JAN 2015
Owning a dog changes your domestic and social life.
Even after his initial purchase, the dog will continue to
A puppy becomes an adolescent dog, a grown dog and
then an old dog.
A dog needs lots of care, love and attention
Every single day, you teach him, however unintentionally.
The dog is your responsibility for the rest of his life.
Dogs can destroy your shoes, clothes, furniture, even your car
bumper, and mud flaps.
then get another type of pet like a goldfish.
Do I Have Enough Space? A dog needs a comfortable shelter
cost you money.
consuming. If you can’t dedicate a meager two hours a day,
Puppies have accidents if not
supervised. Do you want to clean up the mess in your house,
on your carpet, outside in the garage or driveway? Do you
want a dog that jumps up on you dirtying up your clothes, or a
dog that nips at you constantly, a dog that escapes or wanders
from home being a nuisance in the neighbourhood? Can you
to protect him from the sun and rain, a safe fenced enclosure
and lots of room to exercise.
Do I have enough patience, energy, discipline and stamina to
train my dog? Dogs are like children; they will test you
constantly and try to take advantage of any situation that is to
their benefit. Like children, they can bring frustration as well
as joy and affection.
Can I afford the cost of keeping a dog? Food, supplements,
toys, grooming, training and vet bills do add up over the years.
And what about when you go away? You will probably have
to leave your dog at boarding kennels. Add to that the price of
repairing or replacing shoes, furniture, car bumpers, etc; no
doubt there will be some damage.
afford to spend money on quality food, training and veterinary
Please think carefully!! There are too many unwanted dogs;
care? What will happen when you travel, who will look after
over 3,000 dogs are destroyed in Barbados.
your dog, can you afford boarding kennels which run from
Remember, a pet is for life.
$9.00 to $25.00 a day?
Other questions you must ask yourself:Why Have A Dog? Is it for companionship, for protection, as
a status symbol, or is it just a piece of property?
If it is for a status symbol or just a piece of property, then
perhaps you should buy an inanimate object such as brand
name gear, a stereo or car; something without feelings.
If it is going to be tied up constantly or kept in a pen
constantly and used as a watchdog, then buy an alarm system
or install burglar bars – something maintenance-free. Trust
me; it is much cheaper and less responsibility than a dog.
Do I have Enough Time For A Dog? A dog needs lots of time
and attention – daily walks, grooming, training, feeding and
loving.
These are absolutely necessary and very time
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