Am I Ready to Own a Dog?
January 31, 2010 // Posted by: admin // Category: Learn how to make your own clothesHere are some considerations that you need to take note when buying a dog (or another pet). It will be part of your family for the next 15 years or so. Once you have decided to buy a dog, you will have to take responsibility of it till its death. This article will help you make an informed decision. First advice, don’t buy on impulse!
What is the main reason for getting a dog? If it is for the kids in your house, you have to remember that children cannot possibly take full responsibility of the dog. Once the novelty of a cute puppy wears off, this responsibility is pushed to the adults (and this happens most of the time). It is important that you educate your child on the importance of being a responsible pet owner. The job doesn’t end after the dog has got its dinner. It’s a lifetime commitment.
Can you afford the time to take care of your dog? If you don’t, getting a dog isn’t really a good idea. Dogs require as much attention as we humans do. They love companionship. That’s why they say dogs are man’s best friends. Are we able to reciprocate the kind of friendship they are offering us?
Are you able to take of it financially? There are many dog expenses, such as dog food, toys and clothes. You have to take it for vaccinations as well. On top of it, your dog should also have a regular checkup. And if it ever falls sick, there is also the medical fees to worry. Your dogs should also be sent for regular grooming to maintain its cleanliness and overall well being.
Do you know how to train your dog? Most of us don’t. So it brings us to the next question. Are we willing to learn how to train our dogs? Do we have the time? Do we need to engage a professional dog trainer, the services which might otherwise be expensive?
As long are you are committed to do the job well, I don’t forsee any difficulties. But you must bear these questions in mind before you get a dog. An impulsive decision might result in undesirable consequences.
George Yeo
(2008 UPDATE) A friend and fellow slave wrote a very good article for people, who have ever thought of getting ducks as pets. mrflapper.com ) Many of you have commented on this video, lots of questions regarding keeping ducks and what not. Let me explain a little about this video.. This video was taken over 2 years ago when I got my first ducks. It was a bad experience overall. These ducks were ordered from a Hatchery, delivered through mail, the first mistake of many to come. I was lucky to receive all my ducks alive and well, but not so many ducks have this luck – I ordered 12 ducklings, a friend of the fam wanted some to so I figured we could share the order. 7 of the 12 were given away once fully feathered, most of which did not survive, many drowned others got sick, they were living pretty much wild on his property and these ducklings are all Domestic Animals. They need your care. Of the 12 I kept 5, one of which, my favorite was killed and eaten by “nice” dog.. It was devastating, he somehow escaped the pen and got too close to the dog, who was just being a dog. 4 Survived and grew. All was ok till one of the, the Pekin suddenly became sick, when I noticed she was sick it was way too late, She had ingested what we think was the avocado leaves from our tree and it poisoned her. I noticed her in a corner not eating or moving. She let me pick her up which she never did and started having seizures. she died in my arms at 4AM. I was devastated. So much so my parents started to worry and picked any excuse to get rid of them. If you know anything about ducks is the mess they produce and back then my family wasn’t putting up with it. Even though I slaved over them, cleaning their pens sometimes 4 times a day! They decided there were too many fly’s for their comfort. Even though our dirty neighbor whose house was full of cats was to blame they blamed it on the Ducks and I had to give them away. The remaining 3 ducks, went to another family friend with a private pond. Time pased and they got older and got friends all was well till one day the 2 Cayuga’s (black ducks) went missing. They did not come back to their pen that night.. The following morning they found one of them, dead. Hidden under a bush injured. Something had got him and he tried to hide, instead he just died from the injuries. A day later they found the pile of feathers and innards of the other. This experience has really taught me a lot, and I hate it that it took the ducks poor life to make me learn. Ducks are probably the hardest most time consuming, most expensive pet to keep! I have 2 ducks now, a couple years later. Both were rescued in their own way. I’ve had the oldest for almost 2 years now. This time around the ducks are my priority, everything I do or think to do revolves around them. Looking and learning more ways to make sure everyone is okay with their presence. They own me, I don’t own them. No one understands this. Animals are NOT disposable! They are NOT experiments! Sure they are cute babies, but wait till they get older.. Sure! it was only 3 bucks in the feed store.. Get ready for the the thousands of dollars you spend. Their predator proof pen alone is cost over 400 dollars and its not even what I would want it to be! 50 dollars for food everytime they scraf down a bag, Ducks CAN’T live off bread. All I am saying is, think carefully before getting ducks as a pet.. Infact forget about it. Unless you’re willing to sell your soul, don’t.
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