Fundamentals of Canine Companionship

Perhaps "prerequisites" would have made a better title. 

Anyway, following are some basic information that all prospective (and in some cases, even current) dog owners have to bear in mind.

1. Prepare to be bitten -- either accidentally through play or untamed aggression.

2. Prepare to play janitor -- in cleaning up your pet's pee and excrement even after graduation from potty-training. The potty trays do not clean themselves and... SHAME ON YOU if you are the sort who'd bring your dogs out to do their businesses and leave behind faecal booby traps for others, even and especially on grass.

3. Prepare to put up with animal hair -- all dogs shed. 

4. Prepare to make time -- it isn't companionship without companion.

5. Prepare to make the commitment -- please don't ever buy a dog and expect other people to take care of it for you. 

If you can put ticks to all the above, you are well on your way to enjoy one of the most unwaveringly loyal companionships that you can ever expect.