The choice to own a dog or not is a commitment-filled decision. From the drive time to work, your hours spent at the workplace and finding time to walk and care for a dog, the responsibilities may be overwhelming. For prospective dog owners who lead a busy life, aside from the personal satisfaction of having a dog, the dog's well being should be considered as well.

Here is a checklist of questions to determine how appropriate and practical dog ownership is for you:

• What kind of dog is appropriate for your lifestyle?

• How often can you make the time to exercise your dog before and after work?

• Given your household and personal budget, is the maintenance of owning a dog affordable? Determine whether you can afford feeding the dog, veterinarian visits and placing your dog in a kennel when you are way.

• Are your home or living quarters suited for dog living? Does the condominium board, or landlord approve of dogs.

• Do you have the time or money to expend training a pet dog?

• How much dog can you afford? Pedigrees and mixed breeds require different care. Certain dogs are better suited for owners who have the time to care for them.

• Identify the personality and characteristics of the type of dog that matches your personality or is compatible with your lifestyle.

Dog owner tip: Whatever dog you decide to add to your household, try to schedule time away from work to help you new addition adjust to its new home. Remember to buy books that detail how to care for and train a new dog. Just as any relationship requires work, the same is true in the care of a new dog.

Should Your Dog Be Kept Inside or Outdoors?

Determining when to keep a dog indoors is a hard decision for most canine owners to make. The disruption of a clean home is sometimes enough motivation to keep the family dog outside. But not everyone in the family will agree with the family dog living outdoors the same way. Not to mention, keeping a dog outside may induce a feeling of rejection.

Larger dogs survive better outdoors than smaller dogs that may come in contact with dangerous wild animals that can kill them. Before moving the family pet outdoors, consider changing the overall set-up of your home. Is there a place or a way to rearrange rooms or furniture to make a dog's presence less invasive? A holding room for the dogs to stay while they dry off could curtail the extra work. Some dog owners do not like the regular maintenance of cleaning the floor and guarding against mud.

Not everyone has an affinity or love of dogs. In cases where a family member seems resentful or put off by the presence of a dog, limit their responsibility of their interaction. Some people are more apt to abuse a dog. It is unfair for a canine to be abused for any reason or to any extent.

Canines are highly adaptable beings, but making the transition from outdoor living from indoor living takes a little time. A dog trainer can demonstrate how to make the transition from indoor living to outside easier.

Another way to compromise with the household maintenance of a dog is to alternate chore responsibilities. The family member who does not like cleaning up behind the dogs, can contribute to chores by cleaning the bathroom. The actual master of the dog should be required to clean up after their dog.

Personally, I do not believe that any dog should be kept outside as I feel it is cruel, but if this is the only alternative and you can not find someone to adopt the dog, keeping them outside is better than having them put to sleep at an animal shelter.