Would you like to own a dog? Learn important questions for you to see if it's the right choice for you and your family. Deciding to add to your family is a big decision that should never be taken too lightly. Children and pets, they all require you to ask yourself certain questions to ensure that you are ready for the commitment. While owning a pet may not impact you as much as having a child would, it’s vital that you still consider the decision carefully. After all, you are taking on a living thing. This is because owning a dog, or any other pet for that matter, is something you have complete control over. You decide whether you are ready and want to embark on this new journey. Sometimes children don’t give you that luxury. But how do you know if you are truly ready for a pet dog? What should you do to ensure that you can truly commit? Sometimes just going with your heart isn’t always the answer and you need to think about the decision logically and explore all the angles. So I thought I would share with you some of the most common questions to ask yourself when considering getting a dog. Do we have space for the dog? One of the main things to consider when getting a dog is the space you have in your home. Do you have enough space to accommodate a four legged friend who can bounce around your home and have an abundance of energy? Sometimes you don’t realise in advance what impact having another member of the family can do to the space you have in your home. You will need to ensure they have a place to sleep or stay during the hours you are not there. You need to think about whether there's any toilet training that needs to take place, especially if you are getting a puppy. Space is a big factor throughout the decision making process. Can I even have a dog in my home? It is all well and good considering whether you have the space, but honestly, is a pet dog even an option for the property you live in? If you own your home it is different, but if you rent, you may need to check your contract to ensure that you have the right to have a pet in your property. If there are no guidelines then you may need to seek permission ahead of time. Secondly, if your property a house with outside space, or is it a flat or an apartment. This again could have a big impact on your decision making as having a family pet dog in an apartment might not be as easy as if you have a house where a dog can roam around the garden if it needs a little fresh air. Do we have enough time to give a dog? A dog needs your time, there is no hiding from that fact. Time for playing, affection and most of all training. Considering dog training is important to ensure they obey your orders and behave well. The last thing anyone wants is an unruly pet causing havoc in your home. Dog training especially will take time and it will require your commitment and effort to remain consistent. But you also need to think about whether you can commit the time to walk a dog and exercise them each day. So make sure you consider whether you have that free time to give. Can we afford to keep a dog healthy and happy? There is no hiding from the cost implications of having a pet dog. They need your attention, yes, but they also need food to eat, a place to sleep, and regular treatments to keep their skin and gut healthy. Thankfully, brands like PetAction are around to help dog owners keep their pets in tip top condition. But you also need to consider the option of vet bills should an accident happen or your pet dog becomes unwell. These things cost money. Some regular, some might be one off payments, but however you look at it, a pet dog will always have an impact on your monthly budget. Can we maintain a dog schedule? In all honesty, it doesn’t take much to look after a dog. If you are an animal lover, the general chores won’t be an issue to you at all. In fact, you will probably take great enjoyment out of cleaning them up and taking good care of them. But a dog does need to have regular exercise each day. Walking tends to be the most popular way and most dog owners will do this twice a day. While some may use this as an opportunity to be more active in their own lifestyles, sometimes, you may find that this isn;’t always something you can completely commit to. What if the weather is bad one day? It doesn’t mean that your dog shouldn't be exercised. You have to ask yourself whether you are around for those regular exercise jaunts. The feeding schedules and of course have time to offer affection. Will you be able to fully commit? Of course, if you do have a busy job, there are local services you could look into, such as regular dog walkers who can happily take your dog out each day for a fee. What happens when we are not there?
Finally, not everyone is fortunate enough to stay at home each day. So there is bound to be times where your dog will need to be at home without you, it’s unavoidable. So it is important to ensure that you ease your dog gently into this to avoid causing issues with separation anxiety in the future. You also need to workout how long they may be potentially left for. It’s unfair to keep a dog locked away for long periods of time. Not only do they need some form of exercise, or at least be able to stretch their legs, but they may also need to relieve themselves at some point. Factoring this into your schedule is vital. I hope this helps you come to a decision of owning a dog easily.
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Are you considering adding a pet to your life? Be sure to read this post which covers many areas related to pet ownership. This year it might not be such a bad idea to bring a new family member into your home. Getting yourself a pet cat or dog can be great for your health. Concentrating your focus on taking care of your new companion can bring about a real sense of purpose and fulfilment. Not to mention playing with these little critters can massively reduce your blood pressure and anxiety levels. Some universities and colleges have even decided to fill a room with puppies and kittens so that they're students can play with them when they're experiencing high levels of stress. Just looking at cute pictures of small animals on line can bring peace and calm into your life. If you get yourself a dog you'll be fitter than ever from taking them out for daily walks and could be making great new friends in a whole new community of animal livers. But you'll have to remember that these pets have needs to and just there to bring happiness to your life. They are come as package containing responsibility and commitment. Here's what you'll need to consider before you offer up your lovely home as a place to stay. Share the love Where are you going to get your new best friend from? There's so many animals just now living in shelters that need your help. Do you really need a purebred? Consider adopting before purchasing from a dog breeder. If you decide in the end that it's all just a bit too much to take on then you could still look into the option of sponsoring an animal. That way you know your money will be going towards a great cause helping to fund the upkeep and happiness of those poor animals and you won't have to dedicate so much of your time. You may even want to look into specifically sponsoring a guide dog that way you'll be giving a great home to the dog as well as helping someone with sight difficulties. Another great thing about going to a shelter to collect a little kitten or pupper is that it could be free. Getting yourself a purebred can be an extortionate option. Taking care of your pet As a human you're going to have different needs from your pet. Just like having a child the wellbeing of your pet is going to be on your mind constantly. There's a few things you could be doing to give yourself peace of mind. Get pet insurance. It could save you so much money if anything tragic was to ever happen to your little buddy. There's lots of options online to choose from and signing up is as easy as clicking a button. Get a vet. Find out where your local vet is and take a visit with your pet so everyone can get to know each other. This will be like a doctor for your pet and the stronger the relationship they have with each other the better the advice for help will be. Look out for bugs! Nasty little creatures like ticks and fleas will want to make themselves a home in your pets fur. Don't let them. If you discover this has happened then you could use products like Advecta flea meds for cats and dogs which should solve your problem. Going on holiday? Pets are going to take up a lot of your time. Almost all of your time. If you have a busy work schedule or aren't home often then you may want to reconsider if a pet is the best option for you. It makes going on holiday difficult but not impossible. If you want to go without your pet then you'll need to find appropriate care whilst your on vacation. Do you have any family or friends you could trust with your pets whilst you're away, or are they even willing to do the work. If not then you'll have to seek out professional help which can be costly. If you want to bring your beloved friend with you then this can be tricky. Your pet needs to be healthy and up to date with check ups so that they are safe to travel. What's your destination? Do they have all of the appropriate facilities needed to take care of your pet? If your pet needs medication then you'll have to check it's acceptable to bring into another country. This can all be a bit complicated making the decision to leave your pet at home the better option. Friends forever After pets have been fed and watered all they pretty much want to do is love. They can be extremely loyal companions. Although they can't talk back they will always be there to listen and you can unload all your problems of the day by sharing them out loud. If you take care of them and treat them well then they really will be your friends for life. This often works in the real world with people too. Pets can also be very funny creatures. They all have their own personalities and quirks that they're always willing to share with you. You may find yourself laughing out loud at some of the antics they get up to. As mentioned before there are giant communities of animal lovers. Don't be surprised if your stopped more than once on a dog walk by a friendly face. People love talking about and often too your pets. It's a great way of meeting people, socialising and making new friends. You might find your spending more time out of the house than ever before. Of course pets can be a nightmare at times, they can be expensive, hard work and take up a lot of your time but the joy you will experience in return will be tenfold. Bring it into your life by bringing a pet into your home. If you think you're up for the challenge then why not give a home to a furry little friend today. Three Coping strategies for anxiety are explored in this post which reminds us to take care of ourself too. The modern world we find ourselves living in has never been more stressful. With the advent of emerging technologies, social media, and a faster-paced working environment, it can be hard to find time for ourselves. You may constantly be thinking about that meeting you have to attend at work, the conference you need to organize and the performance management review that’s coming up. All the while you have a pal who’s going through a drama that you need to support, your kids are running riot, and all of your so-called ‘friends’ on social media seemingly live perfect, awe-inspiring lives. It’s time to give yourself a break and try and relinquish some of the anxious feelings that have been invading your headspace. Take a look at these strategies that can help keep anxiety at bay. Take Time Out For You. And Only You It can be all too easy to think that having some winding down time involves taking the kids to the beach or going out for a meal with your partner. While these are great activities to partake in, you also need to find some spare time, even if it is ten minutes a day, solely for you. Head out for a walk on your own, read another chapter of the latest novel you’ve been reading, or watch an episode of your favorite show on TV. While it may seem insignificant, chilling out on your own can allow you to switch off from everything going on around you and allow you to escape into a more positive frame of mind. Instead of cogitating over the impending visit from your in-laws, think about your next family vacation. Find What Works For You Some people find that anxiety can manifest in physical ways. You may find yourself suffering from heart palpitations, tension headaches, tingly hands and feet or digestive issues. You could try an alternative remedy such as acupuncture, hemp supplements like those available at canabidol.com or even reiki massage. Relieving anxiety symptoms is as bespoke and as personalized as the condition itself. What works for a friend may not work for you so pay attention to your body and explore all the options available to you. Get Physical
The easiest way to relieve anxiety symptoms is to do something to take your mind off the intrusive thoughts that can manifest as anxiety. By doing something physical like the exercise ideas explored at webmd.com, you are giving your mind something else to focus on that may involve a challenge. If you used to jog but haven’t done for a few years, strap on your running shoes and get training for a 5k park run. If you’ve always fancied having a go at rock climbing, now is your chance. By joining a club, you’ll meet like-minded individuals and find that your motivation to succeed in your new hobby far outweighs the burden of your anxiety. Anxiety isn’t simply feeling a tad nervous - it can be a debilitating condition that negatively impacts on all aspects of your life. Follow these strategies in an attempt to banish anxiety for good. 7 easy ways to decrease stress and increase your happiness. Our understanding of mental health issues is greater than ever, not least with regards to the significance of stress. Most conditions are far more complex than being attributed to stress alone. Nonetheless, it is an issue that increases the likelihood of depression, anxiety, and even Alzheimer’s. Therefore, finding ways to battle back against this common problem is vital. Try these seven tips for size, and you should see positive results in no time. #1. Reduce Financial Spending There’s no doubt that money worries are the biggest cause of stress among the modern generations. While it would be great to increase your earnings, this is a long-term goal that may require years of hard work. The far quicker solution is to stop wasting cash. Reduce monthly bills by using coupons, price comparison sites, and improved daily habits. Those tricks won’t suddenly make you rich, but they will remove the fear of encountering ongoing financial issues. That sense of control and financial security is sure to see stress levels plummet in next to no time. #2. Exercise More Physical activity releases endorphins, which will give you a serious emotional boost as well as increased energy. Moreover, the rewards of improved looks will aid mental health while opening doors to better opportunities. Those indirect features are sure to reduce stress too. Exercise can also relieve physical aches and pains. The internet is packed with winning tips, and sites such as DefendYourHealthCare.us can change your life forever. As they say, a healthy body breeds a healthy mind. Start paying extra attention to your physical health, and stress-related issues will become far less likely too. #3. Sleep More Modern life is conducted at rapid speed, and it often feels like there simply aren’t enough hours in the day. As such, sleep is often one of the first things to be sacrificed. Sadly, this is causing far more damage than good. Exhaustion makes the entire world feel like a darker place, and this will send stress levels through the roof. Increased energy should allow you to achieve more during the waking hours. Likewise, the physical benefits mean you’ll spend less time on your beauty routines. Whether you find a new mattress or opt for new bedroom drapes doesn’t matter. Any addition that improves those sleeping patterns is a worthy investment in the war against stress. #4. Get A Pet Human interaction is certainly a key feature for maintaining emotional happiness. However, there’s no doubt that people can cause huge amounts of stress too. Pets offer all of the benefits without the negativity. Under the right circumstances, it can be the greatest weapon in your arsenal. Stroking pets is scientifically proven to be the perfect stress reducer. Meanwhile, the process of raising a happy dog encourages you to take positive steps in your own life too. The love felt for a pooch, cat, or another animal will work wonders in many parts of your world. Frankly, reduced stress is simply a bonus. #5. Utilize The Garden In an increasingly digital age, we often overlook the importance of connecting with nature. But the emotional benefits of those simple joys can make a world of difference to your life. While public walks and other activities are great, the backyard is your personal sanctuary. When used well, it can be the perfect place to reduce that stress. Whether it’s gardening or spending time on the patio doesn’t matter. Those moments of tranquillity work wonders for the mind, body and soul. You can even throw in a little yoga or meditation to fully relax your mind. If nothing else, it should restore a better balance in your life. #6. Remove Timeframes There’s no escaping the fact that we live in a world where it’s very tempting to judge yourself against others. Setting unrealistic targets for quick success in business or personal matters will pile on the pressure. The sooner you realize that we are all on a unique journey, the sooner you’ll keep stress at bay. Getting pregnant is one aspect where this is incredibly vital. You can learn more about removing this stress at TheBump.com. While there are things you can do to aid the process, it will happen when the time is right. Accepting that you can’t always have everything you want, including other areas of life, is vital. #7. Take A Holiday Regardless of the steps taken in your daily life, there’s a good chance that common sources of stress will build over time. With this in mind, it’s important to take regular breaks from the cycle. Booking a family holiday can be the perfect way to recharge the batteries. While it won’t remove the sources of stress, returning home in good spirits can make a noticeable impact. Even if money is tight, camping trips and other cheap getaways can be equally rewarding. As long as you get a chance to step away from the daily grind, there’s a fantastic chance that this will help contain stress in an effective way. Besides, those magical memories are sure to keep you smiling. 5 Vaping hacks to perfect your vaping experience. We all know the sensation of a perfect vape session that sends our senses to cloud nine. The joy of consistently creating clean and pure vapours is the dream of every vaper. However, getting the best effects from your addictive mixture of nicotine and concentrates calls for a few tested techniques to ensure that ultimate pleasure every time you turn up your vape. Here are five vaping hacks to get the most out of your vaporizer; VAPE HACK #1: TRY DIFFERENT E LIQUID FLAVORS Whatever your level of vaping experience is, every vaper would agree that trying various e liquids is the most fun part of vaping. This is because there are hundreds flavours out there and being a proud vaper, it is your duty to try as many as you can. The flavours can vary from bitter and sweet to menthol and cinnamon, all the way down to the standard traditional tobacco taste. A simple online search will present you with all sorts of e-liquid ranges, DIY hacks, and combo deals to excite a fraction of your sweet vapour money. Therefore, the choice is yours to either stick to your tested base flavours and explore within its confines, or go bonkers by trying all the latest e-liquid trends. Remember, the spice of vaping is in the diversity of e-liquids. Therefore, make sure to cut the monotony of familiarity by regularly experimenting with vape juices. It’s important to find a highly recommended supplier to ensure these products you’re buying are high quality and reasonably priced, for example VapersWAREHOUSE, a leading UK e-liquid supplier have massive discounts on their products all year round to ensure you have a budget friendly vaping experience. VAPE HACK #2: PRIME YOUR WICKS After changing your wicks, you may vape only to get an unpleasant and dry hit. The easiest hack to stop this happening is to prime your wicks with a little bit of vegetable glycerin (VG). Simply buy a syringe, and some pure vegetable glycerine from any store. After that, load some VG into the syringe, and administer it into the wick, whilst also ensuring that it is saturated. This tactic will make sure you do not waste those first few puffs. VAPE HACK #3: KEEP SOME HAND SANITIZER CLOSE BY All vapers go through the frustration of dropping some e-liquid on their skin whilst refilling their devices. It could be due to an individual’s lack of focus or perhaps the hardware is leaking due to uncleaned parts. Irrespective of the spill’s nature, the fluid can get sticky and can cause a minor reaction. It is also next to impossible to get the e-juice off using just soap and water. A quick hack to clean off the viscosity is to use alcohol-containing hand sanitizers. The sanitizer washes off the annoying vape juice efficiently. VAPE HACK #4: CONVERT BIKE HANDLE GRIPS INTO VAPE BAND If you are unable to find a relevant vape, don’t panic. An easy way to make a vape band is by cutting up a bike handle grip and sliding it over the vape tank. Since such bike grips are enormous, you can use the leftovers for your other devices, and can also share them with your fellow vapers. For those who don’t know, a vape band’s function is to protect your tank from accidental drops. VAPE HACK #5: KETCHUP USED AS COPPER MOD CLEANER Every seasoned copper-mod user knows that ketchup is a smashing copper cleaning product. Although several copper cleaning products are easily available in the market, nothing beats the joy of finding a hack through something that is already lying around the house. Each of the five tips detailed above are tricks you may already know about through your vaping journey, however if you didn’t the sooner you know, the better you become. AuthorWritten By Katie Johnson |