The Blue Poodle – Killarney

So, you are thinking about getting a dog but are still on the fence whether it’s a good idea or not. It all boils down to why do you want a dog. Let’s take a closer look at what the advantages and disadvantages are of adding a pet to your life.

They can be the best companion ever!

With the percentage of isolated people in the world shooting up to a record high this year, having a dog to share your thought with is definitely one of the best ways to be less lonely.

Any dog owner out there can tell you that you can long conversations with your dog without feeling judged or being interrupted. Some owners claim that dogs understand more than what we give them credit for. There is no doubt that they pick up on their human’s emotions and state of mind and react accordingly. To read some more about companion dogs, go here.

Potty training is normally very high on the to do list. A puppy needs to go every 2 or 3 hours when they are 6 to 8 weeks old. Expecting a pup not to have an accident during a long night is setting them up for failure. Be prepared to take your pup out at least once a night for a few weeks until they understand the concept. Next up is teaching them what is okay to chew on and what is off limits. Puppies do not know this on their own and training them is your responsibility. Basic obedience is a must. For your safety and theirs. Everything from “come” to “leave it” to “go sleep” will make both your lives much easier when both know what is required. Who knows, you might get into a new sport with your dog. Remember, adopting an older dog doesn’t mean that it will be trained enough already to just fit in with your lifestyle. You will still need to teach it the way you do things.

The dog accessories selection is huge because of Mimi that looks adorable in a pink tutu or Rex whose collar has a different colour bow tie on every day. Dogs have their own social media sites and hundreds of followers because everyone loves cute dogs

You do not want a batch of unplanned puppies on your hands. If you do decide to breed with your dog, it offers an entirely different set of expenses. Don’t forget about vaccinations, grooming fees and the occasional unexpected vet bill due to your dog getting sick or injured. Then there is the unending collection of toys, bed, blankets, flea treatments and “oh wow, I need to get that for my dog!” expenses. It’s like having a kid actually.

You need to be able to control your dog in any situation. Don’t underestimate the power of Chihuahua teeth. There are few things that can make a child feel as safe as than having their loyal protector by their side. Whether it’s from the neighbourhood bullies or the monsters under the bed.

For short outings you must be confident that you’ve done your preparations and groundwork properly so that your dog can be left at home unsupervised. A lot of people opt for doggy day care instead of leaving their dogs alone at home all day. When you plan to go away for an extended period of time and your dog can not go with you, you’ll have to make arrangements for their care. Options are boarding your dog at kennels or getting a pet sitter. Care can get pretty pricey, especially if you want your dog to stay in a nice place for the duration of your trip. Because of this, you will have to plan your vacations and other traveling plans around your dog.

They love kids because of the amount of attention kids give them while running around the house or the backyard. Make sure you look at the characteristics of your chosen breed when you have little kids or planning to have some soon. A study at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University concluded that people who have a strong attachment to a pet report that they feel more connected in their human relationships and their communities. The study also concluded that teenagers and young adults who grow up with a dog become more confident and empathetic.

Depending on the breed, your dog will shed a good amount of hair and you’ll have to invest in a good vacuum cleaner to keep control of the tufts of hair floating around on your couch, your bed, on the floor, basically everywhere in the house. Also, just be ready for the surprising amount of vomit you’ll have to clean up in your dog’s lifetime. It can happen for something as simple as your dog eating something they shouldn’t have or something as dangerous as an intestinal obstruction.

breathing, and relaxes muscle tension almost immediately.

The “American Journal of Cardiology” published research about a study of 369 heart attack patients one year after they were released from the hospital. One year later, pet owners had a much higher rate of survival than non-pet owners. The research concluded that the bond between humans and dogs reduces stress, which is a major cause of cardiovascular problems.

That study is backed up by more recent ones that show a reduced level of stress hormones in blood chemistry, even in people who are candidates for blood pressure medication. Dogs are good for your heart. Literally.

You may have to make the decision for euthanasia and handle all of the emotional turmoil that comes with it. Sadly, dog lifespans are not very long. A typical canine will live for 7 to 12 years, depending on the breed. Attachments are formed and then severed, which can be distressing for anyone, but especially children.

Why do I want this specific breed? Will this breed fit into our lifestyle? How much space and exercise will it need? How big will it be? Will I be able to give it enough of my time? How is this breed with children, elderly, other dogs and small animals? Proper homework can save a lot of heartache when you choose the dog that’s right for you.

Example, if you are looking for a low energy couch potato that is happy to lie around with you all day, do not get any type of high energy dog like a Border Collie but if you are looking for a running partner that will go for a run with you and go on adventures, the Border Collie might just be the right dog for you. There’s a suitable dog out there for everyone!