1. Watch the Dog Whisperer; rent an entire season, if you can. Great for learning about what dogs really need from their owners. Dogs need a 100% engaged owner, so you are right to be concerned about the additional responsibility. But remember, too, you’ll get a million percent more love and affection and fun out of a dog than you will a cat. Yes, it’ll take some effort and education, but if the state has not taken your kids away, you can certainly handle taking care of a dog!

2. Offer to baby-sit a friend’s dog for a week-end. This is a great way to become familiar with how a dog will affect the household before making the commitment. Then try it again for a whole week, perhaps with a different breed, to see what sort of personality works best for your family. And then, talk to friends who have dogs, and visit them at their houses to observe how owner and dog interact and ask yourself “Can I see myself with a dog like this?” Ask lots of questions about how much exercise the dog needs, where the dog likes to sleep, etc.

I fell in love with a friend’s Westie puppy – it was so cute! But after baby-sitting it for a week, I decided this breed was not for me. While visiting friends who had a pair of miniature dachshunds, I discovered this breed (which had never appealed to me before) was perfect. Not too smelly or hairy, very loving and protective, small enough so that my cats wouldn’t feel too threatened. I now have a pair of my own, and am totally in love with them! Hope this helps!