1. Is it me who wants a dog or am I trying to accommodate my partner's or my kid's wish for a canine companion?

Many people make the mistake of saying Yes to a dog when they actually mean No. Not being able to refuse your kids or partner's wish for a canine in the house means that you are creating a lifestyle you will not really enjoy. It is always better to say No than be sorry you said Yes for a long time. Dogs can become up to 15 years old, depending on the breed even older. Do you really want to share your life with an animal just because family members want one? You need to be fair on yourself and on the animal. Do you think he will be happy if he has to live with someone who does not like him?

2. Is there enough room in the house for a dog?

Well, if you really want a dog but you live in a small apartment you need to get a small dog, not one that will grow to the size of a St: Bernard or even Great Dane.

3. Am I or is any member of my close family allergic to dogs or pollen?

If this is the case you might have to give your dog away sooner or later. This will cause much hardship so it' better not to get a dog in the first place. By the way, dogs carry pollen in their fur so if you are allergic to grass pollen you might also be better off without a dog.

4. Am I or is any member of my close family afraid of dogs?

Never get a dog in order to get over your fear of dogs. Get rid of the phobia first. Even if you get used to your own dog there will always be dogs out there which will frighten you. Owning a dog means meeting more dogs because dogs are very sociable and need to be with other members of their species.

5. Have I got enough time at home to look after a dog or would he have to be on his own for most part of the day?

An adult dog can be left on his own for five hours ... maximum. Dogs are not meant to be alone, they are pack animals and leaving them alone for long hours every day is cruelty.

6. Am I willing to have dog hairs and muddy paws all over the floor?

If your answer is No, then you should say No to getting a pooch.

7. Am I willing to train a dog and show him how to behave?

Again, No means your dog would not be happy with you because you would not be the pack leader he needs. An untrained, badly behaved dog causes trouble and is no joy for anyone.

8. Am I prepared to go for at least one long walk every day regardless of the weather?

Dogs need plenty of exercise so if you do not like to go for walks in any kind of weather a dog would not be happy with his life.

9. Who is going to look after my dog when I go on holiday or if I have to go to hospital?

Very important question people often miss. Owning a dog means being responsible for his whole life so you do need someone to fall back on.

10. Can I afford to keep a dog, have I got enough money not only for quality dog food but also for his healthcare?

Be honest with yourself and check your budget before you buy a dog. Keeping him healthy and well fed does cost quite a bit of money. If you are hard up you should be wise enough not to get yourself another source of expense.

Tip

If you are still not sure whether you should get a canine, try this simple but very powerful exercise:

Sit in a quiet place and imagine sharing your life with a dog. Make it real with the unlimited power of your imagination. Go through your days with a dog at your side, imagine every little detail, be it pleasant or unpleasant.

Do this for about a week once a day.

If you feel joy and happiness during the exercise and you are sure that you can meet a dog's needs you might take step two and ask yourself what kind of dog you would like.

If, on the other hand, you experience unpleasant feelings getting a dog may not be the right thing to do at all.

Remember, a dog is for life, not just for the moment.