Who doesn’t want a cute pup to spend time with? Many of us see the cutest dogs on social media, and before long, we think we’re ready to take the plunge and get a dog.
Oftentimes, people have this same thought and realize quickly they were wrong. Either the pup isn’t working out in general (because dogs have personalities too), or they figure out they simply don’t have the time to interact and invest.
Are you thinking about getting a dog? Well, before you hit up that breeder or shelter, ask yourself these questions to see if you’re indeed ready to be a pet mom or dad.
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1. Do you have the Right Amount of Time to Dedicate?
When you get a new pup, you’ve got to have the right amount of time to spend with them, especially if it’s a brand new puppy.
You’ll have to introduce the pup to his new home and spend a set amount of time every day helping the dog get trained and catch on to some kind of routine.
Dogs thrive from routine, so it’s essential to create this for them. Once you start a particular way, you need to stick with it to make sure they feel comfortable in the world around them. For instance, you’ll have to decide if you’ll feed them once or twice a day, along with what kind of potty training method you’ll use.
Potty training. This is perhaps the most challenging and most time-consuming part of having a dog. It takes some dogs up to two years to fully get it.
Do you have a busy schedule? Are you never home? Or do you have a schedule you can adjust to be there more? If you answered yes to the first two questions, you might want to rethink your plan’s aspects.
2. Can you Swing it Financially?
Do you know how they say kids are expensive? Well, buying and having a pet can get up there in cost as well.
Here’s a list of some dog expenses:
- Vet trips (both routine and unexpected)
- Dog Food
- Accessories, like leashes, collars, beds, and whatever else you both fancy
- Vaccines
- Grooming
- The actual purchase of your pet (unless you adopt)
- New treats for doggo (standard treats and CBD-infused treats)
These are a few of the most common dog owner expenses, but it’s important to keep in mind this can greatly fluctuate.
3. Does it Make Sense for Your Living Situation?
Many people want to get a pet, even when they know they’re living situation isn’t cut for it. For example, do you live in an apartment that doesn’t allow pets? If so, keep in mind it’s tough to harbor a dog for long without anyone knowing. They bark, and they need outside time.
Do you live in a smaller space? If so, you may want to stick with smaller breeds as it’s not fair for a large dog to be kept in such small areas. Most larger breeds need ample room and an excess of outside time and exercise.
Overall, think about your living space and situation and what having a dog will be like once the fairy dust settles.
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Final Thoughts
Having a dog is definitely an experience we all want. It’s essential to keep all the variables in mind. When you go into a situation with a full understanding, it tends to work out better.
At the end of the day, if you feel it’s the right move, make sure to take your time choosing a pet. This way, you can ensure you’ve made the right decision, and you both have a new best friend forever.
