Whether your new dog has already taken up residence in your home or you are still thinking about dog ownership, your purchase of a family dog indicates that you plan to be a responsible dog owner. “Responsibility” is a key word that should always be emphasized on all pet owners.

Dogs are living, breathing, totally dependent creatures. Their safety and well-being lie entirely in our hands. Unfortunately, there are far too many irresponsible people who enter into dog ownership as though they were buying a magazine or some disposable toy.

If dogs could talk, we can only wonder what the thousands of abandoned dogs in animal shelters across the world would say to us. There is no doubt that would have some profound comments on how well we have fulfilled our part of the relationship with man’s best friends.

The thought of dog ownership gives most people a warm, fuzzy feeling. What better image could be than good old Shep sitting faithfully at the door each evening, waiting to lavish unlimited adoration on you when you come home, or the thought of a rolly-polly puppy taking a quiet little snooze on you lap. Appealing? Certainly. And all of these wonderful scenarios are part of dog ownership. However, be warned that these touching images are but a small part of the big picture.

All puppies are cute and cuddly, but they are also very adventurous and mischievous little creatures. At the same tine, they are entirely dependent upon their human owners for everything once they leave their mother and litter mates. Furthermore, the innocent-looking and dependent little puppy quickly becomes a dynamo of energy with adolescent hormones that continuously rage and inspire relentless activity.

Your adult dog will adore you and strive to please you, but you must teach him what is and what is not acceptable. It is highly unlikely you will be bringing a totally trained adult dog home with you, and even if you were to do so, what will he be trained to do? Will the dog be trained to accommodate your household and lifestyle? There are many things to consider before dashing off to the shopping mall for toothpaste and returning with a new puppy inside. Bringing home a dog without seriously considering the commitment involved can be a serious mistake. The prospective dog owner must clearly understand the amount of time, work, and patience involved in the ownership of any pet. Failure to understand the extent of this commitment is one of the primary reasons so many unwanted canines end their lives in animal shelters.

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