Is A Dog Right For You?

So you've decided to bring a new addition into your home in the form of a new dog. The next step is trying to determine what sort of dog will best fit your living situation.

There are many different types of dog breeds that each have their own needs and knowing a little about what specific needs for specific breeds are, will help you to insure that you bring the right breed of dog into your home.

Many a time, people rush to decide that a dog would be a great addition to their home when in actual fact, this may not be the case at all. Dogs have needs as do we as humans, and if you bring a dog into your home, but can not look after its basic needs then you are heading down the path to trouble.

One of the biggest reasons for overcrowding at animal shelters is due to the fact that unwanted dogs end up there. Maybe a family attains a dog, having not researched the breed of dog they now own, only to realize a month later, that things are not working out.

Dogs that are not wanted, end up either on the streets, or in the pound. When shelters become overcrowded, room needs to be made for new additions, and we all know what that means don't we?

Below is a list of factors to keep in mind when choosing a dog for your home, and are all worthwhile points that you should consider:

- How big is your home: Depending on the size of your home, will depend on the size of dog you should get. For example, a big dog will not do very well in an apartment setting.

- Do you have time to look after a dog: Do you have the time that is necessary to properly care for a dog? If you work 8 hours a day, this may pose a problem especially if your dog is young.

- Funds: Dogs can be expensive; vet bills, food and general upkeep can ad up considerably.

Keeping these factors in mind will help you when and if you do decide to find it in your heart to bring a new member into the family. Remember the decision that you make effects the dog that you are potentially going to be adding to your family, so make sure you think it through before jumping in.