Before You Buy a Dog
Owning a dog has many benefits, but it is
also very important to remember that
it is long-term commitment and responsibility. Dogs are not toys that can
be put
away in a cupboard when you are bored with them. If you are considering
taking
on a puppy, perhaps you should ask yourself these questions first:
COST
Owning a dog can be very expensive and this
should be taken into account
before buying a puppy. Costs to consider are the weekly food bill,
bedding, toys
and other equipment, veterinary care, boarding kennel fees, enrollment
fees for
training classes, grooming/clipping fees.
TIME
Dogs demand a lot of time and attention,
particularly as puppies. You will need
to take your puppy outside hourly. Puppies have very weak bladder control
and
will need to relieve themselves at least twelve time throughout the day.
There is
a fairly set pattern.
YOUR LIFESTYLE
Choose a breed that will suit you and your
lifestyle. The lifespan of a dog is
thirteen years. Are your current circumstances likely to change ? If so,
will
owning a dog be a problem, such as starting a family or going to
another
country ?
Will you be able to devote a lot of time to
your puppy for the first few weeks
when he arrives home ? Are you going to be away from home for long hours
during the day ? If so, it may be unwise to buy a puppy. Do you go away
frequently ? If so, will you be able to take the dog with you ?. Will you
have
time to attend training classes ? Will you be able to take him for at
least one
good walk a day ?
BREED
The next step is to consider what type of
breed will suit you, think about your
lifestyle, size of home, facilities for exercise and time available. Does
your
tenancy or lease hold agreement allow pets ?. Ask about different breeds
at
your local vet or dog training club. As other owners of the breed that you
are
considering, for their advice and opinions. Meet dogs of all ages and both
sexes
of your chosen breed. This will give you an idea of what to expect.
Research the
breed by reading books and gain as much information as possible. When you
have made your choice of breed, contact the breed club secretary through
the
local Spanish Kennel Club (Tel 2290237 Manuel) Insist on seeing the
mother
and if possible the father with the puppies. You should have easy access
to the
puppies and be able to handle them. Request a written agreement that the
purchase is subject to a satisfactory examination by your veterinary
surgeon
within 48 hours of purchase. If you are unsure about buying the right
puppy,
make enquires with the local vet to see if he is willing to attend the
viewing to
check the puppy for visible health - problems this could save money and
upset
in the long-term.
As quoted by the RSPCA and National Canine
Defence League " Never buy a
dog from a pet shop or any retail outlet . Never take one from street
markets, or
from any place where you cannot see the mother." Visit your local
Animal
Rescue Society for advice and to discuss the options of adopting a rescue
dog
or puppy. All Animal Rescue Shelters are obligated to furnish you with a
signed
Veterinary Health Certificate.
Like humans, dogs need company, so do not
leave him alone all day. Dogs that
become lonely and bored are more likely to bark and become destructive. If
you
really care for your dog you will train him properly and learn that play
is one of
the most essential ingredients in a good owner.
In an ideal world every puppy would have a
suitable home to go to and a caring
owner. Sadly this is not the case. Many thousands of unwanted and
abandoned
puppies and dogs are destroyed each year. Neutering in the only
guaranteed
way of preventing unplanned puppies being born, if you consider the
horrific
alternative methods of population control for dogs, it really is the
kindest cut.
Commitment, Firmness, but kindness.
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