What are the pros and cons of having a dog? First of all, I don’t believe that you can own a dog. I believe that you bring a dog into your family and that you are responsible to act as that dog’s guardian for his or her entire life.

I can’t imagine my life without a dog, but I’m also not going to pretend that guardianship is all rainbows and butterflies. Like anything else that’s worthwhile in life, there will be challenges and setbacks that you will need to overcome.

Many people aren’t prepared for the commitment, dedication, and expense that comes with dog guardianship. I think people need to enter into the experience well-informed and understand how much their lives will change. I implore you not to select a dog just because he or she is “cute” because temperament, exercise requirements, and breed traits are far more important considerations (plus, all dogs are cute, right?).

Reasons to buy a dogBuster is our best buddy and my constant writing companion.

Below I have compiled a list of the pros and cons of having a dog in your life. Please add to my list in the comments!

Pros of Having a Dog

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Why you should get a dog

Cons of Having a Dog

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I have sometimes thought of the final cause of dogs having such short lives and I am quite satisfied it is in compassion to the human race; for if we suffer so much in losing a dog after an acquaintance of ten or twelve years, what would it be if they were to live double that time?

-Walter Scott

We now have two dogs in our family, so clearly for us the pros and cons of having a dog are weighted on the pro side!

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