So, you want to get a puppy? Perhaps you saw a cute, cuddly, fluffy white one, or a chunky little black and brown fellow, in the window at your local pet shop, and you instantly fell in love. It is hard to resist a puppy and many people get one impulsively, rather than taking the time to consider all the responsibilities that will come with having one. Too many animals end up in shelters because owners have found themselves unable to cope with them. Before you get a puppy, be sure you are doing it for all the right reasons and that you are prepared to make a lifelong commitment to the new pup.

Here are some things you should consider before you bring a puppy into your home and your life.

The number one question to ask yourself is, "Why do I want a dog?"

• I WANT TO MAKE MONEY OFF OF PUPPIES.
  Leave this to the experts! It is a HUGE responsibility to breed, and then raise puppies until they are ready to be weaned from the mother. It is also costly and doesn't yield a substantial profit. Reputable dog breeders do it out of love, not the desire to earn a profit.
• MY CHILD WANTS A DOG.
  The decision to bring a dog into a family should be made by, and in the best interest of, the entire family. Depending on the age and maturity of your child(ren), it is most unlikely that he or she will become the primary caretaker of the dog. Who will have to remember to buy the dog's food, and who will be the one responsible for taking it to the vet? Most likely, it will be you!
• I WANT A DOG FOR PROTECTION.
  Dangerous mistake! A poorly trained dog can become a hazard. As with any "weapon," a dog used in this manner can cause serious injury to you and others, and possibly lawsuits. A dog is not a tool. While it is true that dogs can make excellent alarm systems, this shouldn't be a primary reason for owning one.
• I WANT SOMETHING TO LOVE ME.
  A dog does not exist to fulfill your emotional or psychological needs. They require YOU to provide them with the proper care and attention, not the other way around. Loving a dog and having it love you in return is a wonderful thing, but once again, it should not be the primary reason for your decision to own one.

The RIGHT Reason:
THE ONE AND ONLY REASON YOU SHOULD COMMIT YOURSELF TO A DOG is because YOU want to share YOUR life with it. It is essential that you choose to share your life with a dog for the right reasons, otherwise both you and the dog will be miserable.

Once you decide you want to share your life with a dog, there are still more issues that need to be looked at before you make that final decision:

• Are you really ready to commit the 12, 15, or more years of yourself to the responsibilities of providing food, shelter, medical care, psychological nurturing and love that this dog will need?
• What breed is your best match? Purebred dogs are wonderful to own, but choose wisely and understand the breed's temperament, needs, and possible health related problems due to it's genetic history. How about a mixed breed? A mixed breed dog can be just as much of a joy to own. Try using the Breed Selection Tool at K9Country.com as a guide to help you choose.
• Is a puppy or an adult dog the best choice for you? There are pros and cons to both. It might be beneficial to research these options.
• Are you ready to deal with all the problems that can come "in the puppy package"? i.e., chewing, housebreaking, training and exercise?
• What is your lifestyle? Do you lead a sedentary life, or are you physically active? Do you want a running partner, or a dog that is content to be a "couch potato?" These are important questions to answer in determining which breed to choose.
• Do you own a home or live in an apartment? i.e., a large breed or a small breed?
• If you own a home, is your yard fenced in? If you rent, are pets allowed?
• Are there children in your home, or do you plan to have a child within the lifetime of the puppy? i.e., breed known for tolerance with children.
• Do you work long hours? If you do, will the pup need to spend a lot of time crated or confined in some other way?
• Are you prepared for the financial aspect of owning a dog?
• Where will you acquire your pet? Pet shop shoppers beware! Some shops purchase these puppies from "puppy mills." Puppy mills breed dogs purely for profit and may not have given them proper care. You could end up with a sick puppy, and a lot of costly vet bills! A smarter choice would be to purchase your puppy from a reputable independent breeder. Also, don't forget that there are many, many dogs in shelters who would love to find a place in your heart and home. Which ever choice you make, be sure you ask questions about your prospective puppy's health and genetic history.

In conclusion, this decision is not an easy one, and there are many things to consider. Owning a dog will take a lot of time, effort, and money, but it will be well worth all the rewards you will experience if you have thought everything out carefully.

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