Basic Supplies: You will need a crate ($25-150), dog bed ($15-50), bowls ($3-10), leash ($3-10), collar ($3-20), toys ($1-20), chewing material ($10-25/mo. during puppy-hood), grooming supplies ($15-150), fence or pen (~$5-10/linear foot installed or $2-5 self-installed). You can save a lot of money by buying some supplies in bulk and installing a fence yourself.

   
Daily Business & Responsible Dog Ownership: There is a leash law in most counties  -- if you do not have a fenced yard or dog pen, prepare to walk your dog at least three times daily. Undeniably, a very large percentage of loose dogs end up being stolen, abused, brought to the pound, or found dead on the highway.       

Day to Day Living: Dogs are pack animals and don’t do well in isolation - they need to be able to see and to come into contact with humans or other dogs. If not, they will display behavioral problems like barking, howling, digging, and destructive chewing. Choose a breed and temperament very carefully if you plan to keep an "outdoor" dog. Be aware that pet theft is unfortunately a very big problem in many areas of the country. You will want to padlock your gates and tattoo your dog (See the National Dog Registry).

Exercise: If you get a breed/type of dog that likes to run full tilt in an open area, make sure you’ll have that area available before you get your dog. If not, look for the breed/type of dog that prefers activities suitable to the space you do have. (Remember to consider the original purpose for which the breed was bred when considering how much energy it is likely to have.) (See Generalized Breed Traits below)

House training: You will need a crate or a small area w/clean-able floor that can be closed off. Feed the dog, then immediately take outside in a very routine fashion at the same time every day. (See Housetraining Hints)