Getting a dog is a life-changing decision that no undoubtedly brings with it boundless joy and an unconditional companionship, but along with it comes a huge load of responsibility. If you’re not ready for the responsibility, what is meant to be a beautiful journey of love and companionship can quickly turn into one of burden for you and distress for your pet.
After all, a dog can be a part of your life for anywhere from 10 to 15 years, and they will depend on you for their well-being and care every single day of it. That’s why bringing home a furry friend requires careful planning and consideration. If you have been toying with the idea of becoming a pet parent, here are ten important things to consider:
1. Lifestyle compatibility
The first thing to assess is whether your lifestyle can accommodate the needs of a dog—attention, exercise, and mental stimulation. If you have a hectic schedule, travel frequently, or work long hours, making time for these things can become a challenge. Without due care and attention, dogs tend to develop behavioral issues, which can make a bad situation worse.
2. Time commitment
Dogs are social animals and they thrive on attention from and interaction with their humans. Being a pet parent means making time every day not just to feed and walk your dog but also groom them, play with them, and dole love and affection on them. This, of course, means carving out time from your schedule for your pet. This time commitment is even higher when you bring home a dog and have to invest in their care and training. You need to consider whether you have the time to dedicate to caring for a dog or can invest in reliable caretakers.
3. Financial responsibility
Raising dogs costs a pretty penny. From essentials like food, bedding, grooming supplies to medical care and emergencies, you need to have a sizable chunk of disposable income to cater to your pet’s needs. Besides, if you bring home a rescue with behavioral issues or your pet goes on to develop some, you might need to invest in a professional trainer, which adds to the cost. If your pet starts pinching your pocket, it can impact the relationship you have with them.
4. Living space and environment
Where you live also plays into whether or not you’re ready to bring a furry baby into your life, and which kind. If you live in a house with a yard, you can make space for just about any dog breed. But an apartment may be a different story altogether. Big dogs, who typically have high exercise needs, tend to not do well in apartments. In addition to your living space, you also need to consider your surrounding environment. Is your neighborhood/building pet friendly? Do you have access to dog-friendly parks or walking areas?
5. Breed characteristics
Although how you train and socialize a dog goes a long way in determining how well-adjusted they turn out to be, breed characteristics like temperaments, exercise needs, and health issues play a role in your pet’s personality. Before bringing home a dog, research the breed to understand its typical personality and care requirements. If you’re going to be a first-time pet parent, well-tempered, easily trainable breeds may be best suited for you.
6. Family dynamics
Unless you’re single, your decision to bring home a pet affects everyone living there. It’s important to consider how a pet would fit into household dynamics if there are children, elderly or other pets in the family. It’s also equally important to have members of the family onboard with the idea before you go through with it. If your partner doesn’t like dogs or you kid is allergic, it can be catastrophic for everyone involved, including your pet.
7. Training and behavior management
Whether you bring home a puppy or an older dog, you will need to invest in training your pet. This includes housebreaking, obedience training, and socialization. The process can be time-consuming and requires patience, consistency, and dedication. Are you prepared to invest that time and effort?
8. Time away from home
How much time will your dog spend alone at home? If you and any other adult in the family work full time and kids (if any) go to school, it means your pet will have to spend several hours on their own. This can cause your dog to develop separation anxiety. Do you have a support system—friends, neighbors, family members—who can care for your pet while you’re away? Can you invest in a professional pet sitter or a dog boarding? These are important questions to be addressed before bringing home a pet.
9. Exercise and mental stimulation
Different breeds have different exercise needs, but all dogs require some form of physical activity to stay healthy and happy. If you’re unable to cater to this core need, you could end up with a dog that exhibits destructive behavior due to boredom. Daily walks, playtime, and enrichment activities are necessary to keep your dog happy and well-adjusted.
10. Long-term commitment
As we’ve said before, a dog will be a part of your life for 10 to 15 years and will need you to care for it every single day of their life. It’s a long-term commitment that you have to be willing to see through, come what may, because dogs often bond deeply with their human companions and suffer emotional distress if rehomed.
Before bringing a dog into your life, consider your long-term plans. Are you planning to move soon? Can you accommodate a dog’s changing needs as they age? A dog’s loyalty and companionship deserve a similar level of dedication from its owner, so it’s important to think about how your life might evolve in the next 10 to 15 years and how a dog will fit into those plans.
Final Thoughts
Bringing home a dog is a rewarding experience, but it requires thoughtful preparation and responsibility. By considering these ten factors, you can ensure that you are ready to welcome a new member into your family and provide them with the love and care they deserve. Ultimately, the joy and companionship a dog can offer will make all the planning and commitment worthwhile.
