The following dog quiz should help you determine if you’re really ready to get a dog. But first of all, I want to commend you for taking the time to put some real thought behind this big decision that, if not thought out thoroughly, could end in disastrous results for both you and a dog.
You can’t help but fall in love with the cute little furry face of a puppy or dog. But are you really ready to take on the responsibility of dog ownership? Too many dogs end up being neglected or abandoned because the owner really wasn’t ready for the responsibility of caring for a dog.
The fact of the matter is bringing a new dog into your family is a
BIG COMMITMENT!
Adding a dog to your family dynamics is a huge decision that will have a major effect on your life for the next 15 years or more. In order to help you think it through carefully, we've prepared the following dog quiz made up of 10 important questions you should ask yourself before getting a dog.
Answer each question of the dog quiz by choosing either a or b
I am prepared financially to take on the expenses of veterinary care, food, toys, training, dog supplies, grooming, monthly heartworm medication, flea control, unexpected medical costs, etc…
a- My budget is tight b- I am financially secure
I will have plenty of time to exercise and train my dog.
a- I work a lot of overtime and some on weekends b- I work a regular 8 hour day and ready for more responsibility
Have you recently had a major change in your home life or family routine (or expect one in the near future ~ next 6 months) ie. Expecting a baby, kids going off to college, a new job, moving to a new home, getting married, getting a roommate, etc…
a- I have several exciting things going on in my life tight now b- I have no unforeseen changes in family routine
Did you recently lose a pet? (went missing or passed away)
a- Yes b- No
Do you have any major health concerns of your own or are you caring for an ill or elderly family member(s)
a- Yes b- No
Have you discussed getting a dog with the rest of your family?
a- No, it's going to be my dog b- Sure, the whole family is in agreement
Do you currently own any other pets
a- Yes b- No
Does your home or apartment have enough space for a dog?
a- No, I'm a little cramped right now b- Yes, there's plenty of room inside and out
Will you mind the additional housework and cleaning up that is required? Including cleaning up vomit, picking up poop, mopping up accidents?
a- What? There's more housework? What vomit? b- No, I don't mind. That's to be expected.
Can you tolerate a little damage to your furniture, clothes, shoes, etc.. until your dog is trained?
a- No, I will not be happy if a dog destroys anything in my home b- I can live with it
Analyzing your dog quiz answers:
If you have mostly "a" answers on the dog quiz: then you are not really ready for a dog. Maybe you really want a dog, but it is obvious you have too much going on right now. It would better serve you to re-evaluate at a later date.
If you have mostly "b" answers on the dog quiz: then you are ready for a dog! You have the right mindset and attitude to bring a dog into your home. You are ready for to make the lifelong commitment and are prepared for all the extra work and surprises. Your new dog will be a loving member of your family and offer you love, companionship, and life adventures.
Dog Quiz explanations below:
If your answered My budget is tight: Think about. The average yearly cost of owning a dog is $1700. Now multiply that by the life expectancy of 15 years and you are talking about over $25,000.
Again, this is on average. It will be even more if your dog has any major medical issues or operations etc… Can you really afford a dog right now?
If you answered I work a lot of overtime and on weekends: Remember, dogs need daily exercise, training, and socializing. Will your working hours leave you too exhausted to spend quality time with your dog?
If you answered I have several exciting things going on in my life: It’s never a good idea get a dog with so many changes occurring. It’s best to wait for things to settle down and then reassess if your lifestyle can accommodate a dog.
If you answered Yes: Did you lose a pet because he got loose and went missing, or did he suffer a premature death by getting hit by a car or perhaps you forgot to administer his monthly heartworm medication. Whatever the reason, ask yourself: "What am I going to do differently to ensure my new dog’s safety?" Another important point to keep in mind is each dog has his own unique personality. So, please don’t expect him or her to replace the dog you’re grieving over.
If you answered Yes: Caring for a dog takes a lot of work. If you are already caring for an elderly family member or are ill yourself, will you still have the energy left to care for your dog?
If you answered No, it's going to be my dog: Getting a dog will affect your whole family. So it is very important that everyone is on board with your decision.
If you answered Yes: Depending on whether your home is large enough to accommodate another dog is one thing. But if you answer yes and you mean it’s a zoo around here – getting yet another pet doesn’t make any sense.
If you answered No, I'm a little cramped right now: You should wait until you have adequate space for your dog to be able to walk about freely.
If you answered What? There's more housework. What vomit?: You might want to take into consideration that your dog will get sick at times and vomit. He may have accidents in your home until he is potty trained. He might get your floors or carpet dirty with his muddy paws. And there's sure to be dog toys laying around, so more tidying up is always necessary.
If you answered no, I will not be happy if a dog destroys anything in my home: New puppies and even some adult dogs are a little messy and can be destructive. It will be up to you to reinforce positive training methods on a daily basis and teach them good manners.
There are actually 2 more questions to the dog quiz I want you to answer and really think about:
dog quiz question #1: What is the main reason you want a dog?
dog quiz question #1: What will you do if your dog doesn’t live up to your expectations?
If you have been totally honest in all your answers - you will know if you are really ready or not for a dog.
Thanking you for taking the Schnauzers Rule Dog Quiz and answering all the questions honestly. Making an informed, sensible decision is the best thing you can do for yourself and the dog.
