaviors can be the result. For your dog, even negative interactions with you may seem better than none. A dog needs to feel like a valued member of the family.

FOR HOW MUCH OF THE DAY WILL YOUR DOG BE LEFT ALONE?
If your dog is home alone all day, will you have time after work to spend with your dog? Remember, your dog is a social animal and needs to spend time with you.

DO YOU HAVE TIME FOR GROOMING OR ARE YOU WILLING TO BUDGET FOR IT?
Depending on the dog’s coat, grooming can range from weekly to daily brushing to professional grooming on a regular basis.

HOW MUCH CAN YOU FINANCIALLY MANAGE WITH A DOG?
The initial cost of acquiring a dog is just the beginning. The way to assure a long and healthy life is with regular exams and preventive care. This includes, yearly physical exams, vaccinations, labwork, heartworm prevention, flea and tick prevention, and dental care. Feeding a quality dog food appropriate to the lifestage of your pet ensures good nutrition. Keep in mind that the larger the dog, the higher the expenditures will be on some items such as food and medications. Then, there are the miscellaneous items, such as, bowls, collar, leash, id tag, bed, chew toys, etc. If you travel without your pet, boarding costs must be considered.

DO YOU ALREADY HAVE A PET IN THE HOUSE?
Bringing in a new dog will require a period of adjustment with current pet residents. Will your current pets accept a new dog? If you are thinking about adding a new dog to correct another dog’s behavior problems, this may not be a good idea. It is important to address the current dog’s behavior and deal with that before adding another pet.

DOES ANYONE IN THE FAMILY HAVE ALLERGIES?
This does not necessarily rule out having a dog, but there are special considerations. Some breeds may cause less allergy reactions. There are ways to limit exposure to allergens from the dog. It just takes some extra planning and training.

You may decide after asking yourself these questions that having a dog share your life is not the right choice to make right now. You are to be commended for giving the decision thoughtful consideration.

If you are ready for a dog in your life now then you have decided that you are willing to take on the pleasures and responsibilities necessary for a long-term commitment. You are making the choice to be fully responsible for the life of another living creature that will depend on you to provide all that is needed for a long, healthy and happy life.

Now it is time to look for the dog that is best suited to your lifestyle.