If you have been contemplating getting a dog for some time now then you may have already asked yourself a lot of the questions below. However, you need to be absolutely 100% sure that this is what you want. One thing you have to remember is that dogs can live for as long as 15 years. This is a long time to look after a pet, however, if you look after them then they will also look after you.
Check out the article below to see if you are truly ready to invite a dog into your life.
Have You Had A Dog Before?
One thing that can be a true indicator of whether you are ready for a dog is if you have had one before. You may have had dogs constantly growing up with your family, this is how you know you want one now. Being around dogs gives you a whole different feeling and you are always excited to come home to them. Having had dogs before you will know how much hard work they can be but also how rewarding your efforts can be.
Do You Have Time To Offer A Dog?
Dogs can take up a lot of your spare time, you need to have this time to offer to your pooch. Leaving a dog at home all day long while you work long hours isn’t fair and no dog should be expected to do this. A lot of dog breeds need companionship and activity during the day, otherwise they can become bored and destructive. All dogs need training, it is a common misconception that it is just puppies. If you get an older dog, they may need more time and effort with training. Especially if they have come from a rehoming centre.
Do You Have Space For A Dog?
How big is your home? This is something you need to consider when it comes to getting a dog. If there is just enough space for you to live in then there is no point getting a dog, not even a small one. Wait until you have more space to offer a dog, it is unfair to not give them the space they need and deserve. If you live in a larger house with a garden then this is perfect for any dog, big or small. Don’t be put off if you live in smaller accommodation, you will just need to make sure that you are taking them out for regular walks.
Does Everyone In Your House Want A Dog?
If there are other people living in your house, either children or other adults then you need to chat with them about their thoughts and feelings. If everyone wants a dog then this is great, however, if one person is reluctant then it is probably best not to get one. If everyone in your home isn’t on board with the idea of getting a dog then take some more time to decide between yourselves.
Do You Have Any Other Pets?
Are there any other pets in your house that you need to consider? If so, then you can’t just introduce a dog into the fold. You will never know how your other animals will react to a dog, unless they have been around them before. A lot of pets love being around other animals, two dogs can be better than one for instance. However, there are some breeds that simply prefer to be the one and only. Make sure you do your research.
Do You Have Children?
It isn’t just about having other pets, what about young children that live in your house? If they don’t live with you but frequent regularly then this also needs to be taken into consideration. Is the dog breed you want to get nice to children? There are some breeds that have a better temperament towards children and adults than others. For example, the boxer dog is commonly known as the nanny dog as they are so friendly.
Where Will The Dog Sleep?
So we have spoken about having space in your home, something else you need to consider is where your dog will sleep. Not many people think about this question when they get a dog, however, it is super important. If you don’t want the dog to sleep on your bed or the sofa then they will need to have their own space to settle down each night. This could be a cage or a dog bed elsewhere in the home.
Are You Allowed Dogs In Your Home?
One thing that not many people consider before getting a dog is whether they are actually allowed one in the home. This is especially true for any renters that don’t own their home. In the tenancy agreement you signed when you moved in, there may have been a clause that specifies no pets. You can’t go against this just because you want a dog, you could be thrown out or even fined. Check with your landlord if you are allowed dogs before you splash the cash getting one.
Do You Know How To Care For A Dog?
This may seem like a relatively straightforward question, however, there are some people who are just clueless when it comes to looking after a dog. They assume that as long as you feed them and walk with them that’s all they need. However, this can lead to a dog becoming bored, understimulated, and aggressive. Nobody wants this as you then run the risk of losing your dog. It is far more than this and you need to give the time and attention to your dog that it needs and deserves. If you don’t have time to fuss over your dog when you are not working then it might not be the right time to get a dog.
Which Breed Do You Want?
Consider which breed you want to own. There are thousands of breeds to choose from and some won’t match your time or activity levels. For instance, if you don’t get out much then you don’t want to invest in a husky or another dog that has high activity levels. Make sure you look into different breeds and how much time you need to offer them.
Do You Want A Puppy Or Older Dog?
Another thing to consider is whether or not you want to invite a puppy or a fully grown dog into your home. There are pros and cons to both of these options, for instance older dogs don’t cost as much and won’t take as much training. However, puppies are amazing creatures and it can be wonderful to watch them grow and develop. Puppies require a lot more time, care, and attention as they will need to be toilet trained and prevented from chewing your home to bits.
Do You Know What To Feed A Dog?
If you ask someone what a dog eats, what do you think they will say? Some people think that they can feed a dog whatever they want and that will be okay. However, this can severely affect how your dog feels and can affect their gut and skin. If you look in various pet stores and supermarkets then you will come across different foods available. They will cover the puppy stage right up to senior dogs. You will also find food that contains a special diet if your dog has any health complaints. Don’t forget there are foods that your dog can’t eat, ever. This includes chocolate and apple seeds. These are extremely harmful to a dog and can cause serious damage.
How Much Is The Insurance?
You may think that the initial cost of purchasing or adopting a dog is the only one you have to fork out for. This is far from the truth, aside from food and bedding there is something else to think about. Dog insurance is one cost that not many pet owners think about, this can cost a small fortune depending on the dog you have. This will change over the years as your dog ages, it will also cost more if you have a dog with pre-existing health conditions. Some insurance companies won’t even offer cover for some doggy health complaints.
What About Vet Costs?
There are other costs involved with looking after and owning a dog, vet costs for instance. You may be shocked to find out how much your vet bills can cost you. Some instances can end up costing you thousands. When it comes to finding the perfect vet for all of your pets needs, you need to do your research. You need to find someone who will cover them all the way from puppyhood to adulthood.
Hopefully this gave you some reassurance that you are indeed ready for a dog. Dogs can bring so much enjoyment and light to your life. If you are going through some hard times emotionally then they will always be there for you. If you are not ready for a dog quite yet, then how about you make some adjustments and changes to your lifestyle then you may be able to get one.
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