| So you are thinking about getting a dog. Dogs are | | | | security for puppies and they are useful in house |
| the most popular choice among pet lovers. But you | | | | training. |
| should know that owning and caring for a dog can be | | | | It's probably a good idea to purchase a comfortable |
| an expensive proposition. There is a seemingly | | | | dog bed right away. As soon as you bring your new |
| endless list of possible expenses. The cost of | | | | pet home, you will want to establish some routines |
| purchasing a dog is only the beginning. | | | | with him. And if you want to keep him off your |
| If you decide to get a pure-bred, the cost will vary | | | | furniture and bed, then you will need to provide him |
| depending on the breed. Some breeds cost more | | | | with his own bed. |
| than others. Pure-bred dogs that come with "papers" | | | | Unless you know a lot about how to properly train a |
| will of course cost more than those without papers. | | | | dog, you might want to enroll him in a training |
| If you plan on entering your dog in high profile | | | | program or invest in a training guide and take on the |
| shows, you need registration papers. | | | | training yourself. All things being equal, a well trained |
| Even a mixed breed dog may have some cost | | | | dog is a lot easier to have around than one who isn't. |
| attached, depending on what mix he is and where | | | | There are a few other expenses that you may incur. |
| you get him. Certainly, pet store puppies and dogs | | | | At times, depending on what kind of dog you have, |
| purchased from a breeder will cost more than a dog | | | | you may need the services of a professional to |
| you adopt. | | | | groom and clip your dog or to kennel him temporarily. |
| Aside from the initial purchase cost, you will find that | | | | For dogs that spend time outdoors, a good sized dog |
| there are a few other one-time expenses that may | | | | run or better yet a fenced yard are important. |
| occur at certain points in your pet's life. Some of | | | | Keeping a dog chained up when he's outside for |
| these expenses can't be avoided. Others are really | | | | extended periods of time will only lead to problems. |
| your choice. Just keep in mind that some of these | | | | If you are interested in showing your dog or just |
| optional expenses may make life with a pet more | | | | learning more about the breed, you may want to |
| enjoyable and lower your stress level. | | | | purchase a magazine subscription or join a kennel club. |
| Soon after you bring your new pet home, it's a good | | | | You will incur entry fees and travel expenses if you |
| idea to pay a visit to your vet so he can give him a | | | | choose to participate in shows. |
| thorough exam. As you probably know, a puppy | | | | Lastly, there are going to be lots of expenses that |
| needs a series of vaccinations. Certain breeds require | | | | will be ongoing in owning and caring for a dog. These |
| that they have their ears cropped or their tails | | | | may include food, treats, toys, license, collars and |
| docked. Neutering or spaying might be something you | | | | leashes, visits to the vet and vaccinations, flea and |
| want taken care of later on. | | | | tick control, heart worm tests and meds, dog bed, |
| Some owners opt to having their pet tattooed for | | | | grooming supplies and more. |
| identification. There is even pet insurance available to | | | | The list goes on and on, doesn't it? You may or may |
| help cover expenses incurred through injury or illness. | | | | not incur these expenses depending on lots of |
| Additionally, you may wish to purchase a crate or | | | | factors and circumstances. Realistically, it's safe to |
| gate for your doorway to restrict your new dog's | | | | say that owning and caring for a dog is expensive. |
| run of the house. Although some dog owners | | | | It's better to be prepared before you go out looking |
| shudder when thinking about putting their puppy in a | | | | for a dog. Because once you spot that special puppy, |
| crate, there are benefits. Crates provide a feeling of | | | | it will be hard to resist him. |