Deciding to get a dog is a big decision especially if you have never had dog in the past. There are many factors to consider before you bring your new dog home. The first is to understand the commitment it will take from you to raise, training, and care for a new four-legged family member.

Dogs do not come cheap; your average vet bill for the year is around $250 plus meds for heartworm and fleas. Then there is feeding; dog food is an important component in raising a dog. Organic dog food is the best and comes in a $45 for a 25 lb. bag while the cheaper commercial dog food is about $15 for the same size bag. There are some very good choices priced in the middle for around $30 for a 25 lb. bag. The average large dog of 50 lbs. will go through 25 lbs. of adult dog food every two weeks with an average amount of exercise.

Then of course, there are the dog toys. Your new dog will need to release some stress and stem off boredom and a dog toy is the perfect solution. You can certainly have one or two toys but your dog will soon tire of his/her limited selection so plan a new toy at least once a month. Once you have accumulated a dozen or so dog toys you can begin to rotate them. Some dogs have been known to chew through a dog toy in a matter of minutes so purchase quality indestructible dog toys if you find your pooch is a heavy chewer. Remember that dog toys help prevent your new dog from chewing on the furniture and those new curtains.

You will want your own set of dog collars and at two types of dog leashes; one for training and one for walking. In addition, you may want to purchase a dog crate, a bed, and for sure, some dog grooming products. At least a brush appropriate for your dog breed choice.

Although this article is not trying to discourage anyone from getting a dog, it just that all too often people think it is no big deal and if something does not work out they can just return the dog. Many breeders and shelters will happily take back a dog should the new owner decide the dog is too much for them to handle. The idea here is to inform perspective dog owners of the level of commitment necessary before they get a dog.

Assuming that you have thought of all this already and are eager to move forward, have you considered  getting an older dog from a shelter or rescue? If not then let’s explore why the first time dog owner can benefit from these dogs.

First, shelter and rescue dogs are most likely trained is some basic commands and are generally housebroken. Aside from the financial expectations, time is another commitment and training a new puppy takes a lot of devotion. New puppies need to relieve themselves every half hour or so for the first couple of weeks. Leaving them in a crate all day while you are at work or school is cruel.

What you see is what you get. There is no guessing with older dogs as to their personality traits and shelter people can give you detailed information on where the dog came from and sometimes who the previous owner was and why they had to give them up.