How To Be a Responsible Dog Owner

Adopting a dog is often an emotional experience, in which people look at the ball of fur that they might take home and melt. As adorable as puppies are, it is essential that you remember how much work taking care of a dog is before you adopt one! If you are a prepared, responsible dog owner, you and your pet will co-exist happily. These tips can help you be a responsible dog owner!

1. Did you think about this? Dog ownership should always be premeditated - a dog is not something to get on a whim!! Sadly, many dogs are abandoned each year after they were given as gifts and their novelty wore off. Make sure that the future owner - whether it is you or someone else - is prepared to accept the responsibilities of owning a dog.

2. Make sure you can afford a dog. Besides the price of the dog (or the much lower adoption fees at shelters), you need to make sure that you can pay for veterinary care, pet food, flea treatments, and the gear that the dog will need. It adds up, so make sure that you can fit it all into your budget.

3. Make sure that you have the time for a dog. You may have all the love in the world, but dogs need time and attention also. The amount of time and attention a dog needs depends upon its breed and age, but you will need to determine if you have the time to take the dog out for exercise, and be around it at home. Most dogs will survive if left home during a workday, but if you work really long hours, every day in a week, travel a lot, or just are hardly ever home, think twice about dog ownership.

4. Think about pet insurance. Pet insurance works roughly the same way that human medical insurance does. If you opt not to have pet insurance, make sure that you can afford the vet bill if an emergency comes up.

5. Consider your living situation. If you rent, does your landlord allow dogs? Is there a pet deposit? Will the dog cause damage to the floors or furniture? Are you moving anytime soon? All of these might be red flags when it comes to adopting a dog.

6. Think about your family members. Is everyone in your house comfortable with dogs? Do you have other pets that might be scared by a dog?

7. Consider your dog's safety. Make sure there are no dangerous chemicals or foods that are poisonous to dogs lying around. If you have a backyard, check the fences for holes. Keep your dog on a leash so that he or she does not run into the street. In addition, always have an identity tag on your dog, and consider getting him or her microchipped.

8. Plan on training your dog. Even if it's just learning the basic commands, your dog should have some training. You can train your dog on your own if you know how, or go to a dog obedience class or a private dog trainer.

9. Research breeds. Make sure that you get a breed that is the right size and energy level for you.  See "How to Choose Dog Breeds" for more on this topic.

10. Consider a mutt. Mutts, or crossbreed dogs, are often healthier and more mellow than purebred dogs. In addition, if you adopt a dog from a shelter, you will be giving him a home and saving yourself money!

After thinking about all of these aspects of dog ownership, if you have decided to go for it, congratulations! Dogs are extremely loyal and wonderful companions. It is a commitment to adopt a dog, but a highly rewarding one. If you are prepared, you will not regret your choice to have a furry companion.