5 Things To Consider When Shopping For A Dog

According to the ASPCA, approximately 78 million dogs are owned in the United States, and 44% of all households in the United States have a dog. Being a dog owner means taking on a significant commitment to love and care for your fur baby for several years. From searching and selecting the ultimate companion to overcome the inevitable hardships of pet ownership, we’ll examine all the critical aspects of owning Man’s Best Friend.

What Breed to Buy?

Many hopeful dog owners start their search by narrowing down their breed preferences. Researching the pros and cons of your favorite dog breed can provide a clear understanding of the specifics of what owning a particular dog means. Try to select a dog breed that fits your lifestyle. Some dog breeds are more prone to biting and chewing. Other everyday activities, such as traveling and road trips, can encourage this behavior due to an anxious response. Each breed has its own personality, so knowing the quirks in advance is beneficial for both the dog and your lifestyle.

Do you have the time to commit?

Owning a dog is much like raising a young child. They demand time, patience, and training. Spontaneous weekend getaways or extended vacations now require extensive planning. Do you hire a pet sitter? Take the dog to a kennel? Traveling with your new furry friend may be on the agenda, but be sure to give your dog plenty of breaks so that he doesn’t become restless or agitated. Be sure to consider whether you’ll need to travel with your dog and how this may be a liability if you choose a species that is prone to biting. What about potty training? Will you be available to run home during the workday to let your fur baby out or is kennel training a better match for your schedule? Be sure to ask yourself the crucial questions.

Have you considered all the costs?

Many dogs are returned shortly after being purchased/adopted, frequently through no fault of its own. Being a responsible dog owner means factoring in all of the related dog ownership costs: vet bills, food, professional training, fencing, etc. Be sure to account for the “emergencies” and the cost to spay/neuter. Also, don’t forget the toys and pet ID tags.

Is everyone in your house on board with getting a dog?

Is adding a dog to the picture a family decision, or did you make the choice on your own? Making sure that everyone is on board with ownership will also relieve the stress that comes with dog ownership. Assign “dog duties” for family members to help contribute with pet care and training. Additionally, if you have frequent guests or people coming over to home often, be sure that your dog is well-trained and obedient, as they can cause some issues if they bite someone. So be sure to socialize them, play non-aggressive games with them, and advise your guests to leave them alone. 

Getting your dog spayed/neutered

Many shelters and pet stores will spay/neuter the dog at eight weeks old automatically. PetMD notes that getting your dog spayed/neutered helps reduce aggressive behaviors, prevents surprise puppies, and also decreases the number of homeless animals in shelters.

So much goes into shopping for the perfect fur baby to add to your family. Do your research, calculate the costs, and consider the time and commitment associated with dog ownership. Fostering a practical analysis of owning a dog will be beneficial for both you and your new best friend.

References & Resources:

Pet Statistics | ASPCA

Doggin’ it Out: Dog Bites & Homeowner’s Liability Insurance | Insurance Guide Local

How to Socialize a Dog Through Dog Training Classes & More | Dogster

Dog Breeds | AKC

How to Create a Safe Outdoor Space for Your Dog | All Storage Online

11 Fun Facts About Dogs

Man’s best friend is loyal, caring, and will do anything for you. A dog is always happy to see you, caring and concerned when you are down or sick, and protective when they sense danger.

These are all standard characteristics of our furry companions that we all know. There are, however, some lesser well-known facts about dogs that will make you even more crazy about your fuzzy snuggler.

Dogs Have Stealthy Noses

A dog’s sense of smell is over one million times more accurate and effective than a human being’s sense of smell. That pizza on the counter that you smell when you walk into the kitchen was probably detected by your canine companion before you even entered the house after your walk. Be aware of this if you are using especially harsh cleaning chemicals, or dabbing on strong perfume before going out for the evening. You might appreciate the extra smell, but your dog will not.

A Dog’s Speed Is Impressive

An average dog runs at about 19 mph at full speed, and they can sustain this for over a mile, if necessary. Large dogs, of course, will have more endurance than smaller dogs, but we are no match for their quick land coverage. If you are a glutton for punishment, consider racing your dog down the sidewalk at full speed during a walk; you will be humbled.

An Adult Dog Has 42 Teeth

And it is essential that we keep them healthy and looking their best. Taking your dog to the vet for regular dental checkups and cleanings will have your dog’s bit in top condition.

Thirty-Three Percent Of American Families Own A Dog

With over a third of American homes now protected by a dog, it is not a very wise idea to go prowling around your neighbor’s yard looking for your son’s lost baseball. You may find yourself in a situation that requires some fancy footwork to escape.

Spaying And Neutering Are Essential To Controlling Pet Population

If a pair of dogs is not spayed or neutered, they can produce over 66,000 puppies in as little as 6 years! Do everyone a favor and help control the pet population by taking them in for this necessary procedure.

A Dog’s Nose Print Is Like A Fingerprint

Before you get too upset about those smudges on your sliding glass door, consider that you are looking at a work of art. Your dog has an individual nose print that is unlike any other dog’s nose print on the planet. Looking at it from that perspective might calm you down a little as you wipe off those streaks.

Dogs Have An Average Lifespan Of 11 Years

Owning and caring for a dog is a commitment of time and expenses. A dog can cost almost $13,500 over the course of his life when you factor in things like food, supplies, toys, and trips to the vet. If you are not prepared to handle these expenses, then maybe you should consider a pet with a shorter lifespan.

A Dog’s Sweat Glands Are Between Its Toes

Dog’s don’t sweat, they pant. Actually, they do have small sets of sweat glands that reside between their toes, but this is not an adequate cooling system for the dog’s body. Panting cools off the body more efficiently, and it is a visible signal to you, the owner, that Fido needs a little rest.

Dogs Were Sent Into Combat During D-Day As Paratroopers

Our loyal friends were actually used to test the waters as paratroopers during that fateful day known as D-day. Sadly, most dogs were injured or lost soon after they exited the aircraft, and there was some emotional fallout that had to be dealt with when these dogs were recovered and nursed back to health.

Hot Dog!

The average temperature of a dog is a steamy 101.2, higher than most humans would feel comfortable living with. For dogs, however, this is no problem, as they have an efficient system of cooling themselves off when they feel too hot.

Seventy Percent Of People Sign Their Pet’s Names On Greeting Cards

Now don’t feel bad if Fluffy didn’t sign your last birthday card—it really is a strange phenomenon that we humans feel the need to include our furry friends in all of our social affairs as well. If you get a pet paw signature, consider it a bonus.

 

There is so much personality and warmth that is shared with us through our pets. Dogs have so many unique and special qualities, and we are lucky to have them as our companions as we travel through life.

 

Resources:

One of Your Dog’s Most Awesome and Striking Natural Talents | Healthy Pets

Top 10 Dog Dental Questions | Pet Health Network

Honoring Military Dogs for National K9 Veterans Day | Low VA Rates

Fascinating Stats About Pet Ownership in the US | Joybird