If you’ve been thinking about getting a dog first, make sure you can answer all of the points below. Owning a cat is a completely different kind of commitment to becoming a dog owner. On average, a dog can live up to 12 years or more.
First of all, why do you want a dog?
Is it for company, for your child, protection or perhaps to reproduce? Be honest about the real reason, as it will help you answer the following series of questions.
Can you afford a dog?
Sit back and make a list of everything you will need to provide for your new pet on a daily and weekly basis. Be realistic about the cost of dog food. If you are going to buy a large dog, you will obviously spend more on food. Also, better quality food will be more expensive, but profitable, as your pets’ health will be better in the long run.
Think about vet bills and whether you can afford those unplanned vet trips. If you are starting out with a puppy, you will have to deal with all the start-up fees. Spaying, deworming, and vaccinations come with follow-up visits, which aren’t cheap. Then you have the other accidents and illnesses that you didn’t see coming. Who knows when any of us will get sick? Next, think about how much pet supplies cost. From dog bowls, leashes and collars to your favorite toys and grooming equipment.
Is your house big enough?
If you live in a small one-bedroom apartment with no outside space, obviously a Great Dane will be out of the question. If you have a house with a garden, think about how safe the garden is. Will you need to spend a lot of money on fences and gates? Then think about where the local parks are and whether you will have the time and energy to walk your dog on a daily basis.
Your time.
Walking, grooming, and playing are time-consuming activities. A dog will also suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long, so think about whether someone will be around during the day. Will your dog take a proper walk? Will they get enough attention and interaction with you? Don’t be cruel, be honest. If you know that you will be working long hours, traveling a lot, or having a hectic social life, then a dog is not the pet for you. Get a fish.
Do your homework
Research the type of dog you want to have. Find out about their character and temperament, their eating habits, etc. Find out exactly what you will bring home. For example, don’t get a small, agile type of dog when you have young children or a German Shepherd when you can’t give him adequate exercise on a daily basis.
Canine training
This is a particularly important question to think about, especially if you are bringing home a puppy. Training and socializing the dog requires a lot of time and patience. There is no way you can leave a puppy alone for a long time. Will you be able to commit to a proper training program? You may also need to invest in puppy training classes, so keep that in mind before bringing a puppy home.
All of these questions must be honestly thought and answered. The rewards of having a dog are that you will receive LOVE, LOVE and LOVE. However, you should be able to return that love and care 100% of the time, as that is what they will need.