If you want to buy a pet or already own one, this page is for you.

Before making up your mind for a dog or a cat, ask yourself the right questions. For example:

1. What are the real reasons urging us in owning a pet?
2. Is this desire selfish or is it shared by the entire family?
3. Have we discused the matter adequately?
4. What are our expectations of this pet?
5. Are these expectations reasonable?
6. Can this pet fulfill our expectations?
7. Are our living conditions compatible with the presence of a pet?
8. Are we ready to put in a lot of time and patience?
9. Are we aware that this is a long term commitment?
10. Are we ready to invest in the relationship without blaming the pet if it doesn't turn out the way we planned it?
11. Are we aware that this pet will only be what we want it to be?
12. Are we aware that this relationship, like any human relationship, will develop with time?

To these questions, we should add:

Are we ready to give the appropriate care for the well being of the dog? Can we afford the food and medical bills?

Unlike the cat, the dog is a social animal. He needs to live within a group and to know exactly where he stands within this group.

This particular feature leads to a dominant/dominated dog/human relationship, where the rules of the game must be clearly specified and consistent. If you want a dog, ask yourself these questions:

• Are we willing to take him out many times a day, summer or winter, throughout his life?
• Will we be consistent with him in our daily life? (Many behaviour problems often originate from the master's inconsistency.)
• Are we willing to accept the damages the puppy might do during the first weeks of his new life with us?

If you answered yes to these 3 questions above, you might consider getting a dog. But know that breed does not ensure a particular social behaviour. Whether your dog is a good companion or a destructive pet will depend upon the way he has been treated.

    

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