Getting a dog is not like buying another pair of shoes. A dog is a real member of the family and requires almost as much attention as a child. You’ll have to teach him the basics of home and social behavior, practice his skills, take care of him daily, monitor his health, and so on. Our article will help you understand if you are ready for it!
Note for the young
Before I talk about all the things you should consider when you want to get a dog, I would like to address young people.
As for young people, not married couples, but young and single people who decide to get a dog. A dog is a HUGE responsibility. To some extent, it will limit your freedom.
There will be no more spontaneous trips out of town with friends for a few days. You will have to prepare beforehand, find people who will agree to look after your pet. You will have to say “no” to fun hangouts with colleagues after work, long hours of studying before exams, at least you can get college essay help.
You won’t be able to enjoy sweet snuggling in your bed until 11 o’clock on weekends, because your dog will be begging to go outside.
Sleep is for the weak!
Dogs are compared to babies for a reason. Both, for example, give new “parents” sleepless nights. When you breed a puppy you’ll want to be prepared for regular, non-stop whining. And understandably, the puppy needs to adapt not only to life without his mother, but also to his new home, and this is not easy. So the owner’s job is not to get annoyed, but to help the puppy.
Puddles and worse
You’ll have to clean up after your puppy: a lot and often. The puppy isn’t able to physically endure yet and doesn’t know that ” things” need to be done outdoors. It will take time for him to grow up and learn everything. Are you ready to help him?
Keep things safe!
Spoiling is a problem almost every dog owner has encountered. Special toys and training can help you save furniture and shoes, but incidents happen and you need to be prepared for them!
What about barking?
A well-mannered dog doesn’t bark. Except that it’s not easy to raise one, and in one situation or another, even with the most well-mannered ones, something can go wrong. Your apartment may be riddled with loud barking or howling more than once. Do you have the desire to deal with it? Will your neighbors understand you?
And now a 21st-century disease!
Another thing to consider before buying a dog is allergies, or rather, the absence of allergies. Are you sure you and your family members are not allergic to dogs? In many cases, people don’t realize they have allergies until they bring home a dog. Be sure to visit an allergist and exclude this unpleasant possibility.
Another character, another approach
When you get a puppy, you never know what kind of character it will have. The breed characteristics allow you to create a rough “portrait” of the pet, but no one is insured against surprises. Are you ready to accept and love the dog with all its pros and cons? Are you willing to work on his flaws, if necessary? Are you ready to find an approach?
“No” danger!
A dog has many chances of getting into a dangerous situation and sometimes becomes a danger to others. Even a tiny pocket dog is still a predator and can bite if anything happens. Now imagine a huge mastiff!
A dog is a responsibility. The responsibility of the owner to him, to himself, and others. The owner must pay enough attention to the dog’s training and socialization to eliminate unpleasant surprises. Have you heard the phrase, “There are no bad dogs, there are bad owners!”? Well, it’s true.
The science of training
Owners of medium- and large-sized dogs, as well as all beginners, are advised to attend special training and socialization classes with their pets. Why are they needed? Why can’t you train a dog yourself?
Well, that’s easy: because there are too many nuances and they all differ from dog to dog. It is important not only to know the command scheme but also to work with intonation and gestures. And what works with one dog may not work with another. A professional dog handler can help you figure it all out.
Time and Material Costs
A dog requires not only time but also material costs. A dog’s basic kit consists of two bowls, a dog bed, toys, a collar, and a leash, a hairbrush, a claw, grooming tools, a first aid kit, and that s not the whole list!
Your dog will need well-balanced high-quality dog food daily and from time to time he’ll need to be given anti-parasite treatments, vaccinations, vet checkups, and so on. Also, a dog, like any of us, can get sick and the treatment can be expensive.
All of these things need to be kept in mind. Answer yourself honestly: can you afford it?
What’s next?
If you’ve read all of these points and haven’t discovered anything new (and frightening), if you’ve already heard about these difficulties and you’re still eager to get started, we can only be happy for you!
Pretty soon you’ll be making the best friend you can imagine. It’s definitely worth it!