Dogs are often referred to as man’s best, and for good reason. They’re some of the most loyal, compassionate and loving creatures on earth and seem to know just when something is wrong and how to make it better just by being there.
However cute and lovely they may be, there’s no doubt that they’re a big responsibility. Some people don’t like to compare dogs to babies, but if you’re a parent of a human baby and a fur baby then you know full well that they’re pretty much requiring the same level of care - in fact, dogs can often require more care and more planning around your lifestyle when it comes to things like traveling or working.
If you are thinking of getting a dog, then it’s definitely helpful to know how big of a commitment it really is beforehand so that you can be as prepared as possible, because an unfortunate and rather heartbreaking fact is that most dogs who end up as strays or in shelters are those who were bought or adopted by families or people who liked the idea of having a dog, but didn’t quite understand the responsibility involved when it comes to things like caring for, training and even how to discipline a dog.
In this post, we’re going to share with you some things to think of before getting a dog so that you can be better prepared and hopefully avoid the tragic situation above.
If you have the time:
Dogs require a lot of time and attention - especially when they’re puppies and need to be trained, so if you have a job that requires you to work long or irregular hours, then it’s worth considering if you truly have the time to be looking after a dog with all the care that they do actually need, such as being fed regularly and being taken out at least twice per day for the toilet and for overall exercise.
If your schedule allows:
Dogs are creatures of habit and like to have their routine since this provides them with security. So if you’re someone who’s a bit all over the place or doesn’t like to have a routine, or even just likes to take off to travel on whim, then perhaps you’re not really going to have a schedule that allows for a dog even if you truly love animals and would be getting one with the best of intentions.
If you can afford it:
When a lot of people get a dog, they somehow don’t take into consideration the ongoing costs associated with raising one, which can then be a bit of a shock to them. Even if you buy your dog instead of adopting one, then there are definitely going to be ongoing costs such as vet bills, medicines such as Mometamax, pet insurance, and even the costs of food, toys and accessories for your dog over the years, which definitely all mount up.
If you fully understand what it entails:
Dogs are cute and bring joy to your life in so many ways, but many people don’t actually realize the full scale of responsibility involved. Even things like going for a night out with friends can mean you have to be back home by a certain time since you have to feed the dog or let it out, and this can be a strain - especially if you’re a single person who’s used to their freedom and coming back whenever you feel like it. You can’t just book a trip without figuring out what you’ll do with the dog, and so many other things that you may not have considered.
If you want one for the right reasons:
It’s a sad fact that far too many people see dogs as something of a status symbol or fashion accessory these days - especially when it comes to “trendy breeds” that’s not to say they don’t love the dog, but it’s definitely not the right reason to get one. We have to remember that dogs are living beings with feelings and emotions just like us and they deserve to be treated with care and respect.
We hope that this post has given you some things to think about when it comes to getting a dog and making the right decision for you based on your own personal circumstances and not what you think is simply a good or fun idea in the moment.
Whilst the above is certainly not set in stone, and there are going to be many variables in each situation, it’s definitely something worth taking the time to think about because a dog is a big decision and responsibility.