Dog Ownership

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Dog is man’s best friend, we’ve been told. “My dog is a member of the family,” we tell each other. Yet the book “The Truth about Dogs” points out another side of our canine friends: dogs steal the food off our plates, take the best spot on the couch, and routinely destroy our property. Just who is this dog creature, anyway? Perhaps only you, in partnership with your dog, can determine that. But this guide can surely help you find the Web’s best resources for care of this mysteriously lovable pet.

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Dog Ownership

Adding a dog to your family is a big step—and a bigger commitment than most people realize. Some dogs live to be 10 to 15 years old. Are you ready to make the necessary commitments of time, money, responsibility, and love for the lifetime of the dog? This section of the guide can give you and your family a clear picture of what it’s like to care for a canine companion.

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Don’t forget to consider the significant cost of owning a dog: food, toys, medical care, grooming, collars, crates—it all adds up. Take a look at this chart on Petfinder.com for the estimated yearly cost of owning a small, medium, or large dog.

If you’d like to adopt a dog but are worried about leaving the dog alone for long stretches due to work or travel commitments, never fear: dog walkers, doggie day care, and dog boarding kennels come to the rescue. These are covered later in the “How do I care for my dog?” section of the guide.

Established in 1954, the Humane Society of the United States is the largest animal protection organization in the United States. It’s a trusted source of information with an extensive, user-friendly Web site full of advice for the new and experienced dog owner. For that reason, the Humane Society’s site is mentioned several times throughout this guide.

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For a general introduction to dog ownership…

Hornell Animal Shelter has a quick, eight-question quiz that can help you determine if you’re ready to adopt a dog. Issues such as your home environment, how often you travel, and expectations for the future are all considered.

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The American Kennel Club (AKC) emphasizes that dog ownership is not only a huge responsibility, it’s also a privilege. Beyond the basics of food and shelter, the AKC offers advice on ways to be the best dog owner you can be. Use the linked headings to skip to topics of interest like “Bring Your Dog Home,” “Keep Your Dog Healthy,” and “Be a Friend.”

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The American Veterinary Medical Association has an electronic brochure on selecting a dog that introduces the special needs of dogs and the lifestyle considerations every prospective dog owner should take into account. Don’t miss the very comprehensive “What must you do to prepare for your dog?” section near the bottom.

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For information on allergies and other health concerns …

The Partnership for Animal Welfare (PAW) offers basic facts about pet allergies and coping strategies for people who wish to have a pet despite their allergies. Get tips on how to properly handle and groom your dog, clean your house, and control environmental factors. The site also offers other strategies for minimizing allergic reactions, recent findings in animal allergy research, and suggestions of things to consider before you get a pet.

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “Diseases from Dogs” article begins by pointing out that owning or petting a dog probably won’t get you sick. However, dogs can harbor germs and parasites, and some people are at greater risk of contracting diseases from dogs than others. Use the “Special advice” link in the text to learn who is at risk and how they can protect themselves, or browse the list of dog-related diseases for more information on each disease and how you can minimize your risk.

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