Stop, Before You Get That Dog

By Demosthenes Damon

Knowing what you're getting into can make a difference is what type of dog you choose. Occasionally your dog can find some water to drink inside the house. Or maybe eat some crumbs left by the kids. Other than the occasional grazing dogs rely on us to be maintained. Dog owners should consider a few things before picking a dog for the family.

Do you have small children? Or will you in the near future. Sometimes a big dog can be to rough with small children. Toy breeds or small dogs can be "hugged" too tightly. Who is going to take care of the dog? I know little Johnny promised to take care of the pet, but does his history show the responsibility.

Grooming is also something to think about. The long haired breeds may cost $175 plus a year in maintenance. If your dog is healthy, plan on spending about $150 a year in vet bills.

The most obvious cost is food for the dog. Visit your local store to see what types of food are available and the costs. Think, do I want to buy this 25 pound bag twice a month?

Do you need a fence? About 1 in 4 dogs is a "runner". Will you need a fence to keep him contained? You may want to consider dog training and its costs. For dog owners who like to do their own dog obedience training and grooming there are lot of online resources to help you.

Most of these things are part of the fun of owning a dog. Dogs can be a vital part of the family. However, disposing of a dog can be as equally hard on the family and on the dog. We don't like to admit when Fido is to much to handle, so think about some of these things before you make a decision. If you have a breed in mind, contact someone you know who has that breed. Ask them what they think. If you already have a dog and it's overwhelming, seriously consider some obedience training to help keep Fido under control. I have written a great independent review of the top dog training courses the internet has to offer. Some of the courses included bonuses on do it yourself grooming and maintenance. See how the top courses stack up.

Demosthenes Damon is an article writer and dog lover. To learn more about his the reviews of dog training products please visit http://www.dogbookdoubter.com/ or click Dog Training