Everything is so special about being a pet owner. It gives you companionship for life, a unique bond, and a cuteness that lasts forever. And this is just the start! Being a dog owner comes with a lot of perks and science has shown that dogs do truly love everyone. If you are planning to get a dog, here are some things to keep in mind before you bring your dog home.
Pets are for life
Dogs have an average lifespan of 13 years which means you need to make sure that you are ready for the long-term commitment to the new member of your family. It means loving the pet even after the cute puppy stage as they turn into energetic teens and through the golden years.
Time-consuming
When you bring a pet home, you need to be ready to sacrifice your time. It is similar to having a little child in the home. When you have a new puppy, you take the responsibility of having a living being whose needs will often have to come before your own. It means you will need a little more time and energy for the little creature, and you might have to adjust your schedule accordingly. You cannot just get up and leave for a fun weekend as you used to in the past. You will have to plan everything for the dog before you plan a weekend away.
Breed research
You might want to go out and choose the most adorable dog you see, but it is important to do the breed research well. You can start by reading comprehensive breed guides. From there, find a breed that suits your lifestyle and surroundings, and consider the size of the living space and the surrounding areas. If you are living alone, you need to take into account whether you will be able to take care of the breed by yourself.
Costs
Keep in mind that pets are expensive, and you will need funds to look after them right from the day you bring them home to when they are old. These expenses will not end after the initial purchase of the dog. You will need to pay for the bed, water, food, collar, lead, and vet visits. Consider the average cost of keeping a dog and this amount could be higher or lower based on the size, health, and breed of the dog.
Healthcare
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko from Pexels
As a pet owner, there is nothing more important than the dog’s health, and you need to know a good vet in your area. You will come across days when the dog will need emergency care, and this is when you will have to be on top of everything. In case of an injury or surgery requirement, the cost could go up. In rare circumstances, some large breed dogs need TPLO surgery which can add significantly to the expenses. Your dog could become sick like any of us, and you will also need to keep track of the vaccinations they get so that you can keep them at their healthiest.
Child-friendly
If you have children at home, there is no better gift than a puppy for them. But it is very important to understand that the child and your puppy will need the same amount of care and commitment. It is essential to have your child meet the dog and the dog to meet the child before adopting it. Several dogs do not get along with young kids, which is why it is important to have them interact before you bring a four-legged home.
Exercise requirements
Pets have a lot of energy, and they require daily exercise. And this means you will have to take your dog for a walk at least once every day in the local garden or a park. There are some dog breeds that do need a little more exercise than others which is why it is important to understand their physical needs before you bring one home. Along with exercising comes feeding your dog a healthy diet. You may not realize it but brown rice can be great for dogs. Ideally, you should keep your dog fed well when you are getting a lot of exercise.
You also want to keep your dog safe while they’re out and about. A fenced yard is a good option when your dog is at home, but even this might not be practical for everyone. The best exercise for dogs is to be able to run freely, as when they’re tethered to a lead, they’re stuck to your speed.
This is why GPS collars and wireless fences are such good tools for dogs and dog owners. They allow your dog to be relatively free and unrestrained, but still keep them safe as they stick within the boundaries that you set. Of course, it always makes sense to research your options, including the wireless fence for dogs.
Dog training
If you intend to bring a small puppy home, it will require a lot of training since they will have no idea where to pee and where to eat. It is likely that there could be a toilet incident on the rug or a few teeth marks on your favorite pair of shoes. You could either look for in-home training or consider a puppy school for extensive training.
There is certainly no joy like owning a puppy, but it should not be a random decision. You need to be very careful about the type of breed you wish to bring home and consider all the above-mentioned aspects to ensure that you are making the right choice. The dog will become a part of your family, and you have to look after it just like a family member.
