Know what you're getting into

But before you acquire a puppy dog, know that this is a big step that will change the way you live for at least the next 10 years.

Sure, it's inspiring to see your friend's dog do the sit-stay-roll-over-and-play-dead routine, but don't think you can achieve that overnight. Like bringing up a child, keeping a dog is a huge responsibility. The difference here, of course, is you can choose the kind of dog you want to have.

There are several pertinent questions you must ask yourself. For instance, where is your life headed at the moment? It's certainly going to be hard to find your dog a new home, if there's a high chance of you being posted abroad.

Similarly, it is not going to be good for your dog if you are away from home half the time because of career obligations.

Do you have others in the family to share the responsibility of caring for your puppy? The early stages of a dog抯 life requires attention if you want to have a healthy and well-behaved adult dog. Being very social animals, dogs even adult ones that are left alone for long periods can become lonely and destructive. So don't blame your little pooch if he reduced that wonderful new suede couch of yours to shreds while you were away for two weeks.

What about your financial standing? Remember that having a dog means feeding it right (bigger dogs require more food), regular visits to the vet, surgical fees for neutering or spaying, etc.


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