iS GETTING A DOG FOR YOU? 10 questions to ask yourself.
Buying a dog is a long term commitment, which comes with a lot of responsibility, that you need to think carefully about in order to ensure that you are ready for it. Here are 9 questions to ask yourself to make sure you know if you are ready for the responsibility of a dog
Firstly, ask yourself do you have the time? your dog can’t be left home alone, not only because they need to relieve themselves but also because they are social creatures that require company. So you must ask yourself if you can be at home with your dog during the day or are you able to have someone take care of your dog while you're not there. It is essential that dogs are not left alone more than they physically or mentally can. Most dogs are not used to being left alone especially for long periods of time so it is important to get your dog to be used to being alone for long periods of time which takes a lot of training and effort. Dogs also need to play, exercise and be trained which can take a lot of effort and time.
Secondly, you must ask yourself if you are happy to plan my time around them? As a result of having a dog at home, you cannot have any spontaneous trips, vacations, and day long activities without either taking them with you or having someone to take care of them. Ask yourself if you are even willing to take your dog on these trips or activities with you? If not, and you're often out and about doing things your puppy can't join in with, then you need to consider whether you are willing to make changes to ensure your dog can fit your lifestyle. It is also important to consider your daily schedule as dog love routine and will need you to follow this routine as closely as possible daily.
Thirdly, even if you have the time for a dog, you should ask yourself if you have the patience to take care of a dog? Whether an adult dog or a puppy dog joins your family it will take time for them to adjust to their family and home. From housetraining to helping dogs to get used to spending time alone, dogs need some who is willing to patiently spend their time and effort to help them learn these skills. Patience and positively is all that is needed to help a dog learn these skills.
Fourthly, ask yourself if are you able to meet all their needs? Dogs have many needs such as walking them no matter the weather. You must be able to provide them with somewhere suitable to live along with everything they need. It is also important to provide your dog with mental and physical enrichment. You will also need to understand your dog in order to give them everything they need.
Fifthly, you must ask yourself if you are willing and able to commit to a dog for life as they are a long term commitment. You should ask yourself if they fit with your future plans; you may want to move countries or have children, in that case dogs might not fit in your plans.
Ask yourself, if you can afford a dog? Whether you buy or adopt a dog, this will be the first cost of many. You will need to pay for their daily needs such as food, toys, grooming, and treats. There are also many unexpected costs from surprise vet visits which are often costly. You may also need to pay for a trainer/training service, doggy walker, and doggy daycare, which can end up costing you a lot of money.
Further, it is very important to ask yourself if you want a dog for the right reasons. A dog should not be an impulse decision and should not be a gift that the recipient discards when bored. A dog will become a part of your family which is why you should not rush anything and think carefully before buying a dog.
Next, you should ask yourself if getting another pet such as a cat may better suit your lifestyle, home, and family?
Then, if you have any pets at home you should ask yourself if your pet tends to get along with other animals and specifically dogs. Even if in general your previous pet gets along with most dogs, that does not mean they will get along with the dog you will buy specifically. You should consider how your pet will feel about having another animal living with them as it is very important that your previous pet and your new dog get along and are comfortable.
