The Inconvenience of Dogs

Oh the stress, the work, the potential headaches and heartaches! Are you sure you want a creature that could get you sued by your neighbors and fined by the local authorities? The reality of dogs is so much more than playful puppies and snuggles at night. My job is make sure you see both sides : the positives, and the negatives.

Time
One of life's most precious commodities. If you do not invest a considerate amount of time in training and shaping your dog into a good dog, you will regret it. Everybody loses out when a dog is a poorly trained one.

Money
Dogs are regular cash-suckers: from food and training aids, to emergency care that is always needed when you can least afford it. Your new dog is going to cost you a lot of money over the next twelve to fifteen years, so start loosening up your wallet.

Exercise
Every dog needs it, and a lot of it. It's no picnic getting up at five in the morning to walk your dog in freezing winter weather before you go to work, but it needs to be done, or everybody is going to suffer for it.

Dogs smell
Unless you are fanatical about bathing yours, a dog will smell like a dog. A freshly bathed dog will still smell like a wet dog though, and a gassy dog is unspeakably foul. Not to mention that dogs really like to roll in smelly piles of "ick".

Dogs Are Gross
They really are. They eat things that are disgusting, they poop and we have to pick it up, and sometimes we even have to look through it. They can get worms, and other parasites, and they slobber on things. A dedicated dog owner has a strong stomach. Do you?

The Worst that Can Happen

• You could be in a position to be sued, if your dog destroys somebody else's property.
• You could face fines if your dog escapes and is picked up by animal control.
• You could be facing charges of disturbing the peace if your dog is a constant barker.
• Your choice of dog could result in higher insurance deductibles, or a declining of coverage altogether.
• If your dog bites somebody, you could be facing criminal charges.

Anything your dog does ... you are liable.

Must I continue?

Inevitable Heartbreak
Dogs can get under your skin and into your heart pretty fast. Unfortunately, all that unconditional love comes with a hefty price. Dogs have a short lifespan. Large breeds and mixes may only live to ten years or less (average lifespan of an Irish Wolfhound is seven or eight years), and small dogs can live longer, but still short enough to break your heart.

Being a responsible dog owner takes real dedication. Do you have what it takes? If you don't think you do, then maybe you should wait until you are ready.