Are you qualified to be a dog owner?

Unless you’re the Dog Whisperer and instinctively know how to read your pet and respond correctly each and every time, you do not have enough knowledge and might want to learn more about what your dog’s behavior is telling you. Dogs are like humans in many ways and need attention; they become ill, they become depressed and mope around the house, they chew up your slippers and are destructive when they are being ignored; they ask for nothing and give everything in return.

However, there are also people who own pets and don’t have a clue as to how to treat them and only have the dogs as security against intruders. There should be qualifying requirements for people who purchase pets, become tired of them, and abuse them by not meeting the dog’s needs and dumping them at the Humane Society or the SPCA when they are no longer amused. If you intend to become a dog owner, ask yourself the following questions to see whether you are the right person to own a pet.

·                     Do you become aggravated when a puppy seeks attention and nips at your pants?

·                     Do you believe that pets should be in a kennel and only come out at night to protect the property?

·                     Do you kick a dog, for whatever reason?

·                     Do you shout at the dog when he whines and appears ill?

·                     Do you only clean the water bowls once a week?

·                     When your pet appears ill, do you take it to the vet or leave the dog in discomfort or pain?

·                     Would you put down an animal because you can’t be bothered with it anymore?

Based on the above, you are not the right fit for a pet, and should not even think of owning a dog. Getting a dog is a commitment. It requires time and patience. It takes a pleasant disposition on the owner’s part. For a dog to thrive in his owner’s environment he needs care on a daily basis. His hygiene must be seen to if he has skin or other problems, his physical needs must be met with regular exercise, going for a walk or running once or twice a day. A neglected dog is one who is grumpy and listless. A happy dog is one with a shiny coat, a wagging tail, and a good disposition. Which kind of dog do you have?