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Dog Advice Topic: Reasons to get a dog

November 22th, 2005

Bella,
I've been thinking about getting a dog of my own lately. Should I do it?
-Poochless in Park Ridge

PiPR,
While I want everyone in the world to know the joys of dog ownership there are quite a few things to think about when getting a pup. It doesn't work into everyone's lifestyle and often people learn this fact too late. My previous owners couldn't handle my rambunctious nature so I had to live in the streets for a while until Lisa found me. I wouldn't want any other dog to go through what I did so here are some reasons why you shouldn't get a dog and then why you should.

Reasons NOT to get a dog.

As a playmate for a dog home alone. They most likely will both sleep all day and then be wild animals when you get home. Or if you already have a dog that is bored and therefore destructive at home, most likely you will now have two. Training and taking care of two dogs is more than twice as hard as one. If you encounter any training difficulties you most likely will have to deal with each one individually.

To "save" one from a pet store. ALL pet stores get their dogs from puppy mills. No respectable breeder would sell their dogs through a pet store. Reputable breeders are very careful that their dogs go to good homes so they couldn't know that if they sold through a pet store. Dogs from puppy mills come from horrible breeding so it is highly likely that the dog will have physical issues that will require large vet costs.
In addition, because they are completely raised in a crate with no social interaction with humans or other dogs for the first weeks of their lives they have missed many crucial socialization periods that can cause severe behavioral problems and will require expensive private training even years later.
But most importantly, you are giving your money to continue a business that thrives on the abuse and even death of these animals. If people would stop buying animals from pet stores, the mills couldn't stay in business and so many poor creatures would be spared this cruelty.

For a gift. All members of the household should have a say in the discussion and selection of a dog. This is a present that cannot be returned without severe harm to the "gift". It is a responsibility for the life of the dog which can easily be fifteen years. Plus the cost of owning a dog is vastly more than just the purchase price. You have to consider the cost of food ($250/year for an average size dog), vet bills (around $200/year just for required vaccines), training ($200 for just one class), and the unlimited dollar amount of toys and treats available make this really not a very welcome gift.

As a social facilitator. Many people get dogs mainly for the social aspect of going for a walk or going to the dog park and meeting other people with dogs. Many dogs simply do not like playing with other dogs. This causes frustration in the owner because their dog is not acting the way they would like and in the dog because they are forced to do something they don't like. The social aspect of dog ownership is a nice benefit but it should not be expected of every dog or of any dog all the time. Sometimes they just need some "me" time!

To give "energy" to an elderly pet. There have been so many cases where people get a young puppy as a companion for their current geriatric dog thinking it will give them renewed interest in playing. The case almost always is that the puppy drives the older dog crazy and the younger dog gets frustrated because they don't understand why they don't want to play. Then the owners spend all their time managing the puppy and the old dog gets neglected. Imagine when you are in your golden years and you suddenly have to live with some obnoxious kid running around pestering you!

Reasons TO get a dog.

You live in a stable environment. Dogs do not do well with change. Your schedule should be essentially the same each day.
You should be able to afford the follow for all breeds - food $250/year, basic vaccinations $200/year, basic supplies $100-200, training $200. For long haired breeds that need professional grooming it can cost $30/month and up. Dogs that need a job will require mental and physical exercise. Most of them will require being in a class almost all year round so training can be anywhere from $500 to $1500 per year. Going to the dog parks or even a five mile walk every day is not sufficient for these breeds.
Unless you plan on never traveling again or you are getting a very small dog and will take he or she everywhere, you will also have to consider boarding costs which range from $30 - $50/night.
Do you work? If you will be gone from home for more than eight hours in a row you will need a dog walker or day care which is $12 - $25/day. If you get a puppy you will need a walker to come multiple times a day at least until they are about six months old if you want a properly housebroken dog. All these costs are just the bare minimum. Undoubtedly in their life they will need more veterinary care than just vaccines. And with all the adorable doggie paraphernalia out there it is hard to resist bringing home random gifts to your pooch. The average dog will live 10 to even 18 years so the duration of these expenses must be multiplied by that.
The bottom line is owning a dog is a huge investment of your time and money. While the return you get of undying devotion is great, you must be ready to earn it! If you love animals but can't commit to all of this, there are numerous shelters and rescues to volunteer with so you can get the satisfaction of interacting with the animals and helping them at the same time.

And that's the bark on the street!
Bark up!
Bella

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