How to Know if You're Really Prepared to Get a Dog?

The holidays are typically the time of year when lots of parents, anxious to please their kids, go out and get a furry bundle of joy to put under the tree. Of course, little Mindy Sue or Freddy Bob will be delighted to find an adorable little puppy waiting for them on Christmas morning.

This would all be so idyllic, if that was all there was to it. However, a lot of people don't seem to understand that having a dog is a major responsibility. That sweet puppy is not going to stay little and, as his or her owner, you must be aware of what's needed to keep your pet healthy and happy.

The first thing you need to do, before making the decision to get a dog, is to determine whether you're really prepared.

Here are some things you may need to ask yourself first:

Are you going to be able to make time for your dog?

Just like humans, dogs require time and attention to flourish.

They need to exercise every day, for example, to keep in top physical shape. If you plan on putting a dog on a chain and exiling it to your backyard, you do that animal a great disservice. You'll need to walk your dog or engage in play on a regular basis. You'll need to housebreak your dog, so he doesn't pee and poop all over your house. Most importantly, you'll need to train him so that he doesn't develop behavioral problems that make him a danger to you, your kids and others.

Let's be real here. Kids are not going to be as responsible for a pet as an adult, so, if you're a person with a crowded work schedule, unwilling to sacrifice what free time you do have to a dog, then getting a dog may not be a wise idea.

Are you financially capable of taking care of a dog?

I know of folks who, after getting a dog, were stunned to discover that there is quite a bit of expense involved with having one.

You'll need to be able to pay for food, collars, leashes, grooming supplies, bowls, toys, crates, harnesses, etc. If your dog gets sick, you have to take him to a veterinarian, which is by no means cheap.

If your dollars are already stretched to the limit paying for your kids' needs, mortgage, car and other family expenses, adding on a pet could put a financial strain on your household.