Want A New Dog?? 5 Things to consider First!

Adding a new companion to your home can be an exciting prospect! Sometimes it is spur the moment, we find a fur baby that we can’t live without or needs a home, but sometimes we are able to take a little time before we make the jump. Getting a dog can be a big undertaking, and regardless of who you are it is a BIG responsibility.

My goal in this post is to not scare you or deter you from getting a dog, but more to give you some food for thought and help you prepare for a new dog. So lets dive in and go over a few key things to consider before you make your decision!

1. can you afford a dog?

Overall care for your dog can get pretty pricey, and that is not including any emergency vet visits you may have to make. Lets break down some possible costs, these differ depending on the dog and your situation, and there are low cost options available depending on your area!

**These prices may vary depending on your location, dog, etc.

2. Do you have time for a dog?

Depending on the breed and age of dog you get, you may need to spend more time with them. For example, a puppy needs more outside potty time, think every 1 hour to start and then you can build on it, and they also need more training, and socialization as they grow. Older dogs may not need as many potty breaks, but this is not always the case. You may want to keep in mind the first few weeks you have your dog home with you. They will need to time to adjust to a new routine and environment, so making sure you can manage the environment for them and have someone there in the beginning to help them transition.

Every dog and breed also requires a different amount of exercise, a walk may not be enough for some dogs, and if they do not get adequate exercise, you may start to see problem behaviors start to arise such as destructive, unruly, or reactive behavior.

Training can also take up time. Training in general is a great way to provide mental enrichment for your dog, and starting training early can help you get a handle on problem behaviors early on before they become a larger problem. Some dogs are easy, but this is more than usually not the case. Make sure you can at least make time each day for a minimum of 10 minutes a day to actively train with your dog.

3. What age and breed do you want?

As I mentioned earlier, age is a big factor when it comes to the dog you choose. Puppies, up to at least 1.5 years old, will require more care, training and attention. Older or elderly dogs, may need more health care as they age, and more health problems start to surface.

In terms of behavior and personality, puppies are going to be growing and changing up until about 2 years old. So your once adorable cute, calm puppy will become a larger more excitable dog as they develop and may be harder for you to handle. Older dogs are usually more set in their personality so you will know a little better what type of personality, exercise needs, and characteristics they have.

When it comes to breed, doing your research prior to select the right breed for you is crucial. If you are a person who is more of a homebody and is less active, should avoid a dog that has high energy and need for exercise. Or if you have a cat, or smaller animals, you may not want a dog known for its high prey drive. As always, the way dogs turn out is not cut and dry, but know the breed characteristics is a great way to both choose the right dog for your lifestyle and prepare yourself for things you may have to deal with in the future.

4. Do you want to adopt or go to a breeder?

This is a big topic, but both options have there pros and cons. If you decide to go to a breeder, definitely research the breed and the breeders. Find a reputable breeder who does health testing, allows you to meet the parents, and takes care of their dogs. Seems easy, but you would be surprised. Almost always you will be getting a puppy from a breeder, and you may have some idea of their temperament based on the parents. Occasionally some breeders sell older dogs, but these are far and few between. Breeders are also the much pricier option.

If you decide to adopt, make sure you meet the dog first. Play with them, take them on a walk, ask the rescue or shelter questions, and if it doesn’t seem like a good fit, don’t adopt them. I know we want to save all of the dogs, but it will hurt them more if you adopt and then have to send them back because it was not the right dog for you. You will usually have more variety and options to choose from in terms of age, and breed/ mix when you adopt, and you will also know less about the dog and their temperament depending on where you get them.

5. Are you going to commit?

The last and final thing to consider, are you willing to accept all the responsibilities that come with dog ownership? Not just overall care or your dog, but if you have to adjust your home and lifestyle for your dog, would you? Are you even allowed to have a dog in your apartment or home? When things get tough are you going to get rid of your dog? Are you willing to make sure you are respectful to other dog owners and their dogs to make sure your dog and theirs don’t get hurt? Dogs are not just Christmas presents that can be sent back when it doesn’t turn out how you want or it gets too hard. Be prepared for the hard, and do what you can to be proactive as a dog owner.

That said, life happens, I do believe if anther home would make for a better life for you and your dog, rehoming is an option that shouldn’t always be judged. However, sometimes you can’t rehome a dog for various reasons. Taking them to the shelter is an option but thats hard on the dog, and shelters are at capacity all over.

Please ask yourself these questions, and assess your situation. Being prepared and knowing what you can and can’t do is important when you decide to bring a dog into your home.

Conclusion

Dogs are a big responsibility and, like I said in the beginning, I don’t want to scare anyone off if they decide they want to get a dog. Be mindful and realistic about your needs, the dog’s needs and what would be best for everyone involved. Being proactive and prepared is the best way to make the transition as easy as possible! Maybe now isn’t the best time, and thats okay, sometimes the best things are worth the wait.

If you are unsure, you can always look at shelters, rescues, and service dog organizations who need fosters for their dogs. Fosters are always needed and help dogs immensely! Fostering a dog can help them prepare for life in a home setting, give them exposure to different things and people, and gets a dog out of a kennel where they can sometimes suffer from kennel stress. Being in a home allows them to flourish outside of a kennel and show their true selves. You will also give yourself some experience adding a new dog into your home, and help you prepare better for the day you get your own.

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Happy Training!