What Are Some Good Reasons To Get A Dog?
What Are Some Good Reasons To Get A Dog?
There are a million reasons to get a dog and a million reasons not to. I personally want the companionship, love and affection, and I want to give that back to the dogs too. I also love developing a deep bond, relationship and strong communication with another species. I live in the city, so livestock-type pets are out of the question. I do like cats, but prefer the types of activities I can do with my dogs.
And did I say I love to develop a deep communication with dogs. I find training (ie communicating - and it is a two way street) with dogs is fascinating.
Reasons NOT to get a dog? To breed. To put in the back yard. For protection only. Because a puppy is cute... etc.
Remember, a dog is a 15 year commitment. It will take years of time and work and continued training to have the dog fit into your life. It can and will do bad things and may develop rather bad behavior issues that will need to be fixed. It will also cost money - and possibly a ton of it if a health issue arises.
However, all the questions you are asking are proving you're going about this the right way. Getting information, reading and knowing about dog ownership before getting the dog is fantastic. Kudos to you!!!
The main reason that comes to mind is companionship and unconditional love. I do agree that going to the shelter is a good idea. There are so many great dogs who need a home or will be euthanized. I have 3 rescue dogs and they are all great pets.
1. You have time for a dog. If you don't have time to spend with your dog, then you should not get one.
2. You have room for a dog. Dogs are athletic creatures they need to be exercised. If you are not able to provide your dog with adequate exercise, then you should not get a dog.
3. You are capable of giving your dog individual attention. Though it would be nice to think your children will take care of the dog, while you care for them, the truth is you need to be able to take care of your dog and your children. If you have too many responsibilities and the dog is going to be just another responsibility not a joy, then you probably should not get a dog.
It depends if you have space for your dog. Getting a dog means you must allow it to have its own space to exercise. Dog is a good companion. Training dog with basic skills will be fun. I have a dog where it keeps my daughter and wife company while they enjoy playing and training it.
I got a dog because I enjoy spending time with them. I like going for long walks and taking them with me. I enjoy always having someone at the door to greet me with love when I come home from the store. I enjoy the interaction and playing with him. I even find it very relaxing to sit and brush him when he is shedding. They are as much work as children but you will never hear an "I hate you" out of them. They always love you and will give to you. They are wonderful protectors and companions, especially for the disabled and elderly. Sometimes they are the only interaction those people ever get.
Remember that they can get expensive at times and you do not ever get to just run off for a weekend without arranging for a sitter or taking them with you. They take time which some people do not want to give.
Dogs are a great way to interact socially. Most people love dogs.
Dogs boost the immune system.
As a child I learned how to care for and interact with a living being which helped make me the person I am today.
They are a good way to pick up on girls/guys. lol
They are environmentally friendly because instead of using a napkin, you can have them lick your face/hands clean- imagine all the trees you could save!
When camping, a dog can patrol the camp and keep the scary animals away. But they will also keep the cute ones away like chipmunks and horses.
Keeping unwanted people out of the house and car can be a great asset; only a bark is needed much of the time, so smaller dogs can help. (Make sure you put a giant dog dish in front of the house to encourage burglars to think your Malti-poo is a Rottweiler.)
These are just a few off the top of my head.
I got my first dog--actually, my first pet of any kind in my life--at the age of 61 after I retired early for health reasons. It was the first time in decades when I didn't have to spend up to 60 hours per week away from home. I didn't have a sudden epiphany ("I must have a dog!"), but one day found myself entertaining the idea of getting a small to medium size dog for companionship. The thought grew, I did some research (not nearly enough!) and the result was a female salt-n-pepper miniature schnauzer that came to live with me.
I never made a better decision in my life. She's taught me the meaning of unconditional love, made me laugh more times than I can count and is a wonderful companion. In return, I take very good care of her and try to give her as happy a life as she's made mine. She's nearly eight years old now, so we're growing into "old lady-hood" together.
Hearing your child call the family dog her "brother." Nothing beats that. Well, other than watching your baby fall asleep in the dog's bed.
Having a dog is good so you get used to caring for a creature that depends on you for food and water and shelter. Also a dog teaches you that you have to sacrifice some of your money, time, and energies when you would rather do something else - a character trait that will be so helpful for relationships in the days ahead. Another reason getting a dog is a good idea is to experience the complete love and loyalty a dog will have for you.
Love and companionship are the best reasons to get a dog. A dog will love you unconditionally. You will never feel lonely with your best friend at your side. If you can't devote the same affection to them then a dog is not for you.
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