No matter how fun or how easy the idea of owning a dog might be, it’s usually far from reality. Honestly, there’s so much work that goes into it, and the commitment isn’t years; sometimes, it can be decades. Is that something you’re willing to commit to? While sure, the idea of getting a dog and treating it like royalty sounds amazing and extremely cute, you also need to keep in mind the sheer amount of work it is to have a dog, raise it, train it, and care for it.
The cost of buying one or adopting one isn’t the only expense. You need to feed them, there’s the cost of vet care, toys, and the list goes on and on. So, with all of this said, here are some extremely important considerations you’ll need to think about before you and your family get a dog!
What’s the Lifestyle Like?
Not just the family lifestyle, but what about the activity levels too? In general, you’ll absolutely need to evaluate your family’s lifestyle and activity level. Different dog breeds have varying exercise and energy requirements. A chocolate lab retriever has drastically more energy than a shiatzu, for example.
Plus, if it’s a mixed breed, then the energy levels could be a little more challenging. On top of that, what about the age of the dog? Puppies need to be trained; they need so much attention and, like a human child, have so much energy. So, just consider whether your family is active and outdoorsy or more inclined toward a relaxed indoor environment. Matching the dog’s needs to your family’s lifestyle is crucial for a happy and healthy relationship.
What’s the Size of Your Home?
It’s not just the size either, as you also need to think about the general living space and how much space is available outside. Larger breeds are always going to need more room to roam (a breed that shouldn’t live in an apartment), while smaller breeds or certain toy breeds may be better suited for apartments or homes with limited space. In general, you’ll need to ensure that your home environment is conducive to the size and energy level of the dog you’re considering.
Are There Any Allergies?
So, something you’ll need to do is to check for allergies or sensitivities within your family. The last thing you need is to adopt a dog that you fell in love with, only to find out that you, your spouse, or one of your kids is actually allergic. Plus, sometimes it’s only allergies or sensitivities to one specific breed or just a few breeds. So, you might want to try to spend time with dogs of the breed you are interested in to assess any potential allergic reactions before committing.
How Much Time Can You Commit?
Not just you, but your whole family, really; how much time and energy do you all have to properly take care of the dog and give it the love and attention it deserves? You seriously need to keep in mind that regardless of breed or age, owning a dog requires a significant time commitment.
So, you need to think really hard about your family’s schedule, work commitments, and daily routines. Dogs thrive on consistency and regular interaction, so it’s essential to ensure that you have the time to devote to training, exercise, and companionship.
Financial Responsibility
Dogs come with financial responsibilities, including veterinary care, food, grooming, and supplies. If you are dead set on getting a dog, then you need to create a budget to estimate the costs associated with dog ownership and ensure that your family is financially prepared for the long-term commitment of caring for a pet. Seriously, pets can be expensive, and they’re not even just breed-specific, either.
Can Your Family Commit to Training and Socialization?
Puppies and adult dogs alike require training and socialization. You can’t just assume that they’re going to naturally be able to pick up right from wrong; essentially, no animal can do that. So, your whole family needs to get together and evaluate the willingness and ability to invest time and effort into proper training. Are you willing to commit to proper training? What about training courses? In general, it’s both positive reinforcement and socialization are key components of raising a well-behaved and adaptable dog.
How Old Are Your Kids?
If you currently have kids, then this is especially important!! Some breeds are known for their patience and gentle demeanor, making them suitable for families with young children, but not all breeds are like this. So, you’ll absolutely have to do some research and choose a breed that is known for being good with children and always supervising interactions between dogs and young family members.
Do You Have Other Pets?
Do you already have a dog and want to bring another into the family? Do you have a cat or a rabbit and want to get a dog? These questions matter, too. As stated above, different breeds have different temperaments, so you don’t want to put your current pets into any harm.
Are You Willing to Put in this Long-Term Commitment?
Depending on the breed, some dogs can live well into their 20s; that’s like raising a child from birth to adulthood. You’re already well aware of the long commitment for a child, but are you willing to do this for a pet? The decision to get a pet should be made with the understanding that you are committing to the care and well-being of a living being for its entire life.
Are There Restrictions at Home?
Dogs need to unleash their energy, and doing it in a couple of rooms at home is usually not going to be enough. Plus, there are other things, too, such as the potential restrictions imposed by landlords or homeowner associations. So, you’ll need to ensure that your chosen breed is allowed in your residence and that your living space is suitable for a dog.
But that’s not all either; you’re also going to have to consider factors such as access to outdoor areas, proximity to parks, and the presence of dog-friendly facilities in your neighborhood.