What you should know before getting a dog

​A DOG is one of the best pets that you can have an incredibly tight bond with as it provides loyal companionship. Whether playing with them, taking them for a walk or simply relaxing with them on the sofa in the evenings, dogs can provide numerous hours of companionship for the people who care for them.

What may not seem so obvious from social media posts of people with their pooches is the level of responsibility that comes with caring for a dog. If you care for a dog, you are accepting responsibility for feeding it, spending time with it and keeping it healthy. This all comes at a cost, too, so make sure you have the budget for taking care of a dog before you claim ownership of it.

Some breeds will be better suited to you than others, depending on your domestic circumstances. If you have small children at home, they’ll love playful pooches like Boston terriers. If there’s an elderly relative in your household, they might enjoy the sedate companionship of a poodle or Yorkshire terrier. For people who like to bring their dogs with them while they exercise, a Labrador retriever could be a good match. If you’re planning to take care of a dog that will make your home feel more secure, a boxer or Rottweiler might be ideal, certainly far more ideal than they would be for a family with young children.

​This infographic from Clippers Ireland gives a nicely simplified overview of the main things to consider before letting a dog into your life. If you know what you’re getting into, then your dog will make for a wonderful companion and he or she will love you back for the care that your give to him or her. -- Tom Melby for MetroPets