Before getting a new dog you should know that you will have to free up some time, be ready to alter a little your lifestyle, and especially allocate some of your budget for the well-being of your dog.
Here are the essential points to take into account before thinking about adopting a dog and how to prepare for the arrival of the dog in your home:
1- Time commitment
Getting a new dog in your life is not so different from having a new baby. Taking care of a dog, especially if it’s a puppy, will take a lot of time and effort, so be prepared to add your dog to your schedule because you’ll need to find time to feed it, walk it, play with it, train it, and bathe it, as well as give it all the love it deserves.
2- Lifestyle Change
Will your dog adapt to your lifestyle or will you adapt to the arrival of a new member of your family? Your dog will share your life, and your home with you and will be present all the time.
Also, think about making your house safe for your new dog by putting away anything that could be a danger to him like dangerous products, electric wires lying around…etc.
So review your lifestyle and do a little analysis to know if you are ready to welcome a dog under your roof because shelters are full of unfortunate dogs who have spent only a few days in their new homes!
3- Dogs need money
Before adopting a dog, you need to buy him things like a crate, a litter box, bowls, a collar, insurance, food, toys, and regular visits to the vet.
After that, dogs will need a minimum of $50 to $100 per month and you could be looking at hundreds of dollars if your dog gets sick and needs expensive treatment or surgery.
4- The suitable dog Breed
Before adopting a new dog, you need to choose the breed that will best suit you and your lifestyle. There are dogs that can live in an apartment and others that love a big house; very energetic dogs that need more attention than others; dogs that are adapted to children and others that are not…etc.
So think about choosing the right breed of dog so that you won’t regret it later.
5- Adopting a puppy or an adult dog?
Before deciding to get a new dog, you should know that puppies are cuter and will please your children more but they will require more work, care, and attention.
You will have to think twice before buying a puppy because you have to clean up after him all the time, to make sure he doesn’t eat his poop, which they often do, and put up with his barking even at night, not to mention his training sessions.
6- Dogs need training
Before you get a new dog for your children, you should know that you will have to take care of it and train it. You can find good training online but you will have to apply yourself and teach your dog at least the simple tricks that will help him to communicate better with you and with the other dogs.
7- Health care and dog insurance
Dogs can also get sick and their care can be costly. You should take this into account and know that you will have to take care of your dog’s health and well-being and always be prepared to treat him if necessary. Taking out insurance on your dog is a good way to deal with the unexpected.
8- Dogs need Good Nutrition
It is not always easy to feed a dog, contrary to what many people think. Dogs fed kibble are not always happy and are often sick or lacking energy.
You will have to prepare your dog’s food yourself if you don’t buy healthy and balanced food which can be expensive of course.
9- When traveling
If you are someone who travels a lot, think also about your new dog, you will have to prepare him and his papers and a crate adapted to travel if you are going to take him with you.
And if you’re thinking of leaving him behind, you need to think beforehand that you can’t leave a dog alone in the house for more than a day.
So you may need a dog sitter in the future if you can’t count on a friend or family member if you plan to travel without your dog.
Final Thoughts
Before adopting a new dog, it is wise to take the time to think about the change this will bring to your life. It is always recommended to prepare yourself, your home, and other family members for the arrival of your dog so that you are not disappointed or at worst break your dog’s heart by bringing him back to the shelter!
