10 things you need to know before getting a dog – To make sure you know everything, here are the 10 most important things you need to know before getting a dog…
1. Dogs are forever
The average dog lifespan is 13 years, so make sure you’re ready for a long-term commitment with your new furry friend. That means loving your pets, from the puppy stage, into their playful, energetic teens, and into the golden years of Fido’s life.
2. Breeding research
Before you go out and choose the first cute dog you see, it’s important to research your dog breed. You need to find the right breed for your lifestyle and environment. Consider the size of your living environment, your surroundings (whether urban or rural) and your family structure (children, living alone, etc.).
3. Time-consuming
Be prepared to sacrifice your time. Just like giving birth to a baby, bringing a new puppy into your home means you take responsibility for having a creature’s needs that are often more important than your own.
This means that you may need to devote more time and effort to this little creature than you initially thought or got used to. You can’t leave at the last minute for a fun weekend with friends you might be used to. You will need to take the time to plan who will feed, walk and watch your dog while you are away.
4. Lifetime Costs
Dogs are expensive, so make sure you have the means to care for them from infancy to old age. Fees don’t stop after your dog’s first purchase and are usually between £400 and £900. You’ll need to visit the vet with plenty of food and water, a bed, collar, leash, and other supplies to keep your pet happy and safe. The average lifetime cost of owning a dog is around £16,900, but it can be higher or lower depending on your dog’s breed, size and health.
5. Pet Health
Nothing is more important than your dog’s health and well-being, so make sure you know a good veterinarian near you.
You need to keep track of health days and medical emergency days in your dog’s life. Your dog, like anyone, can get sick and injured, so you’ll want to keep an eye on the vaccinations he’s receiving to make sure he’s staying as healthy as possible. To combat this, it’s always a good idea to purchase health insurance to cover unexpectedly large health bills.
6. Need to exercise
Dogs are full of energy and need daily exercise. That means walking the dog at the local park or playing games in the backyard at least once a day. Some dogs require more exercise than others, which is very important when choosing a breed.
7. Kid Friendly
If you have kids, the idea of a puppy jumping out from under a Christmas tree seems like a great gift. However, it is important to let your children know about dogs and let your dogs know about your children before adopting them.
There are many dogs that don’t get along well with young children, so it’s important to let them interact before you make a surprise purchase.
8. Keep your home pet-proof
Once your puppy arrives, your home will change forever. You need to “pet guard” your home to keep your dog and furniture safe. Make sure all foods that are toxic to your dog are out of reach, and items like lanyards and vertical blinds are kept neat to prevent accidents. A blanket or blanket is a good idea to protect the sofa if you have expensive furniture, or you can train your dog not to jump.
9. Dog training
After the above, your dog will need a lot of training, especially if you bought him or her as a puppy. Your rug is likely to have a toilet accident or two, and don’t be surprised if you find tooth marks on your favorite shoes. To avoid this bad habit, your puppy needs extensive training at a puppy school or at home.
10. Family members
Your dog is part of your family. Treat her the same way! They need love and affection and will give you back tenfold.
