Before you get a dog
BERL TISKUS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 years, 2 months AGO
Reporter Berl Tiskus joined the Lake County Leader team in early March 2023, and covers Ronan City Council, schools, ag and business. Berl grew up on a ranch in Wyoming and earned a degree in English education from MSU-Billings and a degree in elementary education from the University of Montana. Since moving to Polson three decades ago, she’s worked as a substitute teacher, a reporter for the Valley Journal and a secretary for Lake County Extension. | September 7, 2023 12:00 AM
Dr. Lowell Tyler, DVM, offers the following advice to consider before getting a dog:
Find out what you want, and get a pet that fits your needs. He used a popular breed – the labradoodle – as an example: “Do you have the time to exercise a dog who’s got two hunting breeds in his DNA? Can you afford grooming?”
Border collies are considered the smartest dog. “Are you ready for a dog that’s smarter than you?”
People who travel frequently might want to consider getting a cat.
People who are petite or over 65 should not get a great dane.
A pet is at least a 15-year commitment. Some dogs live until they’re 20, which you never used to see, Tyler said, because people are taking better care of their animals.
Don’t think a spay or neuter is too expensive at $200, especially considering you’ll spend $10,000 on dog food throughout your dog’s life.
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