So you're ready to add a dog to the family – good for you! Dogs make truly fabulous additions to a household for a variety of reasons. They provide companionship, of course, but dogs can also offer protection to the people of the family. Of course, along with dog ownership comes the responsibilities of owning a pet that is completely dependent on you. You will need to feed the animal properly, train it, care for it on a regular basis and keep up with your dog's health with regular veterinary visits. Here are some things you will need to know, both before and after you purchase a dog, to help both your new pet and your family to make this a successful relationship.