How to Decide to Get a Dog

Known as "Man's Best Friend”--for a good reason--dogs are loyal and can be a welcome addition to your home. The decision to add a member to your family, while a hard one, comes with many rewards. With the proper preparation, you’re going to be ready to make the decision on whether to get a dog with confidence.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Talk to your household family members. Dogs come with many responsibilities--training, cleanup, feeding, walking, playing--and each person in your home needs to be on board with the idea of getting one. Discuss what's expected of each individual and be satisfied that everyone is willing to do their part.
2. Research breeds of dogs to find one that fits your lifestyle. As with humans, dogs have personalities, so get to know the breeds you're interested in to find one that suits your family's situation. A popular breed is the Labrador, but if you're looking for a small dog--under 20 pounds--a Lab wouldn't be the dog for you.
3. Ask your friends and family about their dogs. One of the best resources in making the decision to get a dog is the firsthand experience and advice from a dog owner.
4. Visit a local animal shelter. Use Petfinder's website for help finding a local shelter or viewing available dogs that interest you. You can view dogs in person to see their size and mannerisms. Shelter dogs may be hyper because they're in a cage, so ask if you can take one into a separate viewing room or private area.
5. Consider fostering a shelter dog. To decide if a dog is right for your family, you can offer your home as a temporary haven to a dog in need. You may find that the dog you're fostering may be the one for you, but if that's not the case, you're not obligated to keep her.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're considering bringing a puppy into your household, know that he is going to need a lot of love, attention and training.