So why do people even think of getting a dog?

For me, life before dogs was not very happy, nor very healthy. The only time I used to laugh was when I was chugging gin and tonic (love that drink!). Now, my dogs make me laugh all the time. I have a Shiba Inu called Gin, and a Siberian Husky called Tonic.

For real? Nah.

Here are five key reasons why people get dogs, and why dogs are worth all of, and more than what we put into them.

** Note – If you are interested in getting a dog, do not buy one from an online-buy-a-puppy site or from a pet store. Such places support and finance puppy mills that not only breed unhealthy puppies, but also keep their dogs in cruel conditions. Instead, consider adoption or getting a dog from an accredited Kennel Club breeder.

Why Get a Dog – 5 Reasons for Getting a Dog

1. A dog will keep you happy, healthy, and help you lose some weight

Why Get a Dog – A dog will keep you happy, healthy, and help you lose some weight.

Physical exercise is extremely important to living a healthy and happy life.

I hear this all the time, but motivating myself to actually go to the gym every day is close to impossible. I pretty much have to fight a mental battle with myself everyday, and frequently, it is my lazy butt persona who wins.

Dogs need to take walks every day. In rain, shine, or snow I take my dogs out for their daily walks.

Unlike visits to the gym, I can’t get lazy, and I can’t come up with excuses of other things I need to do. When it is time for their walks, they will come and find me, and give me intense, meaningful looks.

I have had several fitness coaches, but none have been able to motivate me as well as my dogs. Those deep eyes, and expectant faces gets me off my lazy butt every day of the week.

I have had several fitness coaches, but none have been able to motivate me as well as my dogs.

2. A dog will keep your mind engaged and active

Matching mental wills with my dogs; otherwise called dog obedience training.

In addition to physical exercise, mental exercise is also important to living a healthy life. My dogs have taught me many things, and they continue to challenge me every day.

For example, dogs have a really weird fashion sense. They do not see the difference between a pair of torn-up sneakers, and my prizedJimmy Choo shoes. Both are fair game as chew toys. They also think that mud on designer clothing is very much in style. Therefore, I have to come up with many ingenious ways to convince them that there is some value to human fashion after all.

Getting dogs to respect human fashion, as well as follow basic house rules and manners, can take a surprising amount of time and mental effort. As a result, I think less about food, and burn off extra calories while matching mental wills with my dogs; otherwise called dog obedience training.

Therefore, in addition to being great teachers, dogs are also great diet coaches!

Just don’t ask them for advice when it comes to fashion.

From the dog’s point of view, his master is an elongated and abnormally cunning dog.
~~[ Mabel Louise Robinson ]

Why Get a Dog – A dog will keep your mind engaged and active.

3. A dog will teach you to relax and be Zen

Why Get a Dog – A dog will teach you to relax and be Zen.

Dogs may feel stressed, or depressed.

Embrace nothing: If you meet the Buddha, kill the Buddha. If you meet your father, kill your father. Only live your life as it is, Not bound to anything.
~~[ Hindu Prince Gautama Siddharta, the founder of Buddhism, 563-483 B.C. ]

Live in the moment, and follow your own wisdom, that is what Zen is about.

Telling someone to “live in the moment” is similar to telling someone to “buy low and sell high”. Easy to say, but very difficult to implement. Dogs, however, make living in the moment seem easy, because that is what they naturally do every second of the day.

Some people mistake this to mean that dogs do not feel or do not have memories. Quite the opposite.

Dogs feel very strongly, and they can have very detailed memories of things.

Just like us, they may feel stressed, or depressed. However, the key difference is they move on and leave the past behind.

My dogs help me stay connected to the world around me. They provide me with a fun, and sometimes very demanding activity to take my mind away from my troubles. They teach me to move on and let things go, just by being who they are.

This results in less stress, less sadness, and a happier, healthier life.

Dogs, however, make living in the moment seem easy, because that is what they naturally do, every second of the day.

4. A dog will make you laugh

Why Get a Dog – A dog will make you laugh.

My dogs make me laugh every day. They are always doing silly and funny things that make me smile, even when I am troubled.

My Shiba Inu has this butt-in-the-air move (see below) that he thinks is just too hot to touch. Whenever he has an audience, he will start performing this butt-move as if to say,“look at me, I’m too sexy!”.

Studies have shown that there are many health benefits to laughter. It can boost our immune system and help stave off viral infections. It can help us relax, and reduce stress related illnesses (e.g. high-blood preassure, ulcers).

Laughter is also a good tonic against negative feelings such as depression, frustration and anger. A life filled with laughter, is a good life.

The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself too.
~~[ Samuel Butler,Notebooks, 1912 ]

My Shiba Inu has this butt-in-the-air move that he thinks is just too hot to touch.

5. A dog will be your loyal friend for life

Why Get a Dog – A dog will be your loyal friend for life.

Dogs spend much of their lives observing us; our mannerisms, routines, and quirks. They probably understand us better than we understand ourselves.

As a result, dogs share a bond with us that is difficult to replicate with people.

They have a natural sense of empathy, and can easily sense changes in our emotions, however slight. Thus while everyone else may be oblivious to my troubles, my dog will come over and put his head on my lap.

Strange as it may seem, dogs communicate better than people do. Although they may speak a different language, they express themselves more clearly and more truthfully. They don’t say yes when they mean no and vice versa.

With a dog you always know where you stand.

The dog is a gentleman; I hope to go to his heaven, not man’s.
~~[ Mark Twain, letter to W.D. Howells, 2 April 1899 ]

Dogs share a bond with us that is difficult to replicate with people.

When I was young (< 5 years old) we had two German Shepard mixes. One was white and one was tan. I think they barked a lot but I don’t remember much else.

The dog that I truly remember is this black and brown mutt. He was on the smallish side, probably around 30 pounds. I love that dog. Sometimes, I would sit for hours with him, not saying anything, just sharing his company. He was afraid of fireworks so on New Year’s eve, I would sit with him the whole night.

I was pretty lonely then, and that dog was my very best friend.

I Want a Dog, Should I Get a Dog?

But I did not treat him very well.

He was an outside dog. Family rules. When he was young and tried to follow people into the house, he got hit on the butt with a rolled-up newspaper.

Nobody walked him. I was too young to be out and about, and everybody else was too busy to walk him. None of the neighbors walked their dogs either – it was simply not something that people did.

After some years, puppy grew up, I got busy, and nobody spent time with him. He dug under the fences and escaped. Mom tried to block all of his escape routes, but he always managed to find a new way out. He was a very clever dog, with a lot of time on his hands.

So every day, he escaped, went gallivanting with his neighborhood dog buddies and came home in the evening for dinner and sleep.

One day, he did not come home.

Shiba Inu Sephy, Siberian Husky Shania and puppy Lara.

After a few years, my dad brought home a litter of puppies and asked if I wanted to keep one.

I said no.

I still love dogs. I still really want a dog. But I was a kid, and could not treat a dog the way he should be treated. So I said no.

Now, I share my life with three dogs – Shiba Inu Sephy, Siberian Husky Shania and puppy Lara. They are my best buddies. I make sure they have long daily walks, lots of play time, and there is no hitting, slapping, poking, or pain based dog training.

Should I Get a Dog?

Am I Ready to Get a Dog?

Consider carefully before getting a dog. It can be awesome to share our life with a dog but timing is extremely important. Dogs are a big responsibility, and they require a lot of care, training, and supplies. This translates into a whole lot of time, energy, physical activity, patience, and money.

Love alone is not enough.

Dogs need a lot of exercise or they will become hyper and destructive at home. Make sure we are fit and energetic enough to give our dog walks, play-time, and obedience training sessions every day.

Am I ready to get a dog?

• Can I take him on walks every day for at least 1 hour?
• Do I have the energy to play with him when I get home from a tiring day at work?
• Do I have the patience to train him, teach him, and not give up on him even when he chews up my $500 shoes, poops on my designer couch, and bites me?
• Can I promise to stay with him for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do we part?

I make sure they have long daily walks, lots of play time, and there is no pain based dog training.

My best buddies.

Dogs are a big financial expense. Grain-free good quality kibble, yearly vet check-ups, bully sticks, dog toys, training costs, and everything else adds up to a whole lot of money.

But they are more than worth it because they bring a happiness and peace that is priceless.

Dogs bring a happiness and peace that is priceless.

I am glad that now, I have the ability to not just buy a dog, but also take care of him properly. I am glad I have the time to walk, play, groom, teach, learn, listen, and just sit with him.

I love dogs. I still remember my friend, the black and brown mutt.

I will never again get a dog just to serve my own needs and ignore all of his needs.

I want a dog, but I will say no until I have the money, time, and patience to properly care for him.

I will never again get a dog just to serve my own needs and ignore all of his needs.

Where to Get a Dog?

If you love dogs and are looking to get a dog, do not get one from a pet store or online store. Pet store and online store puppies come from puppy mills who are only interested in making money and subject their dogs to cruel living and breeding conditions. One thing that all dog professionals and dog lovers can agree on is that puppy mills are bad, bad, bad.

Here is what the humane society says about puppy mills.

The best place to get a puppy is to adopt one from a shelter or rescue, or to get one from an accredited AKC breeder.

If you love dogs and are looking to get a dog, do not get one from a pet store or online store.

You are looking for a new dog or puppy to share your life with. You can’t wait to get one, but …

How to get a cheap dog that will fit with our budget?

There are generally four places where we can get a dog or puppy –

• Accredited Dog Breeder
• Backyard Dog Breeder
• Pet Store
• Dog Adoption Agency and Dog Shelter

How to Get a Dog - Getting a Cheap Dog or Puppy

The first step in “how to get a dog” is to decide on a dog breed. Do some research on popular dog breeds and find one that is right for our family and current lifestyle.

Dogs have a lot of bad habits, so think carefully before getting one.

How to Get a Dog 1

How to Get a Dog 1 - Accredited Dog Breeder.

Siberian Husky puppy Shania is from a Club Breeder and she has an extremely sweet temperament.

Accredited Dog Breeder

These are dog breeders that are registered with an accredited organization such as-

• American Kennel Club (AKC),
• The Kennel Club UK, or
• Canadian Kennel Club (CKC).

Each club has a section that lets us search for dog breeders that are registered with them. These breeders have to follow rules of conduct set by the club, and are frequently active participants in showing their dogs in club events.

Accredited dog breeders tend to breed healthy puppies, whose parents have been screened for hereditary issues. They will usually socialize their puppies early-on because that will help with subsequent conformation competitions. Many will also breed for good puppy temperament.

As a result, dogs from such breeders end up having fewer vet and puppy training bills.

Even though puppies from accredited breeders may not be cheap at first glance, they actually end up being cheaper dogs in the long-run because of their good health and temperament.

These puppies usually sell for about $800 to $2000, for the breeds that are more rare.

Some things to look for from a good dog breeder.

Siberian Shania was a well-balanced, well-socialized puppy.

Some things to look for from a good dog breeder:

A good dog breeder …

1. Will want to meet with you, or interview you over the phone, before selling one of her precious puppies. The more questions the breeder asks the better, because that shows she cares what kind of home the puppy is moving to.
2. Will show you the mother and father (if available) of the puppies, and let you interact with them. The temperament of the parents will affect the temperament of the puppies.
3. Will breed from champion bloodlines, and provide you with the puppy’s “family tree” that will contain many champions.
4. Will have proper health certifications for the puppies’ parents. This will vary by breed, as different breeds may have different hereditary or genetic issues.
5. Will give you some kibble, a blanket that smells like the litter, sometimes a crate, and the puppy’s favorite toy. This will make the transition of homes easier for the puppy. The kibble and smelly blanket are especially important.
6. Will not over-breed their dogs. It is expensive and time consuming to properly care for a litter of puppies, so accredited breeders do not breed very often. Places that have litters every month or every other month, are likely puppy mills that are trying to generate as many puppies as possible to maximize profits.

If possible, it is a good idea to get our puppy from a local breeder. Someone local can hook us up with nearby club activities, and will also be available to give us puppy training advice. My breeder also visits me from time to time, and we get to set up some fun play sessions with her dogs.

Siberian Husky puppy Shania at 10 weeks old. I got Shania when she was 8 weeks old from a local AKC Siberian Husky breeder.

How to Get a Dog 2

How to Get a Dog 2 - Backyard Dog Breeder.

Puppies from backyard breeders may be cheaper but frequently have health and temperament issues.

Backyard Dog Breeder

Unlike accredited dog breeders, backyard breeders do not need to follow any rules of conduct and are usually less experienced.

Backyard dog breeders tend to be –

• Hobbyists who are experimenting with dog breeding,
• Dog owners who get accidental litters, or
• People who are looking for some supplemental income.

As a result, they are less careful about health, temperament, and socialization of their puppies.

Backyard puppies may have genetic defects, unsound temperament, and may be skittish around other dogs or people. This may ultimately lead to dog aggression.

Most of the puppies advertised in online buy-a-puppy sites (e.g. www.puppyfind.com) are from backyard dog breeders or puppy mills. Accredited dog breeders spend the time to seek out good dog owners from their club connections, and rarely, if ever, advertise on these sites.

Getting an online puppy may be quicker and more convenient, but they are more likely to have health and temperament issues.

In the long-run, backyard breeder puppies will end up costing us more in terms of time, money, and heartache.

Puppies from online sites range from about $100 to $1000, with an additional $200-$300 if shipping is necessary.

Cheap Puppies - Shiba Inu Sephy is from a backyard breeder at PuppyFinder.com and has a very challenging personality and unbalanced temperament.

How to Get a Dog 3

Pet Store

Good dog breeders who breed healthy and balanced puppies will never place their dogs in a pet store to be sold. This is because they care about their puppies very much, and take a very active and hands-on role in placing their dogs into good homes. They often establish a long term relationship with their puppies’ owners, and regularly check up on how their dogs are doing for their entire lives.

Pet stores have very little quality control on how their puppies are treated while at the store. Pet stores also do not screen who they sell their puppies to.

Most, if not all of the puppies in pet stores, come from backyard breeders or puppy mills.

Puppy mills are only interested in making as much money as possible. Their dogs are often treated cruelly, and are kept in small and dirty cages for their entire lives. They are not handled, groomed, or exercised. As a result, pet store puppies commonly have a lot of health issues, inherited genetic issues, as well as serious temperament issues.

If you love dogs, DO NOT get a puppy from the pet store as that will only support the cruel puppy mills behind them.

Say NO to pet stores and puppy mills.

How to Get a Dog 4

Dog Adoption Agency and Dog Shelter

These are dogs that have been surrendered, seized, or abandoned by their owners. To adopt a dog in need, we may go to a nearby SPCA, city-run animal shelter, or a dog rescue group.

City Shelter

City shelters are usually underfunded and undermanned. To keep their dog population to a manageable size, dogs that are unclaimed and not adopted after a short period of time, are usually euthanized.

City shelter dogs are examined for health and temperament by staff, before they are put up for adoption. In addition, shelter dogs are spayed or neutered, and are up to date on their shots.

If we are looking for a cheap dog, consider that these health procedures more than pay back for the initial adoption fees.

City shelters have adoption fees that range from $50-$100.

Siberian Husky puppy Shania at play with Shiba Inu Sephy.

Siberian Husky puppy Shania at 8 weeks old.

SPCA

SPCAs (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) are privately funded, non-profit organizations.

They are better financed than city shelters, and usually have a no-kill policy. Most SPCAs get their dogs from surrounding city shelters. They temperament test all available dogs, and choose the ones that are healthy and most adoptable. They may also accept owner surrendered dogs, but only after the dog passes a temperament test. As a result, dogs at the SPCA are usually healthy and have good temperaments.

I used to visit my local SPCA for dog-to-dog socialization sessions. Almost all the dogs I met there were very playful, well socialized, and friendly to people, as well as other dogs.

If we are looking for a cheap, well-temperamented dog or puppy, our local SPCA may be one of the best places to find a furry friend.

SPCAs have adoption fees that range from $100-$300. Most SPCAs will also throw in a free dog obedience training class, and many give adopted dogs a big discount in subsequent training courses.

Siberian Husky puppy Shania showing Shiba Inu Sephy who is boss.

Rescue Group

Rescue groups are privately funded, non-profit organizations, with a particular mission.

For example, there are a variety of rescue groups that are devoted to saving dogs of a chosen breed. Other rescue groups may be devoted to special needs dogs, old dogs, retired racing dogs, dogs in dire need, etc.

Rescue groups will often take-in dogs that are about to be euthanized at the shelter. Most rescue groups have less stringent temperament tests than SPCAs or city shelters.

As a result, dogs from rescue groups may vary more widely in terms of temperament.

However, many rescue group volunteers will spend time to foster, train, and rehabilitate problem dogs, before adopting them out.

Adoption fees range from $100-$400.

Siberian Husky puppy Shania having a fun play session outdoors.

How to Get a Cheap Dog or Puppy?

How to Find Cheap Puppies?

While considering where to get a cheap dog or puppy, it is important to factor in the costs for the entire life of the dog, rather than just the initial cost of getting the puppy. What we pay for in terms of food, toys, vet bills, and training classes will far outweigh the initial purchase or adoption fee.

A healthy and well-adjusted puppy from an accredited breeder or dog adoption facility, will have cheaper and fewer vet visits, as well as require fewer training classes.

• Vet visits range from a minimum of about $40 for an examination, to about $100 or more if medication is needed. Another $100+ may be required if the dog needs to be sedated for an examination.
• Training classes range from about $80 to $150, and usually last for 4-8 weeks. Private training sessions range from about $80 to over $100 per hour.

At the very least, a puppy with good temperament will save us $100+ per vet visit because he does not have to be sedated for an examination. When we add in the cost of extra training, and possible property destruction from a less carefully bred puppy, we are looking at many thousands of dollars more throughout the dog’s lifetime.

This does not even take into account the cost of emotional distress to us and our family, from an unhealthy, and unbalanced puppy.

In the long-term, cheap puppies come from accredited dog breeders, or our local SPCA, because they are healthy and have good temperaments.

Cheap Puppies - In the long-term, cheap puppies come from accredited dog breeders or our local SPCA because they are healthy and have good temperaments.

Getting a Dog or Puppy Does Not Always Mean Buying One

Owning a dog is expensive.

The initial cost of shots and spaying or neutering can add up to about $500-$1000 in just the first few months.

Add to that the cost of dog food, dog medicine (Heartguard), dog toys, obedience training, vet visits, and yearly booster vaccine shots, and we are looking at a yearly cost of over $1000 just for maintaining the dog.

Getting a puppy or a dog is a lifelong commitment.

Consider carefully before taking on the responsibility of caring for another precious life. If we want a dog but do not have the time or financial resources at the present moment, there are other ways to spend quality time with a canine friend.

• Volunteer at our local SPCA or a nearby rescue group.
• Get to know our neighbors who have dogs, and volunteer to help them walk their dogs. We may even start charging them a nominal fee for our services.
• Get a part-time job as a pet sitter, or at a dog training facility once we are more comfortable with dogs.

Getting a Cheap Puppy Does Not Always Mean Buying One.

Some dogs may be more than a bit insulted, with that remark :D. Nevertheless, there are many similarities between men and dogs.

Living together with a man is a big deal. Suddenly, we have to put up with his many bad habits, all of the time. Living together with a dog, is an even bigger deal. With dogs, it is truly a “till death do us part” commitment. Since dogs are totally dependent on us, there is no such thing as a divorce.

Should I Get a Dog – 10 Things to Consider Before Getting a Dog

When we agree to bring a dog into our family, we are making that commitment for life.

And just like men, dogs have an array of bad habits.

Therefore, before getting a dog, we want to first consider some of their less than desirable traits.

Should I Get a Dog 1

Dogs Snore Like Drunken Sailors.

This is my cute little Siberian Husky girl, Shania. She is the sweetest thing ever, but at night, she snores like a really large, really drunk, sailor.

At least when a man snores, we can give him a swift kick, and make him turn to the side. This will usually stop the snoring.

My Husky girl, bless her heart, will snore in whatever position she is in.

Should I Get a Dog 1 - Siberian Husky Shania snores like a drunken sailor.

Should I Get a Dog 2

Should I Get a Dog 2 - Dogs Are Expert Stalkers.

Shiba Inu Sephy - The Little Detective.

Dogs Are Expert Stalkers.

I think that the Police song, Every Breath You Take, was composed for a dog. Dogs like following us everywhere, and they watch everything that we do.

My Shiba Inu likes sitting outside, and staring at passers-by, cars, and everything else.

He is known by some of my neighbors as “the little detective”.

If he could talk, I bet he would have some really juicy stories to tell!

Should I Get a Dog 3

Dogs Are Not Ashamed of Begging.

My dogs learned really early on that their most powerful weapon is not their teeth, but their pretty face.

Dogs are willing to do about anything to get what they want, and that includes begging. Beware! They are very, very, good at it, and they will do it whenever they want something from us, which is almost all of the time.

Should I Get a Dog 3 - I'll gladly pay you Tuesday, for a cake today.

Should I Get a Dog 4

A Dog’s Favorite Perfume is Eau De Skunk.

A dog’s favorite scent is not Dior, CK, or even Old Spice. Rather, they like dead things that smell like, well, dead things. Rolling around in a dead thing to acquire that oh-so-quaint aroma, is often the highlight of a dog’s day.

Smelling and eating poop is also a favorite activity. My Siberian Husky Shania, treats bird poop like it is caviar. What the cat, horse, and goat left behind, is also on her favorite list of foods and scents.

Casual Canine Lil Stinker Pepe Le Pew Skunk Halloween Dog Costume from Amazon.com.

Should I Get a Dog 5

Should I Get a Dog 5 - Shiba Inu Sephy landscaping around the tall grass.

Dogs Are Landscaping Addicts.

We may think that our yard is perfect or close to perfect, but our dogs know better.

Yards often have a boring, flat surface, look. All dogs know that the most interesting, beautiful yards, are the ones that have the most number of holes.

Dogs are such optimists that they always have a can dig attitude. Even when our entire yard is riddled with holes, they always find a way to add just one more. Finally, all the holes combine into one large, big, flat hole, and the process starts all over again.

Should I Get a Dog 6

Dogs Drool, Belch, and Fart.

Dogs live in the moment.

They will drool, fart, belch, and whatever else, in the moment as well. Think Homer Simpson, except much cuter, and with more hair.

SIMPSONS HOMER SUGAR DADDY Tee Licensed from Amazon.com

Should I Get a Dog 7

Should I Get a Dog 7 - Dogs are lazy.

Dogs Are Lazy About Personal Hygiene.

When women say “men are dogs“, this is probably one of the key reasons why.

Like men, dogs will sometimes clean themselves, but most of the time, they prefer to just lie around, watch t.v., and go to sleep. Even when we offer to give them a bath, brush their teeth, clip their nails, and wipe their muddy paws, they will object in the most virulent fashion.

The best way to get a man, err I mean dog, to let us groom him, is to pair grooming with something pleasant. Using a favorite food, often does the trick.

Should I Get a Dog 8

Dogs Shed, and Shed, and Shed.

Dogs are cute, and cuddly because they have all that soft, plush, silky hair that we love running our fingers through.

What they often fail to advertise, is that the hair comes off – all over the house.

The amount of shedding varies greatly by dog breed, so careful research is a must. Before getting a dog, make sure that we are not allergic to dog dander. Also get used to having hair all over our floors, furniture, clothes, and other prized possessions.

Frequent brushing, will help ensure that the hair comes off in a more controlled, and manageable fashion. I find that a Furminator is very helpful, especially for dogs with double coats.

Should I Get a Dog 9

Should I Get a Dog 9 - Dogs think that the World is their toilet.

Dogs Think that the World is Their Toilet.

Dogs, especially puppies, find it extremely inconvenient to have to go to the toilet, like we do. Interrupting dog play for a trip to the loo, seems like a big waste of time. Therefore, they will just do it on the go. After all, they have unpaid human servants to clean up after them, so life is good.

The best way to potty-train a dog, is to teach him that toileting outside is more fun than a Chuck-E-Cheese trip.

My Siberian Husky puppy was not easy to house-train, because she did not seem to mind frolicking in her own waste products. As soon as she has to go, which is when she wakes up, and after every 10-15 minutes of play-time; I take her outside and give her the “Go Potty” command.

When she goes potty, I praise her very well and give her yummy treats and affection. Then, she goes back to playing. Very quickly, she learned to go sit by the door whenever she needed to go potty. After all, pottying inside gets her nothing, but pottying outside, is a happy bonanza of praise, treats, attention, and play.

Should I Get a Dog 10

Shiba Sephy chewing on his duck toy.

A Dog’s Favorite Chew Toy is Everything.

Before we bring a puppy or new dog home, make sure to store away all of our prized possessions.

I do not leave my Jimmy Choo shoes around, or it will quickly become designer rawhide. Make sure to put cell-phones, iPhones, iPods, and all other expensive equipment on a high shelf.

Proper puppy training and puppy management is a must. When puppy Shania is out and about, I supervise her very closely. When I am too busy to supervise, she goes in her crate or long-term enclosure. I also provide her with many interactive, dog friendly, chew toys.

An iPhone may be coolest thing since sliced bread, but it is not friendly to a dog’s digestive system, nor is it friendly to our pocketbook when we pay the vet bill.

Should I Get a Dog 10 - A dog's favorite chew toy is everything.