3 Important Things To Consider Before Getting A Dog

There is no doubt about it – dogs make great pets. They are loving, have great personalities, and usually become an integral part of the family very quickly. On the other hand, they can be a lot of work, so you must be 100% sure you are making the right decision before getting one, especially when it comes to dog obedience. Here are 3 things to consider before getting a dog.

Before getting a dog, it’s essential to do your research and find a breed that aligns with your lifestyle and preferences. Canine Journal provides in-depth breed profiles and helpful tips on training, grooming, and health care, making it an excellent starting point for anyone considering adding a furry friend to their family.

Who will look after your dog during the day?

If your kids go to school and you work all day, who is going to look after your dog when you are out? Although dogs can be left alone for short periods, they shouldn’t be left all day. Many breeds suffer from separation anxiety and can’t be left alone for longer than an hour or two. 

If you need to be out for a good chunk of the day, research the breeds that cope best with being left alone. It’s also important that you hire a dog walker to come and give your dog exercise and toilet relief once or twice a day. If you don’t feel that this would be feasible, then you perhaps need to consider whether a dog is the right pet for you. 

Can you afford a dog?

Certain breeds of dog can cost thousands, so if there is one you have your heart set on, do some research and find out if it’s financially viable. Not only can the initial outlay for a dog be hefty, but they also cost a lot to maintain month to month. 

Getting a dog without researching the associated costs is one of the main reasons that so many dogs are abandoned or donated to shelters each year. Do your homework and make sure the figures stack up, or you could end up adding to the already rising statistics.

Related Read;

• 5 Reasons Why Getting A Dog May Not Be Right For You
• Dog Blog: My best friend & why we should all take note of our four legged friends

Are you ready for the effort?

As well as lots of love and attention, dogs needs regular exercise. Many larger breeds of dog need to be exercised for a few hours every day to keep their heart and bodies healthy and to ensure that they don’t gain too much weight. If you aren’t the exercising type, opt for a breed that needs minimal exercise.  

As well as walking, dogs need regular grooming. Their teeth need to be cleaned, their coats need brushed and clipped, and they need a good diet and lots of general care. Many dog owners have likened getting a puppy to having another child, so you must be prepared to put in the effort. 

Getting a new dog is an important decision to make. It all comes down to assessing why you want to include a new family member. At LuckyLabs, you will get your questions answered by professionals

A dog will make a wonderful addition to your family, but you need to be aware of the responsibility and commitment that goes along with it. This includes not only the joyous moments but also facing difficult decisions like end-of-life care and considering pet cremation services when the time comes. Do seriously think about this before you make the life-long commitment, as you should treat your dog as a member of the family.

In the same way you’d persist and always try to provide the best for your family, you should do so for your furry friend. Giving them the best life possible and being there to protect them will give you a lifetime of memories and they’ll likely reciprocate that loving nature back. They’re going to be around for years to come so you should obviously be sure in your choice but be ready to go above and beyond to make them part of the family.

You’ll want to understand the duties you’ll have to carry out to keep them healthy and happy. You’ll unfortunately also have to come to terms with them leaving this life earlier than a human might, considering pet cremation services down the line can be a heartfelt way to send them off and keep them close to the family. In doing so, you’ll keep those memories and remember all the good times you had.

Are you thinking about getting a dog but have questions? If you do we’d love to hear them in the comments section below and as a dog owner of over 10 years we’d love to share our tips with you if you’re thinking about becoming a first time dog parent. As always, if you’ve found this article of any value we’d love for you to share it with friends and family, across social media and beyond.