Comments on: So You Think You Want a Dog?: 4 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Dog

By: Anna Nix

Anna Nix — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 23:05:02 +0000

I have 2 mini Aussies. The male is an excellent traveler! Good manners – watchful. We travel a lot with our horses and he is always ready to “load up” and go. He crates well to fly also. We were in the Canary Islands once and saw some owners hosing down their Great Dane after he got sick in his crate in flight. Poor thing. We lose a little spontaneity traveling with him, but make lots of friends when they see him. Just check with your points of stay for policies on pets. And if you have one who does not travel well, don’t be selfish and let them stay home with family or friends.

By: C. Russo

C. Russo — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 07:04:07 +0000

Being an undergrad student doesn’t allow me to have a dog yet; but once I’m done with my 8 years of school (studying to be a psychologist) I plan on getting a puppy of my own. Already doing the research for breed and pros and cons, but I can’t bring myself to get one sooner because I wouldn’t have the time needed.

I think these four questions are EXTREMELY important for one looking into getting a dog. Great post and recommendations.

By: Dotty P

Dotty P — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:38:58 +0000

Great advice!

Dogs can certainly rack up medical bills as well! I have a Bernese Mountain Dog and he’s had to have ACL surgery on one leg, maybe on the other as well and needs gum surgery. His breed is prone to knee and hip injuries so it’s important to check into the pros and cons of the breed that you’re getting! Or at least try and find as much information as possible. With that said, Oliver is wonderful and friendly and makes my family smile every day!

By: Ryukyu Mike

Ryukyu Mike — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 06:32:58 +0000

Great article and some good sense comments. You have to make a lifetime commitment to a dog. Swapping dog-sitting duties with other travelers is the way to go, too !

By: Natasha

Natasha — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:31:53 +0000

Great article. I’ve been desperate for a dog ever since I was little. Now in my 30′s, while all my friends are having babies, I’m starting to think I might be ready for the responsibility of having a dog! It’s still a way of yet, as I’m not done travelling. It’s so to be a dog lover when you constantly have itchy feet.

Here in South America, I’ve been volunteering in a dog shelter and I couldn’t agree more with Sarah’s comment. Don’t buy a dog – adopt. There are 70 dogs at the shelter where I work, and all of them are desperate for love and affection. Rescue dogs might take a bit more time to settle in, but they will adore you.

Also, if like me, you’re too busy travelling to have a dog, try volunteering at a shelter. It’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.

By: admin

admin — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:20:50 +0000

Lola-

Ha! No, that’s not Penelope– her tongue doesn’t hang out too often!
The travel aspect is definitely worth considering, especially as it’s getting tougher to travel with dogs, not easier, but as this article recommends, dog swapping works well if you find someone who loves dogs as much as you do. We found a woman in NYC through Craigslist who also has a pug and travels a lot, so we swap care whenever we can. It’s a much better alternative to boarding at the vet’s– and cheaper.

By: Anil

Anil — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:20:46 +0000

That little guy in the picture looks a lot like my pug

Walking, walking, walking. Be prepared to do it for an absolute minimum of an hour a day. As far as traveling, it depends how you move around. It’s important (if you’re not always traveling) to find a good friend with dog experience who will watch your dog while you’re away AND maintain the routine and rules you’ve set up for your pup.

By: Lola

Lola — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 12:37:04 +0000

Is that Penelope?!

Thanks for this piece! We’re at the stage where we’re considering getting a small dog but the travel thing is huge.

By: Carlo Alcos

Carlo Alcos — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 03:10:47 +0000

We can be so prone to short-term satisfaction that we don’t think of long-term consequences. This can be extended to children too – well, anything that’s gonna be around for a while and depends on us!

Think long and hard about the decision. It’s not a time to be selfish.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:57:30 +0000

Great article, Rose. It’s tough to remember sometimes that that cute puppy is not gonna be so cute when it eats your stuff and poops under the dinner table when you have company. But we love them anyway, don’t we?

Also, make sure to adopt!!! There’s too many dogs out there who need loving homes, and just need a second chance.