If you live in a rented house, have you checked with your landlord to see whether a dog is allowed? Many dogs end up in shelters or rescue every week due to problems with landlords. Please don't try to "slip by" with a dog when it's against the rules. This seldom turns out well for either you or the dog! Find a place to live where dogs are allowed, or wait till another time to get your dog.

Do you have close neighbors and will they be disturbed by your dog? At least initially, there will be some barking or whining. If your neighbors are already a problem, getting a dog may aggravate the situation.

If you have already have one dog, do you know what the zoning laws are in your area and how many dogs you are allowed to have?

Do you have a fenced yard? If you don't, you'll have to leash-walk your dog day in and day out, rain or shine. No dog should be allowed to run loose.

If you don't have one, are you allowed to put up a fence? If you own your home, be sure to check zoning and any homeowners' association regulations, etc. Some neighborhoods will not allow you to install a fence, and radio fences don't work for all breeds.

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