Friday, April 4, 2014

4 Questions to Ask Yourself before Adopting a Dog

Why are you thinking about adopting a dog? It seems like a pretty obvious question. Dogs are loyal, fun, and playful companions that are a joy to have, but wanting something cute and fun to play with isn't exactly the best reason for wanting a dog. Dogs are more than just fun for us; they also require a lot of work and care to make sure that their needs are being met. It can be tempting to check out pitbull puppies for sale and walk out with the first dog that catches your eye, but that wouldn't be fair to you or them. Before you dedicate yourself to finding a dog, you should make sure that you can answer these important questions that we, at Iron King Kennels, have provided about pet ownership.

Do I know how my family/roommates feel about having a dog?

Whether you're living with your family, a few roommates, or a significant other, you have to take their feelings into consideration before you adopt a dog. If you live with other people, make sure that they're okay with having a dog in the house. See how they would feel about occasionally having to take care of some feedings and walks when you're unable to. A dog can be a great way to teach your children about responsibility, but only if they're ready to handle it. Make sure that your kids understand that they'll be responsible for some feeding, brushing, walking, and other pet responsibilities. If you don't, you could end up caring for the family dog by yourself. 



What do I see myself doing in the next 10-20 years?

A dog is a big commitment, one that you'll have for hopefully a very long time. Before you adopt a dog, imagine how it will fit into your life over the next decade or so. Do you see yourself being able to give them the love and attention they need if you get a new job or have to change your work schedule? If you think you'll be traveling a lot, do you know how your dog will be cared for when you aren't around? If you're planning on doing a lot of moving or traveling, now may not be the best time to bring a dog into your life. All dogs deserve a certain level of stability in their day to day routines, and a constantly missing master or changing environment can give them a lot of stress.

Would I be willing to foster a dog/care for a dog before adopting one?

If you have never owned a dog before, you may want to consider fostering a dog or watching a friend's dog so that you can learn what it's like. You can read a lot about owning a dog, but there's nothing like hands-on experience to teach you. After a few days of taking walks, preparing meals, and entertaining a dog, you can see if ownership is truly right for you.

Can I afford medical care?

If you think that healthcare for humans is pricey, wait until pay for your dog's first round of shots. Dogs need consistent vet care, and a regular checkup with medicine can cost you a few hundred dollars. If you're worried about covering health costs, you should consider getting health insurance for your pet. It can help you cover regular vet costs, and can be very cost effective if your dog needs emergency treatment or coverage for a future health problem.   

Iron King Kennels believes in responsible pet ownership. When people take proper care of their pitbulls, they will get a more obedient and loving companion than they ever imagined. Contact us today if you are interested in one of these loyal pets or if you have any questions about their training or upbringing. We are happy to help!


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