A New Member Of The Family.
It is always nice to have a new member of the family. Some people love cats, some love dogs. For dog owners though, there is a lot more to consider. Dogs need you more, and as a prospective dog owner, you will need a lot to think about.
Pet’s Mindful Animal Owners love to see a happy dog in a new home, but before you go running down to the local rescue center to find your future family member, you need to think about a few things.
Getting a dog is as much of a commitment as adopting a child, in many ways. Every decision you make will impact them, and as long as you are prepared for this commitment, you will always have someone to love you when you come home from work.
So, let’s give you a tails up about what you need.
Always Think About Breed.
You might have an idea of what breed you want, but even if you love a particular breed, it does not necessarily mean that they will fit into your lifestyle.
Some breeds need a lot of exercise, some don’t, some will have more health complications than others, smaller dogs live longer lives, but have some particular health concerns, big dogs usually have shorter lives, but their health complications can be less complicated.
It depends on the breed. You wouldn’t want an energetic German Shepherd living in a house with someone who is not very active, the same as a pug is probably not ideal for someone whose main hobby is hiking.
Just like we mesh well with certain people in our lives, there are certain breeds that match us too. You need to be prepared for what a dog requires physically and mentally, and match the breed to yourself and your home. A big dog won’t do well in a small apartment, nor would a small older dog in a massive house.
Getting a dog from a rescue center is a good idea, especially because the people there can help you to decide the breed for you, and they will know the dogs well, and will find one who will give you what you need, just as you can give them what they need.
Having a dog is an equal partnership in many ways.
Consider Cost.
You have to prepare yourself financially as well, if you are just scraping by, now is not the time to get a dog. Dogs need good nutritious food appropriate for their age and breed, they will need treats to help train them, flea and tick medications, grooming tools, checkups at the vet, and of course all the other necessary items.
A dog bed, toys, bowls, a leash, collar, maybe a coat, some blankets, and more. Make sure you can afford this, and that you have it all prepared before you bring a dog home.
Home Sweet Home.
On that note, your house requires preparing too. It is not quite as hardcore as bringing in a child, but it’s in the same ballpark.
You will need all the items we mentioned above. However, consider age too. If you are getting a puppy, get two of everything. We mean it, as they go through the teething stage, expect everything to be ripped up, and do not forget they will outgrow things, much like a child does.
If you get an older dog, you can have just one of everything because they are not likely to outgrow things, or tear it to shreds. However, they may need other things, perhaps a heated bed if they have arthritis and sore paws, and other aids in their later years.
Think about the specifics of the dog, and what they need… again, this means research, research, research.
Training Time.
No matter where you get a dog from, you will need to train them. Even if they are a rescue, shelters are good to help dogs, but it is a stressful setting for any animal. So, transitioning to a home can be tough.
It will take time for your furry friend to get accustomed to their new home, and surroundings. They will take time to trust you and get used to your routine and quirks. Be patient, develop a routine that involves them.
Dogs, much like kids, love stability, predictability, and of course, consistency. These help to keep anxieties at bay, and it will help you train them to the house rules better.
