It's no secret that dogs contribute positively to people's health and well being. Studies show that dog owners have lower stress levels, blood pressure and cholesterol. They also have lower incidents of depression, less trips to the hospital and pharmacy, better psychological health and a higher rate of survival after heart attacks. So should you get a dog?

Making the decision

One of the most damaging myths about dogs is that all they need is food, water and a fenced-in backyard. In fact, backyard dogs are some of the least balanced and unhealthy dogs of all. Dogs are pack animals by nature and thrive on companionship. They not only need exercise but also stimulation. Seeing the same fence and bushes day in and day out will bore them and this can lead to health and behavioral problems.

Take an honest look at your life. You may have the yard and budget to accommodate the dog, but what about your schedule? Do you have time for daily walks or runs, trips to the vet, playtime, teeth brushing, and training? Do you work long hours or travel? Who will care for the dog when you're not around? If your kids want a dog, are they old enough to commit to this huge responsibility? Or will you be like my friend Teresa who gave in to her kids' desire for a dog but insisted he be named "Freedom" so she could say "There goes my freedom!"

Experts define a balanced dog as "relaxed, confident, obedient, attentive, devoted and reacts appropriately in almost any situation." An unbalanced dog then is over-active, pushy, unpredictable, aggressive or full of fear.

The dog whisperer himself, Cesar Millan, complains that many dogs are unbalanced because owners don't understand that they need to be the pack leader 100% of the time. Dogs are counting on owners to meet their needs and set boundaries and for that, an owner nees to be present. And sometimes, being present isn't enough. Millan, who bring dogs back to their natural balance, would cringe if he heard me just now asking my 8-year-old Weimaraner, Monty, if he'd "like to please get off the couch." ( I, like most dog owners, need to work on the boundary part.)

Even if your current lifestyle suits dog ownership, consider your future. The average dog lifespan for mid-sized and larger dogs is 13 to 14 years. For giant breeds, it's less and for smaller dogs it's slightly more. Does your 14-year plan include traveling the world for extended amounts of time? Don't get a dog.

As dogs age, they may experience a variety of health problems and addressing these requires funds and your active participation. If you prefer alternative treatments and wellness practices for yourself, what will you do for your dog? The holistic route may involve anything from flower essence tinctures to raw diets to acupuncture or reiki. Some dog owners report great results from working with a pet psychic.

Nutrition is a major determinant of how long a dog lives and there is a dizzying array of choices--many of them quite expensive. The key is to avoid foods with byproducts and buy the healthiest and most natural food you can afford. Then, add supplements according to your veterinarian's recommendations.

Ok. So you're getting a dog...

If you decide to get a dog, the next big decision is what kind. Monty and I are a good match because we both need a lot of exercise and talk to ourselves constantly. Weimaraners typically suffer from separation anxiety. Since I work at home, this only presents a huge problem sometimes. But Weimaraners are not for most people, and mutts tend to be lower maintenance than pure breds.

If you want a purebred, do your research and make sure you choose the best dog for your lifestyle. Qualities to consider include size, exercise needs, shedding, aggressiveness and major health problems common to the breed.

There are plenty of dogs, including purebreds, that are in need of good homes. So before going to a breeder, check your local SPCA or look for breed-specific rescue organizations. If you must go the breeder route, make sure you choose a responsible breeder that takes full responsibility for the dogs they offer.