So you really want a dog? Or maybe your kids are just begging you for a puppy. Whatever your reason, a puppy dog is a serious responsibility. You have to be sure that you are ready.

Here are 5 awesome reasons for wanting a puppy

• Companionship - Dogs make the best of friends
• Unconditional love - No matter what, your dog will always love you
• Loyalty - Dogs will die for you if they have to
• Protection - Dogs will warn you when people get on your property
• Joy - There is nothing like coming home to your little bundle of joy

Here are 5 bad reasons for wanting a puppy

• Cuteness - A puppy may be cute but it also comes with lots of responsibilities
• Child's request - Don't expect your children to fully care for the dog like they promised
• Masculine Breed - If you want a dog just to look tough, you will probably end up giving him away later
• I saw her on TV - Just because a puppy or dog is popular on TV doesn't make them a right choice
• Teach you kids responsibility - there are other ways to teach children to be responsible

If you reasons for getting a puppy dog are listed under the awesome reasons then a puppy will probably be the right choice for you. If some of your reasons for wanting a puppy are listed under the bad reasons then you may want to reconsider getting a puppy until you have some better reasons. Based on experience, individuals who get a dog for the wrong reasons are more than twice as likely to give up the dog at some point.