In The Beginning....WHO????

Who is going to take care of the new dog?? This is the first, and probably the most important, of all the topics of what you need to take into consideration before ever bringing a new dog home. If you are single and will be the sole person taking care of "Fluffy", then this question is already answered ~ the job falls squarely on your shoulders. However, in families with children, many parents make the mistake of purchasing or getting a new dog with the expectation or exclamation that a child will bear the brunt of the responsibility.

Although children can be responsible for a dog's needs to a certain extent, it is more important to remember that a dog's need for attention and care are constant...a child's attention to that responsibility is NOT.

If a parent is not comfortable with the fact that they are, from the beginning, ultimately responsible for overseeing all of "Fluffy's" care, then it would be best to stop right there and not get the dog. Also, never get a dog just because a child wants one or because you think it might teach them a lesson in responsibility. Again, in the end, the parent is ultimately responsible for ALL care the dog recieves ~ good AND bad.

A dog deserves to be treated as a member of a family, with everyone encouraged to participate in his or her care. If you KNOW you are ready to accept this responsibility whether single or a parent, then continue on to the next important topic in making sure your home is ready for your new family member...In The Beginning ~ What???