101 Things to Know Before Getting a Dog. Susan Ewing M.
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Digging is another activity that seems to be puppy-related. Terriers, of course, will dig throughout their entire lives because it’s what they were bred to do, and terrier owners must accept that. All types of puppies seem to enjoy digging, though. If you have an immaculate lawn or garden, you may want to reconsider that stuffed animal. Or, you can designate an area of the yard for digging and teach your dog to dig there and nowhere else. An easy way to create such an area is to get a kiddie wading pool and fill it partway with dirt or sand. You can encourage your dog to dig in it by hiding a few treats and special toys just under the surface. If the dog loses interest, just reseed with tasty treats.
An older dog may not be as playful as a puppy. Unless you lead a very active lifestyle, though, less playful may be a good thing.
Getting an older dog doesn’t mean that you can’t still have a specific breed, if that’s what you’re looking for. Just research your breed-specific rescue. If you don’t care about getting a purebred, your local shelter is just the place. Or, check out Petfinder.com, where you’re likely to find a variety of purebred and mixed-breed dogs.
4
Lifestyle Considerations
Age—Yours, Not the Dog’s
You need to consider your age just as much as the dog’s. Having a puppy is a lot like having a child in that it’s much easier when you’re young. As much as you hear that “60 is the new 40,” and as good as you feel and as healthy as you think you are, trust me—when it comes to raising a puppy, 60 is the new 70. Had I given it more thought when we got our last puppy, I would have adopted an older dog.
Is it Hot (or Cold) in Here?
Even with central heat and air conditioning, it’s still a good idea to think about your area’s climate before you choose a dog. Sure, you can live in Florida and share your home with a Siberian Husky or an Alaskan Malamute, or you can live in Wisconsin with an American Hairless Terrier, but you might have to make more adjustments than if you had considered climate first.
Northern breeds were bred to have thick double coats to protect them from snow and cold. Giving one of these breeds the exercise they need and want in a hot-weather location can be a challenge. Sure, you can exercise your dog early in the morning and in the evenings when it’s cooler, but if you live near Phoenix, Arizona, for instance, “cooler” may mean 80 degrees in the summer. For a dog bred to be active, staying indoors most of the time isn’t fair.
And that American Hairless Terrier? He’s not going to be happy in the snow. You’ll need nice warm sweaters and probably booties as well. You may think that you’ll enjoy dressing your dog, but imagine doing it at least three to five times a day when your dog needs to go out. And, you certainly can’t let your dog out into your yard and forget him. When we have sub-zero temperatures, my Pembroke Welsh Corgis get cold feet within three minutes of going out, and a short-coated or hairless dog has an even smaller window of time for outdoor activity in winter weather.
Litter Training
If you choose a small short-coated or hairless dog in a cold climate, an option is to train your dog to do his business indoors, in a litter box. It’s a workable solution, but think about it ahead of time. If you don’t like the idea, consider a different type of dog.
Couch Potato or Triathlete?
Another thing to consider is your activity level and that of your family. A Dalmatian may be the perfect dog for you if you like getting out every day for a 5-mile run. If you prefer to collapse into your favorite chair after a day at work and want a dog who will be happy to watch television with you, select a toy breed or possibly one of the smaller non-sporting breeds. All dogs need exercise, though, so no matter what size or type of dog you choose, never forget that he needs attention and some activity.
And don’t think you can base energy level on the size of the dog. A Saint Bernard can be happy with less exercise than a smaller terrier or herding dog. A Greyhound needs a good race around your fenced yard once or twice a day, and then he will willingly join you on the couch until it’s time to go to bed—and he will happily join you there, too!
Check First!
Always check with your landlord before you get a dog; if you haven’t discussed whether pets are allowed, don’t just assume that your landlord will permit a dog. Maybe your landlord is fine with dogs, but only smaller ones. Check your lease and speak to your landlord in person about any restrictions. Your landlord may require an additional security deposit to cover any damage or have certain rules about use of the yard. If you already know that your landlord does not allow dogs, don’t try to sneak one in. The landlord will find out, sooner or later, and it’s the dog who will pay the price. It would be terrible if you bought or adopted a dog and then couldn’t keep him. Ask first!
5
Time and Expenses
Two other very important questions you must ask yourself before getting a dog—right up there with “do I want a dog at all?”—are “am I prepared for the expense of owning a dog?” and “how much time do I have to devote to a dog?” According to the AKC website (www.akc.org), in 2015, two veterinary students totaled the first year’s costs for small-, medium-, large-, and giant-breed puppies. Keeping in mind that expenses for the first year are likely going to be higher than average (puppies eat more, first shots, spaying or neutering), the numbers can be intimidating. The results are as follows: “The average cost for the first year of raising small dogs was $2,674; medium dogs, on average, cost $2,889; the cost for large dogs is $3,239; and giant breeds, such as Great Danes, have an annual cost of $3,536.”
The students figured in one serious illness per year, but many dogs go year after year without needing more than just their annual checkups. Still, other costs, such as training, beds, toys, and fencing, are not included in these numbers.
Keeping in mind that small dogs live longer than large or giant dogs, you will be responsible for your dog for approximately ten to eighteen years. After the excitement and the newness wear off, are you prepared for the long haul? It’s easy to fall in love with a puppy, but be honest—will you love him just as much when he’s an adult? Will you love him when he’s old, slow, and possibly incontinent? Will you love him when the veterinary bills start adding up? How about when you have to pay extra for special food or medicines?
Dogs typically cost more at both ends of their lives. As your dog ages, he may need medicine for arthritis. He may need to have some teeth pulled. He may need a more expensive senior-formula or prescription food. Maybe you’ll need to buy a ramp if he can no longer manage stairs.
On the bright side, dogs are cheaper than children. Obedience lessons are cheaper than college, and your dog won’t be asking for a car, the latest smartphone, or an expensive pair of shoes. Even so, consider the expenses. If your budget can’t stretch another penny, or if you’d rather save your money for a world cruise, you’re back to a stuffed animal or a pet rock.
It’s OK to not want a dog to begin with. It’s not OK to mistreat or abandon a dog when he’s no longer a cute puppy or when he causes you extra work. But, that’s not you. You want a dog and are prepared to take care of him for life. If you’ve never had a dog, maybe you don’t realize how much time that dog may need.
Puppies, of course, take a lot of time. Many breeds housetrain very quickly, but while a puppy is being trained, someone has to be there to make sure he is taken out on a regular schedule. If you leave home at 7:00 in the morning and are gone for twelve hours, you’ll need to make arrangements for someone to take care of your puppy during the day.
The dog’s age also plays a part in how much time and attention your new friend will need. Younger dogs are typically more active and have more energy. They’re also more likely to be destructive if left alone. They get bored, are full of bounce, and may decide that