| A dog can be a wonderful addition to a family. They | | | | care. |
| are loving and fun to have around. A dog can be a | | | | Breed |
| great companion and will quickly become a member | | | | The breed of a dog can tell you a lot about how the |
| of the family. Dogs are a great responsibility and | | | | will act and exactly what kind of care the dog will |
| when you choose one for your family, it is very | | | | need. Before choosing a dog, you really must |
| important that you make the decision carefully. Not | | | | understand a little about the breeds you are |
| every dog is going to be a good fit for your family. | | | | considering. Some breeds are very aggressive and |
| By making some careful considerations, though, you | | | | this is nice to know, especially if you have children. |
| should be able to determine if a dog is really right for | | | | Some breeds are considered dangerous and your |
| your family and if it is, then you can make a good | | | | homeowners insurance may not allow you to have |
| choice in what dog to get. | | | | them. There are some breeds that require a lot of |
| Age of Your Children | | | | exercise every day. Would you have the time and |
| One major thing you must consider before getting a | | | | ability to provide them with the exercise they need? |
| family dog is the age of your children. This is | | | | There are many different things about each breed of |
| important for a few different reasons. Obviously, if | | | | dog that can help you to understand more about |
| you have very young children then they won't be | | | | them and if they would be a good fit for your family. |
| able to help much with caring for the dog, so the | | | | Age of the Dog |
| responsibility will fall on you. If your kids are older | | | | Many people immediately rush to get a puppy when |
| then you may be able to get a dog that needs more | | | | they are getting anew dog. What most of these |
| care, like a puppy or a senior dog, since they will be | | | | people do not realize is that puppies are a lot of |
| able to chip in and help with the dog care duties. | | | | work. They must be trained and housebroken. They |
| Another thing is that not all dogs do well with small | | | | usually need a lot of attention. For many families a |
| children. You want to be sure that you choose a dog | | | | puppy just doesn't make sense. Older dogs may |
| that is going to be safe around your children. | | | | actually be the best choice. |
| Financial Responsibility | | | | You will probably think of all the obvious things when |
| Many people get a dog and never once consider how | | | | choosing a dog, like how big they are and whether |
| much they cost. Your dog will need you to buy him | | | | they will fit in your home or how much it will cost to |
| food, treats, toys and other necessary items. You | | | | buy him or her. Many people do not think about |
| also have a responsibility to get your dog spayed or | | | | things like the age of their children, the financial cost |
| neutered if they are not already. Plus, you have to | | | | of a dog, breed of the dog or the age of a dog. |
| get your dog shots and take him in for routine care. | | | | These four things are very important and are |
| You also need to think about emergency situations | | | | something you must consider when deciding upon a |
| and whether you could afford the costs if your dog | | | | family dog. |
| were to get serious ill or injured and need expensive | | | | |