6 Important Things To Consider Before Getting A Dog
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Homes are happier and more fun when there’s a dog in it, but bringing home a dog is nothing to be taken lightly. You’re going to have a pet and raise it in your home as a member of your family, so you need to make sure you think about this carefully before you go through with it.
Whatever you do, don’t buy the first dog that you think is ‘cute’. You need to think about way more than that! Here are 6 of the most crucial things to remember before you get a dog.
Your Dog Should Suit Your Lifestyle
First of all, your dog must suit your lifestyle. Think about yourself and your family; are you an active family, or do you prefer to relax most of the time? How much time do you spend outdoors? Thinking about these things is a must, so you can aim for a dog with those traits. You wouldn’t want a husky if you aren’t an active family, for example!
Your Dog Must Suit Your Family And Home Environment
If you live in a small place, you may want to avoid some large dog breeds, as they will need plenty of space to move around. Other large breeds like Great Danes take up lots of room but surprisingly well in smaller homes! Your dog must absolutely suit your family and home environment.
Dogs Are Expensive
Dogs cost money, for sure! Even the cheapest rescue pup can be a big drain on your finances for a while. You’ll need to pay for food, toys, insurance, vet bills, and anything else dog related. If you can’t make the financial commitment, you should look into fostering instead! It’s a great way to meet new dogs while helping save a life. Click here for top ways to save money on pet expenses!
Dogs Need Plenty Of Attention
If you work long hours, who is going to be spending time with your dog? Dogs need plenty of attention, so it’s important to consider who will be spending time with them. Dogs are pack animals and aren’t meant to spend 12-15 hours alone each day.
Training Is Imperative To Your Dog’s Happiness
Training your dog teaches them what is expected of them, and sets the standard for behavior. It’s so important for their happiness, as a confused dog is often a depressed dog. You can watch Youtube videos for training tips, or you can take them for training classes near you. I definitely recommend sticking with positive reinforcement trainers as they help build the relationship and trust between you and your new dog.
There Are Lots of Dogs That Need A Good Home Nearby
If you’ve seen a few of our other posts, you’ll know that I’m a huge advocate of rescue dogs! Instead of buying a puppy from a breeder, really think about whether you could adopt. There are many dogs that are in desperate need of a home nearby, so why not visit a local shelter? Many people are often surprised they can even find puppies or specific breeds available from rescues!
Often, when people make impulse puppy purchases without planning, it can lead to them surrendering their pet and they end up in shelters. They can stay there for years or be put to sleep through no fault of their own. It’s a heartbreaking reality, but you can help by adopting, volunteering at the shelter, or even taking in a foster dog!
