Attention are must be taken to understand the responsibilities of pet ownership before we eventually commit to a pet for life. Thus, decisions on weather to have a dog, the choice of breed, the breed type temperament, health needs and training responsibilities must be well thought before we decide to own a dog.

Having a dog is a lifetime commitment. We benefit a great deal from having an animal around for emotional, physical and even spiritually. However, do not be in a haste to go get one when we feel the need to have a pet. Understand the commitment and responsibilities it requires before we decide.

As more and more pet owners are depending on their pets to fill their emotional need. No matter how smart and human like they are, we should not forget they are animals after all and ensure that we train our pets to live in human society so they can be pleasant to be with. Statistics shows that only about 5% of dog owners train their pets. With more people buying and adopting dogs, and so little training them to live with us human, no wonder the animal shelter centers are getting too crowded and many dogs are also left abandoned on the streets. Most eventually are caught and euthanized eventually due to lack of facilities, home and shelters to care for them.

Here is a list of questions we should ask ourselves honestly before getting a dog:

1) Are you committed to your pet for life no matter what is changed in your environment or if she is not living up to your expectation.

2) If financial condition is a challenging situation for you right now, think twice about having a pet as we need to have the financial means to support the daily expenses as well as unexpected medical costs of pet ownership.

3) If you need to travel frequently, it will be good if there is someone you know and trust that can care for your pet when you are away. It is best if such arrangement can be done quickly.

4) Training your pet is not an option but a necessity to ensure they are well socialized with human and dogs alike. Adequate training will make life with your pet an enjoyable and fulfilling one instead of a stressful one. Ensure you have enough resources and time to train your pet.

I cannot stress enough to all potential pet owners to seriously consider the responsibilities, resources and financial needs of a pet before bringing fido back home. Many dogs are abandoned or given up too quickly when challenges of pet ownership surfaces. Read about dog ownership, talk to dog owners, know the costs involved and responsibilities of pet ownership before you head off to adopt or purchase one.

Once you have decided on a pet, ADOPT one instead of buying one. It saves you costs and most of these pets in the shelters have been spayed or neutered so this will save you the post operative care needs and operation costs as well.

The next step is to read up as much about the breed of your choice and talk to dog breeders about them to understand more about responsibilities in taking care of the particular breed. Some long haired, shedding breeds will take more time to care and groom. Certain dog breeds needs more exercise then others. Only decide to have a pet when you fully understand the commitment behind having that bundle of joy.