A new dog or puppy can make a great addition to your family, but before you go out and find your new friend, it’s important to think about how a dog will affect your life – both now and in the years to come. Here are 5 questions you should ask yourself before you bring a dog or puppy home.
1. What is your motivation for getting a new pet?
This may seem like a silly question, but it is probably the most important. Before going out and looking for a new dog or puppy, take a moment to write down a list of all the reasons that you want to care for a dog. Did your best friend just get a new dog and you want to be able to go the dog park with her? Or perhaps you saw the most adorable puppy face staring at you from behind the glass at your local pet store. Or maybe you promised your kids that when they were old enough to care for a puppy you would buy them one. Or is it because you really want to experience the amazing companionship and love that a dog can give? Whatever the reason, try to avoid spur of the moment decisions and really reflect on what your goal and reasoning is behind bringing a new family member into your life.
2. Does a dog fit your lifestyle and family dynamic?
Make sure to take some time to evaluate your current lifestyle and family dynamic and envision how a dog or puppy would fit into your day-to-day schedule. Do you work a lot or spend a lot of time out of town for your job? Who would be able to care for your dog while you’re gone? Is your family always on the go with lots of kids’ events and social outings? Would your dog be able to join in on the family fun? Do you have small children or other pets at home? Make sure to do your research, as it’s very important to find the appropriate breed, size and sex of dog that will mesh well with the current family members. All dogs are very social animals and want to be with their family at all times, so if your current lifestyle isn’t suitable for a canine companion, you may want to consider adopting a different type of pet that is a little more independent.
3. Is your current living situation appropriate for a dog?
It’s very important to assess your current living/housing situation. Do you live in an apartment or house? Do you own or rent? Do you have roommates? Dogs can live a very comfortable life in an apartment, but that will mean more time and responsibility on your part to take the dog out daily for walks or to the local dog park. It’s imperative that you make sure you receive approval to have a dog in your apartment from your landlord or leasing agency. Most places have strict rules on the size, age and even breed that they allow, so make sure you know these restrictions before you start looking for your new friend. If you own your own home, make sure you have a dog-safe, fenced yard and enough room for your dog to play and exercise. It isn’t a deal breaker if you don’t have a large yard, just be prepared that you will need to make sure to take you dog out daily for a run or walk. Dogs should never be tied/chained in a yard, so don’t consider that to be an alternative to having your yard fenced. Another thing to consider is if you move a lot, or have a move already planned. While you may currently have a dog-friendly living arrangement, keep in mind that moving with a dog will greatly reduce your new housing options, as well as increase your move-in costs if pet deposits and fees are required.
4. Do you have time to dedicate to a dog?
Another factor that is often over looked is time. Are you sure you have the extra time in your day-to-day life to commit to caring for a dog or puppy? Do you have time to properly socialize and train a puppy? Or how about the time for everyday responsibilities, such as, feeding, clean up, grooming, exercising, and playing? Are you willing and able to arrange your schedule to incorporate their needs into your life?
5. Are you financially prepared to care for a dog?
Last, but definitely not least, have you put some thought into the additional expenses that will come with a new dog or puppy? There are basic expenses like food, toys, bowls, collars, leashes, kennels, and training. There will also be additional expenses related to routine veterinary care (vaccines, spay/neuter, etc). Then, if your dog was to ever get hurt or sick, there will be more money spent on veterinary care and medications. Quite often, the least expensive part of owning a dog is the initial cost of either buying or adopting them, and that is something that many people forget.
Dogs are the most amazing and loyal companions and once they become a part of the family, they will shower you with their love and adoration and will be committed to you for life. So, if you make the decision to bring a wiggly ball of fur into your life, you need to make sure that you will also stay committed to them, no matter what happens, as they would never, ever give up on you!