Deciding to adopt a dog is a huge step in a person’s life, as it signifies being ready to take on the responsibility of caring for a new member of a family. Dogs are lovable, loyal, and will bring great joy to your life, but there’s a lot more than fun involved in being a pet owner.
Dogs have needs that need to be fulfilled by their owner and you should be aware and prepared for them before adopting.
Long-term commitment
The average lifespan of a dog is between 10 to 13 years, depending on the breed. Consider whether you’re ready to take care of a dog for this period of time. Raising and caring for a dog, especially a puppy, requires patience and time. You also need to be able to adjust your lifestyle to include the dog.
Expenses involved
A pet can be expensive, and they’re a large financial commitment. The basic requirements such as healthy dog food, supplies and regular veterinary care can cost up to thousands of dollars every year.
There might even be expenses of special diet or medical requirements and emergency care involved. If you don’t have the financial capacity to set aside money for these situations, it may be best to hold off on getting a dog.
Time-consuming
You’ll have to adjust your lifestyle to suit your dog’s needs. Your new family members will require a lot of your time when you first bring them home. You will have to be there to help the dog get familiar and comfortable with their new surroundings. You won’t be able to leave on last-minute trips anymore, as a dog cannot be left behind alone and you’ll need to find someone to dog-sit. Feeding, walking and watching over your dog will become a part of your routine.
Be prepared for training
Dogs need to be trained, especially if you’re bringing home a puppy. This is not just for comfort, but also for the safety of both the pet and you and your family. Be prepared for some mishaps while your dog is being trained.
There might be a few accidents in the house, they might go into rooms they’re not supposed to, and they may even ruin some furniture. Training is an owner’s responsibility, whether you do it yourself or hire a trainer. It will require a lot of time and patience along with a dedicated regimen.
When you get a dog, you need to be prepared to take care of a dependent animal for the next decade or more. Get the breed of dog that suits your lifestyle and surroundings the best by taking into account the size of your home and your family situation. Depending on the breed of the dog, the requirements will change and so will your responsibilities. Your pet will become a part of your family and you should be ready to treat them with love and affection.
