[QUOTE=Wiztherewoz;397872]Never had a dog before? Complete novice? Think you want one?
Then I'm aiming these notes your way. Please have a quick read. If you're still sure you'd like a dog in your life afterwards, then I'm sure you're in for a wonderful time with your new addition.
My name's Heather, I'm one of the people who adopts dogs that others have thrown away. I'm here to tell you the honest truth of the less appealing side of dog ownership, with quick reality checks you may not necessarily find in a doggy handbook, in the hope that you don't end up being one of those people who lets their dog down.
[B][U][COLOR="Navy"]Number 1: Dogs defecate[/COLOR]![/U][/B]
If you make the decision to bring a dog/puppy into your home, it will be your responsibility to house-train it. Even if you adopt one that is already house-trained, there may well be an adjustment period as the dog settles in to its new surroundings. *most dogs that are fully house trained will not have setbacks from moving into a new home, but there is always the possibility*
You must never blame your dog for any accidents it may have in your house. It is not fair to banish the dog to your yard, re-home the dog, hit the dog, yell at the dog, rub the dog's nose in the mess, or punish the dog in any other way for [I]your[/I] mistake.
Just as you would need to stay patient and supportive with a small child learning how to use the potty properly, you must remain patient and supportive with your dog.
As dogs get older, they can become forgetful/senile or lose control of their functions.
If you do not think that you could put up with any messes in your house, even from a dog that you've grown to love, then it would be fairer to decide against adopting a dog at all than it would be to re-home one at the time of its life it would need you the most.
If, however, a bit of faecal matter on your floors during the vulnerable time in your beloved friend's life would not be the end of the world to you, read on!
[U][B][COLOR="navy"]Number 2: Dogs urinate[/COLOR]![/B][/U]
First thing you'll have to do in the morning is let the dog out for a wee. You'll probably need to let them out to wee last thing before you go to bed, and you'll need to let them out to wee several times throughout the day. They can't be expected to stay in all day long with their legs crossed. Especially the particularly young and the particularly old. Healthy adult dogs can hold their wee in for quite a long time, but it's kinder if you can make arrangements for somebody to pop in to let them out to relieve themselves if you're going to be out all day at any point.
Sometimes dogs can develop issues like urinary incontinence, which need veterinary treatment. If you find your dog dribbling in the house despite being house-trained, a check-up at the vets is important.
And, if you're fastidious about your garden, be aware - their urine may leave stained patches in your lawn. If that's something that would bother you enough to re-home the dog, maybe have a re-think about getting one at all.
If, however, you can cope with a bit of wee-wee - read on!
[B][U][COLOR="navy"]Number 3: Dogs eat and drink[/COLOR]![/U][/B]
Yep, this is where all that poop and pee stems from.
Dogs have dietary needs just like people do. Just because a can is labelled "dog food" doesn't necessarily mean it is going to be good for your dog. Please do a little bit of research before you decide on what to feed your dog.
A lot of 'human food' is bad for dogs. Some is toxic to dogs. Be aware of what is suitable foodstuff and what is not before you empty your dinner plate into your dog's bowl.
It may sound obvious, but dogs need access to clean fresh water every day. Dogs should be discouraged from drinking river water or water from puddles, as they can contain diseases such as leptospirosis. Drinking soiled water can cause diarrhoea. Don't let your dog drink from the toilet. Chemicals found in toilet cleaner can be toxic.
So, you're happy to provide appropriate food and water for your new friend - read on!
[B][U][COLOR="navy"]Number 4: Dogs shed[/COLOR]![/U][/B]
Dogs have fur. Some dogs have more fur than others. Some dogs shed more than others. Some dogs shed so much that a ball of loose hair may be sent blowing around your house like tumbleweed every time you open a door if you don't vacuum enough.
You may be thinking, "Aren't there those hypoallergenic breeds you can get now? They won't shed anything, right?" Well, stop thinking that please. Dogs aren't pillow cases, they're living creatures and should be considered as such.
Hair is not a big deal, unless you're severely allergic. It can be controlled with regular grooming of your dog and regular vacuuming of your house.
If even the slightest bit of dog hair on your clothes is going to be enough to change your mind about having the dog, then please don't get one in the first place. No matter which dog you get, unless it's completely bald, there will be the odd stray hair.
If a bit of fluff is just a bit of fluff to you - read on!
[B][U][COLOR="navy"]Number 5: Dogs smell[/COLOR]![/U][/B]
Not always. Not all dogs, not all the time. But in general when dogs get older, roll in nasty smelling dead things, dive in filthy puddles, are unwell, eat bad quality food, or are stressed - they'll smell. Either body odour/bad breath/bad gas.
Regular grooming, an occasional bath, good quality food, regular cleaning of bedding and good general care should eliminate bad smells as much as possible.
If you are a finicky person who simply can't tolerate smells in your home, then reconsider getting a dog, rather than getting one that you'll end up resenting or banishing outside or re-homing completely.
If you're fine with a bit of occasional stinkiness - read on!
[B][U][COLOR="navy"]Number 6: Dogs bark[/COLOR]![/U][/B]
All dogs are different. Some dogs bark more than others, some have high piercing barks, some have booming barks, some have extraordinarily loud barks, some roar, some yip, some howl.
Dogs do not tend to make a lot of noise for no reason. If your dog is barking for "no reason" there is usually a problem that the dog's trying to communicate to you in the only way it knows how. That problem could be anything; boredom, loneliness, fear, frustration, stress, confusion, etc. Some dogs bark with excitement, too.
At some point in your life with your dog, you'll likely have to endure some noise. And you'll need to be patient with your dog, and be the best dog owner you can be so that your dog is happy and content, to avoid unnecessary barking.
If that doesn't put you off, and there's no real reason it should if you're ready to take care of your dog to the best of your ability - read on!
[B][U][COLOR="navy"]Number 7: Dogs walk[/COLOR]![/U][/B]
Dogs need exercise. Daily walks are important for the majority of dogs. You will have to train your dog to walk on a lead, to be safe in public, and to be perfect at the recall for off-lead play in a safe area. You'll have to train your dog to be sociable with other dogs and with people.
Unless you live on a farm, letting the dog out for a wander around your yard isn't going to be enough. Regardless of breed, your dog will need to go out for walks away from home. Some breeds will need to cover less miles than others of course. An appropriate length walk for your dog before you go off to work will help your dog settle down while you're not there. Another walk when you get back home will have the dog ready to relax for the night. An extra walk where you can squeeze it in will be icing on the cake for a healthy dog.
For physical exercise, for socialisation, for mental stimulation, for training, for bonding with you and just for the dog's entertainment, daily walks are important.
If you're ready to put other things aside to make time for walking your dog - read on!
[B][U][COLOR="navy"]Number 8: Dogs get sick[/COLOR]![/U][/B]
At some point in your time together, your dog [I]will[/I] need a vet. Whether for vaccinations, check-up, dental treatment, sickness, injury, old age problems, to buy flea treatment - your dog will need a vet.
It will cost you money.
You cannot avoid getting veterinary care for your dog when it needs attention to save money. You know before you get this dog that it will need veterinary attention at some point. You are deciding to get a dog anyway - therefore it is your responsibility to get this dog the treatment it needs whenever it needs it.
If you're completely happy with that, please read on to my final point...[/QUOTE]
