Chewed up slippers, nauseating poop, hair in your coffee, unearthed lawns, sleepless nights, mounting vet bills . . . why would anyone want to have a dog? 

There are many reasons why we humans willingly put up with the hassles that come with dog-owning. Perhaps, it is Man’s long history with dogs. The Canis lupus familaris (domesticated dog) that we know today owes much of its characteristics to a 14,000-year endeavour on our part to tame the wolves of the wild to guard, herd and hunt.  

The result is a species with social cognition far superior even to the chimpanzees, our closest relative. With their heightened ability to take cues from humans, dogs have the capacity to develop a special bond with their owners in a way that can only be surpassed by humans. This trait lends depth to the term “man’s best friend”. 

For many urban dwellers, having a dog as a pet can be hugely rewarding. In return for the care and shelter they get, dogs provide fun, loyalty and companionship. What could be more gratifying than coming home from a stressful day at work to a friend who just can’t hide his delight at seeing you at the door? 

Know what you’re getting into 

But before you acquire a puppy, know that this is a big step that will change the way you live for at least the next 10 years.  

Sure, it’s inspiring to see your friend’s dog do the sit-stay-roll-over-and-play-dead routine, but don’t think you can achieve that overnight. Like bringing up a child, keeping a dog is a huge responsibility. The difference here, of course, is you can choose the kind of dog you want to have. 

There are several pertinent questions you must ask yourself. For instance, where is your life headed at the moment? It’s certainly going to be hard to find your dog a new home, if there’s a high chance of you being posted abroad. 

Similarly, it is not going to be good for your dog if you are away from home half the time because of career obligations. 

Do you have others in the family to share the responsibility of caring for your puppy? The early stages of a dog’s life requires attention if you want to have a healthy and well-behaved adult dog. Being very social animals, dogs – even adult ones – that are left alone for long periods can become lonely and destructive. So don’t blame your little pooch if he reduced that wonderful new suede couch of yours to shreds while you were away for two weeks. 

What about your financial standing? Remember that having a dog means feeding it right (bigger dogs require more food), regular visits to the vet, surgical fees for neutering or spaying, etc.  

Breed poser 

If after running through the basic questions, you figure you can afford a four-legged addition to your house, then the next thing is to determine what breed suits your needs best.  

For the past 500 years, humans have purposefully set out to create breeds that could aid them in specific tasks. Hence, each breed has its distinctive character. 

Do you want a dog for companionship purposes or for specific reasons, like a working dog? Since most of us aren’t likely to be shepherds or go on foxhunts, you’d most probably want a dog you can play and bond with. Some may decide to keep dogs for a sense of security from intruders. These dogs can develop an aggressive nature, if trained. You must understand the breed’s temperament well and how it should interact with family members and strangers.  

Some breeds, usually the larger ones, require a lot of exercise; so be prepared to take them for regular walks and runs. 

You may also want to ascertain if the breed does well with children. Some are better than others but the dog’s interaction with children also depends on the child. Rough treatment could provoke fear and result in a growl or bite. It’s important not to leave a small child alone with a dog. 

There are also differences between males and females. Males are generally more dominant and self-confident, while bitches tend to be more affectionate and home-loving. 

Getting your dog 

There are several means of acquiring a dog. You can buy the puppy from breeders or pet shops. Alternatively, you may want to adopt, and local pet shelters such as the SPCA will be very grateful to you for that. 

Where your dog comes from can determine its habits. For example, dogs acquired from pet shops may be cooped up in a cage or showcase – the same place where they eat, defecate and urinate. It will certainly take some effort to break that habit. Also, as the parents are not present, you won’t have an idea how your puppy will look like when it grows up. 

When buying from a breeder, don’t hesitate to ask questions and check if the environment they have been living in is well kept. Having registered Malaysian Kennel Association papers helps ascertain the puppies’ lineage, and reduces the chances of inbreeding. 

Overall, when choosing from a litter, keep an eye out for the puppy’s responsiveness. Check its paws, snout and overall build, and look carefully at its mother. Your puppy will inherit many of her features. 

When you bring your puppy home for the first time, let him sniff the surroundings and familiarize himself with the place. It can be disorientating to be taken away from mommy, brother and sister for the first time. 

Do expect some whining and wailing because of loneliness for the first few nights. Be patient and be there for your puppy; he will appreciate it and soon get accustomed to his new home. W