Things to Consider Before Getting a Dog
Getting a dog is an exciting decision, but it’s also a big one. After hearing from friends, family, and even my vet, I’ve realized there’s so much more to it than just picking out a cute puppy. From time commitments to financial responsibilities, there are a lot of factors to weigh before bringing a furry friend into your life. As someone who’s been through this process, here are the key things I wish every new dog owner would consider beforehand.
Your Home
Not all housing situations are amenable to dogs. Apartments and rooms for rent can be unfriendly toward pets. Before you adopt, make sure your landlord is okay with a dog. If they are, make sure you know which dog breeds are accepted.
It’s not just about housing rules, either. Often, long-haired breeds prefer colder weather, while short-haired breeds fare better in warm weather. Another fun tip to know is that bigger dogs require bigger houses. A Great Dane might end up feeling like an extra roommate in a studio apartment, you know!
Walkies
People often underestimate how much time dogs take up. Dogs need to be walked at least once a day, every day, for a minimum of 15 minutes. If your pup ends up being very hyper, walkies might turn into two-hour play sessions. Are you ready for that level of daily exercise? Do you have the time to go out every day? What if it’s raining? It’s good to keep in mind.
Kids
Let’s face it: your dog might be your baby, but you must also consider your human babies. Some dogs can become the perfect little buddy for your kiddo, while others might be better suited for a home with older folks. Getting a happy, friendly, and trainable pup is a smart choice with kids.
The great news about this is that you’ll be hard-pressed to find a kid who won’t be excited about a dog. So, it’s not like you’ll ever hear a “no” from your kids.
Allergies
If you have allergies, you must consider it. Unlike cats, there are some hypoallergenic dog breeds you can get. Hypoallergenic dog breeds you might want to consider include poodles, Shih Tzus, and Chinese Crested dogs.
A general rule of thumb that’s common knowledge among dog enthusiasts is that curly-haired breeds and hairless breeds tend to be more hypoallergenic.
Ready To Train
If you’ve never owned a dog before, you might be shocked to see how involved dog training can be. Most dogs need steady, consistent training for at least six weeks. After that, you still have to remind your dog that you’re in charge consistently.
The good news is that dog training doesn’t have to be brutal. Most dog owners find it to be a great way to bond with their pups and learn their quirks.
What Breed
Though mutts can be great pets, looking into specific breeds may be a good idea. This is especially true if you want a dog with specific traits or want to train a dog for a specific job. Or, you know, you already might have a little fondness for a certain type of doggo.
Each breed has its own perks and pitfalls. For example, Chinese Crested dogs need clothing and sunscreen. But they also look like little rock stars with their fluffy hair, so it’s a trade-off.
Health Issues
Every pet parent needs to consider their pup’s potential health problems. Whether worrying about getting heartworm prevention or saving up for vet bills, it’s good to do some research. This is especially true if you’re getting a purebred dog. You can prevent a lot of problems by just researching what they’re at risk for.
More often than not, a healthy diet, regular grooming, and ample playtime will be more than enough to keep a typical pup in great shape.
Maintenance Cash
Pet ownership costs money, even if you are one of those super savers. The more you want to pamper your pooch, the more you’ll spend. Puppy strollers, dog spas, and dog hair dye? Those can cost a pretty penny, though they’ll likely thrill your new buddy. It’s good to figure out how much you can expect to spend before you buy.
Even if you’re hoping to operate on a shoestring budget, there will be moments when you see that new doggy cafe and splurge. So, give yourself some breathing room. (Doggie ice cream, anyone?)
One thing that is non-negoitable is the vet. Please consider the vet cost before getting a dog.
Adoption (Or Shop) Cash
Believe it or not, getting a dog is not cheap. Adoption fees can be free, but that’s not always easy to find. Some rescues have adoption fees as high as $600 or more. Responsible dog breeders are even pricier. A single dog can easily top $3,000 or more if it’s from a reputable breeder.
If you can, find a shelter with adoption specials nearby. It’ll save you serious cash and you’ll be saving a life.
Dog Proofed
People prepare for a new baby by baby-proofing the home. It’s wise to do the same when you’re about to add a furry addition to the family too. While those viral TikTok videos of puppies looking guilty after getting caught chewing a favorite pillow are cute, it’s best not to recreate them at home. Pillows can be pricey, you know.
When it comes to puppy-proofing a home, a little common sense goes a long way. The best course of action is to keep anything your pup doesn’t want chewing up out of sight.
Other Pets
While some dog breeds happily share their owners with cats, rabbits, and other animals, others may not be so ‘open-minded.’ The same can be said for the pets you already own. In general, you want to introduce new pets to each other when they are still young so they can get used to one another. However, this is not the case for all pets, as some may be fine with a new member of the family.
