When it comes to persuading someone to take in a stray or abandoned animal, I am a strong advocate. However, not everyone is cut out for them, especially when one considers getting a dog through the adoption process. The sister of a friend of mine is currently thinking about adopting an Australian Shepherd, which would be a significant commitment owing to the dog’s high level of energy and its other requirements that are more physical in nature. When it comes to deciding whether or not to get a pet as a companion, what are some of the most important factors to take into account?
Before you have a dog as a pet, there are a few things you need to think about first, including the following:
- Are you prepared to manage some additional daily obligations such as feeding, walking, and exercising the dog? Are you prepared to do so?
- When you own a dog, you are responsible for its daily care, which includes feeding it, taking it for walks, and giving it other forms of exercise. In addition to this, you will be responsible for giving the dog a place to sleep, which can be a crate or a dog bed, and taking the dog to the veterinarian for checkups on a regular basis to ensure that it remains in good health. Last but not least, you will need to put in some effort to teach and socialize your dog so that it is well-mannered and able to conduct itself appropriately while interacting with other people and animals.
- Would a dog be able to fit comfortably in both your house and your yard? *When you have a dog, you are responsible for providing it with a place to sleep and eat in your home, as well as a fenced-in yard or other area outside where it can run around and relieve itself. You will be required to walk the dog on a leash multiple times a day if you live in a residential building such as an apartment or condominium.
- Would you mind if there was a little bit of extra noise and activity levels in your home?
- Dogs, particularly when they are younger, have a tendency to make a fair amount of noise. They are likely to make noise whenever they are frightened, bored, or enthusiastic. In addition to this, when they are left alone, they could whimper or howl.
- Do you suffer from any kind of dog allergies?
- If you suffer from a dog allergy, being near dogs may cause you to experience a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, itchy skin, and difficulty breathing.
- Do you have any other pets that might not get along with a new dog? Do you have any other pets that might not get along with a new dog?
- Cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds are some examples of other animals and pets that do not get along well with dogs.
- Are you prepared to handle some additional daily expenses such as food, toys, vet bills, and other miscellaneous costs?
- The purchase price of a dog ranges anywhere from $500 to $1,000 on average. Dog ownership comes with a number of recurring costs, including those for their food, toys, veterinary care, grooming, and boarding.