12 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Getting A Dog
Dogs are amazing creatures. They are cute, have starred in movies, and also can hold jobs alongside police officers. America, in particular, is a dog-friendly place. In fact, dogs are kind of a status symbol here. Want to join that club? You can, but that doesn’t always mean you should.
A dog is a doggone ton of responsibility. Before you adopt or purchase a dog, you should ask some questions about why and how you want to get a dog.
Your Home?
Not all housing situations are amenable to dogs. Apartments and rooms for rent can be unfriendly toward pets. Before you adopt, make sure your landlord is okay with a dog. If they are, make sure you know which dog breeds are accepted.
It’s not just about housing rules, either. Long-haired breeds prefer colder weather, while short-haired breeds fare better in warm weather. Another fun tip to know is that bigger dogs require bigger houses. A Great Dane might end up feeling like an extra roommate in a studio apartment, you know!
Walkies?
People often underestimate how much time dogs take up. Dogs need to be walked at least once a day, every day, for a minimum of 15 minutes. If your pup ends up being very hyper, walkies might turn into two-hour play sessions. Are you ready for that level of daily exercise? It’s good to keep in mind.
Got Kids?
Let’s face it: your dog might be your baby, but you must also consider your human babies. Some dogs can become the perfect little buddy for your kiddo, while others might be better suited for a home with older folks. Getting a happy, friendly, and trainable pup is a smart choice with kids.
The great news about this is that you’ll be hard-pressed to find a kid who won’t be excited about a dog. So, it’s not like you’ll ever hear a “no” from your kids.
Got Allergies?
If you have allergies, you must think about canine companions. Unlike cats, there are some hypoallergenic dog breeds you can get. Hypoallergenic dog breeds you might want to consider include poodles, Shih Tzus, and Chinese Crested dogs.
A general rule of thumb that’s common knowledge among dog enthusiasts is that curly-haired breeds and hairless breeds tend to be more hypoallergenic.
Ready To Train?
If you’ve never owned a dog before, you might be shocked to see how involved dog training can be. Most dogs need steady, consistent training for at least six weeks. After that, you still have to remind your dog that you’re in charge consistently.
The good news is that dog training doesn’t have to be brutal. Most dog owners find it to be a great way to bond with their pups and learn their quirks.
What Breed?
Though mutts can be great pets, looking into specific breeds may be a good idea. This is especially true if you want a dog with specific traits or want to train a dog for a specific job. Or, you know, you already might have a little fondness for a certain type of doggo.
Each breed has its own perks and pitfalls. For example, Chinese Crested dogs need clothing and sunscreen. But they also look like little rock stars with their fluffy hair, so it’s a trade-off.
Health Issues?
Every pet parent needs to consider their pup’s potential health problems. Whether worrying about getting heartworm prevention or saving up for vet bills, it’s good to do some research. This is especially true if you’re getting a purebred dog. You can prevent a lot of problems by just researching what they’re at risk for.
More often than not, a healthy diet, regular grooming, and ample playtime will be more than enough to keep a typical pup in great shape.
Got Maintenance Cash?
Pet ownership costs money, even if you are one of those super savers. The more you want to pamper your pooch, the more you’ll spend. Puppy strollers, dog spas, and dog hair dye? Those can cost a pretty penny, though they’ll likely thrill your new buddy. It’s good to figure out how much you can expect to spend before you buy.
Even if you’re hoping to operate on a shoestring budget, there will be moments when you see that new doggy cafe and splurge. So, give yourself some breathing room. (Doggie ice cream, anyone?)
Got Adoption (Or Shop) Cash?
Believe it or not, getting a dog is not cheap. Adoption fees can be free, but that’s not always easy to find. Some rescues have adoption fees as high as $600 or more. Responsible dog breeders are even pricier. A single dog can easily top $3,000 or more if it’s from a reputable breeder.
If you can, find a shelter with adoption specials nearby. It’ll save you serious cash and you’ll be saving a life.
Got A Need?
While getting a dog is usually all about companionship, some dogs are bought for a reason. If you need a service dog, a cattle dog, or a specially-trained bloodhound, you need to ask what breed you should buy. More importantly, you need to figure out where to get the appropriate training for your pup’s job needs.
Sometimes, you just need a buddy who also fits your lifestyle. If you’re a romantic who likes long walks at the beach, getting a dog that can accompany you on those strolls might be a smart idea.
Dog Proofed?
People prepare for a new baby by baby-proofing the home. It’s wise to do the same when you’re about to add a furry addition to the family too. While those viral TikTok videos of puppies looking guilty after getting caught chewing a favorite pillow are cute, it’s best not to recreate them at home. Pillows can be pricey, you know.
When it comes to puppy-proofing a home, a little common sense goes a long way. The best course of action is to keep anything your pup doesn’t want chewing up out of sight.
Got Sitter?
Contrary to popular belief, reliable pet sitters are not easy to find. If you have a dog, you are going to have to plan ahead for things like travel, days out, and even work days. It’s often best to figure out who will watch your dog while you’re out before you need to make that phone call.
Call a fellow pet owner for a reference. You’ll be grateful that you did. Better still, if you have a bestie with a dog of their own, ask them if they can pet sit for you. It’s a good way to ensure you have the right person for the job.
