So you want to buy a dog - are you ready?

A dog will do his best to please you and keep you smiling. He will curl up with you when you are feeling down or need some serious relaxation. He will love you no matter what. He'll be your unconditional friend and will play ball with you as long as you wish. He'll forgive you for all your mistakes, never never judge you. Sleeping at your feet and loving to please you, he will enjoy just spending time with you. He'll do his best to protect you, because you will be his master.

However, a dog also relies on you for everything and I do mean everything - from his food, water, shelter, exercise, grooming, to his companionship, training, veterinary care and protection. Do yourself and your dog to be a great service by knowing what you are getting into. You must be prepared to spend the next 10-15 years of your life taking care of your dog. That is about how long your dog will live. What about the added expense? When you get a dog, it is a life long commitment, and should not be treated like a piece of furniture that you can just "get rid of" when you get tired of it. You wouldn't get rid of your children because you were tired of them wetting their beds and your dog should be the same. Are you prepared to accept the fact that dogs are not little humans and invest some time into learning how to properly treat your dog in order to keep him or her balanced? Before you bring a dog into your home, think long and hard. Are you prepared for the responsibility?

The decision to get a dog needs to be carefully thought out. Do you honestly have the time to take care of a dog? What kind of dog is right for you? Some people think a dog is a dog. I hear them say they don't care what breed of dog they get. There are many different breeds with many different personalities and needs. Honestly think about it and do your homework. Think about your family as it is right now, and how it will be in the future. I will do my best to provide you with the info. on how to choose the right dog for you.

Every family has its own needs, schedule, personality, medical problems, space and time limitations. If you take a good hard look at your family's situation, you can match a dog that will fit into your lives nicely and not just make things more awkward and difficult, but you need to do your reasearch and homework. This is not a decision to take lightly, and you better be prepared to be consistent.

Does anyone in your family have alergies to dog hair? Are you bothered by hair on everything from your furniture to clothes to food? Some breeds are heavy shedders, while others hardly shed at all. What about children? Do you have any? Planning on having any in the next 10-15 years? Do you have friends who visit your home who have children. Some dogs are excellent with children and would be their best friend. Some are only good with children when they are raised with them from puppyhood, while others are very sensitive and may bite your child if they are pestered by him or her which children tend to do because they don't understand boundaries. Do you mind holes being dug in your yard? Some dogs like to dig, while others are less likely to dig.

Do you mind hearing a dog bark all the time? Some dogs love to bark and do it all the time, while others are more quiet, barking only when necessary. Do you mind if your dog has a tendency to wander away from home, or would you rather have a dog that would be more likely to stick close to home? Some dogs like to roam. It is in their nature, while others have a strong instinct to stick close to home. Do you have other pets? Some dogs will kill your cat, while others will be your cat's best friend. Do you have time to exercise your dog? They need at least 40 minutes outside everyday because your home is akin to a fishbowl and they need to get away from the house.

Some dogs need a job to do or they will become restless, bored, very destructive, and unruly. Other dogs will settle for just a short walk. Some can be highly obedience-trained, while others cannot. Get the point? All breeds of dog are different, and all families are different. Find a dog that fits well into your family, so you and your dog can live in harmony.

While it is important to choose the correct breed for your families lifestyle, it is even more important to understand a dog is a canine, not a human and treat him accordingly. Remember that while you may get your dog as a puppy and it may be cute when he jumps up, would you want that behavior in a full grown dog. For a clear understanding into a dogs brain check out Cesar Millan (The Dog Whisperer), he is pure genius. You will find that any dog can be your worst nightmare, or your best investment, it all depends on the owner and their understanding of the canine and their willingness to give the dog what he truly needs. Cesar is an excellent guide to communicating with, understanding, and controlling your dog.

It's your choice. Do your homework. Research the different kinds of breeds and take a long hard look at your life and don't forget, that cute little puppy does grow up to be an adult dog. Never adopt a puppy, or adult dog solely on looks. If you are looking to adopt a dog, don't forget to visit our section on where you can get a rescue dog in your area. There are many great rescue groups and organizations listed who have wonderful homeless dogs, just waiting for someone like you to take them home and love them.

Good luck