How much am I willing to devote into a dog, and am I ready to take into care a dog’s life risks?
Before resounding with a positive, you have to keep in mind the non-negotiable pointers listed down which are listed down: Adorable appearance is not enough.
1. What is the age bracket of people residing with you?
Families are all different and so are their needs.
Young children often combine with the wrong Dog Age, and when you combine toddlers with a puppy, you get a puppy that bites and claw. Adding energentic toddlers to households where puppies live is a mixture of disaster.
Toddlers + Puppies = Trouble. Puppies bite, scratch, and chew. They don’t know better. Kids under 7 usually don’t either.
Tiny Dogs + Rough Play = Injury. Toy breeds are fragile. They’re not ideal for households with small kids or clumsy energy.
Seniors + Strong Dogs = Risk. Elderly or mobility-challenged family members shouldn’t be managing young, powerful dogs who can yank a leash or jump on joints.
Puppies and dogs are not for everyone, that’s where age is important, when wanting to introduce a dog into your family, it is important to think of your family’s energy, strength, and emotional connectivity.
For guidance, check out our Guide on Choosing The Right Age of Dog to Adopt.
2. Who Will Be the Dog’s Primary Caregiver?
One of the most important factors to reflect upon before getting a dog is: who is accountable?
It is a well-known fact that children often come up with imaginative ideas. Adults, on the other hand, are the ones who manage the consequences. Out of all the household chores, a dog needs to be fed, walked, taken to the vet, and trained. Someone needs to claim ownership to one or more of such chores.
If the household members cannot commit to the aforementioned responsibilities, then it is better to reconsider the option of getting a dog. Dogs cannot be treated as props. They require care and companionship, which needs to be provided on a daily basis.
3. Will This Dog Fit with Our Daily Routine, or Lifestyle?
Not every dog is a couch potato. There are dogs that require more attention, like a couple of hours of exercise and a task to keep themselves busy, or they will make up their own by shredding your couch.
- If you are fond of running, then a herding or sporting dog can make a good companion.
- If you are more of a couch potato and like to stay indoors, then your options are composed of adult Dogs and Even Some Companion Dog Breeds that are less energetic.
- If you travel frequently, think about having a reliable dog sitter or even question the choice of getting a dog at all.
Prior to acquiring a dog, it is important to reflect on matching the dog to your lifestyle, as opposed to a lifestyle that you hope to achieve. This is one of the essentials to reflect on.
4. What Are the Real Expenses Associated With Dog Ownership?
The initial expenses are just the starting point. Dogs come with expenses throughout their life, including:
- Preventative fees for fleas and heartworms
- Vet bills, both routine and emergency
- Training sessions
- Dog grooming and feeding
- Walkers, sitters and boarding
- Crates, collars, gates, beds, and toys
If you’re considering adopting from a shelter or a purchasing from a breeder, both options requires a life-long financial plan. A so-called “free dog” has the potential to incur thousands of dollars worth of expenses over a lifetime.
5. Are We Prepared for the Lifetime Commitment?
Puppies are the only stage of life a dog will go through. They will grow, age, and you will go through life changes too like school, jobs, moves, relationships, and potentially children. Through all of these changes, your dog will still need the affection and attention.
You will not be adopting a single moment; you’re adopting a life.
The opposite of the statement, “what happens when i get busy or life gets hard” is rarely brought up, is, “will the dog still be welcomed into your life?” And if the response to that question is anywhere from “not yet” or “no,” then the time is not right.
Intentionally Adopting
Here at Pawrpose, we do not endorse impulse adoptions. Every dog deserves to be adopted with a plan and a purpose so they do not enter the shelter system again.
I will be frank: Getting a dog requires dozens of decisions to be made. The finances, your future, your job, your schedule, your house, your home. Not forgetting: the Dog’s Breed, size, and his energy levels.
You do not just gain a dog. But, in reality, you gain a loyal family member as well as a living, breathing reminder of the beauty of selfless love and the value of responsibility.
