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Is this table a pretty good assessment on the cost?
Then i thought about the non-expense cost. I'm talking about what's a good amount of time to spend with the dog, days off are free time. What about caging? i can't imagine myself being caged up for 8 or more hours, why would i want my best friend to be in the same situation, would i need to get two dogs so he has a buddy? Are dogs only for people that have time to have them?
I want a dachshund because my parents-in-law's, have the sweetest brown dachshund. She always wants to burrow behind me for warmth.
I've only had cats all my life, as they take care of themselves, but i don't know anything about dogs.
A crate for a puppy is advisible! But NOT for long hours...can you come home for lunch or get a neighbor/friend to give the puppy a potty exercise break?? IF not then I would recomend an adult dog for you. Try Doxie rescues in your area.
We only ever crated one of our dogs and it was a nightmare with him. I understand that it works for some dogs, but not this one. We came home every 2 hours to check on him and let him outside to potty and STILL he was a mess. Had to bathe him every 2 hours because he had messed in the crate and was covered in it. We finally just got a baby gate and closed him in the kitchen, no carpet, and this worked great. Be sure you get a gate that's appropriate though, if you do this, because some are easy to chew through.
Time is a must. Don't think that the only time you have to walk them or play rough is on days off because they will need this every day, regardless of breed. Smaller dogs can get appropriate exercise in the house but you still have to make the time. And I reccommend a variety of toys to occupy when you can't. Treat balls or cong toys are good ones. You put the goodies inside the toy and it occupies for longer periods, great for when you're not home or are busy. Also, rotate toys so they don't get bored with them.
Do research and talk to people before getting a dog if you have never had one.
You have to be a responsible owner. You may wind up paying for spaying and so forth if you get a rescue or shelter dog. It is not automatically included in the adopting fee (it wasn't for us).
Be prepared to lose sleep for awhile if you get a puppy *reminds me of when my son was little!*
Time also goes so fast. Our puppy is going to be 1 year old in a few weeks!
Crating: We crate her when we go out for about 2 hours the most at a time. Fortunately for her, we are both home (I am unemployed, hubby works nights). Someone is ALWAYS home for her except when we go out or do errands (*sometimes she comes with us too). She goes in the crate easily (troublish at a small puppy but we were tough). She likes her crate because it is not a punishment.
I understand people have to work but 8 hours in a crate is no life for a dog.
Are dogs only for people that have time to have them?
The short answer, yes.
But I think it's awesome that you are looking at this from a realistic point of view, i.e. costs, time, etc.
The chart is fine, but it's a starting point. There will always be the unexpecteds, like vet bills for illness, or dog-sitters if you want to go away. If you have the time, money, energy, and compassion, I say go for it.
Is this table a pretty good assessment on the cost?
Then i thought about the non-expense cost. I'm talking about what's a good amount of time to spend with the dog, days off are free time. What about caging? i can't imagine myself being caged up for 8 or more hours, why would i want my best friend to be in the same situation, would i need to get two dogs so he has a buddy? Are dogs only for people that have time to have them?
I want a dachshund because my parents-in-law's, have the sweetest brown dachshund. She always wants to burrow behind me for warmth.
I've only had cats all my life, as they take care of themselves, but i don't know anything about dogs.
The costs are pretty accurate and depend upon the region of the country. Places like DC and NYC will probably run higher - especially for boarding.
Crating is a good idea if you have to be away. If you work and there is no time to spend with the dog, then it is inadvisable to get one. They, like you, thrive on companionship. You probably have to spend about 4 - 8 hours daily and more on weekends. Our dog gets about 8 hours a day since my mother is with him a lot. If you have to crate them for more than 6 hours, you are better off with a fish. An older rescue (6 months to 18 months) may have a higher bladder capacity.
Keep in mind, the lifespan is about 10-15 years (shorter for larger breeds and longer for others).
There are many factors outside of time and money. It depends upon you and your lifestyle. Search the prior threads here for a 'dog selector'. It takes into account barking, digging, exercise requirements, etc. Allergies (your own), exercise requirements, your own living arrangements (house with fenced yard, condo/townhouse, or apartment), your lifestyle (time at work, time for travel), need to be considered. There are various degrees of aggressiveness, tendency for barking, requirements for grooming, and health considerations specific to certain breeds to be aware of.
I never had a cat and I am allergic but they appear to be rather self sufficient.
If you get a dog, consider a rescue/older dog (5 months to 18 months - or older if you wish).
The chart is fine, but it's a starting point. There will always be the unexpecteds, like vet bills for illness, or dog-sitters if you want to go away. If you have the time, money, energy, and compassion, I say go for it.
I have never experienced life w/o a dog. If you're in no hurry, do plenty of research. There are more than enough sites to google every breed. I had a doxie in high school and my parents have had 4 during their empty nest years. The last one developed seizures and will now be on medication for life, so there's always hidden expenses. Quality dog food is also expensive. We feed ours all holistic raw, grain free diets and that can add up. Don't forget toys! I spoil mine and have bought many many toys for them.
One thing you'll discover quickly enough once you get the dog is that they don't really give you the option of how much of your time they get. Take mine for example, right now his head's under my elbow as I type, pushing and proding because he thinks I should be touching him, not the keyboard.
One thing you'll discover quickly enough once you get the dog is that they don't really give you the option of how much of your time they get. Take mine for example, right now his head's under my elbow as I type, pushing and proding because he thinks I should be touching him, not the keyboard.
Sounds like mine. She spends half her time nudging me to play or whining if we stop petting her for 2 seconds sometimes. She's finally given up and gone to sleep.
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