 The
Right Pet For YouBy Linda Laun, Happy Tails Obedience Training Pets can add so much to our
lives, enriching and giving purpose to every day. But, is a pet
the right choice for you, and if it is, what is the right pet for
you? Acquiring a pet is a long-term life decision and should not
be taken lightly. Lots of thought and consideration and a fair amount
of research will make this decision one you will live to enjoy,
not one to regret. As a trainer and behavior counselor,
I see great pets in great homes that are perfect matches, where
the relationships are wonderful and the pets are living out their
days as a valued and loved family member. I also see mismatches
where the home is great and the pet is great but not together; where
there are poorly suited pets living in ill-prepared homes. The results
of these mismatches can be catastrophic causing injuries to people,
stressed and neurotic animals, damage to property, and usually lead
to the eventual surrendering or even the death of the pet. How can something that starts
out so noble end with misery and tragedy? The answer almost always
lies within the human part of this situation. Impulse buys, pets
as gifts, lack of knowledge, lack of resources or all summed up,
poor choices. You can avoid these pitfalls
when adding a pet to your family. Follow the principles of TRIP
to make the best choices. Think it through. Impulse
acquired pets have the least chance of remaining in the home for
their lifetime. Ask yourself why you want a pet and what resources
you have to give a pet. Do you have the time, energy, finances,
and space to add a pet to your home? Does everyone in the family
really want a pet? How much responsibility can you really expect
a young child to take? Are you willing to invest the time, work
and money into training your pet? Are your expectations realistic?
Research the breeds and
species that you are considering. Don't base your choice on looks
or a pet you had as a child. Find out if the prospective pet's needs
and temperament are well suited to your current resources and lifestyle.
If you are a neat nut, do you want a pet that sheds, drools, or
has an odor? If you are a couch potato, should you get an animal
that was bred to have energy and stamina for hours? If you already
have a pet in your household, is the new pet you are considering
going to be compatible? Inquire about pets from veterinarians,
breeders, rescue groups, trainers. Talk to your friends and family
who have pets. Ask them for their advice, recommendations, and suggestions.
Would they do something differently if they had it to do over again?
Get their help to make an informed decision. Prepare yourself and
your home for the pet before you bring it home. Learn about its
instincts, normal behaviors, physical, emotional and medical needs.
Get any needed equipment, i.e. cages/kennels, aquariums, leashes,
collars, bedding, litter boxes, toys, food, and set up the living
quarters for your new pet: put in a fence, install barrier gates,
rearrange furniture or prepare a room for your new pet. Save the
money needed to properly care for your pet: at least $.50 per pound
of pet's weight each month for food. For example an 80 pound dog
will require approximately $40 per month for food. Vet care for
a healthy, adult dog will be about $200 - $300 per year for vaccinations,
annual check up, lab work and preventative medications. Cats cost
a little less. The first year of a pet's life is more expensive
because of additional vaccinations and spay/neuter. Don't forget
toys, treats, beds, collars, leashes, crates, licenses, and I.D.
tags. I hope you never need to find out if you can afford health
care for a sick or injured pet, but it is a consideration. The bottom line is doing your
homework. Do not get a pet on impulse. Thoroughly research the pet
you are considering to be sure that it is a good match. Be honest
with yourself about what you can and are willing to do for and with
a pet. Make sure that both your needs and the pet's needs are the
number one priority before choosing to get a pet. |