The Responsibilities of Dog Ownership: What to Consider When Choosing a Dog for Your Family
By Lisa Pallardy

Owning a dog is a major decision that involves a long-term commitment on your part -- both in time and money. The rewards of dog ownership, however, can be enormous, including activity, companionship, loyalty, and even protection. But you need to choose carefully and be realistic.

Do you work outside your home? Are you gone all day? Do you live in a house or a 7th floor apartment? Do you have children? These are just a few of the questions you'll need to ask -- and answer --when deciding which breed of dog is best for you and your family.

Remember that the cute little puppy you're looking at will very quickly become an adult dog and will need you to care for him throughout his entire life. You need to be prepared to provide for him physically, emotionally, and financially from this day forward...

Carefully consider the following questions when deciding about dog ownership:

• Will I have time to train, exercise, groom and play with a dog (now and in the future)?
• Is there adequate space in my home and yard to exercise a dog?
• Can I afford the annual feeding and maintenance costs?
• Are any family members allergic to dogs?
• Are there any local rules or regulations that would prohibit me from keeping a dog (or a specific breed of dog)?
• Will I be a responsible dog owner and keep my dog under control (on streets, in parks, in your yard, etc.)?
• Will I dog-proof my yard to keep your dog from wandering?
• Am I willing to clean up behind my dog each time I take him outside?
• Am I willing to control my dog’s barking so he won’t bother the neighbors?

It’s important that you consider the financial obligation you'll need to be prepared to meet. Do some financial planning and be certain you can afford to care for a dog. Things to consider are regular, basic expenses required for food, dog equipment and supplies, grooming, health care (including vaccinations and parasite prevention). If you travel often or vacation each year, you'll need to consider the cost of kenneling your dog. And remember to allow for the occasional unforeseen medical bills or health insurance premium.

All dogs love activity. Choose a high-energy breed only if you have the time and energy to meet your dog’s daily needs for training, exercise, grooming and playing. And be sure you have room for the dog you choose. Just because you pick a small dog doesn't necessarily mean it will be comfortable in your small apartment. Some small dogs have high energy levels and need more room; and then some large dogs (like the Saint Bernard) can be perfectly comfortable in a home with a small yard.

If you live in an apartment or condominium, you'll need to be aware of any dog-limiting policies, such as the number or size or breed of dogs you may have while living there.

As a dog owner, you will need to be prepared to train your dog so that you can keep him under control on streets, in parks, in your neighborhood and in your yard. You need to be willing to dog-proof your yard to keep your dog from wandering, and be prepared to clean up behind him each time you take him outside for a walk or for playtime.

In ideal circumstances, a dog will become a member of your family and will give back to you more than you ever dreamed possible in the way of love, loyalty, and companionship.

About the Author: Lisa Pallardy is the owner of http://www.BarkTalk.com an interactive site for dog lovers featuring information on dog care and training, discounts on dog supplies you need, a gift shop for dogs and dog lovers, and beautiful Pet Greetings, including New Puppy Adoption Announcements. She is the mother of 6 children and lover of 3 dogs. For permission to reprint this article, please contact the author at Lisap@Barktalk.com