Considering a dog? Here are some questions to ask yourself!
How long have you been thinking about it, what are the main reasons you want a dog and have you considered the consequences from all angles?
Has the decision to take a dog on been thought out and discussed with all members of the family and do they know and agree to what they are letting themselves in for? A dog is for life, not just for the period he is new or a cute little puppy! This could be as long as 16 years!
Is there someone at home all day and is that person prepared to become the chief trainer for the most important first few months?
A dog should NEVER be taken on as a present for somebody without their full knowledge and agreement.
If you already have a pet of any description, have you considered how the two might get on?
Do you understand that tricks played by the puppy at 9 weeks old can be very funny, but that at 9 months plus can be unbearable?
Where will the dog eat, sleep and drink? Where will it travel in the car?
Where will it be expected to do its business, both outside and inside the house; how will it know when to expect it to do its business and how will you recognise the need?
Do you really know how much and what type of food your dogs breed/weight/lifestyle demands?
Can you organise yourself around the dog's meal times, sleep times, playtimes and left alone periods?
How will you prevent it from running up and down the stairs or jumping on and off the furniture?
How will the rest of the family especially the children, treat the dog? Are the children old enough and mature enough to treat the dog with respect?
Do you have an agreed strategy for discouraging unwanted behaviour such as the demolition of furniture, doors, carpets, plants and personal items left around which look very chewable?
What is your attitude to: dogs begging at the table, treats and titbits, howling when left alone, aggressive behaviour or timidity?
Where do you intend to exercise the dog both on and off the lead and can you afford it enough of your time?
Do you have time to arrange socialising with other people and animals, visits to the vet etc?
Have you an area in your house where the dog can call its own territory for the SHORT periods it has to be left on its own? Is it an area where it can do no damage to itself or to any of your valuables?
Do you appreciate that the addition of a dog to your household could drastically change your lifestyle?
It is sad and disappointing that so many dogs are loved to begin with, then abandoned, off-loaded onto Rescue Societies and may even have to be put down simply because the new owners have not thought about their responsibilities in enough depth, or have failed to introduce enough of the right training from an early age.
If you can honestly say you have taken all of the above into account you may then carry on further and look for the dog of your choice. All things considered, a dog should be viewed as a valued addition to your life; a companion, friend and playmate all rolled into one!
DO YOU KNOW?
WHY YOU SHOULD NEVER GIVE A DOG ........
Vitamins intended for humans
Chocolate or anything containing cocoa solids
Grapes
Tea
HOW TO IDENTIFY PROBLEMS WITH YOUR DOG LIKE .....
Epilepsy
Diabetes
Poisoning
Dehydration
WHEN TO .......
Worm and administer Frontline to your dog
Change its Scalibor/flea collar
Clip your dog or cut its claws
Anticipate your dog coming into season or, if its male, how that might affect him
Why micro-chipping and sterilisation of your dog must be viewed as a necessity?
For more information regarding animal welfare, volunteering, donations, offering a foster/permanent home to a stray/unwanted/injured animal, please contact us:
