Homeownership - The Pros and Cons of Owning a Dog

If you have recently purchase your first house, it is likely your biggest investment and asset. You should have insurance to protect your house and contents, but how can you protect yourself and family from intruders. A security system will alert you of a home invasion and the connected alarm system may possibly scare the intruder away, but what can you use as an additional line of defense to protect your family. Your options include a gun or a dog. Depending on the intruder, they may or may not be afraid of a dog, but at least the dog will make them think twice about breaking into a home. Even if the dog does not attack or bite the bugler, it may bark and make considerable noise thereby, scaring the burglar away. If you are considering a dog as part of your security system to protect your home and family, you should consider all the benefits, responsibilities, and drawbacks before you make your decision.

Below is a list of the benefits of owning a dog:

1. They Will Protect Your Home - Whether you are at home or away, they will protect your home and belongings (if properly trained). You will likely have to spend time and money to properly train your dog.

2. Great Companions - Dogs are almost always happy. They will help lift your spirits, when you are sad and almost always enjoy the time you spend with them.

3. Loyal - It's been said that a "dog is a man's best friend". They are loyal to a fault. They never judge, they just love.

4. Dogs Will Help You Meet New People - Dogs attract people. If you have recently moved and want to meet new people, walk your dog at a local park or take them to a dog park. Your dog will attract people to you and help you start a conversation.

5. Exercise - This could be a benefit or a disadvantage. If you want to get in shape, owning a dog will help. Your dog will love going on walks. They will help you get into a routine to take them on walks or to the park. Your daily and weekly exercise will increase.

As with anything in life, there are always two sides to everything. The same goes for owning a dog. Below is a list of the disadvantages of becoming a dog owner.

1. Expense - Food, vaccines, flea and tick treatments, and scheduled and unexpected veterinarian bills.

2. Potty Trained - Depending on the dog, it may take days, weeks, or months to fully potty train your dog. Until you can trust them in your house, they are not fully potty trained.

3. Noise - Some dogs (especially smaller breeds) love to bark.

4. Attention - They may wake you up early by barking, scratching at the door, and running through your house. Be prepared and patient. You have to brush them regularly, trim their nails, clean their ears, and bath them.

5. Messy - You will have to spend time cleaning up any yard waste from your dog. Also, when the dog is a puppy it may destroy things in your house. As your dog gets older, it will likely shed or possibly have accidents. Patience and understanding is required with dog ownership.

6. Possible Legal Issues - If your dog bites someone, you may have legal issues. Before buying a dog, research dog breeds and find out which one is the best option for you and your family. Certain breeds may require additional insurance coverage with your homeowner insurance carrier.

7. Traveling - Depending on how much you intend to travel, boarding your dog could be a significant expense.

If you are considering purchasing a dog as a source of security for your home and family, it is in your best interest to consider all the factors of dog ownership. A good place to start would be your local animal shelter. Talk to the employees of the animal shelter, a dog breeder, or a manager of a pet supply store and let them know what you want in a dog. They will likely give you advice to help you make the right choice for a long-term mutually beneficial relationship between you and your new best friend.

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