You really have to be sure what you want and most importantly when. I got my ear pierced when I was 17 and my mum freaked. Still I had left home by that stage so there wasn't a lot she could do about it. I still wear a small diamond in my ear and I'm 40. My partner has quite a few, about 6 in each ear, and she has one in her belly button. She also got some tatto's when she was young and unfortunately it is something that she has really regretted getting done. She was one of the first people in Aus to get laser removal surgery done, and back then the process wasn't any where near as good as it is today. A huge scar on her arm was the result.
Personnally I do not like tatto's what so ever, but I don't mind some piercings if tastfully done. Just wait a bit Amber, some people here have suggested doing research on it, which is great advice. Just dont end up like Edward Scissor Hands.

On another note, we have schnauzers too, there our kids really and we love 'em to bits.