Dr. Wikander, from Cornell Road Veterinary Hospital, recommends you consider the following twelve questions before obtaining your next dog:
1. What is the purpose of getting a dog?
Are you looking for a companion or an animal to compete in agility training? This will affect the specie and breed of dog you choose.
2. Does anyone in the family have allergies? If so, what are they?
Consider all family members who may spend time with your proposed dog. Hairless dogs or poodles and their crosses may be best for you.
3. Are there children in the household? If so, what are their ages?
Experts strongly advise against getting a dog when there are children under 6 in the home. They believe managing young children and a dog can be difficult especially if the dog exhibits a fear response to children that could become aggression. Cats may be a better choice for a family with small children as most cats learn to avoid young, active children.
4. How much time will you have to exercise the dog?
Dogs should have at least one 15-minute walk a day.
5. Do you have access to exercise areas?
Dogs should have access to a fenced yard, a local park, or an off-leash park. Caged dogs need exercise, too.
6. For how much of the day will the dog be alone?
Dogs should not have to be alone for more than ten hours a day.
7. How much grooming and shedding can you deal with?
Some breeds require more grooming than others. Be sure you know what you are getting in for before you choose your new dog. Can you do the grooming required or will you need a professional groomer? How often? At what expense?
8. How much room do you have in your home?
An English mastiff is probably not a good fit for a small apartment.
9. Do you have room for cages or other equipment?
Exotic dogs have special requirements that can be costly and time consuming to manage.
10. How much can you financially manage with the dog?
The larger the dog, the greater the costs are for feeding, general care, and medical needs. Exotics require specialty care and management. You will need a veterinarian that has specialized knowledge of that species husbandry and medical care.
11. Have you considered how adding a new dog to your household will affect your current dog?
Discuss the possible repercussions with your veterinarian and how best to handle them should they occur.
12. Have you had a dog before?
Less-demanding dogs can be a great way to get early experience.