Is a Dog a Good Pet for You?

~ This is a featured post ~

I've been putting off having a dog for the longest time, mainly due to sever allergies my significant half suffers from it. I grew up having dogs and always enjoyed their company. While I may not necessarily be in love with them yet, but there are hypoallergenic breeds that I could consider as a good compromise. If you are like me sitting on the fence, I hope this guest post lends you some perspectives into your decision-making. 

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When it comes to creating a home there are a lot of different elements that you need to get right. Choosing the right type of property in a good area and decorating it comfortably is only part of the story.

How you live in your home is just as important a consideration. If you are a naturally sociable person, taking the time to invite friends and family over, every so often, will help you to enjoy life.

A great way to complete a home is to get a pet, or maybe two. They bring a lot of joy to their owners. However, it is important to find the right pet for you.

Most people love dogs, but this does not mean that everyone that sees a mixed breed puppies for sale sign should go in and buy one. Far from it, not everyone has the right lifestyle to be able to offer a dog a good home.

A dog is for life

Before you go out and get a puppy you have to think careful about whether you can really look after him or her. An awful lot of people seem to forget that dogs can easily live for 16 years, often more.

You have to be sure that you can look after any pet for their entire lifetime. Therefore, if for example, you are planning to move abroad once you have finished your studies getting a puppy may not be a good idea. It would break your heart, and his, if you were to discover that you could not afford the cost of taking your dog with you. In some countries, it is all but impossible to find affordable dog-friendly accommodation.

Dogs need plenty of space

All pets need space. If you live in a small bedsit, with no garden, getting a Great Dane is not likely to work out well. They need a lot of exercise and the chance to spend time outside. In this situation, a small Yorkie is a much better option. They still need to be taken outside every day and walked, but do not need anywhere as much exercise as a Great Dane does.

Do you have enough time?

This brings me to another important consideration, which is do you have enough spare time to look after a dog. All dogs need to be fed and exercised every day. They also need grooming and to be taken to the vets at least once a year, more if they are ill. If you lead a hectic life, owning a dog is not a good idea. Especially when you consider that dogs are pack animals, which suffer emotionally and mentally when left without company for more than a few hours at a time.

If you are still not sure if owning a dog is right for you, completing this comprehensive questionnaire will help. It will make you think and enable you to work out whether you really can offer a dog a happy and secure home.