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Before you get a dog

BERL TISKUS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 years AGO
by BERL TISKUS
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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