Getting a dog is a decision that can change your life in wonderful ways. But it is also a big commitment, one that needs careful thought long before the dog comes home.
Do you want a dog, or can you have a dog?
These are two different questions.
Before you get a dog, you need to think about how a dog fits into your real everyday life. Do you have time for walks, training, play and care? Can you meet their needs even on days when you’re tired or have lots of other commitments?
A dog isn’t an activity we do when we have free time. They are part of our life.
What should I know before getting a dog?
Before you get a dog, you need to know that their needs go far beyond food and a quick walk to the toilet.
A dog needs physical exercise, mental stimulation, socialisation, training, veterinary care and time with us.
And these needs can vary a great deal from dog to dog.
Breed matters
“I like this breed” isn’t always reason enough to get a particular dog.
Before you get a dog, you need to find out what the breed was bred to do, how much exercise it needs, what kind of training it needs and what traits it may show.
An active working dog can have completely different needs from a companion dog.
Looks matter only up to a point. Compatibility with your life matters far more.
And what about training?
Dog training isn’t something that starts when a problem appears. From the first day a dog comes home, they start learning. They learn our routine, our boundaries, the way we communicate and what we expect from them.
Puppy training is especially important, because early experiences and habits can strongly influence how a dog develops.
We don’t need to wait for a “problem” to appear before asking a dog trainer for help.
How much does a dog cost?
This is something we often forget when we think “I want a dog”.
There are the costs of food, the vet, vaccinations, preventive care, equipment, grooming where needed, training and possible unexpected incidents.
The cost of a dog isn’t just the initial purchase or adoption.
Before you get a dog, it’s worth asking yourself whether you can support their needs financially not only today, but in the years to come.
Puppy or adult dog?
A puppy is wonderful. But it’s also a lot of work.
Puppy training, house training, socialisation, getting used to the world and managing their energy all take time and patience.
An adult dog may have different needs and a different history. That doesn’t necessarily make them easier, but they may suit certain lifestyles better.
There is no single right choice. There is the choice that fits your own reality.
What if things don't go the way you imagined?
This is perhaps the most important thing to think about before you get a dog.
What if the dog is fearful? If they pull on the lead? If they struggle to be left alone? If they need more training than you expected? If they develop a health problem or a behaviour problem?
We don’t get a dog expecting them to be perfect.
We get them having accepted that we may need to adapt too.
A dog is with us for many years
The puppy you get today will become an adult dog and, one day, will grow old. Their needs will change.
Your everyday life may change too. You may change home, job, relationship, schedule or lifestyle.
Before you get a dog, then, you don’t need to know what your life will look like in ten years. But you do need to be willing to include them in the changes that will come.
Because in the end, before you get a dog, the most important question isn’t “do I want a dog?”
It’s:
“Can I give them the life they need?”
If the answer is yes, you may be far more ready than you think.
