To choose to live with a dog means knowing you’re going to spend your life with a loving, loyal friend who’s truly worthy of your dedication and care. However, whether you are preparing to welcome a pet into your family or you want to buy a dog for yourself, this decision shouldn’t be quick and thoughtless.
A pet can be a wonderful companion in your life, but make sure to consider their needs well in advance. Here are the crucial aspects to pay attention to before you commit to buying a furry four-legged friend.
1. Considering your reasons and intentions
Buying a pet as a holiday present, as a means of consolation, or on an impulse, whether you gift the dog to yourself or to somebody else, rarely turn up to be good decisions.
Bringing a pet into a life can’t be driven by the needs of the future owner alone. Circumstances change, so you should make sure that buying a dog is your true heart’s desire: All other reasons can fade away soon enough.
2. Choosing a suitable breed
Loving certain breeds because of the way they look or are portrayed in films is all right until you begin to consider actually buying a dog. When the time comes to think about this, make sure to do your research before doing anything in haste.
Your dog’s needs and temperament should fit you as a person, as well as your lifestyle. If you fail to consider this, your new pet and you can both suffer as a result.
3. Planning your pet-related budget
Spending money on a dog doesn’t end once the little buddy is finally in your home. Quite the contrary: This is when real spending begins.
Are you prepared to offer your pet everything they need, including appropriate food, medications, regular visits to the vet, brushes, toys: In short, everything a dog needs to be happy and healthy? Your budget will take a hit, and this shouldn’t come as a surprise.
4. Training your pup: Are you prepared?
No matter how much you love your pet, they need discipline and training. Are you a type of person capable to deal with this challenge?
Letting your dog do whatever they want whenever they want it or being overly strict and judgmental when dealing with their mishaps are both bad options for you and your new friend. Make sure you can handle dog training calmly and lovingly, yet firmly at the same time.
5. Will you have time to play with your dog?
Sure, there will be moments when you and your new pet will have a blast, but will it always be like that? What will happen when you get overwhelmed with your academic troubles, searching for assignment help online for hours, or you come back home from a stressful day at work?
Being in a bad mood for one day surely won’t harm your relationship with your pet, but prolonged periods of stress can do a lot of damage. Remember that your dog will need you as much as you need them, and, sometimes, even more.
6. Planning your dog’s alone time
If you live alone and happen to spend a lot of your time outside your place, who will take care of your little pup? They can stay alone for a few hours a day if you leave enough food and water, but they can’t live alone and only get to see you once in a while. They will need walks, playtime, and company every day.
7. Preparing your home for a pet
Have you started planning pet-proofing your home before your new dog arrives? If not, there’s no time like the present. Make sure you know what you’re getting into before you make a commitment that changes your life and your home.
8. Overcoming lifestyle changes
Scratched wooden surfaces? Excited dog bark? Regular walks in the morning and the evening? Pet hair everywhere? These are only some of the changes you’ll need to get accustomed to once you welcome a dog into your home. Don’t take a pet unless you are ready and willing to let your life transform accordingly.
9. Handling illness and loss
Pets are like humans in so many ways, and the saddest one of them all is that they can get sick and eventually pass away. If you have a very hard time dealing with illness and loss, losing your pet can be an event that scars you for life. Think about your feelings, what you stand to gain, and what you stand to lose.
10. A pet is forever
They say that “A pet isn’t just for Christmas, a pet is forever”. Play it smart and remember this before making any long-term decision.
Conclusion
Having a dog can be a great joy, but it’s also a great responsibility. When a pet enters your home, it’s not all fun and games: You’ll need to care about their mental and physical health, help them socialize, feed them appropriately, and make sure you are as a good friend for them as they are for you.
So get ready to do your research before this important purchase in order to prepare yourself for obligations that lie ahead. If you make your decision carefully and understand what’s at stake, choosing and bringing a dog home can be one of the best decisions you’ve made in your lifetime.