dogs are not disposable. when you adopt a pet, you should treat it like a family member. My first dog I got from a shelter. She was a 55 pound pure bred collie with papers. the people who got her as a puppy named her Buttons and then dumped her when they realized how large she would be. I want to strangle people like that. the poor dog loves and becomes attached to the people who so casually discard it.

I'm glad you wrote this article, because just like parents with a new baby, puppy parents need to educate themselves and be prepared. and remember, discipline is not a dirty word. even though it's cute when a little puppy jumps on you, etc., it won't be so cute when he's 50 pounds. So train him early as you'd like him to go!

and yeah, do the research. If you can't spend the time to walk the dog every day (even a "low maintenance" breed needs SOME exercise), brush or care for its coat and spend the money for vet visits and decent quality food and so on - do NOT get a dog. they are living beings, not stuffed animals.