Welcoming a dog into your family is a huge decision! Not only for you and your loved ones, but for the well-being of the pet you bring home! So you will need to know 5 essential things before getting a dog.
Some people are simply charmed by the idea of a canine companion, and they don’t give it much thought beyond that! This can be a recipe for disaster. Unanticipated issues can arise, and sometimes the unfortunate dog must be surrendered to a shelter. Don’t let this happen to you! It is extremely upsetting to the family, and of course to the dog, who ends up back in a cage; confused, frightened, and lonely. Many shelters even euthanize the animal if no one comes to their rescue!
Because you are reading this blog, I know you are gathering information to make sure you won’t make such a mistake. The last thing you want to do is upset yourself, your children and leave the dog with an uncertain, even tragic, future. Keep reading and I will share the 5 crucial things you need to know before getting a dog. Then you can make an informed decision about whether to get a dog or not. After all, you want to offer your home to the dog for the rest of his life!
And by now you have read my prior posts about how to avoid puppy mills when looking to buy a puppy, and how to find high quality rescue agencies where you can more confidently adopt.
This is number one of a 5-part series. Each segment will provide you with valuable insight into what to consider prior to becoming a dog parent.
This first blog will introduce you to these 5 important considerations. And I will explain the factors that determine if your lifestyle is suitable to living with a dog.
Even if you already have a dog…
Of course, if you already have a dog, you will still find much of the information valuable, either for yourself or for sharing with friends or family. So I encourage you to share the link to this blog with anyone you know who has said that they are thinking about getting a dog– then they can help break this cycle too!
Now let us dive into the first post of this series!
You can help prevent dogs being surrendered to dog shelters!
As you know, there are far too many dogs living in shelters or foster care that desperately need homes. And, as dog lovers, we can all help prevent dogs from being placed in shelters in the first place. So you are likely wondering, how can you help?
Help break the cycle of dogs living in shelters!
When you understand the 5 things you need to know before getting a dog, you will actually contribute to the breaking of this cycle! Your research here means you have a better chance of either choosing the right dog for your lifestyle, or determining now is not the right time for you to get a dog.
Continue reading “5 Things to know before getting a dog.”