Four Things For Potential New Dog Owners

Adopting a furry friend is the best. There are few things in this world as good as the feeling of rescuing a dog and having it join your family. However, there are (at least!) four things you should consider before you make the jump into dog ownership. Are some of these obvious? Oh yeah. But sometimes when we get a little excited we don't think everything over. That’s why we are here to help.

TIME

What sort of a lifestyle do you live? Is it one where you travel a lot? (I mean, outside of pandemic time..) Consider what you will do with your pup. Do you have a boarding option or a sitter who can watch them? Dogs need a lot of exercise, too. Are you prepared to head out into the extreme cold to take them for a walk? Of course you are! Even so, it's important to consider. Dogs rely on us for a lot.

TRAINING

Have you been watching dog training videos on YouTube? Reading books? Maybe going to school for it? Or, are you planning to take your dog to obedience school or talk to a local trainer? How well-behaved do you want your dog to be? (Very, probably!) Oh, what about crate training? Have you researched the benefits of starting that early? We highly recommend crate training right off the bat. Training is hard work, but is absolutely necessary.

I’m learning how to be in my crate! Pretty soon I’ll be able to have the door closed~

HEALTH/SAFETY

Parents always talk about baby-proofing. Don't forget about puppy-proofing! Can you ensure a big dog can’t get into something that could hurt them? What about a medium-sized jumper? (We speak from experience on this one…) It is good to be prepared for potential vet bills and maybe pet insurance is the right step for you. Don’t forget about what kind of food you’ll feed them. You’ll want to make sure it isn’t something that’s just “filler”. That leads us into the final topic, which I’m sure you saw coming.

MONEY

Do you have funds set aside in case of emergency? What about pet emergencies that require vet visits? Professional training has a cost. Food, toys, leashes, collars all have a cost. We would recommend having a budget of some sort so you can make sure you’re well prepared. There are few things as crushing as getting a big bill you weren’t anticipating.

Now, after all of that, are you still thinking about adopting a dog? I sure hope so. It’s a lot of work, there is a cost, and your life will completely change. On the plus side, it’s all worth it. Bonding with your dog is the best feeling in the world. Just make sure you are ready!

What sort of advice would you offer a first-time dog owner? Let us know on our social media pages. Next week, we will compile your suggestions and share some of that advice! Be on the lookout for that blog next Monday.